Water Vapour vs Bioethanol Fireplace: What's the Difference?
Choosing between a water vapour fireplace and a bioethanol fire comes down to one fundamental question: do you want real flames and heat, or a stunning flame illusion without the warmth?
Both options transform a room. Both work without chimneys. Both can be installed in places where traditional fireplaces are impossible. But they work in completely different ways and suit completely different needs.
At Bioethanolfires.co.uk, we are authorised UK dealers for Planika's bioethanol and water vapour ranges. We sell both. This guide explains exactly how each technology works, what it costs to run, and which is right for your home.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Water Vapour (Cool Flame) | Bioethanol (FLA4/FLA4+) |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Planika | Planika |
| Flame Type | Realistic mist illusion (Optimyst-based system)) | Real combustion flames |
| Heat Output | None - decorative only | 2kW to 20 kW depending on model |
| Fuel | Water + electricity | Bioethanol liquid fuel |
| Running Cost | ~£0.15-£0.30/hour (electricity) | ~£2.80-£3.00/hour (fuel) |
| Installation | Standard electrical socket | Standard electrical socket |
| Chimney Required | No | No |
| Flame Colour | 6 colour variations | Natural orange/yellow flames |
| Safety | Cool to touch | Real flames |
| Control | Remote + mobile app | Remote or phone app |
| Best For | Visual impact, no heat requirement, coloured "flames" | Heat, atmosphere, authentic fire experience |
What Is a Water Vapour Fireplace?
Planika's Cool Flame range uses Optimyst technology and builds on it. It's an advanced system that creates a remarkably convincing flame effect using nothing but water and light.
Here's how it works:
- An ultrasonic device produces a fine water mist
- ActiveLED lights illuminate the mist from multiple angles
- Spectral lenses scatter light to create three-dimensional flame shapes
- The result is a dancing, rising "flame" that looks remarkably realistic but is completely cool to the touch
The Cool Flame Insert is designed to drop into a custom opening or media wall. It has a removable water tank that provides up to 10-12 hours of continuous flame effect from a single fill using standard tap water or distilled water. No expensive refills. No fuel deliveries. Just water and electricity.
For those who want continuous operation without refilling, the Cool Flame Pro Insert connects directly to your water supply giving unlimited operation with no tank changes.
Key Features of Cool Flame
- Remote control and mobile app — adjust flame height, colour, and intensity from your sofa
- RGB flame colours - choose from 6 colours to match your interior
- Realistic burning sounds - optional audio mimics the crackle of real wood
- Six flame height levels — from gentle flicker to dramatic blaze
- Easy installation - no chimney, no ventilation, just a plug socket
What Is a Bioethanol Fireplace?
Bioethanol fireplaces burn liquid bioethanol fuel - a renewable, plant-based alcohol to produce real flames and genuine heat.
Planika's automatic burners (FLA4 and FLA4+) use BEV Technology (Burning Ethanol Vapours). The bioethanol is heated to create vapour, which is then ignited. This produces clean, controlled flames with no smoke, no ash, and no need for a chimney.
The flames are real. The heat is real. The atmosphere is unmistakable.
Key Features of Planika Bioethanol
- Real flames - natural orange and yellow fire, not an illusion
- Heat output — 2kW to 22.5kW depending on model, enough to warm a room
- No chimney needed — clean combustion produces only water vapour and CO₂ in minimal quantities
- Automatic operation -FLA4/ FLA4+ models include Wi-Fi, remote control, and app control
- Safety sensors - automatic shut-off, CO₂ monitoring, child locks, and overfill protection
- Multiple flame stages - 6 heights of flame to choose from
Head-to-Head: The Key Differences
1. Heat Output
Water vapour: Zero heat. The flames are cool mist. If you want warmth, you will need central heating or another heat source.
Bioethanol: Real heat. A Planika FLA4 990 bioethanol burner produces approximately 5.5-7.0kW - comparable to a small gas fire. It will raise the temperature in a typical UK living room by 3-4°C. Not a primary heating solution (bioethanol is too expensive for that), but genuine supplementary warmth.
2. Running Costs
Water vapour: The Planika Cool Flame Insert uses approximately 220-440W of electricity (depending on size) and a tank of water lasts 10-12 hours. Running costs are roughly £0.15-£0.30 per hour in electricity. Water refills cost pennies.
Bioethanol: Fuel costs £4.00 per litre for Planika Fanola. Burners consume 0.7-0.75 litres per hour. Running costs are £2.80-£3.00 per hour.
3. Installation
Water vapour: Plug into a standard socket. No gas connection. No ventilation. No building regulations. The Cool Flame Insert drops into a prepared opening (cutout size varies by model - 500mm to 2000mm widths available).
Bioethanol: Manual burners (like EcoSmart) need nothing but a stable surface. Automatic burners (FLA4/FLA4+) need a power socket for the ignition and control systems. For built-in installations, follow Planika's clearance guidelines (minimum distances to walls, TV, and combustible materials).
4. Safety
Water vapour: The safest fireplace technology available. The flames are cool mist. Children and pets can touch the "fire" without risk. No combustion means no CO, no CO₂ buildup, no oxygen depletion. Ideal for family homes, care homes, and commercial spaces where safety is paramount.
