Defra Approved Back Boiler Stoves
There are many things to think about when selecting the right stove. From the enticing appeal of dual-functionality to the practical issues of installation, compliance and safety.
DEFRA approved back boiler stoves are the ideal solution to these issues. They produce very little smoke because they require the smallest amount of combustion air.
Clean Burn Technology
If you're looking for a hygienic burning stove with a huge firebox that can be used to heat your home and provide hot water to radiators, then a defra certified back boiler stove might be the one you're looking for. These stoves are equipped with an integrated steel boiler that can be used for heating your central heating system whilst the fire burns within the stove, meaning it's a more efficient method of using wood burners.
Most of our defra-approved rear boiler stoves have a heated, airwash system that helps keep the glass doors free of soot and ash. The secondary combustion system re-burns any unburnt particles created during the initial combustion. This helps to keep the flue gas clear, which results in more efficient burning and lower cost of fuel.
Some of our stoves are more efficient than this and have been independently tested to meet the latest, stricter DEFRA emissions standards to become Defra SE (Smoke Exempt) approved. They do this by having an adjustment on the top air vent that stops the vent from closing all the way which will cut off the oxygen supply to the fire - this can cause it to smolder rather than burn cleanly and result in more harmful gases being released into the air.
Another important factor is the moisture content of your fuel, which could be a major contributor to the amount of smoke produced by the stove. We recommend burning only dried, seasoned wood with a minimum moisture content of 20 percent to ensure that your stove burns as efficiently and cleanly as is possible. DEFRA stoves ratings and reviews of our approved Defra stoves have a built-in moisture sensor which will alter the amount of heat burned when burning wet wood.
Some manufacturers have gone one step further to increase efficiency by adding a second clean burn system. This is controlled by a chrome lever located on the lower part of the stove. It opens and closes an air vent that draws air over the fire, while reburning smoke that was created from the initial process of burning. 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 will allow you to run your central heating as well as hot water off the same system. This can be accomplished by running a loop from the other taps on the back boiler (there are usually 2) to your hot water tank, then using thermosyphoning to bring the heat into the house. This will also ensure that your boiler will never run out of hot water since it will be supplied by the tank.
To ensure that your stove is operating at its optimum level of performance you need to clean it frequently. Begin by making sure that the stove is cold to the touch, then wipe down the main body of the stove as well as the door with a clean, dry cloth. We recommend using a microfiber towel, since they are much less rough than cotton ones.

After wiping down the stove's interior It is recommended to wash the glass. A glass cleaner will assist in removing any marks and stains that remain and is available at most hardware stores. Glass cleaners should be used with caution as too much can harm glass surfaces.
Over time the seals around your stove's glass and doors can start to wear out. This can lead to gaps which can leak heat, so it is important to replace the seals at least once each year. This can be done using stove rope, which can be found at most hardware stores.
If you have an Eco Design 2022-compliant back boiler on a defra-approved stove, the combustion process will be more efficient than traditional wood burning stoves. Modern technology has allowed for a reduction in the amount of combustibles that are released into the air. This has made stoves that comply more eco-friendly, and are also much more affordable to operate.
A back boiler stove will always be more expensive than a regular multifuel stove due to the fact that it produces more hot water. However, it is still a very economical way to heat your home, as you can power both central heating and hot water from the same source.
Easy to Install
Boiler stoves are fashionable and efficient solution that can provide both hot and warm water for your central heating system. A wood burner that has a back boiler is different from other multi-fuel stoves that must be connected to gas boilers. It can connect directly to central heating and hot water of your home, eliminating the need for a second heating system.
A wood-burning stove with back boiler can be used to power your heating system entirely from renewable sources which makes them an eco-friendly choice than other stoves. They also emit less carbon dioxide, as they burn logs or pellets, as opposed to gas or oil heating systems making them an excellent option for those concerned about global warming.
Many people are confused about how a wood-burning stove with a back boiler functions installing one is fairly straightforward. It is crucial to ensure that the stove is properly installed and connected to your heating system. This should be done by a trained heating technician. They can assist you in making sure that your stove is properly installed and connected to the right systems, in addition to making sure that all the safety devices are in place.
Defra Approved Stoves or Defra exempt stoves, as they are also called they have met the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs' (DEFRA) requirements regarding smoke emission levels. They are able to be used in Smoke Control Areas and have been tested and modified to ensure that they produce a very clean burn that is able to be used with wood as well as smokeless fuels.
DEFRA approved stoves like the Defra Exempt Dunsley Yorkshire or our best-selling Hi-Flame Aidan are able offer a highly effective burn with very little harmful emissions. They have been tested according to the latest Eco Design regulations that limit the amount of particulate matter, CO2, NOx and organic gases that the stove will produce in normal operation.
Smoke Control Areas Suitable
Smoke Control Areas are in place in all UK cities and towns. Burning wood on old stoves or open fireplaces can result in a fine if smoke is deemed to be a nuisance. If you select the correct appliance for your home, back boilers that are Defra-approved stoves are not subject to these restrictions.
Wood burners exempt from Defra are designed with Clean Burn technology, which ensures that fuel is burned efficiently and produces little smoke. You can still enjoy a beautiful fireplace if you live in an area that is smoke-free, however logs should be restricted to smokeless mineral fuels.
To meet Defra requirements These stoves have airtight chambers for precisely controlled airflow and typically use triple airflow systems to ensure that combustion byproducts are burnt up before they can escape the chimney. This not only helps to keep any unwanted smoke out, but it also minimises the accumulation of soot, which can block the flue and reduce gas efficiency.
It is essential to purchase a Defra-approved stove from an Expert Local retailer that can ensure that the proper size stove is selected for your home to ensure the most efficient heating performance and ensure it is properly installed by a registered HETAS installer. They can also help in selecting the most appropriate type of chimney liner to ensure a safe and efficient installation. They can also provide advice on whether your home needs any additional ventilation.
Modern DEFRA approved back boiler stoves are a far cry from old open fires and traditional wood burners and you can expect at least 75% energy efficiency, which will not only save you money but also reduces environmental impact. Defra approved back boiler stoves can be used in smoke-controlled areas and will require at least 6mm stainless steel twin-wall flexible chimney liner. This is less expensive than the more substantial 12mm liners required for Ecodesign stoves.
If you are unsure about whether your property falls within a smoke-control area, you can inquire with your local council. They can provide you with the latest information. The majority of reputable stove manufacturers have a dedicated Defra exempt category in their range so that you can easily recognize these appliances when you shop.