Which Planika Bioethanol Fireplace is Best for You? (2026 Guide)

Reading time: 12 minutes
Last updated: 9th April 2026
*Pricing correct at time of writing. Current prices shown on product pages.

Introduction: Choosing Between Bioethanol Burners and Bioethanol Fireplaces with Casing

You're building a media wall. You've decided on a bioethanol fireplace - no chimney, real flames, clean burning. Now you face the decision that stops most people: do you buy a standalone bioethanol burner and build your own surround, or invest in a complete bioethanol fireplace with integrated casing?

We've supplied hundreds of Planika bioethanol fires across the UK, and this is the question we hear most often when customers are researching their ideal bioethanol fireplace. The answer isn't about which Planika bioethanol fire is "best" - it's about which bioethanol fire is best for your specific installation.

Standalone bioethanol burners like the Planika Neo 1000 or Planika FLA4 990 give you complete design freedom. You can build it into a traditional limestone fireplace, an industrial-look concrete feature, a stone plinth, or a bespoke Dekton fireplace - whatever suits your interior. But that freedom comes with responsibility: you need to ensure that the materials you use are A1 non-combustible, that you strictly adhere to clearances, and the fireplace is completely safe.

Cased bioethanol fireplaces like the Planika Forma 1200 range eliminate that worry. The Forma bioethanol fireplace casing is designed as a zero-clearance, all-in-one fireplace. The zero-clearance element means that the casing is designed in a way that prevents excessive heat transfer between the burner and the material that the fireplace is built into. To install it, you or your builder creates a frame, screws the casing into it, and surrounds it with your cladding material - no fire-rated materials required. You can even mount a TV above your bioethanol fireplace when using the supplied deflector.

This guide compares both approaches using eight specific bioethanol fireplace products, arranged from most affordable to premium. By the end, you'll know exactly which bioethanol fire suits your project - and whether the added cost of a bioethanol fireplace casing is worth it for your peace of mind.

Quick Comparison: All Eight Planika Fires at a Glance

Product	Price*	Type	Tank	Burn Time	Heat Output	Flame Stages	Best For
Planika Neo 1000	£2,975.40*	Standalone Burner	2.9L	4 hours**	5.9kW	2 stages	Budget installs
Planika Primefire 990	£4,163.40*	Standalone Burner	5.5L	8 hours**	7.0kW	3 stages	Core range, enhanced features
Planika FLA4 990	£6,199.20*	Standalone Burner	5.5L	8 hours**	7.0kW	6 stages	Premium, top spec features
Planika FLA4+ 990	£7,365.60*	Standalone Burner	17.2L	26 hours**	7.0kW	6 stages	Daily heating, less refuelling, commercial projects
Planika Neo Fireplace 1000	£3,335.40*	Cased Unit	2.9L	4 hours**	5.9kW	2 stages	Entry-level complete fireplace
Planika Forma 1200 Primefire	£5,594.40*	Casing + Burner	5.5L	8 hours**	7.0kW	3 stages	Core range media walls
Planika Forma 1200 FLA4	£7,635.60*	Casing + Burner	5.5L	8 hours**	7.0kW	6 stages	Premium media wall solution
Planika Forma 1200 FLA4+	£8,791.20*	Casing+ Burner	17.2L	26 hours**	7.0kW	6 stages	All-day operation, commercial projects

**Maximum burn times based on Planika Fanola Bioethanol Fuel

Standalone Bioethanol Burners: Design Freedom With Added Responsibility

Standalone bioethanol burners are exactly what the name suggests - the fire unit only. You get the burner which includes the BEV technology, fuel tank, and controls in a metal burner box. You then need to create a fireplace to house the burner box.

This gives you complete freedom over the finished look of your bioethanol fireplace. Limestone surround? Concrete recess? Floating plinth? Whatever suits your interior, you can build it. But with that freedom comes responsibility: you need to ensure your surround materials can withstand the heat output, and you need to manage clearances to combustibles yourself. Get it wrong, and six months later your paint is discolouring or your timber is drying out.

Planika Neo 1000: The Budget Bioethanol Burner Entry Point

The Planika Neo 1000 is Planika's most affordable automatic bioethanol burner. No smartphone app, no Wi-Fi connectivity - just a simple remote and solid, reliable performance.

