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Last updated: 3rd April, 2026
Introduction: Comparing Planika's Flagship Bioethanol Burner Systems
Planika offers two flagship automatic bioethanol burner ranges for bioethanol fireplaces: the FLA series (Planika FLA4 and FLA4+) and the Prime Fire 2.0 collection. Both use Planika's patented BEV (Burning Ethanol Vapours) technology, but they serve different needs, budgets, and applications.
If you're trying to choose between these Planika bioethanol burners, you're not alone—it's one of the most common questions we hear. The right choice depends on four factors: your burn time requirements, your control preferences, your installation type, and your budget. Get this decision right, and you'll enjoy years of effortless real flames.
This guide provides a detailed technical comparison, real-world use cases, and clear recommendations to help you choose confidently between Planika FLA4/FLA4+ and Prime Fire 2.0 bioethanol burners.
Quick Comparison: Planika FLA4 vs Prime Fire 2.0 Bioethanol Burners
| Feature | Planika FLA4 / FLA4+ | Planika Prime Fire 2.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Positioning | Premium range | Core range |
| Burn time | Max 5-10 hours (FLA4) / 16-31 hours (FLA4+) | Max 8-10 hours |
| Fuel capacity | 3.1-45.9L | 4.0-12.0L |
| Heat output | 1.5-22.5kW | 2.5-8.0kW |
| Control |
Remote/Phone App/SHS module option |
Remote/Phone App/SHS module option |
| Refuelling | External Automatic Pump | External Automatic Pump |
| Sizes available | 7 lengths available | 4 lengths available |
| Best for | Residential, commercial, extended use | Residential, commercial |
| Warranty | 5 Year Warranty | 2 Years Warranty |
Planika FLA4 Collection: The Versatile Bioethanol Workhorse
What is the Planika FLA4?
FLA stands for "Fire Line Automatic"—Planika's core range of top spec, premium linear automatic bioethanol burners. The Planika FLA4 collection represents the fourth generation of this technology, refined over years of residential and commercial installations.
Planika FLA4 vs FLA4+ Bioethanol Burners: What's the Difference?
The Planika FLA range splits into two sub-collections:
| Specification | Planika FLA4 | Planika FLA4+ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 3.1-14.8L | 9.6-45.9L | 3× larger tanks |
| Burn time Max | 5-10 hours | 16-31 hours | 3× longer operation |
| Sizes (mm) | 590, 790, 990, 1190, 1490, 1990, 2490 | 590, 790, 990, 1190, 1490, 1990, 2490 | Larger tank capacity only |
| Heat output | 1.5-22.5kW | 1.5-22.5kW | Identical |
| Wi-Fi control | Remote/phone app, Wi-Fi | Remote/phone app, Wi-Fi | Identical |
Key Insight: Wi-Fi is Standard on Both
Both Planika FLA4 and FLA4+ include Wi-Fi connectivity as standard. The real difference is fuel capacity - FLA4+ has 3× larger tanks for extended maximum burn times making it ideal for commercial spaces such as hotels, restaurants, reception areas, communal residential spaces. The bigger fuel tank reduces the number of times that the burner needs to be refilled. In commercial spaces, as well as reducing the number of staff interactions, it also means that you can plan refills for when there are no members of the public around.
