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What Is The Difference Between Patio Gas And Butane



Is Propane And Lpg The Same What Is The Difference Between Lp Vs Propane Liquid Petroleum Gas Vs Propane

Essentially, LP gas and propane are the same thing. In addition to propane, LPG can be butane, isobutane or any of a number of different gases, all of which are flammable hydrocarbon gases with similar or identical formulae categorised as Liquid Petroleum Gas – LPG. The difference between LP vs propane is that LP includes propane but propane is only one of the LP gases.

LPG-propane is a liquid when under pressure in a gas bottle. Propane does work better than butane in cold conditions.

So, propane is the same as LPG but LPG can include other gases, as well.


The bad news is that this causes a lot of confusion and concern.

The good news is that Propane is readily available in Australia, we just call it LPG.

Propane is LPG, so no worries!

Propane is the gas that is supplied to virtually all homes and most businesses that purchase LPG in Australia.

LPG is supplied in gas bottles that are either exchanged or refilled on site by LPG tankers.


When used for a BBQ, it can be refilled or exchanged for a full one in a swap scheme. 

These are typically 9kg bottles.  SWAP’n’GO BBQ gas bottles are a good example of a swap system.

Is LP the Same as Propane – Is LP Gas and Propane the Same Thing – Is LP Gas Propane

Yes, LP is the same as propane. LP gas and propane are the same thing.  “LP gas” or just “LP” is just another way of saying “LPG” or “LPG gas”, all of which are the same as propane, propane gas or liquid propane.

What Is Patio Gas Patio Gas Vs Propane Patio Gas Bottle Patio Gas Cylinder


Patio gas can be either propane or butane and supplied in a patio gas bottle or patio gas cylinders. Both propane and butane are sold as patio gas for BBQ and both work equally well, although propane is preferred in cold weather.

Patio gas is supplied in a patio gas bottle , which requires a patio gas regulator. Patio gas refill is available for virtually all patio gas bottles .

Patio gas bottle sizes include 13kg patio gas and 5kg patio gas in the UK whilst Australia has 9kg and 4kg patio gas bottles .

In addition to using patio gas for BBQ, it can also be used in a gas patio heater.

Regarding patio gas vs propane, they are essentially the same thing.


Why Is A Pressure Gauge Useless For Determining How Much Gas Is In The Bottle

Pressurised gauges are good for measuring how much gas in a pressurised gas bottle, like diving bottles.

Propane, Butane and LPG bottles don’t have pressurised gas in them, they have liquefied gas. Liquefied gas means that the pressure is affected by the temperature and not the quantity of gas. The pressure will remain constant until the bottle is empty.

This explains a lot for when I tried to use the gauge to determine how much gas was in the bottle. It was all over the place, some days it was full, other days nearly empty. Took me a while to twig that on the cold days the pressure was way down compared to warm days. So in the summer it always looks like you have plenty of gas. Those pressure gauges are in fact useless. Don’t be tempted to by one. The pressure of your gas bottle will not let you know how much gas is in there.


Gas For A Bbq: What Type Of Gas For Bbq Bbq Gas Bottle Barbecue Gas Bottle

The gas for a BBQ grill is LPG, and would include propane gas, butane gas and mixtures of these fuel gases. This is also referred to as BBQ gas or barbecue gas.

 

The type of gas for a BBQ grill is either propane or natural gas. LPG is what type of gas for a BBQ gas bottle and is composed of the flammable hydrocarbon gases propane and butane. A barbecue gas bottle is the same as an LPG gas bottle.


A gas BBQ heats up instantly, without a lot of preparation, and require no ash clean up. Gas BBQ grills are manufactured for propane use but can be easily converted to natural gas.

Gas for a BBQ is also referred to as BBQ gas or patio gas . Both propane and butane are sold as gas for a BBQ and both work equally well. In Australia, a BBQ gas bottle contains propane.

Gas BBQ grills are the most popular kind of home BBQ. They are fuelled by LPG BBQ gas bottles or a natural gas connection from the house.

The vast majority of BBQs are built for LPG and require conversion for natural gas.

A barbecue gas bottle is the same as an LPG gas bottles and is also referred to as “patio gas bottle”.