Specifications:

• Width: 1000mm
• Heat output: 5.9kW maximum
• Tank capacity: 2.9L
• Burn time: Up to 4 hours* (based on Planika Fanola Bioethanol Fuel)
• Minimum room size: 59m³
• Flame stages: 2 stages
• Weight: 18.5kg
• Price: £2,975.40*

What you get: A bioethanol burner that works well for occasional use - evenings, weekends, the odd cold afternoon. The maximum 4-hour burn time means you'll be refuelling daily if you use this bioethanol fire regularly, but the lower price point reflects this limitation. The Planika Neo 1000 produces a slightly different flame compared to the FLA4 and PrimeFire as it burns through mini "coals".

Installation considerations: You'll need to ensure your surround are A1 non-combustible. Whether you're installing this yourself, or with the help of your builder, you need to ensure that the clearances and dimensions in the installation manual are followed closely.

Best suited for: Budget-conscious bioethanol fireplace installs, simple surrounds, occasional use, limited-time use.

Planika Primefire 990: Core Range Bioethanol Burner Refinement

Step up to the Planika Primefire 990 and you enter Planika's core range bioethanol burner line. The Planika Primefire offers flame control and refined operation in a 990mm format that's almost comparable to the Planika FLA4 990.

Specifications:

• Width: 990mm
• Heat output: Up to 7.0kW
• Tank capacity: 5.5 L
• Burn time: Maximum 8 hours* (based on Planika Fanola Bioethanol Fuel)
• Minimum room size: 70m³
• Flame stages: 3 stages
• Weight: 27.5kg
• Price: £4,163.40*

What you get: Refined control with 3 flame stages - more flexible than the Neo's 2 stages, but simpler than the FLA4's 6 stages. The Planika Primefire sits between them in flame control and budget. The maximum 8-hour burn time from the 5.5L tank suits regular evening use of this bioethanol burner without daily refuelling.

Installation considerations: The Planika Primefire 990 produces up to 7.0kW of heat - more than the Planika Neo 1000 - so your bioethanol fireplace surround materials need to be able to handle this output. The burner weighs 27.5kg, so your structure needs to support this load. The 3-stage flame control gives you more flexibility than the Neo for adjusting heat output to your needs.

Best suited for: Those who want similar features to the top spec FLA4 but at a reduced budget. The reduced budget comes with fewer flame levels and a shorter warranty.

Planika FLA4 990: The Premium Option

The Planika FLA4 990 is where Planika's professional-grade features become available. Six flame stages give you greater control over flame height and heat output, while Wi-Fi connectivity and the smartphone app gives convenience. 

Specifications:

• Width: 990mm
• Heat output: 7.0kW maximum
• Tank capacity: 5.5L
• Burn time: Up to 8 hours* (based on Planika Fanola Bioethanol Fuel)
• Minimum room size: 70m³
• Flame stages: 6 stages
• Weight: 27.5kg
• Customisable: Burner top can be any RAL (optional at a cost)
  
• Price: £6,199.20*

What you get: True adjustability. On a mild evening, run it on stage 2 and extend your burn time. On a cold January night, crank it to stage 6 for full 7.0kW output. The smartphone app lets you control the flame from your sofa, as well as monitoring fuel levels. There's also a timer which lets you set the fire to run for 30 minute increments.

Installation considerations: The Planika FLA4 990's 7.0kW maximum output is higher than the Planika Neo 1000's 5.9kW, so your surround materials need to handle this. The weight is 27.5kg - same as the Planika Primefire 990  - so your structure needs similar support.

Best suited for: Regular users who want adjustable heat, installations where the fire will be used at different heat levels, and those who appreciate app-based control. Commercial spaces where the fire is needed for a few hours a day.

Planika FLA4+ 990: The Long-Burn Specialist

The Planika FLA4+ 990 uses the same burner technology as the standard FLA4, but with a  three times bigger tank. Same heat output, same dimensions, same controls but up to 26 hours of continuous operation from one fill, compared to up to 8 hours for the standard FLA4.

