FAQs: Can you Use Butane Gas for a Patio Heater?

One of the best ways to enjoy your patio during the winter months is by installing a patio heater.

There are many different patio gas options available, and it can be difficult to figure out which one will work for you.

One option that might not have crossed your mind is using butane gas as fuel for your patio heater.

This blog post will discuss everything you need to know about whether or not this type of gas works well in a patio heater.

Can You Use Butane Gas for a Patio Heater?

Yes, you can. You can either use butane or propane gas with patio heaters and barbecues.

The sort of gas you’ll need is determined by the device and the gas pressure regulator you have. A few heaters and barbecues only function on one type of gas, while others can work with both.

Butane gas is usually cheaper than propane. You can use it in smaller heaters or barbecues, which will be convenient if you’re only heating a small area.

It’s also more efficient to transport and store than liquid propane because there’s less chance of leakage.

The trade-off with butane is that the heater may not work as fast as one powered by propane gas would.

Is Butane And Patio Gas The Same?

No. Butane gas and patio gas also known as propane gas is totally different from one another.

There is a big difference between butane and propane gas, and knowing this information can save you money.

Butane has the lowest boiling point of any other fuel out there, which means it turns into a liquid much faster than gasoline or diesel fuel.

It also burns extremely clean compared to many others because it vaporizes as soon as possible without leaving behind harmful residues like carbon deposits that cause pollution.

Propane on the other hand requires temperatures over −44 °F (−42 °C) to turn from its gaseous state into one that can be easily burned for energy use.

This makes it very useful in colder climates where people need heat during those months when they have limited exposure to sunlight due to shorter days or extreme cold outside their homes.

What Is The Difference Between Propane And Butane Gas?

Butane and propane are both extremely flammable gases that have many uses in everyday life.

While they are very similar, there are some differences between butane vs propane gas. The biggest difference is the application of each type of fuel as well as its intended use.

Butane and propane can often be used interchangeably in many cases, however, each gas has unique properties.

When deciding between butane or propane for your specific application it is important to understand the differences so you choose the right one.

Difference Between Propane And Butane Gas

	Propane gas	Butane gas
Gas Pressure Regulator	Propane or butane/propane	Butane or butane/propane
MIN Temp	-42 degrees Celsius	0 degrees Celsius
Best For	Summer and winter	Summer
Suitable for	Patio heaters and gas barbecues	Patio heaters and gas barbecues
Costs	More expensive	Less expensive

What Gas Do Outdoor Heaters Use?

Outdoor heaters use propane gas (LP) to create a flame, so they are often referred to as propane patio heaters or simply “propane” heaters.

Outdoor heaters use propane gas (LP) to operate. And usually require an accessible supply of fuel which can be obtained from any hardware store or home improvement center.

Natural gas and electricity are also good options for outdoor heating units, but these two must have access to natural gas or electrical outlets in order to work properly.

Can You Use Butane Gas On A Propane BBQ?

Yes, you can. In fact, with many barbecues, you can either use either butane or propane, depending on the regulator valve installed on the barbecue.

The majority of barbecues now include a red propane regulator as standard. Butane isn’t a very good option if you live in cold temperatures because of its low burning point.

Are Propane And Butane Regulators The Same?

Butane gas regulators, unlike propane, use lower pressure regulators. While both are used to power various appliances, the main distinction between them is there freezing and boiling points.

Butane, on the other hand, has a much higher boiling point of -2c and freezes at -140C.

This is why butane gas regulators are not compatible with propane appliances.

What Regulator Do I Need For Butane?

A butane uses a standard internal valve with a size of 21mm, and a propane tank uses a red cylinder with a screw-on regulator that must be tightened with a spanner.

Butane is a great alternative to propane, especially for smaller heaters.

Conclusion

The answer is yes! Butane gas can be used for a patio heater, but you should follow some safety measures to make sure it works well and doesn’t cause any damages or injuries.