butane, propane whats it all about

happyhero

Hi My wife just decided we needed to renew how old burnt out gas barbecue so she went out and got a new one. First thing I found was that I could not connect the gas - different sizes, so I decided to read up.

It appears our old barbecue had a 21mm push on connection but the the new one takes a 27mm push on connector, and the reason is, to make sure you connect the right gas. 21mm is the butane connection but 27mm (our new one) is for propane (sometimes called patio gas).

Apparently you should not try and use the other gas ie try and change the connectors, which is possible as each appliance has been designed for a particular gas.

My question is, whats the differences apart from the name? What difference will it make to the cooking? Does one run out quicker apart from bottle size differences ie butane comes in 15kg bottles and propane comes in 13kg bottles? Someone told me one of them must not be left outside in the winter as it freezes easier, but which one? Also is one preferable, if so why? Any other differences?

Any info appreciated.

catkins

Propane is better for outside use because it stays as a gas at lower temperatures than Butane.

guitaruser

I just bought a new regulator, my new barby came with a 27mm one. I couldnt find a gas bottle of that size unless I bought the B&Q one for about £50. New 21mm reg = £10 (use old gas). I would guess your appliance uses both but check in the instrucions.

Dave1216

Propane and Patio Gas are exactly the same. The only difference is the connector & the bottles are more pleasant.

Seems like a cracking deal:
http://www.arboreta.co.uk/catalog/Patio-Heaters---Gas/BP-Patio-Gas-Bottle-with-Free-Gas!.aspx

EDIT:
Free Gas*
£25 Deposit on bottle, 50% refundable on return.

Get an extra 10% off through quidco!
http://www.quidco.com/arboreta/

happyhero

guitaruser wrote:

I just bought a new regulator, my new barby came with a 27mm one. I couldnt find a gas bottle of that size unless I bought the B&Q one for about £50. New 21mm reg = £10 (use old gas). I would guess your appliance uses both but check in the instrucions.

Cheers for your answer guitaruser. I would be careful if I were you, we rang up the barbecue maker and they said it can be dangerous because the barbecues are set to work with only one gas and funny things happen if you use the wrong one.

As I said in my original post there is nothing to stop you changing the regulator because both will fit the hose and personaly I think it will work since it is just gas coming out of holes at the end of the day. But they reckon it will perform poorly, different pressures or something, and there are some dangers, not sure what though.

Also they reckon Propane is far better for a barbecue which would be the 27mm fitting. Since posting my original post I have researched it a bit more.

See this I found it helpfull http://www.calorgas.ie/calor_features/which_gas/

guitaruser

happyhero wrote:

Cheers for your answer guitaruser. I would be careful if I were you, we rang up the barbecue maker and they said it can be dangerous because the barbecues are set to work with only one gas and funny things happen if you use the wrong one.

My barbeque instructions states both types of gasses can be used........thanks for your concern though.

MickKnipfler

I'm not an expert but believe that Butane freezes outside in the winter but propane doesn't. However, Propane burns hotter.

FirstClassMale

I will never forget being on a Scout camp and the big bottle of butane we used for the cooking stove freezing on an April morning. One of the Scouts decided to use a camping gaz stove on the side of the bottle to warm it up :eek: We survived to cook breakfast but I hate to think what health and safety would have made of it.

If you have to get a gas bottle from scratch, the cost can be huge. The exchange price is about £15. If there has been a travellers camp near you and they have left all their rubbish lying about, you will more often than not find their abandoned gas canisters. Simply put it in your car and take it for an exchange. That way you're moneysaving and cleaning up the environment. Oh and make sure the travellers have left, they might get a bit upset if they catch you trying to take their stuff!

Little_John

Buy a bag of charcoal it is much easier lumpwood lights easier rather than the bricks.