Fast Facts About Gas For A Bbq Gas Bottle What Type Of Gas For A Bbq Fuel

15kg Butane Gas Bottle Morrisons

Most BBQs – barbecues – can use either propane, butane or a propane-butane mix. In countries where propane and butane use different gas regulators, the gas regulator determines what gas to use for BBQ. Both gases will work equally well unless the temperature drops below freezing, when butane stops vaporising.

In cold weather situations, propane is the gas of choice, as a butane bottle stops providing usable gas below freezing.

1. LPG is the acronym for Liquefied Petroleum Gas, which is gas for barbecues.

2. LPG gas for barbecues fuel is flammable hydrocarbon gas that is liquefied through pressurisation.

3. Gas for a BBQ gas bottle comes from natural gas processing and petroleum refining.

4. The gases that fall under the “BBQ gas” label include either propane or butane, as well as mixtures of these two types for fuel gas for BBQ grilling.

5. Gas for a BBQ is compressed into liquid at relatively low pressures.

6. Fuel gas for a BBQ gas bottle is frequently used for outdoor gas appliances, like gas BBQ and patio heaters, hence the name patio gas bottle.

7. Gas for a BBQ is stored, as a liquid, in small BBQ gas bottles.

8. Gas for a BBQ grill is the same as LPG

9. LPG gas for a BBQ is also called BBQ gas or patio gas.

Which Gas For A Bbq Gas Bottle What Gas Is In Bbq Gas Bottles

A BBQ gas bottle contains propane gas. It is a great choice for year round cooking, as propane works at a lower temperature than butane – another common gas for a BBQ. Available in 9kg and 4kg BBQ gas bottle sizes, there’s gas for every size barbecue.

Gas for a BBQ gas bottle can be supplied as pure propane, pure butane or a mixture of the two types for gas for a BBQ gas bottle .

Assuming summer gas BBQ weather, which of these LPG gases for a BBQ would make virtually no difference in your gas grilling experience.  So, which gas for a BBQ gas bottle is a moot point.

LPG gas for a BBQ fuel is liquefied through pressurisation and distributed in small portable gas bottles or disposable cartridges.

Gas for a BBQ gas bottle is also used for various outdoor gas appliances including outdoor heaters, smokers, fire pits and pizza ovens, as well as a gas for grilling.

What Is Lpg Made Of: Lpg Composition Is Lpg Propane Or Butane

What is LPG made of?Propane is LPG but not all LPG is propane. LPG is also butane and other gases. The gases that fall under the “LPG” label, including ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene, normal butane, butylene, isobutane and isobutylene, as well as mixtures of these gases. The two most common are Propane and Butane.

Lpg Gas: What Is The Difference Between Propane And Butane

James Callow

So you have probably read somewhere, or have perhaps been told, that propane and butane are both forms of LPG gas – but what exactly does that mean and what are the similarities and differences between the two? 

Before we get into that, let’s first take a look at LPG and what it is. Liquefied petroleum gas is a term widely used to describe a family of light hydrocarbon gases. The two most well known gases in this family are propane and butane. 

Both of these gases have commercial and residential uses as well as similar qualities, this means people often get confused between the two. The gases can both be used as a fuel in heating, cooking, hot water, vehicles, refrigerants and much more.

Which Type Of Gas For A Bbq Composition Gas For A Bbq

Which type of gas is in BBQ gas bottles varies in different countries. What is supplied can be propane, butane or propane-butane blends .

Type of gas for a BBQ is just propane in Australia and the USA.

In NZ, gas for a BBQ is a propane-butane blend.

In the UK, you can purchase patio gas as either propane or butane gas for a BBQ.

How Do You Tell How Much Gas Is Left In The Gas Bottle

Once you decide on the gas you want to use how can you tell how much gas is in there? This is quite tricky to determine, though you wouldn’t think so.

Originally I got a pressure gauge that lets you know roughly if there is any gas in the bottle. That is basically all it does – it lets you know there is gas. It can’t tell you how much gas is there. A pressure gauge is useless.

The best method to use to give you an accurate reading is to measure the weight of the bottle when you get it. Our bottles are 11kg – this means there is 11kg of gan in there, the rest of the weight is the bottle itself. So if you assume that there is actually 11kg of gas you just have to weigh the bottle, subtract 11kg and that will be the weight at empty.

