Patio Gas Versus Butane and Propane

Patio heaters allow you to enjoy your outdoor space longer by warming it up. They are incredibly efficient and provide adjustable heat.

Gas is available in 'patio' bottles which are compatible with barbecues. They use a clip-on regulator, and butane cylinders come with screw-in connectors.

What is Patio Gas?

Patio gas is propane or butane that comes in a small 'patio bottle' made with barbecues and patio heaters in mind. These bottles use a special regulator (more on these later) that connects to the hose of your appliance. The cylinders are green, unlike the propane cylinders in red or blue located in the barbecue section. Patio gas bottles include a gauge to ensure that you know when the bottle is empty.

Both propane and butane gas are flammable hydrocarbon gases that burn when they are burned. Butane has a lower boiling point than propane and is able to be used in cooler temperatures. Propane burns at a higher temperature and is more suited to heating and cooking outdoors.

All leisure appliances that use bottled gas are fitted with a regulator valve that reduces the pressure of the gas that is coming out of the cylinder. This helps prevent the cylinder from blowing out when you open it and stops your appliances working too fast. Regulators are available in clip-on or screw on styles and in various sizes to fit the various types of cylinders. Butane and Propane have different pressure requirements, which is why the regulators are not interchangeable.

What is Butane?

Butane is the second-lightest of hydrocarbons (following propane) with four carbon atoms and 10 hydrogen atoms. It is also referred to by its chemical name C4H10 and is used in butane torchers and lighters. Butane is an oily liquid at temperatures of room temperature. More suggestions is not odorless. Butane is used to fuel patio gas heaters and butane heaters. It is also used as a solvent in the production of cosmetics, perfumes and pharmaceuticals.


Both butane and propane are safe, non-toxic, clean-burning fuels that are an energy source that is reliable for businesses and homes in Tennessee and southern Kentucky. They both burn cleaner than other fossil fuels and release significantly fewer greenhouse gases when they are burned. There are some important differences between butane and propane.

Propane and Butane differ in their boiling points, which is the temperature at which each gas vaporizes at a certain pressure. Propane is better suited to outdoor use and colder temperatures since its containers will not freeze. In addition propane has a lower boiling point than butane, making it more flammable and safer to store in cylinders.

n-Butane, a volatile liquid that is colorless and odorless. It also does not have taste or smell. It is safe for humans, however it can be irritating to the mucous membranes and eyes. Inhaling 10,000 ppm for 10 minutes causes an increase in drowsiness but does not cause any other negative effects to the system.

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code outlines the rules and regulations that apply to transporting dangerous chemicals, such as butane. It is essential to adhere to these guidelines when shipping butane, as not doing so could result in fines, penalties or even the confiscation of a leaking cylinder.

Although it isn't common however, abuse of butane can result in death from asphyxia or cardiac arrhythmias. Butane can be used as a propellant in homemade products. In two instances of deliberate butane inhalation autopsies have revealed changes in the heart and lungs caused by butane. These changes are due to the passage of butane through the alveoli and pulmonary mucosa. Histological examination confirmed these findings. The intentional butane abuse also results in a high death rate among children.

What is Propane?

Propane is a kind of hydrocarbon gas (C3H8) that is also known as liquefied petroleum gas or LPG. It is a safe and clean energy source, which can be used to heat homes cook food, power appliances and run vehicles. Propane is produced both from natural gas refining crude oil and processing, with approximately equal amounts coming from each source. It is non-toxic, colorless and almost odorless. To identify leaks, producers add ethylmercaptan, a aromatizer.

Propane is a gaseous substance at temperatures of room temperature. But, when it is pressurized, it becomes liquid. This permits propane to be transported easily and safely. It's stored in underground tanks with controlled conditions at the production and distribution centers. It is distributed to businesses as well as homeowners and other customers via pipelines.

While propane is an excellent choice for a variety of commercial and residential applications It is particularly well-suited for outdoor uses. It can be used to power outdoor amenities like grills patio heaters, fire pits, and also provide an energy source backup in the event of power outages. The propane fuel is also environmentally friendly. It emits less harmful pollutants than any other fossil-fuel when it is burned.

The versatility of propane makes it a crucial element of American life. But how much do you know about the method by which it is transported from its natural sources to your home?

Propane is produced as an out-product of the natural gas processing industry and crude oil refinery. It is stored both underground and above. It is distributed to natural gas processing facilities and also to homes through a network of pipelines barges, truckers, and railroad automobiles. Once it's liquefied it can be stored in small, portable tanks for transportation and use. This fuel is clean and affordable. is an excellent choice for both residential and commercial applications. It's also efficient in rural areas where access to other kinds of fuel may be difficult. In fact propane is so plentiful that the United States is now a net exporter of this renewable energy source.

Which bottle do I need?

You can use either propane or butane in your BBQ or patio heater They both work well. The type of appliance that you use will determine the size and type of gas bottle you choose to use. Propane comes in green bottles designed for outdoor appliances, such as patio heaters and BBQs. These bottles work with 27mm clip-on regulators. Butane is available in blue bottles and is most commonly used with camp stoves and one-burner cookers. They also come with a screw-on regulator.

All gas cylinders for leisure are equipped with a gas regulator that decreases the pressure of the cylinder, and controls the amount of gas that is dispensed. This makes sure that the cylinder doesn't empty too quickly and can cause damage to the appliance. Gas regulators differ based on whether you're using butane or propane cylinders. Propane and butane are released at different levels of pressure, so they can't be switched without changing the regulator.

Most gas cylinders have an indicator on them that will let you know when you are getting close to running out of gas. Pouring warm water on top of the cylinder will also aid in checking the level. This will cause the temperature to fluctuate and give you an idea of how much fuel is remaining. You can also use a thermometer to get an exact reading.

LPG cylinders are available in a range of sizes and shapes that can be used with various appliances. They vary from 3.9kg to fit portable camping equipment up to 47kg to fit caravans. Most of these cylinders are made of steel and should be kept upright away from drains, entrances to buildings and fire escapes.

It is essential to read the instruction manual for your grill or patio heater to determine if it suggests the specific brand or type of gas bottle. Some manufacturers may offer their own brand of cylinder which is designed with their appliance in mind, and can be used with other brands.