What is a Defra Approved Multi Fuel Stove?

A defra-approved multi fuel stove is one that has been cleared of the Defra smoke tests. These stoves are sometimes called SE (smoke-exempt) stoves.

The Defra department of the government is responsible for implementing rules and regulations that deal with rural issues, agriculture, and the environment. The Defra test ensures you can burn wood or approved smokeless fuels such as Anthracite ovals in a smoke controlled area without causing any disturbance to your neighbors by emitting annoying smoke.

Eco-Friendly

Eco-friendly stoves emit less carbon dioxide, while making use of fuel efficiently and using sustainable materials. Eco-friendly stoves are usually made to burn wood or a combination of other approved fuels. There are a range of eco-friendly log burners and multi fuel stoves are available that range from modern to traditional models. Some eco-friendly stoves use dung (the excrement of domestic livestock) as a highly efficient and carbon negative alternative to wood.

The most important thing you can do to make your stove green is to make sure that the fuel is properly seasoned, or dried and kiln-fired. This helps reduce the amount of moisture and allows the wood to burn more efficiently, and produce less smoke. It is also a great idea to only purchase wood from sustainable forests. Look for the Woodsure 'Ready to Burn' logo when buying wood to ensure that it has been dried to an appropriate temperature.

The majority of modern stoves are compliant with the strict EU EcoDesign Standards. These standards require stove makers to design wood burning stoves keeping energy efficiency and the environment in mind. Manufacturers must consider emissions as well as resource efficiency and waste reduction when they design Ecodesign stoves. These are some of the most eco-friendly and clean stoves on the market today.