Planika FLA4 Bioethanol Burner Detailed Specifications
Planika FLA4 590 Bioethanol Burner (Entry compact):
- Width: 590mm
- Heat: 1.5-3.1kW
- Tank: 3.1L
- Burn: maximum 5 hours with Planika Fanola bioethanol fuel
- Room: 31m³
Planika FLA4 1190 Bioethanol Burner (Most popular):
- Width: 1190mm
- Heat: 3.0-9.4kW
- Tank: 6.8L
- Burn: maximum 9 hours with Planika Fanola bioethanol fuel
- Room: 94m³
Planika FLA4 1990 Bioethanol Burner (Large format):
- Width: 1990mm
- Heat: 6.0-18.0kW
- Tank: 11.7L
- Burn: maximum 10 hours with Planika Fanola bioethanol fuel
- Room: 180m³
Planika FLA4+ Bioethanol Burner Extended Operation Advantage
The Planika FLA4+ collection uses identical bioethanol burner technology but with 3× fuel capacity giving longer burn times:
- Planika FLA4+ 590 Bioethanol Burner: 9.6L tank = maximum 16 hours burn with Planika Fanola bioethanol fuel (vs maximum 5 hours for FLA4 590)
- Planika FLA4+ 1190 Bioethanol Burner: 21.0L tank = maximum 30 hours burn with Planika Fanola bioethanol fuel (vs 9 hours for FLA4 1190)
- Planika FLA4+ 2490 Bioethanol Burner: 45.9L tank = maximum 31 hours burn with Planika Fanola bioethanol fuel (vs 10 hours for FLA4 2490)
Shop Planika FLA4 Collection Shop Planika FLA4+ Collection
Planika Prime Fire 2.0: The Bioethanol Experience
What is the Planika Prime Fire 2.0?
Prime Fire 2.0 represents Planika's mid-level bioethanol burner range, positioned just below the FLA series. While it uses the same BEV technology foundation, it does it at a more budget-friendly price.
Planika Prime Fire 2.0 Bioethanol Burner Specifications
Planika Prime Fire 2.0 790 Bioethanol Burner:
- Width: 790 mm
- Heat: 2.5-4.0kW
- Tank: 4.0L
- Burn: maximum 8 hours with Planika Fanola bioethanol fuel
- Room: 40m³
Planika Prime Fire 2.0 990 Bioethanol Burner:
- Width: 990 mm
- Heat: 3.5-6.0kW
- Tank: 6.0L
- Burn: maximum 9 hours with Planika Fanola bioethanol fuel
- Room: 60m³
Planika Prime Fire 2.0 1190 Bioethanol Burner:
- Width: 1190mm
- Heat: 5.0-8.0kW
- Tank: 12.0L
- Burn: 10 hours with Planika Fanola bioethanol fuel
- Room: 80m³
What Makes Planika Prime Fire 2.0 Different?
Prime Fire 2.0 is Planika's core bioethanol burner range, offering fewer size options and a shorter warranty than the FLA4 series. Here's what distinguishes Prime Fire 2.0 from the FLA4 series based on Planika's specifications:
1. Size Availability
- Prime Fire 2.0 is available in 4 sizes: 590mm, 790mm, 990mm, and 1190mm
- FLA4/FLA4+ offers 7 sizes: 590mm through 2490mm
- Prime Fire 2.0 does not offer large-format burners above 1190mm
2. Warranty Coverage
- Prime Fire 2.0: 2-year manufacturers warranty
- FLA4 and FLA4+: 5-year manufacturers warranty
3. Technical Specifications at Matching Sizes
At identical widths where both ranges overlap, the specifications are the same:
| Specification | FLA4 1190 | Prime Fire 2.0 1190 |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 1190mm | 1190mm |
| Heat output | 9.4kW | 9.4kW |
| Fuel capacity | 6.8L | 6.8L |
| Burn time | 9 hours | 9 hours |
| Weight | 33.0kg | 33.0kg |
| Technology | BEV | BEV |
| Controls | Wi-Fi, app, remote | Wi-Fi, app, remote |
Both ranges use the same fuel tanks, burners, and control systems at matching sizes.
4. FLA4+ Extended Burn Advantage
The FLA4+ series offers something Prime Fire 2.0 cannot match: 3× fuel capacity for extended operation. While Prime Fire 2.0 maxes out at 9-10 hours, FLA4+ delivers 16-31 hours depending on size.
