A propane gas cylinder and a butane gas cylinder

Propane Or Butane? Propane vs Butane – Which Is Right For You?

Bottled gas is one of the most convenient and versatile fuels available. It’s compact, making it easy to store and transport and it produces a great deal of thermal energy relative to other fuels. It can be used to power a barbecue during the summer or provide heat during the cold winter months. But did you know that there are two distinct types of bottled gas available? You can opt for either butane gas or propane gas.

It’s important to understand the differences between these two options so that you can choose the one that’s right for you. We’ll look at both gases in detail in today’s blog.

1. Propane

Propane is more volatile than butane because it has a lower boiling point. In fact, it’s boiling point is stunningly low. It’s minus 45 degrees Celsius! This is important because if a bottled gas drops below its boiling point, it becomes a liquid and won’t work effectively as a fuel. Propane’s ultra-low boiling point means that it remains a viable fuel, even in the coldest conditions. It will light easily, even on the chilliest days of the year and it won’t become unusable if taken into extremely cold environments.

Propane is a great fuel for individuals who need to keep warm and cook food in freezing, outdoor conditions. Mountaineering and extreme camping enthusiasts, for example, are better off using propane than butane. It’s also the perfect option for individuals who use gas as their main power- source because it can be relied on to light and provide energy under any circumstances. However, its high volatility means it’s not quite as safe as butane, so it may not be suitable for casual users.

2. Butane

Butane is safer than propane. It doesn’t light quite as easily and outputs slightly less thermal energy over time. This means that it can be stored and transported with less risk of accidental combustion. Provided you take reasonable safety precautions, butane gas bottles are almost guaranteed not to catch fire accidentally. If you just want a gas for barbecuing or a short camping trip, butane is ideal because you don’t need to become an expert in gas safety in order to use it. The boiling point of butane gas is just minus one degree Celsius.

we offer both propane and butane Calor gas bottles in a variety of sizes. Check out our range today.