For example, our bottle is 11kg of gas, total weight is 24kg so when the weight is around 13kg we know that bottle is getting very close to empty and will change before the next trip.

Now sometimes bottles are strapped in or hard to get in and out. Another method and my personal favourite is to use a mug of warm water. Pour the water down the side of the gas cylinder and then feel the metal with your hand. You will feel a temperature difference, it will be cooler where the liquefied gas is sitting and that difference is the level of gas in the cylinder.

What Is Propane And Butane Gas & Whats The Difference

Propane comes from natural gas processing and oil refining and is a highly flammable hydrocarbon gas. To make it suitable for domestic and commercial use, the gas is liquified through pressurisation, and you’ll find propane is commonly used for a whole host of heating and cooking needs both at home and in businesses.

Butane is also a highly flammable hydrocarbon gas that comes from natural gas processing and oil refining, just like propane. However, the uses of the two gases are quite different as you’ll find butane is most commonly used as a fuel and refrigerant gas.

Whilst propane and butane gas have many similarities, there are some distinct differences that you need to be aware of. The most significant difference between these two gases is the point of boiling, as propane has a boiling temperature of -42°C, whilst butane has a much higher boiling point at -2°C.

Whilst this may not mean an awful lot to the average person, it’s actually extremely important when it comes to choosing which type of gas to use, as propane is ideal for use in colder climates due to its lower boiling temperature. Not only this, but propane also exerts significantly more pressure than butane at the same temperature, meaning it’s ideal for exterior storage and use all year round.

What Is The Difference Between Butane And Propane Gas

Gas is just gas right? Nope! There’s a big difference between butane and propane gas. 

Butane gas is mainly used for camping, single burner cooking appliances and indoor portable heaters. Butane has a boiling point of -2ºc and tends to be a bit cheaper than propane. 

Propane gas is mainly used as a commercial heating and large appliance fuel . Propane has a boiling temperature of -42ºc, so is suitable for use all-year-round. Propane is ideal if you’re intending to use your BBQ or appliance in very cold temperatures. 

Either type of gas can be used on a BBQ, however propane tends to be the most popular choice.

Beyond these distinctions, there are various benefits to each type of gas which we have detailed below. 

Gas For A Bbq Goes By Other Names What Is Patio Gas

The Difference Between Gases used for Barbecues

In the UK, the gas is in BBQ gas bottles can also be referred to as “Patio Gas”. Patio gas is propane, but they also sell butane gas in BBQ gas bottles sizes.

In Australia, it is called BBQ gas or LPG gas.

It is also called Camping Gas.

In the USA they just refer to the vessel instead of the gas, so it is a “Propane Tank”.

When they use it, they also usually call it grilling, instead of barbecuing.

What Are The Benefits Of Using Propane Gas For Bbqs

Propane gas also has a number of distinct benefits when using it with your BBQ. These benefits include:

  • All year round operation – perhaps the biggest benefit of using propane gas is that it will work all-year-round with no problems. That’s because of its boiling temperature of -42ºc. This means that if you’re a regular BBQer even in the depths of winter, propane can keep you cooking on!
  • Instant and efficient burn – as with butane, propane gas gets to work quickly. Propane lights instantly and reaches its maximum heat output soon after. So, if you want a quick, convenient and easy way of cooking on your gas BBQ, propane is an excellent choice. 
  • Ease of use – again, like butane, propane gas is an easy to use fuel source. Simply connect the gas bottle to your BBQ, allow the gas to reach the appliance, hit the ignition switch and you’re cooking on gas!
  • Taste – this is a slightly odder benefit, but there are some people who argue that food cooked on butane fuelled BBQs doesn’t taste as nice as food cooked on propane fueled BBQs. We’ll let you use your own judgement on this, as everyone’s taste buds are different…

What Size Gas Cylinder Do I Need For Family Camping

You can get some very large cylinders.

Big cylinders are typically for large patio heaters or for houses that aren’t on the gas mains. In other words, attached to things that don’t move much.

Large cylinders are just too heavy to transport, and can also increase the safety risk. In fact, you may find that large cylinders are banned on campsites for safety reasons.

bigger is not always better.