Shop Planika Prime Fire 2.0 Collection
Head-to-Head: Planika FLA vs Prime Fire 2.0 Bioethanol Burner Comparison
Heat Output Comparison: Planika Bioethanol Burners by Room Size
| Room Size | Recommended Planika Bioethanol Burner | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 31-44m³ | Planika FLA4 590 (3.1kW) or Prime Fire 2.0 590 (3.1kW) | Identical heat output |
| 44-70m³ | Planika FLA4+ 790 (4.4kW, 25hr burn) or Prime Fire 2.0 790 (4.4kW, 8hr burn) | FLA4+ offers 3× longer burn |
| 70-94m³ | Planika FLA4+ 1190 (9.4kW, 30hr burn) or Prime Fire 2.0 1190 (9.4kW, 9hr burn) | FLA4+ offers 3× longer burn |
| 94-180m³ | Planika FLA4 1990 (18kW) or FLA4+ 1990 (18kW, 31hr burn) | Prime Fire 2.0 not available above 1190mm |
| 180m³+ | Planika FLA4 2490 (22.5kW) or FLA4+ 2490 (22.5kW, 31hr burn) | FLA4 only option for large spaces |
Key Insight: Size Limitation
The biggest Planika Prime Fire 2.0 is the 1190mm (9.4kW). For a burner length over 1190 mm, the Planika FLA4/FLA4+ is the only option - the FLA4 2490 delivers 22.5kW for large commercial spaces.
Burn Time Comparison: Which Planika Bioethanol Burner Lasts Longer?
| Usage Pattern | Planika FLA4 | Planika FLA4+ | Planika Prime Fire 2.0 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evening only (4-5 hours) | 5-10 hours (suitable) | 16-31 hours (excess capacity) | 8-9 hours (suitable) |
| All day (8-10 hours) | 9-10 hours (max capacity) | 16-31 hours (comfortable) | 8-9 hours (max capacity) |
| Weekend continuous | Requires refuelling | 30-31 hours (entire weekend) | Requires refuelling |
| Commercial 24/7 | Limited | 16-31 hours (best choice) | Limited |
Clear winner for extended operation: Planika FLA4+ with 3× fuel capacity and 16-31 hour burn times.
Control Systems Compared: Planika Bioethanol Burner App vs Remote
All three ranges include identical control options:
- Wi-Fi connectivity as standard
- Smartphone app control (iOS/Android)
- SmartHome Module option
- Remote control included
- LCD touch panel
- Automatic refilling system
There is no functional difference in control systems between FLA4, FLA4+, and Prime Fire 2.0. All use the same Planika BEV app and offer the same smart features.
Cost Analysis: Planika FLA vs Prime Fire 2.0 Bioethanol Burners
Warranty Value Comparison
| Burner Range | Warranty | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Planika FLA4 / FLA4+ | 5 years | 2.5× longer coverage, better long-term value |
| Planika Prime Fire 2.0 | 2 years | Shorter coverage (core range) |
The FLA4/FLA4+ range offers substantially better warranty protection, which matters for a significant home investment.
Running Costs (Identical for All Ranges)
All three Planika ranges use the same Planika Fanola bioethanol fuel:
- Fuel consumption depends on flame height setting and size of burner
- Annual maintenance: Minimal for all ranges
- No gas connection costs for any range
Decision Framework: Which Planika Bioethanol Burner Should You Choose?
Choose Planika FLA4 Bioethanol Burner If:
- ✅ Evening-only use (4-9 hours)
- ✅ Room size under 100m³
- ✅ Standard warranty sufficient
Choose Planika FLA4+ Bioethanol Burner If:
- ✅ Extended burning times are important (up to maximum16-31 hours)
- ✅ High-end residential, hospitality or commercial use
- ✅ Want longest warranty (5 years)
- ✅ Commercial or high-use applications
Choose Planika Prime Fire 2.0 Bioethanol Burner If:
- ✅ Room size 94m³ or under
- ✅ Budget-conscious choice with full functionality
- ✅ Limited to smaller format requirements
Recommendation: For most applications, Planika FLA4 or FLA4+ offers longer warranty, more size options, and the unbeatable extended burn capability of FLA4+.