Specifications:

• Width: 990mm
• Heat output: 7.0kW maximum
• Tank capacity: 17.2L
• Burn time: Up to 26 hours* (based on Planika Fanola Bioethanol Fuel)
• Minimum room size: 70m³
• Flame stages: 6 stages
• Weight: 38.5kg
• Price: £7,365.60*

What you get: Convenience that transforms the experience. Fill it on Sunday evening and run it every evening for a few hours for that week without having to refill. For daily users, this changes the fire from "occasional feature" to "proper heating appliance." In commercial spaces, you can run it all day without the need for refilling during the day. The weight increases to 38.5kg - noticeably heavier than the Neo or standard FLA4 - so your wall structure needs to handle this. 

Installation considerations: The Planika FLA4+ 990's larger fuel capacity means more fuel in the unit, though the sealed tank and automatic shut-offs mitigate risks. The 38.5kg weight requires sturdy support. If you're using the fire daily through winter, the FLA4+ justifies its higher price quickly through convenience alone.

Best suited for: Daily users, those who want their fire ready to light every evening without refuelling, and anyone who values convenience over initial cost. The FLA4+ is also best suited for commercial spaces.

Cased Bioethanol Fireplaces: Zero Clearance, Zero Worries

Now we look at the same four bioethanol burner technologies - Planika Neo, Planika Primefire, Planika FLA4, and Planika FLA4+ - but built into a zero clearance casing. For the Primefire, FLA4 and FLA4+, the casing is the Forma while the Neo has its own casing system.

The key advantage to using a Planika fireplace casing is that it requires zero clearance to combustibles. The casing is engineered to contain the heat, deflect it safely away from combustible materials, and prevent surrounding wall materials from getting too hot. Your builder can use standard timber framing and plasterboard right up to the unit edges. No fire-rated materials required, although they should still be considered. No complex heat calculations. And critically, you can mount a TV above your bioethanol fireplace with confidence when using the supplied deflector.

Planika Neo Fireplace 1000: Entry level Bioethanol Fireplace

The Planika Neo Fireplace 1000 is of a similar construction to the Forma Casing system but designed for the entry-level Neo burner.

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 1000 × 450 × 350mm (W×H×D)
• Heat output: 5.9kW maximum
• Tank capacity: 2.9L
• Burn time: Up to 4 hours* (based on Planika Fanola Bioethanol Fuel)
• Minimum room size: 59m³
• Flame stages: 2 stages
• Weight: 35.0kg
• Price: £3,335.40*

What you get: The Neo 1000 Fireplace comes complete with the fireplace casing and the Neo 1000 bioethanol burner.

Installation considerations: For installation, the Neo 1000 fireplace can be built into a timber stud frame and then clad with clad a variety of materials.

Best suited for: Those who only require a limited burn time and are budget conscious.

Planika Forma 1200 with Primefire 990: Premium Media Wall Solution

The Planika Forma 1200 with Primefire 990 brings Planika's core range bioethanol burner technology into a zero-clearance casing designed specifically for modern bioethanol fireplace media walls.

Specifications:

• Casing width: 1200mm
• Burner: Planika Primefire 990
• Heat output: 7.0kW maximum
• Tank capacity: 5.5L
• Burn time: Up to 8 hours* (based on Planika Fanola Bioethanol Fuel)
• Minimum room size: 70m³
• Flame stages: 3 stages
• Weight: 76.1kg
• Price: £5,594.40*

What you get: The Planika Forma Casing design reduces heat transfer to your surrounding materials, which can include timber and plasterboard. Using the deflector which is supplied with the Forma casing allows a TV to be installed above it.

Installation considerations: True zero-clearance means your builder creates a frame,  slides the Planika Forma Casing into it, and screws it in place. No special fire-rated materials needed although they should always be considered. The 76.1kg weight requires sturdy wall structure - most timber-framed media walls handle this fine, but confirm with your builder. TV mounting is possible with proper clearance (typically 750-900mm from the top of the casing) with the use of the deflector provided.

Planika Forma configurations: While we're featuring the Single-Sided version for standard media walls, the Planika Forma 1200 with Primefire is also available in Three-Sided, Tunnel, Island, Room Divider, Right Corner, and Left Corner configurations for different interior and architectural needs.

Best suited for: Media walls including TV's above, fake chimney breasts.