So bigger is not always better.

The amount of gas most people use when camping can easily be accommodated with smaller gas cylinders, so aim to get a cylinder less than 15kg . A Calor 4.5kg Butane Cylinder is a recommended size.

We’ve cooked many meals on our Campingaz R907 cylinder, which has less gas than the Calor 4.5kg version. They do last a long time.

What Are The Benefits Of Using Butane Gas For Bbqs

Butane gas has a number of benefits when using it with a gas BBQ. These benefits include:

  • Efficiency in warm weather– if you’re going to be BBQing in warm weather then butane gas is a very efficient fuel source. On the flip side, if you decide to do some outdoor cooking during winter then butane won’t flow well in low temperatures. 
  • Low toxicity – butane is a very clean burning gas, so if you’re keen to use a fuel source that has a small impact on the environment, then butane makes the perfect choice.
  • Quick and effective burn – with butane you don’t have to go through a laborious process to get it lit and burning. Butane gas lights instantly and reaches its maximum heat output almost as quickly, so if you want to get cooking as soon as possible, choose butane gas as your fuel source.
  • Cost effective – butane tends to be the cheaper option when it comes to BBQ gas, so if you’re looking to save money, butane should be your fuel of choice. 
  • Energy efficient – if you’re looking for a fuel source that’ll give you maximum heat for your money, then butane is head and shoulders above propane. Butane typically produces 12% more energy than propane for the same volume of gas burnt. So, if you’re a regular BBQ user, stock up on the butane gas!
  • Easy to use – using butane gas is really easy. To get started, all you need to do is attach the gas bottle to your BBQ, allow the gas to run through to the appliance and then hit the ignition switch. Easy!

What Can Risk Factors Be In The Use Of Propane Gas

Whatever may be your preferred mode of camping gas, there always remain risk factors. In any case, safety should always be the primary priority.

A gas explosion may happen from the leak. It can be either below or above ground.

Such leakage may cause carbon monoxide poisoning caused by incomplete combustion from an appliance or piece of equipment.

Therefore, next time you go camping, keep in mind the priority you would like to choose. And when it comes to choosing camping gas, be alert.

Is camping gas the same as propane? Even if it is considered positive, still every gas has a balanced mixture. If you want mixed gas, you might be compromising with heat.

If you want the most efficient burning fuel, propane might be your choice of camping gas. You can even get customized ones.

Whatever camping gas you choose, remember to keep in mind the safety measures. Follow the instructions that come with the camping gas cylinder. And be careful with the usage.

How Do You Choose A Gas Stove For The Camping Gas

After choosing suitable gas, there comes the need to consider a camping gas stove. Not all the camping stove support the same sort of camping gas.

You need to choose your camping gas according to your camping stove. However, Campingaz 400 ST supports both butane and propane camping gases.

Now let’s discuss the weather. You can easily go camping with butane and face no problems in spring or mornings right after slight frost. But any more than that would be pushing its limits.

There are various sorts of camping gas available in the market. You can choose a Calor 3.9kg Propane gas cylinder for winter camping. Campingaz R907 gas cylinder would be better if planning for camping in Europe.

 

What Is The Difference Between Propane And Butane

Propane and butane are both types of Liquid Petroleum Gas however they both have slightly different uses. Propane is most commonly used for homes that are off the grid for domestic heating, cookers, gas barbecues and other commercial appliances. Butane is typically used indoors for heaters, single burner cookers and camping.

Tip For Finding Cheaper Gas Cylinders For Camping

Getting a smart new stove, like the Campingaz 400 ST, is only part of the outlay, as you also have to buy a gas cylinder.

The thing is, you don’t buy a gas bottle but hire, and the price you pay is for the cylinder plus gas.

When you’ve run out of gas you exchange your gas cylinder for a refill, which should just be the cost of the gas. So a refill doesn’t happen whilst you wait, your cylinder is just swapped for one that’s already been refilled.

Depending on the brand of gas you get , the initial hire cost for the bottle could be expensive. A Campingaz R907 gas cylinder plus gas could set you back in the region of £65.  Refills could be £30.

In theory, if you’re done with the gas bottle and don’t need it anymore, you should be able to return it to the supplier and get some of the cost of the bottle back…though this is often at the discretion and goodwill of the supplier.

