The Modern Way to Heat with Wood

In recent years, regulations around wood burning have changed significantly, but not in the way many people think. Woodburning has not been banned.

Instead, the focus has shifted towards cleaner, more efficient technology that allows you to enjoy real fire heat while meeting modern environmental standards. That's why it is important to make sure your wood-burning stove is futureproof.

Every wood burning stove we supply at Zigis  is fully approved for use in smoke control zones

defra approved wood burning logo

What’s changed?

Across most towns and cities in the UK, smoke-controlled areas are now in place.

In these areas:

  • Wood can only be burned legally in a DEFRA-approved (smoke-exempt) stove
  • You cannot emit smoke from a chimney
  • You cannot use open fires or older-style appliances to burn wood

In simple terms:

  • Open fires and old stoves are no longer suitable for burning wood
  • Modern appliances are now the compliant solution

Make sure your wood burning stove is future-proof

Today’s woodburning stoves are built to Ecodesign standards and meet DEFRA-approved (smoke-exempt) regulations.

Modern Ecodesign stoves can produce up to 90% fewer emissions than an open fire, and dramatically less smoke and particulate output overall. This isn’t a compromise — it’s a major upgrade in performance. This means they are:

  • Designed for smoke control areas
  • Much more efficient
  • Far cleaner burning

Every wood burning stove Zigis supplies is fully approved for use in smoke control zones. Meaning you can burn wood legally, safely and efficiently in your home

Burn wood legally, safely and efficiently in your home

If you want to heat your home with logs today, the rules are clear:

  • You must use a DEFRA-approved woodburner in smoke control areas
  • You must use the correct dry, approved fuel
  • You must ensure your appliance meets modern standards

Independence, warmth, and control

One of the biggest advantages of woodburning has not changed:

  • You remain independent of the grid
  • You control your own fuel supply
  • You create reliable, consistent heat in your home

With rising energy prices, that independence has become more valuable than ever.

The direction is clear for the future of wood burning:

  • Old open fires → outdated and inefficient
  • Older stoves → higher emissions, limited use
  • Modern eco stoves → compliant, efficient, future-proof

The bottom line

If you want to continue heating your home with wood, upgrading to a modern, eco-friendly woodburner is now the only compliant solution. And with today’s technology, it’s also:

  • Cleaner
  • More efficient
  • Better performing
  • And more sustainable

Get in Touch

Our friendly team are happy to help with any questions you have.

Contact Us

Visit our Showrooms

Please visit our extensive showrooms displaying a large selection of wood burners, gas fires, electric fires, stoves and fireplaces in many materials including wood, stone, marble & cast iron. We have an extensive range of styles to choose from to complement whatever type of living space you have. If you are looking for a traditional stone fireplace or a contemporary wall-mounted fire, we think you will find what you are looking for at Zigi's