Stove Conversion Kits: What They Do, When They’re Worth It

With Cambridge’s new Smoke Control Area expected to take effect in January 2026, many homeowners with non-DEFRA approved stoves are looking for ways to keep using their existing appliances. For some stove models, conversion kits are available that can help you maintain compliance, though availability varies significantly by manufacturer and model.

Important: If you already have a DEFRA-approved stove, you don’t need a conversion kit—you’re already compliant. Not sure if your stove is DEFRA approved? Check here first.

Open Fireplace? This article is specifically for stove owners. If you have an open fireplace, visit our Cambridge open fireplace guide instead.

What Are Stove Conversion Kits?

There are two distinct types of conversion kits available for stoves, each serving different purposes for Cambridge residents:

DEFRA Compliance Conversion Kits

These are manufacturer-designed modifications that upgrade your existing non-DEFRA approved stove to meet current Clean Air Act emission standards for wood burning. These kits typically include:

1. Enhanced Air Control Systems: Improved primary and secondary air inlets that provide better control over combustion air, enabling cleaner wood burning.
2. Secondary Combustion Components: Additional air introduction points that create superheated zones where smoke particles are burnt off before reaching the chimney.
3. Upgraded Baffle Systems: Modified or additional baffle plates that extend the path of combustion gases, allowing more complete burning.
4. Improved Sealing Components: Enhanced door seals and gaskets that give you precise control over air flow—essential for clean combustion.

Fuel Type Conversion Kits

These kits are specifically for wood-only stoves, converting them to multifuel capability so you can burn both wood and coal/smokeless fuels. If you already have a multifuel stove, you don’t need this type of conversion. Common components include:

1. Multifuel Grate Systems: Riddling grates that allow ash to fall through while supporting solid fuels like anthracite.
2. Ash Pan Assemblies: Collection systems for ash from coal and smokeless fuel burning.
3. Air Control Modifications: Adjustments to primary air supply suitable for different fuel types.

Important: Not all stove models have conversion kits available. Availability depends entirely on your specific manufacturer and model.

How Do Stove Conversion Kits Work?

DEFRA Compliance Kits

The key to clean wood burning is achieving complete combustion. When wood burns with insufficient air supply or poor air mixing, it produces visible smoke containing unburnt particles that contribute to air pollution.

DEFRA compliance conversion kits solve this by:

• Optimising primary air flow to the fuel bed for efficient initial combustion
• Introducing secondary air at precisely the right temperature and location to burn off smoke gases
• Creating turbulence zones where smoke particles mix with oxygen and combust
• Maintaining higher temperatures in critical areas of the firebox

This enhanced combustion process dramatically reduces particulate emissions, bringing your non-DEFRA stove up to current emission standards while allowing you to continue burning seasoned wood.

Fuel Type Conversion Kits

These kits modify the internal structure of your wood-only stove to accommodate coal and smokeless fuels as well as wood. The riddling grate system allows denser fuels like anthracite to burn efficiently while ash falls through to the collection pan below. Modified air controls ensure optimal combustion for both wood and solid fuels.

When Stove Conversion Kits Are Your Best Option

You Have a Non-DEFRA Approved Stove and Want to Burn Wood

If you want to continue burning wood in your existing non DEFRA Approved woodburning stove after 2026, a DEFRA compliance conversion kit is your only option (other than replacing the entire stove). However, these kits are only available for certain stove models.

You Want Fuel Flexibility (Wood-Only Stoves)

If you have a wood-only stove, a fuel type conversion kit allows you to burn both wood and authorised smokeless fuels, giving you more heating options. This can be particularly valuable during fuel shortages or for extended burn times. Note: If you already have a multifuel stove, you don’t need this conversion.

Your Stove Is Structurally Sound

Both types of conversion kits work best on well-maintained stoves with intact fireboxes, properly functioning doors, and good structural integrity. The investment makes perfect sense when your stove has many years of life left.

You Want to Keep Using Your Chimney

Conversion kits are perfect for homeowners who want to maintain their heating capability rather than switching to alternative heating methods or blocking their chimney permanently.

Getting Your Stove Conversion Kit

Contact Your Stove Manufacturer First

The best place to start is directly with your stove manufacturer. They can tell you:

• Whether DEFRA compliance conversion kits are available for your specific model
• Whether fuel type conversion kits are available to enable smokeless fuel burning
• Whether either kit will achieve full DEFRA approval for wood burning in smoke control areas
• The exact components included in any available kits
• Whether you can install them yourself or need professional installation
• Current availability and delivery times

Critical: Get written confirmation that installing a DEFRA compliance kit will make your stove DEFRA approved. Keep this documentation as you may need it to prove compliance in future.

Don’t Know Your Stove Details? If you know the manufacturer but not the model, you can just email the manufacturer a photo of the stove. If you don’t know the manufacturer, download our FREE Cambridge Smoke Control Area Guide which details how to identify the stove manufacturer.

Installation and What to Expect

Installation Options

DEFRA Compliance Conversion Kits: Most can be installed by the homeowner following manufacturer instructions, or by a certified chimney sweep or stove installer if you prefer professional installation.

Fuel Type Conversion Kits: Installation requirements vary by manufacturer. Some allow DIY installation, while others may require a HETAS Approved Installer to maintain warranty coverage. Always check with the manufacturer first.

Installation Guidelines

Follow the manufacturer’s installation guide precisely. These kits are engineered specifically for your stove model, and proper installation is crucial for performance and safety. Using manufacturer-supplied conversion kits usually maintains your stove warranty, whereas third-party modifications might void coverage.

What to Expect After Conversion

With DEFRA Compliance Conversion: You’ll notice significantly less smoke output when burning properly seasoned wood, meeting Cambridge’s emission requirements. Many users report better heat output and longer burn times due to more complete combustion.

