What Type of Stove Should Be Used in a Smokeless Zone?

Just because you live in a smokeless zone, it doesn't mean you can't have a wood-burning stove or multi-fuel stove. But it does mean you'll have to give a bit more thought as to which stove you buy.

For anyone buying a wood-burning stove, there are lots of factors to think about. These might include the design, the heat output and the price.

Depending on where in the UK you live, you might also need to consider which types of stove can be used in a smokeless zone.

What is a smokeless zone?

A smokeless zone or smokeless area, is a part of the country in which emitting smoke from a chimney is banned. Smokeless zones are usually in cities and other densely populated urban areas.

Historically, this was to reduce air pollution in areas that would originally have once had major industrial sites and large numbers of terraced houses all burning solid fuels within close proximity of each other.

Although these smokeless zones or smoke control areas still exist, the laws have been adapted to reflect that highly efficient modern appliances are not comparable to the situation when the laws were made.

Nonetheless, in England, you can still be fined £300 for emitting smoke in a smokeless zone or up to £1,000 for burning unauthorised fuel in a smoke control area.

Do I live in a smokeless zone?

To find out whether you live in a smokeless zone, it's best to contact your local authority. Often only specific parts of council districts are smoke control areas, your local authority will be able to advise whether you property is within a smokeless zone.

Why do we have smokeless zones?

Smokeless zones were first introduced in the UK in 1956. The Clean Air Act was mainly brought about by London's Great Smog of 1952. During foggy conditions, the huge amounts of coal being burned in factories and the surrounding homes created dense clouds of smoky fog.

In response, the Government introduced smoke control areas to reduce air pollution in heavily populated areas.

The 1956 act has been replaced by newer acts over the years, but a Clean Air Act still exists and still enforces smokeless zones.

Nowadays, smokeless zones are overseen by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) in England. Although the devolved administrations have responsibility in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, the term DEFRA exempt stove is widely used throughout the UK.

Which stoves are suitable for smokeless zones?

There is a wide range of DEFRA approved smoke control area stoves, which are suitable for use in smokeless zones. DEFRA exempt stoves are approved for use in smoke control areas once the manufacturer demonstrates the efficiency of the appliance.

Highly efficient modern stoves burn off excess particles before they have a chance to escape up the chimney as smoke. This means a cleaner burn and less air pollution.

Do I need a DEFRA approved stove in a smoke control area?

No, you don't have to have a DEFRA approved stove if you live in a smoke control area. The Clean Air Act has always allowed for the burning of smokeless fuels in smoke control areas.

If you live in a smokeless zone, this means you could also install any multi-fuel stove in your home, as long as you only burn smokeless fuel on it. Before going down this route, it's a good idea to check the list of DEFRA authorised fuels to make sure you'll be able to burn the fuel you intend to use.

If you would prefer to burn wood or want to have more flexibility over which fuels you burn, a DEFRA exempt stove is probably the easiest option.

How can I check if a stove is DEFRA approved?

There is a list of DEFRA approved stoves on DEFRA's website. This is useful for crossreferencing any stoves you're thinking of buying to make sure they are DEFRA exempt.

Where can I find a DEFRA approved stove for a smokeless zone?

You'll find a wide selection of DEFRA approved stoves in our store. We have a dedicated DEFRA exempt stoves section to collate all the option together.

Take a closer look