Buying Patio Gas
When purchasing gas for your patio it is crucial to select the correct bottle and type of gas for your needs. This will ensure the safety and longevity for the bottle.
A gas regulator reduces the pressure of the gas as it exits the cylinder. The type of gas regulator is dependent on the size and the type of cylinder.
Propane
Propane is a non-toxic, highly-efficient alternative fuel that can power everything from barbecues and outdoor heaters to gas fireplaces and complete standby generators. It has many environmental advantages, such as reducing air pollution and greenhouse gases. It is safe, non-toxic and reliable for outdoor and indoor use.
Propane is also a cost-effective choice for heating homes, particularly in areas where natural gas isn't available. The propane tank is delivered to your home and is connected to various appliances. This method of delivery is typically cheaper than having a new natural gas line put in place, and can often result in lower annual energy bills.
Whether you prefer to purchase a propane tank to your home or want to exchange your existing tank for a new one, you can find a propane retailer near you that can provide the service you need. The process for purchasing propane will depend on the size of your tank. It will usually involve an initial purchase followed by a second exchange and refill.
Patio heaters and BBQ grills are typically powered by smaller propane tanks, such as 20-pound cylinders. They are readily available from a range of retailers such as hardware stores and convenience stores and also the majority of gas stations. You can also buy propane tanks that are already filled at some home centers for one-stop shopping.
Larger propane cylinders are utilized in various applications, including home heating, water heaters and backup generators. These larger cylinders are usually available for rental on a long-term basis, and are usually stored underground or in other secured places. These cylinders are also known as LP-gas or LPG, and are rented or purchased from most propane suppliers.
Propane is a very reliable and safe form of energy that can be purchased in various ways which makes it a great solution for homeowners who require the additional energy for various appliances and activities. The best propane supplier will depend on factors like the frequency of delivery you prefer and the cost of propane in your area and the amount of energy your household uses annually.
Butane
When buying patio gas, you'll need to determine if you'd prefer propane or butane. Both serve different purposes, and both offer a safe, clean energy source for outdoor equipment like BBQs and patio heaters. Propane is the preferred fuel for patio heaters because of its lower boiling temperature. It's typically sold in 5 kg cylinders. Propane-powered heaters can be used at temperatures as low as 4degC. Butane, on the other hand is unable to vaporize in such conditions.
Butane is usually found in 15kg cylinders. This makes it a robust option, and is often used for caravanning and camping and also for household appliances such as gas cookers. Like propane butane is a safe and efficient energy source, and has the added benefit of being less volatile than propane.
No matter which kind of gas you prefer you'll need to purchase a patio gas container and regulator. Gas bottles for patios are designed to work with regulators. This lets you connect the gas bottle directly to your BBQ's propane or butane outlet. You can find gas bottles in most supermarkets, and also some hardware stores and DIY stores.
Patio gas bottles tend to be smaller than other kinds of bottle gas, making them perfect for patio heaters and barbecues. The bottles are made of a durable and strong material that can endure a lot of wear and tear. The most popular type of patio gas is blue or red however, you can also find bottles in different colours as well.
Horticentre offers a user-friendly and seamless experience when you purchase gas for your patio. Our online platform provides detailed product descriptions and specifications which allow you to compare products and choose the right one for your requirements. We provide propane and butane gas in a variety of sizes, ranging from small 5 kg cylinders to larger options of 13 and 15 kg, so you'll never run out. With free delivery included on every purchase, shopping with us is a breeze.
gas patio heater pyramid
When buying patio gas, there are a few factors to take into consideration when deciding on the right size bottle. First of all consider what you will be using your gas for? This is vital as propane and butane each have their own unique applications. Propane is best for BBQs and garden tools due to its low boiling point of -42 degrees Celsius while butane is more suited to indoor portable heaters and single-burner cooking appliances.
Also, if you are looking to power a motorhome or caravan appliance then you will have to choose the correct size bottle to meet your needs, since these larger appliances require more energy. Flogas offers both green Patio gas cylinders as well as butane Campingaz cylinders that are suitable for these types of applications.
Another thing to consider is where you will keep your gas bottle. We generally recommend that you keep your gas bottle outdoors as this will help to reduce the likelihood of any leaks and provide you with peace of mind knowing that your appliance is safe to use. This is particularly important when considering that your propane or butane gas bottle will be containing a very pressurised gas and must be stored in a location where it cannot leak or break or be damaged.
All of our gas bottles are fitted with a regulator, which serves an essential safety function to reduce the pressure at the point that your barbecue or patio heater is supplied with gas. The type of regulator that you require will depend on the type of gas you are using and cylinder size. Green patio bottles can be used with the 27mm clip-on regulator while butane Campingaz comes with a regulator with a screw-in.
Gas bottles are exposed to high pressures, and special safety regulations apply that include chaining of bottles to stop them from falling. There are rules on how to store them, and signs to warn people about the dangers. It is not recommended to purchase bottled gas. Instead you should lease it from a Gas Supply Company in order to use it with an appliance that is specifically designed for gas. This permits regular cylinder tests to ensure that the quality of the cylinder is maintained and that it meets all the applicable standards.
Regulators
Gas regulators are essential for connecting gas bottles to propane patio heaters or BBQ, or any other propane-powered gas appliance. They reduce the high-pressure gas supply from a gas cylinder into a more consistent regulated propane pressure that is required by your appliance. There are many different types and styles of regulators, each with varying pressure settings and connections based on the use.
Liquefied petroleum gas is typically bottled in either Butane or Propane, with Butane bottles usually being blue, and Propane being red. The cylinders themselves use different connection sizes and sizes, with Butane using an adjustable regulator that clips onto an internal valve size of 21mm, and Propane (also called Patio Gas) bottles having a 27mm screw-on regulator that requires the use of a spanner to tighten. It is possible to connect Butane appliances to a Propane cylinder, however, not vice versa since the gas isn't compatible.
Three primary components work together to regulate the gas pressure. A loading mechanism controls delivery pressure, and a sensing element (usually dialume) detects the force of the spring on it. A control element lowers the pressure of the inlet into the downstream pressure. Atmospheric pressure, based on the elevation above sea level that your building sits, will also affect the gas pressure as it is transported through the regulator. This is why it's important to choose the right regulator for your particular application. This will prevent your propane barbecue from running out of gas or exhibiting unpredictable performance.