Planika Forma 1200 with FLA4 990: The Standard Media Wall Choice

The Planika Forma 1200 with FLA4 990 is the specification we quote most often for media wall installations. It gives you the adjustability of the FLA4 burner with the installation simplicity of a complete firebox.

Specifications:

• Casing width: 1200mm
• Burner: Planika FLA4 990
• Heat output: 7.0kW maximum
• Tank capacity: 5.5L
• Burn time: Up to 8 hours* (based on Planika Fanola Bioethanol Fuel)
• Minimum room size: 70m³
• Flame stages: 6 stages
• Weight: 74.6kg
• Price: £7,635.60*
• Manufacturer's warranty: 5 years
  

What you get: All the benefits of the Planika Forma casing (zero clearance, TV compatibility, builder-friendly installation) combined with the Planika FLA4's 6-stage flame control.

Installation considerations: Identical to the Primefire version - frame a 1200mm opening, slide in, fix, surround with standard materials. 

Planika Forma configurations: The Planika Forma 1200 with FLA4 is available in multiple configurations: Three-Sided, Tunnel, Island, Room Divider, Right Corner and Left Corner

Best suited for: Media walls and fake chimney installations. People who want the top spec fireplace along with remote/phone app control and 6 stages of flame. Limited use commercial or hospitality installations. Installations that want the peace of mind of a 5-year manufacturers warranty.

Planika Forma 1200 with FLA4+ 990: Extended Burn Convenience

The Planika Forma 1200 with FLA4+ 990 combines the convenience of zero-clearance installation with the practicality of extended burn time. Same casing, same benefits - but up to 26 hours of operation from one fill.

Specifications:

• Casing width: 1200mm
• Burner: Planika FLA4+ 990
• Heat output: 7.0kW maximum
• Tank capacity: 17.2L
• Burn time: Up to 26 hours* (based on Planika Fanola Bioethanol Fuel)
• Minimum room size: 70m³
• Flame stages: 6 stages
• Weight: 85.6kg
• Price: £8,791.20*
• Manufacturers warranty: 5 years
  

What you get: The ultimate in convenience - zero-clearance installation plus minimal refuelling. Fill it on Sunday, use it for a few hours every evening, refill the following weekend. Or, in commercial spaces, fill it in the morning and run it all day without staff having to refill it. The weight increases to 85.6kg, so your wall structure needs to handle this, but most properly built media walls cope fine.

Installation considerations: Same installation process as other Planika Forma units - the extra weight is the only practical difference. All the same benefits apply: zero clearance, TV compatibility, builder-friendly.

Planika Forma configurations: The Planika Forma 1200 with FLA4+ is available in Three-Sided, Tunnel, Island, Room Divider, Right Corner and Left corner configurations.

Best suited for: Daily users who want both convenience (minimal refuelling) and peace of mind (zero-clearance installation). Ideal for high-end residential, hospitality, commercial, and residential communal spaces.

Standalone Bioethanol Burner vs Bioethanol Fireplace  Casing: How to Choose

Here's the practical guidance. You've seen the specs for all eight products. Now let's talk about which route suits your situation.

Choose a Standalone Bioethanol Burner If:

• You want a completely custom look  - limestone, concrete, or an unusual design that Planika Forma casings can't accommodate for your bioethanol fireplace
• You're confident managing clearances and understand which materials can go near a bioethanol burner
• You're not mounting a TV directly above - this gives you more flexibility with clearances and surround design for your bioethanol fire

Choose a Bioethanol Fireplace (Planika Forma or Planika Neo Fireplace) If:

• You're building a media wall with a TV above - the casing's deflector system and tested clearances make this bioethanol fireplace safe and straightforward
• Your builder isn't a fireplace specialist - zero clearance means they can't get the bioethanol fire heat management wrong
• You're putting the fireplace into a joinery unit  - Planika Forma's casing makes this bioethanol fireplace safe
• You're building a fake chimney breast out of timber - the Forma Casing protects the timber from excessive heat transfer from the bioethanol burner
  
• You want the installation finished quickly - Build the frame, fix the casing in place, clad the fireplace with a variety of materials, including combustibles
• You're not sure about surround design - the casing handles the aesthetics; you just build a simple opening for this bioethanol burner
• You want the best background to show the flames - the black backgrounds of the casing shows the flame better than any other background
  

The Media Wall Reality Check

We regularly see people buy a standalone burner and, once they've had it delivered, realise that they should have bought the zero-clearance casing with it.