Bioethanol: Real flames mean real heat. The glass front gets hot during operation. Planika automatic burners include comprehensive safety features - automatic shut-off if CO₂ rises, temperature monitoring, child locks, and overfill protection. Safe when used correctly, but demands more caution than water vapour.
5. Visual Impact
Water vapour: The Optimyst effect is genuinely impressive. The mist rises and curls like real flames. The colour options let you create anything from traditional orange fire to purple, blue, or green flames. The optional sound effects add to the illusion. For Instagram-worthy interiors and modern spaces, it is hard to beat.
Bioethanol: Nothing beats real fire. The flicker of actual flames, the subtle shadows on walls, the gentle warmth on your face - this is what draws people to fireplaces. Bioethanol produces the same atmosphere as a traditional wood burner without the mess or chimney.
6. Sizes and Configurations
Water vapour inserts: Available in 500mm, 1000mm, 1500mm, and 2000mm widths.
Water vapour fireplaces (with casing): Available in 500mm and 1000mm sizes with seven configurations: single-sided, three-sided, tunnel, room divider, island, left corner, and right corner. Pro versions connect to mains water. Bespoke sizes are available.
Bioethanol burners (standalone): Planika FLA4 and FLA4+ range from 590mm to 2490mm. Planika FLA4 has 6 flame stages. Planika FLA4+ has 6 stages plus an extended tank for longer burn times (up to 26 hours on the largest model).
Bioethanol fireplaces (with casing): The Planika Forma range includes casings from 800mm to 2700mm with the same seven configurations as water vapour. The casing includes built-in clearances and safety spacing.
Which Is Right for You?
Choose Water Vapour (Cool Flame) If:
- You want the visual impact of fire without any heat
- Safety is the top priority — children, pets, or vulnerable adults in the home
- You love RGB lighting effects and want to change flame colours
- The fireplace is primarily for aesthetics in a modern interior
- You want minimal running costs (under 30p per hour)
- You need installation in a bedroom, bathroom, or commercial space where real flames may not be suitable
- You don't need an extra heat in the room
Choose Bioethanol If:
- You want real flames and genuine warmth
- The atmosphere of a real fire is important to you - the flicker, the shadows, the heat
- You need supplementary heating for a living room or conservatory
- You want a traditional fireplace experience without the mess of wood or ash
- You are building a media wall and want a focal point that also warms the room
Can You Have Both?
Absolutely. Some customers install a bioethanol fire in the living room for heat and atmosphere, and a water vapour fireplace in the bedroom or hallway for visual impact without warmth. Both are flueless, so neither needs a chimney.
Planika's Forma casings are available for both technologies — so you can have the same stunning fireplace design with either bioethanol or water vapour inside.
Frequently Asked Questions About Water Vapour and Bioethanol Fireplaces
No. They are decorative only. The "flames" are cool water mist illuminated by LEDs. For heat, choose a Planika bioethanol burner or fireplace.
Water vapour is safer because there is no combustion, no hot glass, and no risk of burns. Bioethanol is safe when used correctly but produces real flames and hot surfaces. Planika automatic bioethanol burners include multiple safety sensors.
No. Neither requires a chimney, flue, or ventilation system although room size is a consideration. Both are completely flueless.
Water vapour costs approximately £0.15-£0.30 per hour in electricity. Bioethanol costs £2.80-£3.00 per hour in fuel (based on Planika Fanola at £4.00/litre), more for bigger burners.
Yes - any room with a standard electrical socket. Bedrooms, bathrooms (check IP rating), conservatories, and commercial spaces are all suitable.
Water vapour creates an impressive illusion that fools many people. But bioethanol produces actual flames — and most customers find real fire more authentic and atmospheric.
Water vapour inserts: 500mm, 1000mm, 1500mm, 2000mm. Water vapour fireplaces: 500mm and 1000mm in seven configurations. Bespoke sizes are available. Bioethanol burners: 590mm to 2490mm. Bioethanol fireplaces: up to 2700mm with Planika Forma casings.
Both work. Water vapour inserts are ideal for media walls with TVs mounted directly above - no heat means no risk to electronics. Planika bioethanol burners also work but require proper clearances above the burner. Planika Forma cased bioethanol fireplaces include built-in clearances and are the safest option.
No. When using high-quality fuel like Planika Fanola, bioethanol burns cleanly with minimal odour. You may notice a slight scent during ignition and extinguishing, but this dissipates quickly. Proper ventilation ensures any residual odour is unnoticeable. Poor quality fuel can produce a smell. Water vapour fireplaces produce no smell at all.
Explore the Ranges
Planika Cool Flame (Water Vapour)
- Cool Flame Inserts (Cassettes) — 500mm to 2000mm
- Cool Flame Fireplaces — Complete units with casing
- Water Vapour Overview
Planika Bioethanol
- Planika FLA4 Bioethanol Burners - 590mm to 2490mm
- Planika FLA4+ Bioethanol Burners - Extended tank, Wi-Fi control
- Forma Fireplaces - Cased units up to 2700mm
- Fanola Bioethanol Fuel - £160 for 40 litres
Need Help Choosing?
Speak to our specialist John Rogers for personalised advice on which fireplace technology suits your home, lifestyle, and budget.
Meet John Rogers or contact us for expert guidance.
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Last updated: May 2026. Prices and specifications correct at time of writing. Running costs based on Planika Fanola bioethanol fuel at £4.00/litre and UK electricity rates.
