You will often hear people talking about DEFRA approved wood-burning stoves. It is a commonly used phrase for appliances that you are allowed to used in smoke control areas. We even slip into using the terminology ourselves occasionally, but strictly speaking we are wrong when we do.

That is because there is no such thing as DEFRA approved stoves. What we are all talking about when we use that phrase are DEFRA exempt stoves. Splitting hairs? Perhaps, but there is a subtle differentiation.

To say something is approved by DEFRA implies it has their endorsement, that they are vouching for its quality. In fact, the appliances in question are exempted from the Clean Air Act.

Specifically, the stoves are exempted by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in accordance with changes made to sections 20 and 21 of the Clean Air Act 1993 by section 15 of the Deregulation Act 2015 (or section 50 of the Regulatory Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 in Scotland or by regulations made by Welsh Ministers in Wales).

Being exempt from a piece of legislation is not the same as having approval. So, when you are confronted with a so-called DEFRA approved stove, what you are actually looking at is a DEFRA exempt appliance: one that has been shown to burn efficiently enough that the gases it emits are acceptable in smoke control areas when the owner i using the specified fuel(s), operating the stove in accordance with the instruction and installation manuals and meeting any other conditions specified by DEFRA.

Our approved DEFRA stoves

So, we cannot bring you DEFRA approved stoves, but we can bring you some approved DEFRA stoves: woodburners that are exempted by DEFRA and also have a thumbs-up from Gr8Fires. Here are some of our favourite DEFRA exempt stoves…

Mazona Ripley 5 kW Ecodesign Ready Multi Fuel Wood Burning Stove

What’s not to love about the Mazona Ripley 5 kW? Its uncomplicated, understated design gives it a fabulous contemporary look. Its 5 kW heat output is perfect for most normal-sized living rooms. Its high quality steel construction is built to last and backed by a five-year guarantee. And it’s built to Ecodesign standards, which means you get the highest levels of efficiency and environmental friendliness. Have a closer look.

Arizona A08E 8 kW Smoke Exempt Multi Fuel Wood Burning Stove

If you’re looking for a DEFRA exempt woodburner with a large heat output and a large viewing window, the Arizona A08E ticks all the boxes. Its contemporary design will sit comfortable in any modern living room, and its high quality steel body is covered by a five-year guarantee Have a closer look.

Aarrow i400 6kW Flexifuel Multi Fuel Stove

Aarrow stoves are always sleek and stylish. This i400 is a cassette stove that can slot into a recess for a very tidy look. Have a closer look.

Aarrow Farringdon 5kW Wood-Burning Stove

We told you Aarrow stoves are sleek and stylish. The minimal Farringdon is another case in point. Have a closer look.

Click here to see more DEFRA exempt stoves