Many people don’t, and end up with a gas bottle that’s no longer used, sitting in the corner of their garage. Many people will eventually take these unused gas cylinders to a car boot sale, or even the local tip/recycling centre.

This is where you can buy a bottle for the fraction of the price, and it may even still have some gas in it.

If the bottle needs a refill, you can exchange it, and you’ve still saved yourself some money.

Common Types Of Gas Bottles And Their Regulators

Refillable Adapter Connect Valve For Outdoor Camping Gas ...

If you’re not too sure what type of regulator you will need for your gas bottle, we have created a handy table below which lists some of the most common types of gas bottle on the market and their compatible regulators.  

Gas Bottle Type
Calor Gas Patio Gas 5kg, 13kg, BP Gas Light or Flogas Leisure cylinders Propane Clip-On Regulator 27mm, 37mbar

Whats The Difference Between Butane And Propane

Operating temperature is the main difference between Propane and Butane gas. Butane will stop working at around freezing and Propane will work till about -40degree Celsius . Propane is suited to colder climates and Butane works well in warm climates.

If you are using gas indoors then use Butane, the cylinders are less pressurised and it makes me feel safer sitting next to one. If you are using gas in any type of cold weather and the bottles are outside then use Propane.

Whats The Difference Between Propane And Butane

The biggest difference between propane and butane is their boiling point, or the temperature at which each gas vaporizes. Propane’s boiling point is a low -43.6 F, which allows for vaporization as soon as propane is released from its pressurized containers. By comparison, butane boils at 30.2 F, or just below freezing.

Propane Vs Butane Which Is Right For Your Bbq

With the BBQ season in full swing, you’ve probably already had a couple of BBQs with a small group of friends. If you’re starting to run low on gas, you may be considering propane or butane for cooking on your BBQ, as these are the two most commonly used gases for domestic BBQs.

Here, we take a closer look at some of the benefits that both propane and butane can bring to your BBQ, so you can make an informed choice the next time you need to buy some BBQ gas.

Where To Find Refills Of Camping Gas Cylinders

Again, larger camping retailers will also sell refills.

You can often find refills at some petrol stations near popular campsites or camping routes , and often larger campsites will stock a selection of refills.

If you are camping in Europe, then Campingaz refills will be easy to find, but you won’t find refills for Calor gas.

To avoid running out of gas when camping, some people take two cylinders, but this, of course, increases the cost and makes transport more difficult.

Can You Use Butane Gas On A Propane Regulator

Butane gas regulators use lower pressure regulators than propane. While both serve as fuel to power different appliances, the main difference between the two is their freezing and boiling points. As we mentioned, propane freezes at -180c and burns at -42c. Butane, on the other hand, freezes at -140c and has a much higher boiling point of -2c.

Taking these factors into consideration, they serve different functions. Because propane works well at lower temperatures, it is the perfect choice for outdoor use. Butane is a better option for indoor use due to its higher boiling point.

You can use butane or propane, as long as you have the necessary regulator. Butane and propane regulators differ in size so you should not substitute one for the other. It is crucial that you check you have the right regulator for your cylinder to avoid any potential problems. 

For a 4.5kg butane bottle, you must use a 29mm bar low-pressure screw-on regulator or a 21mm regulator with a clip-on inlet connection for 7kg, 12kg, and 15kg butane gas cylinders.

Renewable Vs Climate Friendly Gas For A Bbq

Most people would think that a renewable fuel, like charcoal, is more eco-friendly than gas for a BBQ. However, when it comes to charcoal versus Gas for a BBQ , the climate friendly choice is not what you may think.

Biofuels do not always result in a smaller carbon footprint than the fossil fuel alternatives.

The problem with charcoal is that it emits almost 3X the amount of CO2 that is produced when you use gas for a BBQ.

This is harmful because CO2 is a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.

To produce charcoal, you heat wood in a kiln.

However, the usable output of charcoal is only around 20-35% of the original input.

The remainder of the wood turns into gas and is emitted into the atmosphere.

In contrast, BBQ gas energy yields are greater than 90%.

The fact that you cannot simply turn a charcoal grill ON and OFF increases the problem.

Charcoal fires need to be started ahead of time and then take time to burn themselves out.

