Propane vs butane: which gas bottle should you use in the UK?

The one difference that matters

Both are LPG and both are stored as a liquid under pressure. The key difference is temperature: propane boils at about −42 °C, butane at about −0.5 °C. Below that point butane stops turning into gas, so a butane bottle outside on a cold morning may give a weak flame or none at all. Propane keeps working through a British winter.

Which to use for what

Propane is often chosen for compatible outdoor barbecues, patio heaters and caravan systems because it vaporises at lower temperatures. Never use an outdoor barbecue, patio heater or camping stove inside a home, shed or garage. Many indoor cabinet heaters use butane: use one only where the manufacturer permits, with the specified ventilation, gas and regulator. Butane can also suit compatible camping stoves in mild weather.

Never change gas type unless the appliance manufacturer permits it and the regulator, hose and connections are suitable. Many bottle-mounted regulators differ; some approved caravan systems use a common regulator with gas-specific connections. Follow the appliance and vehicle instructions rather than assuming a regulator change is enough.

How to tell them apart

In the UK, propane bottles are commonly red and butane bottles blue, while patio gas bottles are often green and contain propane. Colours vary by supplier, so always read the label on the bottle rather than relying on colour.

Storage

Store bottles upright, outdoors where possible, away from drains, cellars and sources of heat. LPG is heavier than air and collects in low spaces. Propane in particular should not be stored indoors in a home.

If you smell gas, avoid flames, smoking, electrical switches and phones in the affected area. Close the bottle valve and ventilate only if safe, without delaying your escape. Leave and call your LPG supplier from a safe distance; call 999 or 112 if there is immediate danger. The National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999 is primarily for mains natural gas, not a universal bottled-LPG emergency line.

Checking the level of either gas

Because both are stored as liquid, weighing against the tare weight works for both. An ultrasonic sensor under the base also reads the liquid height in either case, as long as the bottle is steel with a flat base centre.

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