This is often due to a realisation that the flames that a bioethanol fire produces are real and also produce genuine heat. This is sometimes down to misinformation that they've read on the internet and a lack of understanding of the product. 

The Planika Forma bioethanol fireplace range was designed specifically to solve this problem. Yes, it costs more upfront than just the burner but can expensive retro-fixing of a heat-damaged fireplace. The extra upfront cost of the casing is also often less than the cost of materials and labour of building a bespoke fireplace.

If in doubt about which option to go for, consult us at the start of the process.

Decision Framework: Which Bioethanol Fireplace is Right for You?

Let's bring this together with a step-by-step process to choose your ideal bioethanol fire.

Step 1: Standalone Bioethanol Burner or Bioethanol Fireplace Casing?

Your Situation	Recommendation
Media wall with TV above	Cased (Planika Forma or Planika Neo Fireplace)
Builder not fireplace specialist	Cased (Planika Forma)
Want timber/combustible surround	Cased (Planika Forma)
Custom stone/concrete surround planned	Either - specialist can handle standalone
Tight budget	Standalone (accept clearance responsibilities)
Want minimalist flush finish	Cased (Planika Forma Single-Sided)

Step 2: Which Bioethanol Burner Technology?

If you chose standalone:

• Budget-conscious, short burn time requirement: Planika Neo 1000
• Budget-conscious, longer burn time requirement: Planika Primefire 990
• Premium burner requirement: Planika FLA4 990
• Daily use, minimal refuelling, commercial setting: Planika FLA4+ 990

If you chose cased:

• Simple installation, traditional look: Planika Neo Fireplace 1000
• Core range media wall: Planika Forma 1200 Primefire
• Premium media wall, maximum control: Planika Forma 1200 FLA4
• Daily heating, long burn time requirement: Planika Forma 1200 FLA4+

Step 3: Which Casing Configuration?

For Planika Forma casings, choose how the fire displays:

• Single-Sided bioethanol fireplace: Against a wall, viewed from front only. Most common for media walls.
• Three-Sided bioethanol fireplace: Open at both ends so increases visibility. Can be used to create the look of a longer fireplace than the minimum room size requirement permits.
• Tunnel bioethanol fireplace: See-through both sides of a partition wall. Dramatic for room dividers. Can be used in a central wall to delineate a room. Create different size finishes on either side of the wall.
• Room Divider bioethanol fireplace: Open at one end and both sides. Projects into room from a main wall.
• Island bioethanol fireplace: Freestanding, visible from all four sides. Often used as a central feature in the middle of the room with a "chimney" hanging from ceiling.
• Right Corner bioethanol fireplace: Open to front and right-hand corner.
• Left Corner bioethanol fireplace: Open to front and left-hand corner.
  

For most media walls, Single-Sided is the right choice. Three-Sided works if you want to increase the appearance of the length of the fireplace.

Practical Installation Notes

Power Requirements

All Planika automatic bioethanol burners and cased bioethanol fireplaces need a standard 230V power supply. We always advise to have an external fused switch so that the power supply for the fire can be isolated.

Ventilation

Every bioethanol fire needs fresh air. Planika specifies one complete air change per hour. In most modern homes, this happens naturally through trickle vents and door gaps. For very airtight new builds and Passive House builds, contact us.

Fuel Storage

You'll need somewhere to store bioethanol. Planika's Fanola fuel comes in various sizes. Store in the original container, away from heat sources, out of reach of children.

Running Costs

Fuel consumption depends on flame setting. Rough figures based on Planika Fanola Bioethanol Fuel at £4.00/litre:

• Planika Neo 1000: ~0.7L/hour - approximately £2.80/hour
• Planika FLA4/Primefire (medium setting): ~0.75L/hour - approximately £3.00/hour
• Planika FLA4+: Same consumption as FLA4 but with bigger tank

Frequently Asked Questions About Bioethanol Fireplaces