We have used both in the past but a strange thing happened when we were away in Taunton for new year 05/06, we were running butane at a meet along with a few others and some were on propane, the temperature went down to -10 and our butane carried on going whilst others froze, admittedly the ones on propane carried on going but went through their gas a lot quicker, our van is very old and the bottle box is on the A frame, I can't explain it and I certainly don't want to take sides but I think that in the long run the propane costs more to run. Oh and our biggest worry was where to get water as all the taps on site had frozen lol
From my experience over 17 years of caravanning propane burns cleaner and hotter, ovens and heaters work better for longer. Regarding cost we now use 2 refillable lightweight cylinders from MTH Autogas and a 6kg refill is only about £4.
What is the difference between propane and butane? Is one more suitable than the other for particular applications?
Propane (red and green cylinders) has a lower boiling point than butane (blue cylinders) and is stored at a higher pressure so it is more suited for storage outside. Butane’s boiling point (conversion from liquid to gas) is around 0˚C so in colder conditions around this temperature it will not work.
Where can I get my butane/propane Calor gas bottle refilled?
Call 0800 662 663 and you will be diverted to your local Calor Gas Direct outlet. Alternatively, you can order your gas online via our secure ordering facility.
What is the operating temperature range for each of the gases?
BS 5482 part 1 states: "For Butane cylinders, satisfactory service might not be obtained at a temperature of less than 10°C; the most suitable temperature range is from 13 to 30°C. For temperatures less than 13°C, the use of propane should be considered."
Are the two gasses interchangeable?
If the appliance states in the manufactures guidelines that it can run on propane and butane then you will need the right regulator for the gas that you are using. You can only interchange the gases if it is stated by the appliance manufacturer.
Are the valves/fittings the same?
No, you will require different regulators.
This is from the true experts although propane when burning has a slightly (very slightly) less heat value it is made up for by running at a slightly higher presure than butane. As a rough guide in use if you boiled a kettle it would take between 3 & 7 seconds longer on propane most people would not notice neither gas should run dirty as stated earlier if it does your appliance needs servicing
> Are the valves/fittings the same?
No, you will require different regulators. <
For home use, yes. But they still do not give all information for leisure use, i.e. the existence of dual gas regulators, suitable for both gasses, with an intermediate pressure, fitted on most modern vans (at least on the continent they are, and I think also in the UK).
Quote"But when real wintercamping (wintersport), many people rent large bottles on the spot, as the gasuse for heating purposes is too high to be provided for by just two simple 5 KG bottles or even two 11 kg bottles. For me two small bottle of propane suffice, as I don't go for wintersport by caravan."
When we go the Apls skiing we take 2 x 13kg propane and we go for around 7 - 14 days at a time. This has always been more than adequate for cooking and the brief periods we use it for heating, if hook up is not available. Most of the time we use fan heaters to keep warm. (The coldest outside temperatures we have experienced are around minus 20)
We used to swop to butane in the summer but did not notice any real advantage and now don`t bother.
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Topic: Propane v Butane