Still Unsure Which Planika Bioethanol Burner?
Let us help you choose the perfect Planika bioethanol burner for your space. Call us or book a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions: Planika FLA vs Prime Fire 2.0 Bioethanol Burners
The right Planika bioethanol burner depends on your priorities:
- Best value: Planika FLA4 1190 - excellent performance with 5-year warranty
- Best for extended use: Planika FLA4+ 1190 - max 30-hour burn time unbeatable
- Best warranty: Planika FLA4/FLA4+ - 5 years vs 2 years for Prime Fire 2.0
- Best for large spaces: Planika FLA4+ 1990 - 18kW heat output, 180m³ capacity, 31-hour burn
- Best for limited budget: Planika Prime Fire 2.0 - any length
All use Planika's proven BEV (Burning Ethanol Vapours) technology for clean, safe operation.
No. They're different physical units with different tank sizes. Choose correctly from the start. If you're unsure, FLA4+ is the safer long-term choice—you'll never regret having longer burn time and the 5-year warranty.
All three ranges have identical safety certifications meeting CE and UKCA standards. All include automatic shut-off, tip sensors, and child-lock features as standard. The safety systems are the same across FLA4, FLA4+, and Prime Fire 2.0.
At matching sizes, flame quality is identical. Both FLA4/FLA4+ and Prime Fire 2.0 use the same BEV technology so produce a similar flame. The wider the burner, the more the impact of the flame. The main difference between the burners is the number of flame heights available. The Prime Fire 2.0 has 3 flame heights while the FLA4/FLA4+ has 6 flame heights.
No. If you want an automatic bioethanol fire with BEV technology, the Cabo, Comet, and Porto collections use FLA4-derived technology specifically designed for outdoor use. See outdoor fireplace options.
All three ranges are virtually maintenance-free. Annual inspection recommended for all. FLA4+ requires less frequent refuelling due to larger tanks (convenience advantage, not maintenance difference). All 3 options (FLA4, FLA4+, Prime Fire 2.0) can be connected to Planika via a laptop and micro-USB cable for diagnostic testing.
Yes. Forma casings are available for all three bioethanol burner types:
- Forma with FLA4 — multiple products, 5-10 hour burn
- Forma with FLA4+ — multiple products, 16-31 hour burn
- Forma with Prime Fire 2.0 — limited to 590-1190mm sizes
A bioethanol burner - also called a bio ethanol burner, bio-ethanol fire or ethanol fire - is the fire-producing component of a bioethanol fireplace. Planika's automatic bioethanol burners use BEV technology: fuel is heated to create vapour, which is ignited above the fuel surface. This creates real flames without smoke, odour, or ash—no chimney required.
Consumption depends on flame height setting:
- Planika FLA4 1190 / Prime Fire 2.0 1190: Same consumption rate
- Planika FLA4+ 1190: Same burn rate, but 3× larger tank
Yes. Bioethanol is a renewable fuel made from agricultural by-products. It burns cleanly producing only water vapour and CO2 equivalent to what plants absorbed during growth - carbon neutral. Planika's BEV technology maximises combustion efficiency, minimising emissions.
Warranty differs by range:
- Planika FLA4 and FLA4+: 5-year warranty
- Planika Prime Fire 2.0: 2-year warranty
As the official UK Planika stockist, Bioethanolfires.co.uk provides UK-based support for their customers and liaises with Planika to set up remote diagnostic and service calls.
The FLA4 or FLA4+ are the top spec options. At matching sizes, specifications are identical - same heat output, same burn time, same fuel tank, same controls. The FLA4/FLA4+ advantages are:
- 5-year warranty vs 2 years for Prime Fire 2.0
- More size options (7 vs 4)
- FLA4+ offers extended burn times Prime Fire cannot match
Prime Fire 2.0 makes sense if the burner is going to have limited use and have budget constraints..
