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Say "Yes" To These 5 Patio Gas Tips
Patio Gas Versus Butane and Propane

Patio heaters are a fantastic way to comfortably warm your outdoor areas, allowing you to increase the use of your outdoor space. They are extremely efficient and can be adjusted to provide a variety of heating.

Gas is available in small "patio bottles" which are designed to work with BBQs and use an adjustable regulator clip and butane cylinders come with screw in connectors.

What is Patio Gas?

Patio gas is propane, butane, or butane in a small container designed to be used for barbecues and heaters on patios. These bottles have a specific regulator (more on these later) that connects to the hose of your appliance. The cylinders are green, as opposed to the propane cylinders that are red or blue found in the barbecue section. Patio gas bottles include a gauge to ensure that you can see when the bottle is running out.

Both butane and propane are flammable hydrocarbons which ignite when they are burned. Butane has a lower boiling point than propane and is suitable for use in cooler temperatures. Propane is able to burn at a higher temperature and is more suitable for outdoor cooking and heating.

All leisure devices that utilize bottles of gas come with a regulator valve which reduces the pressure of the gas coming out of the cylinder. This valve stops the cylinder from bursting when you open it, and stops the appliances from working too quickly. Regulators can be clip-on or screw-on and are available in different sizes to fit different types of cylinders. Propane and Butane have different pressure requirements, and therefore the regulators are not interchangeable.

What is Butane?

Butane is the 2nd lightest of hydrocarbons (following propane) with four carbon atoms and ten hydrogen atoms. It is known chemically as C4H10, and is commonly used in butane lighters as well as torches. Butane is an oily liquid at room temperature, and is inert and odorless. In addition to being utilized as a fuel for butane heaters and gas patio appliances, it is often employed as a solvent in the manufacture of cosmetics, perfumes and pharmaceuticals.

Butane and propane, both safe and clean-burning, are both reliable sources of energy for businesses, homes and industries in Tennessee and southern Kentucky. They both burn more cleanly than other fossil fuels, and emit considerably less greenhouse gases when they are burned. However, there are some differences between butane and propane that must be understood.

Propane and Butane differ in their boiling points, the temperature at which each gas begins to vaporize at a given pressure. This makes propane better suited to colder temperatures and outdoor use, since it will not freeze in its pressurized containers. Additionally, propane has lower boiling points than butane, which makes it more flammable and safer to store in cylinders.

n-Butane is a volatile liquid that is colorless, odorless and tasteless. It is not harmful to humans, but it may cause irritation to the mucous membranes and eyes. Inhalation of 10,000ppm for 10 minutes can cause drowsiness. However, there are no other adverse effects to the system.

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code outlines the rules and regulations applicable to shipping dangerous chemicals such as butane. It is essential to adhere to these rules when shipping butane as failure to follow them could result in penalties, fines or even the confiscation of a leaky container.

Although it isn't a common occurrence, butane abuse can lead to death from asphyxia or cardiac arrhythmia. Butane can be used as propellant in homemade products. Autopsies from two instances of deliberate inhalation of butane have revealed changes related to butane in the lungs and heart. These changes may be caused by the penetration of butane through the pulmonary mucosa and alveoli. Histological studies confirmed these findings. The intentional butane abuse also results in a high death rate in children.

What is Propane?

Propane, also referred to as liquefied petrol or LPG gas (C3H8) is an hydrocarbon gas. It is a safe and clean energy source that can be used to heat homes and cook food, as well as power appliances and run vehicles. Propane comes from both the refining process of crude oil and natural gas in roughly equal amounts. It is non-toxic, colorless and almost odorless. To detect leaks producers add ethyl-mercaptan, an odorant.

Propane is a gaseous substance at temperatures of room temperature. But, when it is compressed, it transforms into liquid. Propane is able to be transported safely and easily, and it is stored underground in tanks under controlled conditions. It is then distributed to businesses, homeowners and other customers via a network of pipelines.

While propane is a great option for a range of residential and commercial applications, it's especially well-suited to outdoor applications. It can power outdoor fixtures such as grills, patio heaters and fire pits. It can be used as a backup source of energy in the event of power outages. The propane fuel is also ecologically friendly. It releases fewer harmful pollutants than other fossil fuel when burned.

The many uses of propane have made it an essential part of American life. But what do you know about the process through which it is transported from its natural sources to your home?

Propane is a by-product of the natural gas processing industry and crude oil refineries. It is stored both above and underground. Distributed to natural gas processing facilities as well as homes through a network comprised of truckers, pipelines, and railroad automobiles. After it has been liquefied, it can be stored and transported in small portable tanks. The majority of propane consumed in America comes from domestic sources, which makes this clean, economical fuel an ideal choice for residential and commercial use. It's also beneficial 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 require?

Both propane and butane work equally well with your BBQ or patio heater. However, the gas bottle you will need is determined by the kind of appliance you're using. Propane is stored in green bottles that are designed specifically for outdoor appliances such as patio heaters and barbecues They are compatible with a 27mm clip on regulator. Butane is stored in blue bottles and is more frequently used for camping stoves and single burner cookers. They also come with a screw-on regulator.

Gas regulators are fitted on all gas cylinders for leisure use. propane patio gas reduce the pressure and regulate the quantity of gas dispensed. This makes sure that the cylinder doesn't empty too quickly and prevents damage to the appliance. Gas regulators differ depending on whether you are using propane or butane cylinders. Propane and butane require to be released at different pressures which is why they cannot be switched between appliances without swapping the regulator.

Gas cylinders typically have an indicator that will let you know when the gas is low. It is also easy to check the level by pouring a glass of warm water over the top of the cylinder, this will make it change temperature and give you an idea of how much gas remains. You can also make use of a thermometer to get an precise reading.

LPG cylinders come in a variety of sizes and shapes to fit various appliances, from 3.9kg for camping equipment that can be carried around up to 47kg for caravans that are on moving. Most of them are made from metal and must be kept upright, away from fire exits, and building entrances.


Go through the manual for your barbecue or patio heater to see whether they recommend a certain kind or brand. Certain manufacturers have their own brand of cylinders that are designed specifically for their equipment however, they can also be used with other brands.

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