Defra Approved Back Boiler Stoves
When choosing the best stove for your home there are a variety of factors to consider. The attraction of dual-functionality is just one of the many aspects to take into consideration.
Back boiler stoves that are approved by DEFRA are an excellent solution to these problems. They emit only a tiny amount of smoke because they use the absolute minimum amount of combustion air.
Clean Burn Technology
If you're looking for a clean burning stove with a large firebox that is able to heat your home and provide hot water to your radiators, then a defra certified back boiler stove could be the one you're seeking. These stoves have an integrated steel boiler that can be used for heating your central heating system whilst the fire is burning inside the stove, which means it's a much more efficient method of using a wood burner.
The majority of our defra-approved back boiler stoves have a pre heated, airwash system to keep the glass doors clear of ash and soot. The secondary combustion system burns any particles that were not burned during the initial combustion. This keeps the flue gases clean which results in a more efficient burn and lower fuel costs, saving you money on your energy bills.
Some of our stoves are even more eco-friendly and have been independently tested to meet the new more stringent DEFRA emissions standards to become Defra SE (Smoke Exempt) approved. The stoves accomplish this by having an air vent at the top that stops you from closing it all the way that would shut off oxygen flow to the flame. This will cause the fire to smoke instead of burning properly and release more pollutants into the air.
The moisture content of the fuel could be a major factor in the amount smoke that is emitted from a stove. We recommend burning only dried, seasoned wood with minimum moisture content of 20 percent to ensure your stove burns as efficiently and cleanly as possible. The majority of our Defra approved stoves have a built-in moisture sensor which adjusts the rate of combustion accordingly when using wet or damp wood.
Some manufacturers have gone one step further to increase efficiency by incorporating a second clean burn system. This is controlled by a chrome lever on the lower part of the stove. It opens and closes an air vent that draws air over the fire, and then reburns the smoke that was created by the initial burning process. Our Defra SE approved ranges are now even more efficient. You can save money on your energy costs.
Easy to Clean
A defra-approved back boiler stove allows you to run your central heating as well as hot water from the same system. This can be accomplished by connecting a loop between other taps on the back boiler (there typically two) and your hot water tank. Then, you can make use of thermosyphoning to transfer heat into the home. This also means that your boiler will never run out of hot water, since it is fed by the tank.
Clean your stove frequently to ensure its performance is at its best. First, ensure that the stove is ice cold. Then wipe down the main body and door of the stove with a clean, dry cloth. We recommend using a microfiber towel since they are less abrasive.
After wiping down the inside of your stove It is recommended to wash the glass. A glass cleaner will help to remove any marks or stains that are stubborn and can be purchased at most hardware stores. Glass cleaner is best used sparingly since too much of it can cause damage to glass surfaces.

As time passes, the seals around your stove's glass and doors may begin to wear down. This can cause gaps that can let heat out, so it is important to replace the seals at least once each year. This can be done with stove rope, which can be found in a majority of hardware stores.
If you own a defra approved stove that has an Eco Design 2022 compliant back boiler that means the combustion process is much more efficient than traditional wood burning stoves. Modern technology has made it possible to reduce the amount of combustibles that are released into the air. Stoves that are compliant are more environment sustainable and also more affordable to run.
Another thing to keep in mind with a back boiler stove is that it is always a bit more expensive than a standard multifuel stove because it will generate more hot water than a normal multifuel stove. However, it is still an extremely cost-effective way to heat your home, since you can power both central heating and hot water from the same source.
Easy to Install
Boiler stoves are a stylish and efficient option that can provide both hot water and heat for your central heating system. In contrast to other multi-fuel stoves which must be connected to an existing gas boiler wood burners with a back boiler can be connected directly to your mains hot water and central heating supply without the need for a secondary heating system.
A wood burning with back boiler can be used to run your heating system entirely using renewable energy sources, making them a more green option over other stoves. In addition, because they burn wood and pellets produce less emissions than oil or gas heating systems, which makes them a great option for those concerned about the impact their energy consumption has on global warming.
While DEFRA regulations stoves may be confused about how a wood-burning stove with a back boiler works installation of one is relatively simple. It's important to ensure the stove is installed correctly and connected to your heating system. This is best done by a trained heating technician. They can help you make sure that the stove is fitted correctly and is connected to the correct systems, in addition to checking that all of the safety features are installed.
Defra Approved Stoves, or Defra exempt stoves, as they are referred to they have met the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs' (DEFRA) requirements for smoke emission levels. They can be used in Smoke Control Areas. They have been tested and modified to ensure they provide the most efficient burn and can be used with smokeless or wood fuels.
DEFRA approved stoves such as the Defra Exempt Dunsley Yorkshire or our most popular Hi-Flame Aidan stove are able offer a highly efficient combustion process with minimal harmful emissions. They have been tested in accordance with the new Eco Design regulations that restrict the amount of particulate matter, CO2, NOx and organic gases that the stove will produce during its normal operation.
Smoke Control Areas Suitable
Smoke Control Areas are in place in the majority of UK cities and towns. The burning of logs on old stoves or open fireplaces may result in a fine if the smoke is considered to be an annoyance. If you decide to choose the right appliance for your home, back boilers that are Defra-approved stoves will not be subject to these restrictions.
The Defra exempted wood burners are made to use Clean Burn technology which ensures that any fuel burnt is burnt efficiently with minimal smoke production. This means that you can enjoy a beautiful fireplace when you live in a smoke-free zone, but you will need limit the logs to approved mineral fuels that are smoke-free.
These stoves comply with Defra standards because they have airtight chambers controlled by airflow. They also employ triple airflow systems that ensure that combustion byproducts are burned off before they exit the chimney. This not only helps to stop any smoke from causing nuisance, but it also minimises soot build up which can hinder the flue's flow and reduce the efficiency of gas.
It is important that you buy a Defra-approved, Defra-certified stove from an Expert Local retailer who can make sure that the correct size stove is selected for your home to ensure the highest efficiency in heating, and that it is properly installed by a registered HETAS installer. They can also assist you to select the most suitable chimney liner for a safe installation and provide advice on whether your house requires additional ventilation.
Modern DEFRA approved stoves are superior to traditional open fires or wood burning stoves. They provide a minimum 75 percent efficiency, which is not only reduces your carbon footprint but also saves you money. Additionally, Defra approved stoves are capable of being used in a smoke-controlled space and will require a minimum 6mm stainless steel twin wall chimney liner, which is less expensive than the larger 12mm liners required for Ecodesign stoves.
If you're in doubt as to whether your home is within a smoke control zone, contact your local council. They can provide you with the most recent information. Most reputable stove makers include a Defra exempt category within their ranges to help you to identify these appliances.