Defra Approved Back Boiler Stoves
There are many things to take into consideration when selecting a new stove. The allure of dual functionality is just one of the many things to think about.
Back boiler stoves that have been approved by DEFRA are a great solution to these problems. This is due to the fact that they use the smallest amount of combustion air, meaning very little smoke.
Clean Burn Technology
If you're looking for a clean burning stove with a large firebox that can be used to heat your home and supply hot water to radiators, then a defra-approved back boiler stove could be the one you're seeking. These stoves have an integrated steel boiler that is capable of heating the central heating system while the fire is burning inside the stove. This makes it a more efficient way to make use of wood burners.
The majority of our defra certified back boiler stoves come with a pre-heated airwash system which assists in keeping the glass doors free of soot and ash. The secondary combustion system burns any particles that were not burned during the initial burning. This helps to keep the flue gas clear, which leads to a more efficient burning process and lower cost of fuel.
Certain of our stoves have been tested independently and deemed Defra SE (Smoke Exempt). The stoves accomplish this by having a top air vent adjustment that keeps you from closing it all the way that would shut off oxygen supply to the flame. This causes the fire to smolder instead of burning efficiently and release more pollutants into the atmosphere.
The moisture content of the fuel can be a significant element in the amount of smoke that is released from the stove. We recommend burning only dried, seasoned wood with minimum moisture content of 20% to ensure that your stove burns as efficiently and effectively as it can. Most of our Defra approved stoves have a built in moisture sensor that will adjust the burn rate according to using wet or damp wood.
Some manufacturers have even gone one step further to improve the efficiency of their stoves by incorporating an advanced secondary clean burn system, which is controlled by the chrome pull lever located at the base of the stove. This lever opens and closes an air vent that draws air over the fire, re-burning the initial smoke produced in the initial process of burning. Our Defra SE approved ranges are now even more efficient. You could save more money on your energy bills.
Easy to Clean
A defra-approved back boiler stove allows you to run your central heating as well as hot water off the same system. This can be achieved by running a loop from the other tappings on the back boiler (there are usually 2) to your hot water tank, then using thermosyphoning to get the warmth into the home. This will ensure that your boiler does not run out of hot water since it will be supplied from the tank.
Clean your stove regularly to maintain its optimal performance. Start by ensuring that the stove is not hot to the touch, then wipe the body of the stove and the door with a clean cloth. We recommend using a microfiber cloth 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 stubborn stains and marks and can be purchased from most hardware stores. Glass cleaners should be used with caution since too much of it can damage glass surfaces.
As time passes the seals that cover your stove's doors and glass can begin to deteriorate. This can cause gaps which can leak heat, so it is important to replace these seals every annually. Based on the model you pick, this can be done quickly and easily with stove rope which can be purchased from most hardware stores.
If you own a defra-approved stove that has an Eco Design 2022 compliant back boiler and the combustion process is much more efficient than traditional wood burning stoves. Modern technology has made it possible to reduce the amount of combustibles released into the air. This has made stoves that comply more eco-friendly, and are also much more affordable to run.
Another thing to keep in mind with a back boiler stove is that it will always be a little more expensive than a standard multi fuel stove, as it produces more hot water than a normal multifuel stove. However, it is still a very economical way to heat your home, since you can power both your central heating and hot water from the same source.
Easy to Install

fireplacesandstove can be used to provide heat to the area and hot water to your central heating system, making them a stylish and efficient work horse that is an efficient and economical option. In contrast to other multi-fuel stoves that require connection to an existing gas boiler a wood burner with a back boiler can be connected directly to the main hot water supply and central heating system and eliminate the need for a secondary heating system.
Wood burning stoves that include back boilers are an excellent choice for those looking to be eco-friendly. In addition, because they burn wood and pellets they produce less carbon dioxide than oil or gas heating systems, making an ideal choice for those concerned with the impact their energy usage is having on global warming.
Installing a wood-burning fireplace with an electric boiler is relatively simple. The key is to ensure that the stove is properly installed and linked to your heating system. Therefore, it is best to have the installation done by a certified heating engineer. They can ensure that your stove is installed correctly and is connected to the proper systems. They can also ensure that all safety devices are installed.
Defra Approved Stoves or Defra exempt stoves as they are also called, have met the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs' (DEFRA) standards for smoke emission levels. They are able to be used in Smoke Control Areas and have been tested and modified to ensure they produce a very clean burn which can be used with both wood and smokeless fuels.
As such, DEFRA approved stoves, like the Defra Exempt Dunsley Yorkshire and our most popular Hi-Flame Aidan are able to provide high efficiency and very low harmful emissions. They have been tested in accordance with the new Eco-Design regulations, which limit the amount of particulate matter (PM) as well as CO2, NOx and organic gases a stove can emit during normal operation.
Smoke Control Areas Suitable
Smoke Control Areas are in place in most UK cities and towns. The burning of logs on old fireplaces or stoves could result in a fine if the smoke is considered to be a nuisance. If you select the correct appliance for your home, back boilers that are Defra-approved stoves will not be subject to these restrictions.
The Defra exempted wood burners are designed to use Clean Burn technology which ensures that the fuel used efficiently and with minimal smoke production. You can still enjoy a beautiful fireplace if you reside in an area that is smoke-free, however logs should be restricted to mineral fuels that are smoke-free.
To comply with Defra requirements, these stoves feature airtight chambers for precisely controlled airflow. They typically employ triple airflow systems to ensure that combustion byproducts are burned up before they are able to escape the chimney. This reduces the nuisance smoke and reduces the accumulation of soot which can block the flue or reduce gas efficiency.
It is vital to purchase your Defra approved stove from an expert local Retailer who can ensure that the right size of stove is selected for your space to provide maximum heating efficiency and that it is properly installed by an HETAS registered installer. They can also assist in selecting the most suitable chimney liner to ensure a secure and efficient installation. They will also help you decide if your home requires any additional ventilation.
Modern DEFRA approved stoves are far superior to traditional open fires or wood burning stoves. They provide a minimum 75 percent efficiency, which is will not only lower your carbon footprint but also saves you money. In addition to this Defra approved stoves can be used in a smoke controlled area, and require a minimum of 6mm stainless steel twin wall flexible chimney liner, which is less expensive than the more expensive 12mm liners needed for Ecodesign stoves.
If you have any doubts about whether your property falls in a smoke-control zone you can inquire with your local council. They'll be able to give you the most current information. Most reputable stove manufacturers have a dedicated Defra exempt category of their range, so that you are able to easily identify the appliances you are looking for when shopping.