Choosing multifuel stove with back boiler Approved Multi Fuel Stove
If you reside in a Smoke Control Area you must use a DEFRA (DEpartment of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs) approved wood-burning or multi-fuel stove. They are commonly referred to as Defra Exempt Appliances and they permit you to burn approved smokeless coal and logs, without creating a nuisance smoke.
Defra Approved
DEFRA Approved stoves and log burners are vital for those who live in Smoke Control Area of the UK. Defra approved stoves have been tested and proved to produce a minimal amount of smoke, they also pass rigorous emissions tests and comply with the government's Clean Air Act requirements. DEFRA approved appliances are constructed and designed in a way that they can efficiently burn wood which results in a minimal amount of smoke. This is achieved by ensuring that the stove is always equipped with enough combustion flow. We offer a wide range of wood-burning stoves that are DEFRA approved in both contemporary and traditional styles.
Whether you live in a Smoke Control Area or not, a DEFRA approved stove is a good investment if you plan to install it. Many of the modern models we sell come with an integrated feature that stops the top air vent from closing completely. This prevents the fire from losing effectiveness and producing more smoke.
DEFRA approved stoves are also more energy efficient. This allows you to save on fuel costs and keep your home warmer for longer. They also have lower emissions than older stoves and open fires, which means they emit less carbon dioxide and are more sustainable for the environment.
Certain models are also Eco Design compliant 2022 This is a great feature that allows you to cut down on the amount of fuel, saving you more money. These stoves are engineered to make use of the entire combustible supply and burn fuel more efficiently. With primary, secondary and tertiary air controls that ensure the most heat is produced from your chosen fuel.
We also stock a variety of DEFRA multi fuel stoves, these allow you to burn any type of solid fuel, including smokeless coal and peat or turf Briquettes. These stoves are great for those who wish to use a stove with various fuel options. They can also be used in Smoke Control Areas.
Clean Burning Technology
Multi fuel stoves are an excellent option for homeowners who'd like to have a wood-burning stove but do not have the space to store logs. These stoves can be filled with wood or manufactured fuels, such as coal and peat. These stoves are generally capable of combusting both of these fuel types more efficiently than traditional log burners. This is due to the fact that multi-fuel stoves are made to burn a variety of fuels.
Stoves built to burn a variety fuels usually have an elevated grate designed to allow air to circulate beneath the fuel. This is due to certain fuels such as peat and turf briquettes require plenty of air under for them to ignite and burn effectively. The majority of multi-fuel stoves have an additional airflow that can be opened or shut depending on the type of fuel. This will help to keep the fire burning by supplying a second supply of air to the stove, and will increase the efficiency of combustion.
The primary and secondary airflow systems in a fireplace can be used to alter the height of the flame and also the temperature. This is essential because different fuels burn at different rates, and produce different amounts of heat. Keeping the flame height and temperature in check will ensure that your stove is running as efficiently as it can and generating the highest amount of heat from its fuel.
Finally, you'll be required to remove ash frequently from your stove and place it in an ash bucket or ash pan. This will prevent the accumulation of too much ash on the stove grates and stop your fuel from burning properly. To avoid discoloration, you will need to clean the stove glass regularly. Utilizing a damp scourer and a specific cleaning product designed for stoves will aid in keeping your stove looking new. It is also important to follow the instructions of the manufacturer when cleaning and maintaining your stove to avoid damaging it or causing any issues.

Low Emission Vehicles
The top multi fuel stoves are designed to be low-emission which means they burn wood, smokeless coal, or a combination of both with minimal emissions. This is crucial in a smoke control area such as London where you'll have to select a Defra approved stove and only use authorised fuels in the Ready To Burn scheme to meet local regulations and keep the air clean.
A Defra-approved stove will typically come with an automatic fuel supply and air supply control to ensure the fire burns efficiently. This results in minimal smoke and a very high heat output which is an ideal choice for smaller spaces where the stove may be the main focus area.
If you live in a smoke-free zone, it is essential to make use of an Defra approved stove to ensure you are in compliance with the regulations and avoid paying huge penalties for burning illegally. There are a variety of approved stoves from Defra available, but we recommend that you select a woodburning fireplace that is Eco Design 2022-compliant. This will provide you with an easier view of the flame and be more efficient.
The AGA Ellsmere EC4 is an excellent example of a DEFRA-approved Ecodesign stove that offers aesthetics and efficiency. Its compact size makes it ideal for smaller rooms. It also has simple primary and secondary air controls. Its stylish looks would suit both traditional and contemporary settings.
Another option is the Stovax Blithfield which is a stove with a widescreen and a big square window that offers stunning flame views. It is available in a range of colors to fit your decor. The stove is Defra and Eco Design compliant and can be purchased with a clear arched or a Tracery version that has striking Gothic arches to the door.
A great alternative to a conventional multi fuel stove is a pellet stove that uses biomass pellets or compressed wood to provide a very efficient fire with a very high heat output. The pellets are made from waste materials such as sawdust and other rejected wood products so this makes it an environmentally friendly choice. The stoves are supplied with a hotplate as well as an oven, so they can be used for cooking too. They typically have a bigger flue outlet than the standard 6" (150mm) however they can still be used with 5" (125mm) liner to ensure safety. This is an advantage where it might be difficult to install a standard 6" (150mm) stove, or the chimney stack is characterized by awkward bends.
Energy Efficiency
The combustion of fuel in a multifuel stove generates heat that the stove distributes to the room. It does this via radiation, which is where the hot surface of the stove radiates heat into the room, or through convection, in which it draws cold air from outside, heats it up and then directs it back to the room. Modern multifuel stoves are designed for maximum efficiency, making use of secondary and third air supply to reduce emissions and to burn fuel efficiently.
An excellent example is the Stovax Go Eco 5kW widescreen multifuel stove, which is both Defra and Ecodesign approved. The large, square-shaped window offers an excellent view of the flame, and its wider size allows it to be fitted into chimneys with larger openings. The airwash system keeps the glass interior clear of soot. The stove has a choice of six finishes. It could even be fitted with a top plate, so you can cook on it as well.
Multifuel stoves can also be an efficient method to use wood, though you must adhere to the instructions of your appliance to get the best results and ensure that it is regularly checked by an expert. It is also essential to select the appropriate fuel, as every type will burn at different rates and produce a different amount of energy. You will need to decide if you want your fire to produce lots of heat quickly or if you are more interested in a long, slow burn and producing plenty of warm atmosphere in the room.
If you live in an area where smoke is controlled, it's important to know that only DEFRA-approved stoves are allowed to be used to burn smokeless coal and wood. You could be fined a significant amount of dollars if you burn other fuel. Your stove could be damaged.
The Defra approved multifuel stoves we have in stock all have 5" (125mm) flue outlets that can be affixed to an existing chimney stack or flue system. This is a cheaper solution than fitting a stainless steel twin wall liner, in particular when you don't need to go as far up the chimney.