Butane or Propane gas?
Butane and propane are both a Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), which is a hydrocarbon gas that exists in a liquefied form. LPG is a colourless, low carbon and a highly efficient fuel. LPG has a range of uses – from providing fuel for camping stoves, BBQs, heating homes to powering machinery.
LPG boils at a low temperature and to avoid it evaporating, due to its low boiling point, it needs to be kept under pressure, hence the steel gas canister.
- Butane’s boiling point is 0°C and will struggle to work below 5°C
- Propane's boiling point is -42°C
Table: Butane and Propane Gas Compared
| Butane | Propane |
| 2-3 season fuel | 4 season fuel |
| 12% more efficient | Lighter/portable |
The key considerations for campers when buying gas are:
- temperature/time of year
- purpose
- storage
- portability
Summer campers should be fine using either butane or propane but if you are planning to go October to April, Outdoors4you recommends you use propane gas.
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