The 2022 Stove Legislation - What do I need to Know?

Let us separate the facts from the untruths about bans on wood burning stoves  



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Arada Ecoburn 5 Widescreen shown in Mist grey The Ecoburn 5 Widescreen is one of our most popular multi fuel stoves. Not only is it Ecodesign but also 'DEFRA Exempt' too, so highly efficient with very low emissions.


There’s often a common misconception that wood burners are bad for the environment, thanks to misleading information and sensationalised headlines filling the media. The future of the wood burning stove industry has been questioned, and it’s becoming increasingly confusing for customers to separate the facts from fake news. So, we’re here to tell you the truth about wood burners and what you need to know ahead of the new stove legislation coming into force in 2022.

It’s important to note, that not all wood burners are bad, by choosing Arada, you’re choosing a stove that’s better for the environment. We’re dedicated to continuous improvement and have been exceeding the efficiency and emission requirements set out for Ecodesign conformity prior to 2022. In fact, the best thing you can do is convert any open fires and update old wood burners that are over 10-years old to a new model which is Ecodesign Ready.

Can I still use my wood burning stove from 2022?

The answer is yes! This is a question that gets asked a lot, and it's easy to misread some of the headlines about wood burners and think that it spells the end of the enjoyment of owning a wood burner.

However, what should change - if you don't already do so - is to only ever burn dry, seasoned wood on your stove.


The Holborn is an Ecodesign Ready stove This stove is the Holborn 5 it is a multi fuel stove and it is Ecodesign and 'DEFRA Exempt'.


So, what does Ecodesign Ready mean?

To put it simply, in a bid to further reduce the impact home heating appliances have on our environment, the bodies that govern the stove industry introduced stricter guidelines concerning efficiency levels and emissions in order to improve air quality. We've had sufficient time to prepare for the changes that we must apply to all new wood burning and multi-fuel stoves sold from January 2022, allowing us to develop and apply innovative technology to ensure our stoves offer superior fuel efficiency.

Thanks to our commitment to continuous improvement combined with our concerns for the planet, we’ve been able to produce and sell Ecodesign Ready stoves ahead of the enforced legislation, which comply with the new guidelines, so you can rest easy in the knowledge that your stove is better for the environment.


Farringdon Eco shown here in chestnut brown is an Ecodesign Ready stove


What about DEFRA Smoke Exempt?

Many parts of the UK lie within smoke control areas, where you can’t emit smoke from a chimney unless you’re burning an authorised fuel or using ‘exempt appliances’ and you can be fined £1000 for breaching these regulations. A DEFRA Smoke Exempt Stove has passed the UK Government’s Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) criteria for emission levels. A stove that is DEFRA Smoke Exempt has been modified by the manufacturer to limit the amount that it can be starved of air which creates smoky combustion. A DEFRA Exempt Stove will always provide the minimum level of combustion air so that the wood burns effectively without producing unnecessary smoke, which therefore complies with the Clean Air Act.


We hope we’ve cleared things up a little so you can make an informed stove purchase. You can view all our Ecodesign Ready stoves here and our Smoke Control zone compatible stoves here

To learn more about our range of stoves on offer at Arada, or if you have any questions, please do get in touch.


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Where to buy Arada stove spares and accessories?

You can purchase authentic Arada stove spares and accessories via our website or through any approved Arada retailer.
Click here to find your nearest Arada retailer

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Posted by Megan Collyer
12th February, 2021.

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