Gas for a BBQ is just a much more efficient fuel for cooking.

The following chart shows the comparison:

Which Is Best For Camping Propane Or Butane

There are generally two types of gas in use for outdoor stoves: Butane or Propane.

These are both types of Liquid Petroleum Gas , which is often used in camping gas stoves.

If you’re looking at buying gas cylinders in the UK, you’ll notice some are blue and some a red .

But what’s the difference between butane and propane?

Propane works when it gets cold. Unfortunately for Butane, the gas condenses when it gets cold and won’t flow . So, if you are planning on any winter camping, propane gas is the only way to go.

But if propane works all year round, why bother with butane? Well, butane burns more efficiently, so you can get more gas out of a smaller butane bottle than a bigger propane one, plus propane cylinders tend to be heavier, making butane easier to transport when you have lots of camping gear.

You must also check your intended camping stove to see what gas it officially supports. Stoves such as the Campingaz 400 ST work with both Butane and Propane.

We go camping earlier and later in the year than most families in the UK, but we’ve gone for butane gas and had no problems in spring or mornings after a slight frost, but that’s pushing the limits of butane.

Replacing A Campingaz Cylinder Carry Handle

Gas Refill Adapter Outdoor Camping Hiking Stove Tank ...

The Campingaz cylinders have a very simple connection, where you can just screw the cylinder and regulator together.

The Campingaz cylinders do tend to be a few pounds more expensive, but this ease of use has made them a firm favourite with family campers.

Your Campingaz cylinder should come with a carry handle that screws into the fitting where the cylinder goes. This not only makes the gas cylinder easier to carry but protects the fitting at the same time.

It’s important that you don’t lose this handle as your cylinder may not be accepted as a complete cylinder when you come to exchange for a refill.

You can buy these handles, but they are expensive for what they are .

How Many Types Of Gas Regulators Are There

There are four main types of gas pressure regulators including: Line gas pressure regulators—Typically, line regulators are point-of-use gas pressure regulators that serve low-pressure pipelines. They can be used in conjunction with high-pressure cylinder regulators that limit the inlet pressure to 250 to 400 psig.

How To Check The Levels Of Your Gas Bottle

An easy way of checking the levels of gas left in your bottle is to fill a jug of warm water, pour it down the side of the bottle. After 5 seconds use your hands to feel for a change of temperature on the bottle. The part that is cold to touch will indicate how much gas is left. If the bottle is warm the full way down it means your bottle is completely empty.

Is there anything we’ve missed? If you have any questions don’t hesitate to contact us through our enquiry form or phone us on to discuss.

We sell a range of Calor bottled gas to view click hereor to order phone our office on

What If Your Gas Cylinder Is Old And Rusty

Because gas cylinders are exchanged, you could end up with an old and battered one , right next to your new and shiny camping stove.

If this bothers you, you can get covers for the old cylinder, such as this one for a Campingaz R907 Cylinder.

It may also keep the gas a fraction warmer, which is a good thing when it gets cold. Plus the cover can prevent any rust from a really old cylinder from getting over your car and other gear when going to and from the campsite.

Are Propane And Butane Regulators The Same

AppliancesKitchen

There is one main difference between propane and butane. Propane is a three-carbon gas while butane is a four-carbon gas. However, both are highly flammable and odorless gases that can be very easily compressed into liquid form.

All propane and butane gas bottle appliances need a hose and a regulator to connect to a gas bottle. These connectors are generally included with the item, especially with portable heaters and patio heaters as well as non-portable barbecues.

However, are not the same as butane gas regulators tend to use lower pressure regulators than propane.

will use a 29mm bar low-pressure regulator. This screws onto a valve outlet. When a regulator’s black washer is tightened, it forms a very gas-tight seal. 7kg, 12kg, and 15kg butane cylinders have 21mm valves. These can only be used with 21mm regulators which have a clip-on inlet connection.

A , on the other hand, requires a higher-pressured adjustable 0.5 – 2 bar screw-on regulator.  6kg, 13kg, 19kg, and 47kg propane cylinders need a high-pressure adjustable 0.5 – 1 bar screw-on regulator. 

You must check you have the correct regulator for your cylinder, whether it is propane or butane.



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