Buying Patio Gas
It is important to choose the proper gas for your patio based on your needs. This will ensure the security and longevity of your bottle.
Gas regulators decrease the gas's pressure as it exits the cylinders. The type of gas regulator depends on the size and type of cylinder.
Propane
Propane is a clean-burning efficient alternative fuel that can power everything from barbeques and outdoor heaters to gas fireplaces and complete home standby generators. It also offers many environmental benefits, including the reduction of greenhouse gases and air pollution. It is safe, nontoxic and reliable both indoors and outdoors.
Propane is also a cost-effective option for heating homes, particularly in areas where natural gas isn't readily available. A propane tank is delivered to your home and can be connected to various appliances. This is a less expensive alternative than installing a brand new natural-gas line. It could also result in lower energy costs.
If you'd prefer to purchase a propane tank for your home, or swap your current tank for a new one, you can locate a propane dealer near you that will offer the services you require. The process for purchasing propane is dependent on the size of your tank. It usually involves an initial purchase then a subsequent refill and exchange.
Grills and patio heaters are typically powered by smaller propane tanks, such as 20-pound cylinders. They are readily accessible from a variety of retailers, including convenience stores and hardware shops as well as the majority of gas stations. Some home centers offer tanks that are pre-filled for one-stop shopping.
These larger propane cylinders can be used for water heaters, home heating, and backup generators. These larger cylinders are generally available for rental on a long-term basis, and are usually stored underground or in other secured locations. These cylinders are also known as LP-gas or LPG, and are rented or purchased from a variety of propane suppliers.
Propane is a reliable and safe form of energy that can be bought in many ways which makes it a great solution for homeowners who require the extra energy needed for various appliances and activities. Choosing the best propane provider for your requirements will be determined by factors such as the cost of propane in your area and the frequency you prefer for delivery and how much energy you typically use annually.
Butane
You'll have to decide whether you'd prefer propane or butane when buying propane for your patio. outdoor gas patio heater serve different purposes and offer an environmentally friendly, safe energy source for outdoor appliances like BBQs and patio heaters. Propane is the preferred fuel for heaters for patios due its lower boiling temperature. It is typically sold in cylinders of 5 kg. Propane-fueled heaters can operate even at temperatures as low as 4degC. Butane however is unable to vaporize under these conditions.
Butane is usually found in 15 kg cylinders. This makes it a more robust option, and is often used for camping and caravanning as well as household appliances such as gas cookers. Butane, like propane, is a safe, efficient energy source. It also has the advantage of being less volatile than propane.
Whatever type of gas is preferred you'll need to purchase a gas for your patio container and regulator. Gas bottles for patios are specifically designed to work with regulators. This allows you to 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.
Gas bottles for patio use tend to be smaller than other types of gas bottles, making them ideal for outdoor heaters and barbecues. The bottles are made of a durable and strong material that can withstand a lot of wear and tear. Patio gas is available in a variety of colours, the most common being blue or red.
Horticentre offers a convenient and seamless shopping experience when purchasing patio gas. Our online platform provides detailed product descriptions and specifications, allowing you compare products and select the best one to meet your needs. We provide propane and butane gas in a range of sizes, from small 5 kg cylinders to larger 13 and 15 kg options which means you'll never run out. With free delivery on all orders, shopping with us couldn't be more convenient.
Gas Bottles
When choosing the size of your gas patio there are many aspects to take into consideration. What do you intend to use the gas for first? This is vital because both have their own specific applications. Propane, due to its low boiling temperature of -42 degrees Celsius is perfect for BBQs and gardening equipment, while butane works best for indoor portable heaters, single-burner cookers, and other appliances.
If you are looking to power a motorhome or caravan appliance then you will need to choose the right size bottle to meet your needs, since larger appliances require more energy. Thankfully, here at Flogas we offer both green Patio gas bottles and butane Campingaz cylinders for these uses.
It is also important to consider the location you intend to store your gas bottles. In general, we suggest that you store your gas bottle outside as this will reduce the likelihood of any leaks occurring and give you peace of mind knowing that your appliance is safe to use. This is especially important considering that your propane or butane gas bottle will contain a very pressurised gas which means it should be kept in a safe place where it cannot leak or break or be damaged.
All of our gas bottles come with a regulator that serves an essential safety function, reducing the pressure at which your patio or barbecue heater gets its gas. The type of regulator you will need depends on the kind of gas you are using and the cylinder size; green patio bottles are compatible with a 27mm clip-on regulator as well as butane Campingaz cylinders have a screw in regulator (link to find out more details about this).
Because the gases in gas bottles are subject to extreme pressure, specific safety rules must be adhered to by chaining them in order to prevent them from falling or breaking. There are rules on where to store them as well as warning signs to inform people of the dangers. For these reasons, it is also generally unwise to buy your own bottled gas. Instead, they should be leased from a Gas Supply Company for use with a particular gas appliance. This allows for regular inspection of the cylinder in order to ensure that the quality is maintained and meets all relevant standards.
Regulators
Gas regulators are required to connect a gas bottle to propane patio heaters or BBQ, or any other propane-powered gas appliance. Gas regulators decrease the high-pressure gas supply that comes from an cylinder to a constant regulated propane pressure required by your appliance. There are a variety of regulators, each with its own pressure settings and connections.
Liquefied petroleum gas is typically stored in Butane or Propane, with Butane bottles typically being blue and Propane being red. The cylinders have their own connection sizes that include Butane having an on-clip regulator with a standard internal valve size of 21mm, and Propane (also called Patio Gas) bottles having a 27mm screw-on regulator which requires a spanner to tighten. You can connect Butane appliances to a Propane cylinder, but not vice versa, as the gas is not compatible.
The gas pressure regulator consists of three main operating components working together to regulate the gas's pressure delivered. A loading mechanism determines the delivery pressure, and a sensing element (usually a dialume) senses force of the spring that is applied to it. A control element lowers the pressure at the inlet to the downstream pressure. The atmospheric pressure will also affect the gas pressure when it is transported by the regulator. The pressure will be dependent on the elevation of your building above sea level. This is why it's important to choose the appropriate regulator for your specific application. This will ensure that you don't deplete your propane bbq of low pressure gas, which could cause it to burn out prematurely or to have erratic operation.