Choosing a Defra Approved Multi Fuel Stove
If you reside in a Smoke Control Area you must use a DEFRA (DEpartment of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs) approved wood burning or multi fuel stove. They are commonly referred to as Defra Exempt Appliances and they permit you to burn approved smokeless coal and logs without creating a nuisance smoke.

Defra Approved
Anyone who lives in an area where smoke control is in place must use a DEFRA approved stove or log burner. Defra approved stoves have been tested and proven to emit very little smoke, they also pass rigorous emissions tests and comply with the government's Clean Air Act requirements. In contrast to standard wood burning stoves or multi fuel stoves, DEFRA approved appliances have been designed and manufactured to burn wood in a way that they produce very little smoke. This is achieved by ensuring that the stove has sufficient combustion-free air flow throughout the day. Here at Bowland Stoves we offer a range of modern and traditional DEFRA approved wood-burning stoves in a variety of styles.
If you plan to install a DEFRA-approved stove it's a smart investment regardless of whether you live in a smoke control zone or not. A lot of the newer models we sell come with a built-in feature that prevents the top air vent from closing all the way. This prevents the fire from becoming less effective and causing more smoke.
DEFRA approved stoves are also more efficient in energy use. This means you can save money on fuel and keep your home warmer for longer. They also have much lower emissions than older stoves and open fires, meaning they create less pollution and are more sustainable for the environment.
Some of the models that we have on hand are Eco Design 2022-compliant This is a wonderful feature that reduces the amount of fuel you need to burn, thereby saving you even more money. These stoves are designed to burn fuel more efficiently and use the entire source of combustibles. They also come with primary, secondary, and tertiary controls.
We also stock a range of DEFRA multi fuel stoves that permit you to burn any type of solid fuel including smokeless coal and peat or turf briquettes. They are ideal for people who wish to make use of their stove using many different fuels. They also are permitted for use in Smoke Control Areas If you're looking for a DEFRA multifuel stove that can be used in a Smoke Control Area, check out our range of Defra Exempt multifuel stoves.
Clean Burning Technology
A multi fuel stove is a fantastic option for homeowners who would like to have a wood burning stove but don't have enough area to store logs. These stoves can be stocked with either wood or manufactured fuels such as peat and coal Briquettes. These stoves are usually capable of combusting both these types of fuel more efficiently than traditional log burners. This is largely because the design of multi fuel stoves has been optimized to be able to burn a wide range of different fuels.
Stoves designed to burn a variety of different fuels typically have a raised grate that is designed to let air circulate beneath the fuel. This is due to the fact that certain fuels like peat and turf briquettes need lots of air beneath for them to be ignited and burn correctly. Many multi fuel stoves feature an additional air flow that can be closed or opened depending on the kind of fuel you're using. This helps keep the fire going by supplying a second supply of air into the stove and can increase the efficiency of combustion.
The primary and secondary airflow systems in the fireplace can be used to alter flame height and temperature. This is important because different fuels burn at different rates, and produce different quantities of heat. Keeping the flame high and temperature within a certain range will ensure that your stove is operating as efficiently as it can and generating the highest amount of heat from its fuel.
In the end, you'll be required to remove ash frequently from your stove and place it in an ash pan or bucket. This will prevent the accumulation of too much ash on the stove grates and hinder your fuel from burning properly. To avoid discoloration, must keep the stove glass clean. Using a damp soft scourer and a special cleaner specifically designed for stoves will help you keep your stove looking like new. To avoid any harm or issues it is essential to follow the directions of the manufacturer when cleaning and maintaining your oven.
Low Emissions
The top multi fuel stoves are made to be low emission which means they burn smokeless coal, or a combination of both with minimal emissions. This is crucial in a smoke control area like London where you would need to choose a Defra approved stove and only burn authorised fuels as part of the Ready To Burn scheme to conform to local regulations and help keep the air clean.
Typically best multi fuel stoves approved stove will feature automatic fuel feed and an air supply control to ensure the fire is burning at its optimum efficiency. This means that there is no smoke, and provides a significant amount of heat. It is a good choice for a small space where the stove is the focal point.
If you reside in a zone of smoke control, it is essential to make use of a Defra approved stove to ensure you comply with regulations and avoid hefty penalties for burning illegally. There are a variety of Defra approved stoves available on the market, but we suggest you to look for a woodburning stove that is Eco Design 2022 compliant as this will give you more of a view of your flame and will be more energy efficient, too.
The AGA Ellsmere EC4 is an excellent example of an approved DEFRA Ecodesign stove that provides design and efficiency. With its compact size, it is ideal for smaller spaces and comes with easy-to-use primary and secondary air controls. Its elegant design can be found in both modern and traditional settings.
Another alternative is the Stovax Blithfield which is a widescreen stove with large windows which provides excellent views of the flame. It is available in a variety of colour finishes to complement your decor. This stove is Defra- and Eco Design-compliant. It is available in a Tracery or Clear Arch version. The Tracery version adds striking Gothic arches to the door.
An alternative to a conventional multi fuel stove is a pellet stove which uses biomass pellets or wood that has been compressed to provide a very efficient fire with a high amount of heat output. The pellets are made of leftover materials like sawdust and other rejected wood products, making it a very environmentally friendly choice. The stoves come with a hotplate and oven so they can be used for cooking too. The standard 6" (150mm) however, still compatible with a 5 1/2" (125mm) liner is a typical feature. This is an advantage when it can be difficult to install an ordinary 6" (150mm) stove, or the chimney stack is characterized by awkward bends in it.
Energy Efficiency
The combustion of fuel in a multifuel stove produces heat which the stove distributes to the room. It does this via radiation, which is when the hot surface of the stove radiates heat back into the room or through convection, where it draws cold air in from outside, heats it up and then directs it back into the room. Modern multifuel stoves are designed for the highest efficiency, and use secondary and third air supply to reduce emissions and efficiently burn fuel.
One of the best examples is the Stovax Go Eco 5kW widescreen multifuel stove, which is Defra and Ecodesign approved. The large, square-shaped window offers an amazing view of the flame and the fact that it is larger than normal means it can fit into the chimney with a wider opening. The airwash system keeps the glass interior clear of soot. The stove has a choice of six finishes and can even be equipped with an upper plate so that you can cook on it too.
Multifuel stoves are also a great method to burn wood. However, it is important to follow the instructions provided on your appliance to ensure best results. You should also check it on a regular basis with an expert. It is also essential to select the appropriate fuel, since each will burn at different rates and generate the same amount of energy. You will need to decide if you want your fire to generate a lot of heat quickly or prefer to invest in a long, slow burn and producing plenty of warm atmosphere in the room.
If you live in an area where the smoke is controlled, you must be aware that only DEFRA-approved stoves can be used to burn smokeless coke and wood. If you attempt to burn other types of fuel, it may cause a significant fine and could damage your stove too.
The Defra-approved multifuel stoves we offer all come with 5" (125mm), flue outlets, that can be installed to an existing chimney system or stack. This is a cheaper option than installing a stainless steel dual wall liner.