With Fuel Type Conversion: Enhanced flexibility to switch between wood and smokeless fuels depending on availability, cost, or heating requirements. Smokeless fuels often provide longer burn times and higher heat output.

Enhanced Control: Upgraded air controls give you better command over your fire’s behaviour, making it easier to achieve clean burns regardless of fuel type.

Glass Clarity: Secondary combustion systems often include air wash improvements, keeping your glass cleaner for longer.

Cambridge Timeline Considerations

With enforcement beginning in 2026, now is an excellent time to investigate conversion options for your stove. Converting your stove allows you to:

• Continue enjoying wood fires beyond 2026
• Maintain your preferred heating method
• Keep using your chimney system
• Avoid the expense and disruption of stove replacement

Making the Right Choice

The decision depends on your specific stove and heating needs:

For DEFRA Compliance

If you have a non-DEFRA approved stove and want to continue burning wood after 2026, a DEFRA compliance conversion kit is your most practical solution—if available for your model.

For Fuel Flexibility

If you have a non-DEFRA approved wood-only stove and want the option to burn smokeless fuels as well as wood, a fuel type conversion kit expands your options. Note: If your stove is already DEFRA approved, you can continue using it as normal with seasoned wood and/or smokeless fuels—no conversion needed.

Action Steps:

1. Confirm your stove’s DEFRA status using our checking guide
2. Contact your stove manufacturer to enquire about both types of conversion kit availability
3. Get written confirmation from the stove manufacturer that any DEFRA compliance kit will achieve full approval
4. Review installation requirements and decide on DIY vs professional fitting

The Conversion Advantage

Stove conversion kits represent excellent solutions for Cambridge residents who love their current stoves. Rather than facing expensive replacement or giving up efficient heating entirely, these manufacturer-designed upgrades let you keep what works while meeting new requirements.

The beauty of conversion kits lies in their simplicity: they’re designed by the people who built your stove, they’re usually straightforward to install, and they transform your existing appliance into a compliant, efficient heater that will serve you well for years to come.

Whether you need DEFRA compliance for wood burning or fuel flexibility for different heating needs, conversion kits offer practical pathways to continued chimney use in Cambridge’s new regulatory environment.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How do I know if my wood burning stove is DEFRA approved?

Check our detailed guide on identifying DEFRA approval. Look for DEFRA exempt markings on the stove or check the official DEFRA database with your stove’s model details.

Can all wood burning stoves be converted with DEFRA kits? 

No, stove conversion kit availability depends entirely on your specific stove manufacturer and model. Many older or basic stoves don’t have conversion options available.

How much do stove conversion kits cost in Cambridge? 

Costs vary significantly by manufacturer and kit type. Contact your stove manufacturer directly for pricing on conversion kits specific to your model.

Will a stove conversion kit void my warranty? 

Manufacturer-supplied stove conversion kits typically maintain your warranty, but third-party modifications may void coverage. Always use official manufacturer kits and follow their installation guidelines.

Can I install a wood burning stove conversion kit myself? 

It depends on the kit type. DEFRA approved conversion kits are often DIY-friendly, while multifuel conversion kits may require HETAS-approved installation to maintain warranty. Check with your manufacturer first.

What’s the difference between DEFRA and multifuel stove conversion kits? 

DEFRA approved conversion kits modify air controls to reduce emissions when burning wood in Cambridge’s smoke control area. Multifuel conversion kits add grates and ash pans to convert wood-only stoves to burn coal and smokeless fuels. They serve completely different purposes.

If I get a multifuel conversion kit, can I still burn wood in Cambridge? 

Yes, multifuel conversion kits allow you to burn both wood and solid fuels like coal or anthracite. However, you’ll still need a DEFRA approved conversion if your stove isn’t already DEFRA compliant for wood burning in Cambridge’s smoke control area.

Do I need both types of stove conversion kits? 

Possibly. If you have a non-DEFRA approved wood-only stove and want to burn both wood and coal in Cambridge’s smoke control area, you might need both conversions. Contact your manufacturer to discuss options.

What happens if I can’t get a conversion kit for my stove? 

If no stove conversion kits are available, your options include replacing the stove with a DEFRA-approved model, switching to authorised smokeless fuels only, or considering other compliance options.

When is the deadline for getting my stove compliant in Cambridge? 

Cambridge’s Smoke Control Area enforcement is expected to begin in January 2026. We recommend acting soon to ensure you have time to source and install any necessary stove conversion kits before the deadline.

Expert Chimney Services for Clean, Compliant Burning

Getting the most from your chimney while meeting UK emission standards requires professional expertise. As authors of the City & Guilds Chimney Sweeping Qualification and certified Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps, Ablewight Chimney Services combines industry-leading knowledge with practical experience.

Our comprehensive chimney services ensure optimal performance, legal compliance, and safety:

• Professional chimney sweeping – Annual cleaning and maintenance
• CCTV chimney surveys – Advanced inspection technology
• Stove servicing – Complete maintenance and performance optimisation
• Bird nest removal – Wildlife-compliant clearance
• Bee nest removal – Safe clearance
• Tar and creosote removal – Specialist cleaning for heavy deposits
• Compliance certification – Insurance-valid documentation
• Expert advice – Personalised solutions for your heating system

Why Choose Ablewight:

• HETAS Approved for professional standards
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• No-mess guarantee on all work

Get Professional Chimney Care Today:

• 01223 627012
• hello@ablewight.co.uk 

Service Areas: Cambridge • Ely • Newmarket • Royston • Saffron Walden • St Ives • Huntingdon • St Neots • Bishop’s Stortford • All surrounding villages within 25 miles

Don’t compromise on safety, performance, or compliance. Contact Ablewight Chimney Services today for professional expertise you can trust.