Can You Use Propane Instead of Patio Gas? (EXPLAINED)


Can You Use Propane Instead of Patio Gas

Your patio heater is ready to work. But which type of gas should you use for it? Can you use propane instead of patio gas?

Using the right fuel is important for igniting a burner. So let us help you answer those questions. Keep scrolling down to discover! 

Can You Use Propane Instead Of Patio Gas? 

The answer is Yes. In fact, Patio Gas is a brand of gas rather than a type. It may come in propane or butane gas, but both work well for your burners.  

Often, when people compare propane and Patio Gas, they refer to regular propane and the one used in the Patio Gas bottles.

However, the difference is minor. Besides, the brand of Patio Gas matters here. 

What is Patio Gas?

Patio Gas is a common choice for many outdoor uses, especially patio heaters and barbecues. A 27mm regulator is well matched for those bottles.

Patio gas will be available in cylinders or patio gas bottles and can be butane or propane. They have the same effect. In colder regions, propane is a better solution.

Propane vs. Butane for Patio Gas 

Butane and propane are both LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas). They are low carbon, colorless, and efficient. Although they can power your appliances similarly, their different properties make them suitable for specific needs. 

Propane is a flammable hydrocarbon gas produced by refining oil and refining natural gas. Then, pressurization liquefies the gas to make it safe for residential and commercial consumption.

Propane is a good solution for a wide range of cooking and heating applications for home and commercial settings.

Like propane, butane is a flammable hydrocarbon gas produced while processing natural gas and oil. Here are some differences and similarities between the two LPGs when used in the form of Patio Gas. 

  • Differences

The major differences between these two types of gasses are in the gasses’ boiling points. Butane, with a boiling point of -2°C, is much higher than the boiling temperature of propane, which boils at -42°C. 

So, propane will continue evaporating and transforming into gas in colder areas, making it perfect for usage outside and throughout the harsh winters.

Propane produces more pressure than butane at the same heat when kept as a liquid in a cylinder. It is now more suitable for usage and storage outside.

  • Similarities 

Both butane and propane come from the same source type and are LPG.

The two gasses share many characteristics as a result, with their environmental friendliness being the most prominent.

Although propane creates more heat to burn more effectively than butane, butane has a trait that is advantageous to the environment in that it can liquefy rapidly, allowing simpler containment.

No long-term adverse effects on the ecosystem from any gas will occur. Both types of gasses are excellent energy sources that are risk-free, clean-burning, and non-toxic. 

Compared to other fuels, these two types of gas have much lower greenhouse emissions per unit due to their lower carbon content than oil, kerosene, diesel, gasoline, and ethanol.

Which Type Of Gas Is The Best? 

Both bottled gas and gas cylinders are available in many sizes and shapes to serve different purposes. The options include indoor gas cookers, camping gas burners, compact gas warmers, patio gas heaters, and BBQs. 

For instant heat

Butane is the best solution for instant heat. The fuel can work with supersizers, gas heaters, and portable heaters. Butane gas heaters that are neat, practical, and portable provide instant heat when used indoors. 

Butane gas bottles are safe, economical, and reliable. To ensure their outstanding performance, remember to replace the regulator every year. 

For cooking

Regular propane is a nice choice for cooking and heating in your house or place of work if there isn’t room for bulk tanks.

Standard propane bottles have a recognizable red hue. You can house them outside and hook them into your heating/cooking. 

For entertainment 

Patio Gas will bring you a satisfying entertainment experience. It does an excellent job of handling standard BBQs and patio heaters.  

There are many brands of Patio Gas to pick from. We highly recommend Calor and Flogas for your gathering.

What Is Calor Patio Gas? 

Calor is a famous patio gas brand. This kind of propane gas can work for outdoor appliances like BBQs and patio heaters. Although Calor Patio Gas is more costly than regular propane gas, you may employ it for multiple purposes. 

You can use Calor Patio Gas for any appliances you have that need propane gas to work. It’s high-powered propane that assists you in many tasks.  

Appliances

Because Calor and regular propane have the same chemical composition, most appliance types are compatible with both forms. 

However, Calor Gas won’t work with some appliances and needs others to run smoothly. Please check this list for detailed explanations. 

  • Outdoor grills

While some models perform quite well on regular propane, many do not and need Calor Gas to work. Before using a barbecue, you should make sure it can take propane gas.

  • Patio heaters 

Your heater is likely suitable for Calor Patio gas if it has the name “Calor” on it.

However, you should always verify the owner’s handbook, just in case. Some patio heaters that don’t state “Calor” on their label are incompatible with the gas.  

  • Patio fire pits 

A fire pit burner may need Calor Patio gas if there is a circular screen covering it with tiny holes. 

The majority of other kinds of outdoor fire pits run well with regular propane.

How to use Calor Patio Gas?

Please follow these steps to use Calor Patio Gas: 

  • Check that you have turned off the tank valve completely. Then, screw on the gas hose to it.  
  • Hook Calor Gas up to your appliance. 
  • Turn the gas bottle’s valve counterclockwise until it opens. 
  • Turn on the appliance by pushing down its power button. 
  • Hold a lit match close to the appliance’s burner. The gas in the hose will ignite. 
  • When the match’s flame lights the burner, a stream of gas should flow out of the hose and toward the appliance. Once you see it, turn off the tank valve immediately to prevent more gas from flowing into it.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between Calor Patio Gas and propane?

You can’t tell the difference between them because Calor Patio Gas might be propane. On the other hand, the standard propane cylinder fits a screw in its regulator, while the Patio Gas cylinder uses a clip on the regulator.

2. Is propane cheaper than Patio Gas?

Often, a Patio Gas bottle is more expensive than a regular propane bottle. However, the gap isn’t significant. 

3. Can you swap a butane gas bottle for propane?

Yes. While most appliances can work with propane or butane, the cylinders’ regulators differ. Therefore, please check the required size first.

Butane and propane operate at a little different pressure. Nevertheless, as long as you have the proper regulator for the bottle, your barbecue will function on any type of fuel. 

4. What is the difference between LPG and propane?

Liquefied petroleum gas and propane often refer to the same thing. Yet, aside from propane, the latter can also include isobutane and butane. 

LPG is a group of combustible hydrocarbon gasses having the same chemical composition. This huge group has many members, with propane among the most common. 

LPG and propane have comparable chemical compositions. However, if you live somewhere chilly, you may choose to invest in propane rather than LPG, which contains several hydrocarbon gasses.  

5. Can I use propane for BBQ? 

Yes. Propane gas will operate without a hitch year-round owing to its boiling temperature of -42ºC. It implies that if you often grill, the gas can keep you cooking during the worst of the winter!

Additionally, propane burns fast and soon achieves its maximum heating capacity. Thus, it is a great option if you’re looking for a quick, practical, and simple way to cook your food. 

Last but not least, some people claim that food prepared on BBQs powered by butane does not taste as good as food cooked with propane.

Conclusion

Patio Gas might be propane or butane. They are all good for your patio heaters and BBQs. Hence, feel free to use them for cooking or entertainment.

Hopefully, you will find this article. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. We are always ready to assist you.

Thank you for reading!

James Lopez

James Lopez is a lifestyle journalist. In addition to working as a journalist, he also takes courses in landscape design. He is pretty focused on the outdoor space, especially the backyard.

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