BBQ Gasses

[saltwaterbum]

what is the difference between propane and butane gasses and are they interchangable

[sddsddean]

They are different gases. They use different regulators (so a propane reg will not fit a butane bottle) and are not interchangable. The burners will be 'set up' to use one or the other...not both.

[saltwaterbum]

Thank you for the rapid reply. I suspected as much, but had been told otherwise. I wanted to make sure.

[Theoldsilver]

I find that my caravan will burn either. The main difference is that propane in the red bottles burns hotter and will not freeze in winter whereas the butane will!

[Jay70]

Both are a Liquid pterolium gas (LPG) and most cookers can use either when fitted with the correct regulator. Propane comes in a red or green bottle and butane in a blue bottle. Propane is stored at a higher pressure and has a lower boiling point so is more suitable for outside storage. Butane only turns from liquid to gas at 0 deg C and above so is not so suitable for colder conditions. Just to make your choice even wider you can buy patio gas which is a combination of the two and is generally the best choice for BBQs and patio heaters. This again needs a different regulator and comes in a terquiose bottle.

[mal magnum]

Some good answers especially from Jay,but incorrect on the patio gas.I work for a gas company and patio gas is just propane,not a mixture.Basically its an appealing coloured bottle with not a lot of gas in that consumers will buy at an inflated rate because it says patio(or similar) gas on the side.Its all about the packaging...Propane is the most versatile for all year round usage(red bottle)

[freddyfrog]

I understand about Patio gas being probably a marketing scam (Its just propane in a fancy bottle at inflated prices...) But Im still not sure what to get for our new BBQ. It says we can use either propane or butane. I know I would need different regulators. We only BBQ a few times in summer so we dont need to worry about the freezing point etc...
Can I use my Camping Gaz (propane) for the BBQ, to save having one bottle for camping and another for BBQ?? cheers