Buying Patio Gas
When purchasing patio gas, it is important to choose the right bottle and type of gas for your needs. This will ensure the longevity and safety of your bottle.
A gas regulator reduces the pressure of the gas when it exits the cylinder. The type of gas regulator depends on the size and type of cylinder.
Propane
Propane is a clean-burning high-efficiency alternative fuel that can be used to power everything from barbecues and patio heaters to gas fireplaces and complete standby generators. It offers numerous environmental advantages, including reducing air pollution and greenhouse gases. It is safe, non-toxic and reliable both indoors and outdoors.
Propane is also a viable option to heat homes, particularly in regions where natural gas isn't available. A propane tank can be delivered directly to your property and connected to a range of appliances. This is a cheaper option than installing a new natural-gas line. It can also result in lower energy costs.
If you'd prefer to purchase a propane tank to your home or want to swap your current tank for a brand new one, you will be able to locate an propane dealer close to you that can offer the services you require. The procedure of purchasing propane is dependent on the size of the tank, and will normally involve an initial purchase or exchange, followed by regular refills.
Patio heaters and BBQ grills are usually powered by smaller propane tanks such as 20-pound cylinders. These tanks are widely available from a range of retailers including hardware shops, convenience stores and the majority of gas stations. Some home centers sell pre-filled tanks for a one-stop-shop.
Larger propane cylinders are used in various applications, including home heating, water heaters and backup generators. These larger cylinders are typically available for rental on a long-term basis, and are usually stored underground or in other secured places. These cylinders are referred to as LP-gas or LPG, and are rented or purchased from most propane suppliers.
Propane is a reliable and safe form of energy that can be bought in various ways and is a perfect option for homeowners who require the additional energy for many appliances and activities. Selecting the right propane supplier for your needs will be determined by factors such as the price of propane in your area and your preferred delivery time and the amount of energy you usually use each year.
Butane
When you are buying patio gas, you'll need to decide if you want propane or butane. Both serve different functions and provide the security of a clean, safe energy source for outdoor appliances such as BBQs and patio heaters. Propane is the preferred fuel for heaters for patios due its lower boiling temperature. It's usually sold in 5 kg cylinders. This means propane powered heaters will function even if temperatures drop below -4degC, while butane will be unable to evaporate in these conditions.
Butane, on the other hand, is commonly found in 15 kg cylinders. It is a more robust option that is frequently used in caravanning, camping and home appliances such as gas cookers. Like propane, butane is a clean and efficient source of energy, and also has the advantage of being much less volatile than propane.
No matter what kind of gas you prefer, you'll have to purchase a gas bottle for your patio and a regulator for your device. Patio gas bottles are specifically designed to be compatible with regulators, allowing you to connect your gas bottle directly to the propane or butane outlet on your BBQ. Gas bottles for patio use are sold at the majority of supermarkets as well as in some DIY and hardware stores.
Patio gas bottles are typically smaller than other types of gas bottles, making them ideal for BBQs and patio heaters. The bottles are made from a durable and strong material that can endure a lot of wear and tear. Patio gas is available in a variety of colors that are most commonly blue or red.
Horticentre offers a user-friendly and seamless shopping experience when you purchase patio gas. Our online platform provides detailed product descriptions and specifications that allow you to compare products and pick the most suitable one to meet your needs. We have propane and butane gas in a range of sizes, from tiny 5 kg cylinders up to larger 13 and 15 kg options and you'll never be out of. And with free delivery on all orders shopping with us couldn't be more convenient.
Gas Bottles
When purchasing patio gas there are a few factors to take into consideration when deciding on the size of the bottle you want to purchase. What do you intend to use your gas first? This is vital as propane and butane each have their own unique applications. Propane, due to its low boiling temperature of -42 degrees Celsius is perfect for BBQs and garden equipment, while butane is best suited for indoor portable heaters, single-burner cookers and other appliances.
If you are planning to power a caravan or motorhome appliance, you'll need to choose the right bottle size for your needs, as larger appliances require more energy. Flogas offers both green Patio gas cylinders as well as butane Campingaz cylinders that are suitable for these applications.
patio heater gas regulator should also think about the place you'll keep your gas bottles. We recommend keeping your gas bottle out of the way to minimize the chance of leaks and provide assurance that your appliance will be safe to use. This is particularly important because the propane or butane bottles will contain highly pressurised gas. It should be stored in an area that isn't likely to leak, break or otherwise become damaged.
All of our gas bottles are fitted with a regulator, which serves an essential safety function to reduce the pressure at which your patio or barbecue heater receives its gas. The type of regulator you need depends on the kind of gas that you are using and the size of the cylinder; green patio bottles are compatible with a 27mm clip on regulator as well as butane Campingaz cylinders come with an internal regulator screw (link to learn more about this).
As the gases used in gas bottles are subject to extreme pressure, specific safety regulations must be adhered to, including chaining them to stop them from falling or breaking. There are regulations in place for where to keep them, and also signs to warn people of the risks and safety precautions. Because of this, it is not recommended to purchase your own bottle of gas - instead it is best to lease them from a Gas Supply Company for use with a particular gas appliance. This allows for regular cylinder testing to ensure that the quality of the gas cylinder is maintained and that it meets all the applicable standards.
Regulators
Gas regulators are required to connect a gas bottle to a propane patio heater or BBQ. Gas regulators cut down the high-pressure gas supply from a cylinder to a more constant, controlled propane pressure that is required by your appliance. There are numerous types of regulators, each having their specific pressure settings and connections.
Butane and Propane are the two most popular bottles of liquefied petroleum gas. Butane bottles are usually blue, while Propane bottles are usually red. The cylinders have their own connections sizes that include Butane having a clip-on regulator with a standard internal valve size of 21mm and Propane (also known as Patio Gas) bottles having an oversized screw-on regulator of 27mm that requires the use of a spanner to tighten. Propane and Butane are not compatible. You can connect Butane appliances with Propane bottles however not vice versa.
The gas pressure regulator has three primary operating components working together to regulate the pressure of the gas delivered. A loading mechanism determines the pressure of delivery while a sensing component (usually diaphragm) detects the force exerted by the spring against it and an element for control is responsible for the reduction of the inlet pressure to the downstream pressure. The atmospheric pressure, dependent on the elevation above sea level on which your building sits can also influence the gas's pressure as it moves through the regulator. It is crucial to select the appropriate regulator for your application. This will ensure that you don't rob your propane barbecue of gas with low pressure, which could cause it to be burned out prematurely or to have irregular operation.