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Butane

About Butane

Butane is a gas at room temperature and simply needs to be combusted to produce heat. As a pressurized gas, it has a certain property that makes it ideal for containment that when compressed, becomes a liquid very quickly. Once released into the air it reacts with an ignition source and becomes a highly flammable gas. Butane burns cleanly and is safe fuel for indoor cooking if you use proper ventilation and cooking equipment that has been rated for indoor/outdoor use. When compared to propane, ounce-for-ounce butane contains more energy. This results in about 12% more heating and cooking time when compared to propane.

What butane fuels

Butane is a very popular fuel for campers who see it as a very safe, convenient, and reliable source of fuel for cooking stoves and camp heaters.

Other uses include fuel for lighters and torches. When purchasing fuel for these uses, please note that the container requirement is different than for stoves and heaters. The use of an aerosol canister is required.

How butane is sold

Butane, as a compressed flammable gas, is widely available in 8 oz, 16 oz canisters or in heavier 10 to 30lb canisters.

How do I know what to buy?

Choose the stove you wish to use before you purchase any fuel canisters. The manufacturer of the stove will inform you as to which type/size of canister is best suited for the stove.

There are different sizes of stoves, some with one burner, others with two. Research and determine which stove type is best for your emergency prep needs and buy butane accordingly. If cooking for your family during an emergency is the goal, purchasing a stove that utilizes a 10 to 30-lb canister is probably the way to go.

Check these stores for availability. Camping Stores
Amazon
PROS
  • Great cooking fuel used to boil water and cook meals.
  • Can be used indoors with proper ventilation.
  • Comes in easy-to-use canisters.
CONS
  • Does not work well in colder weather.
Use Restrictions
  • Cooking inside is safe if you use the right kind of cooker, have proper ventilation, and perform regular safety checks to make sure all parts are in good working order.
  • While it burns efficiently at warmer temperatures, it does not perform well in cold weather. Propane is more suited for near-freezing conditions.
  • Don’t use old canisters with poor-quality fuel – it can affect your stove negatively, requiring cleaning before the next use.
  • If you find a canister that has rusted or has a deteriorated seal around the valve, do not use.
Storage Conditions
  • Store indoors, in low humidity, and in temperatures between 32-125 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Keep canisters out of direct sunlight for any length of time, and away from heat sources including electrical outlets.
  • Do not store butane in your car for a long period of time. Put it in your car, only when you are leaving with it.
  • Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Shelf Life
  • 7 to 10 years
  • Open canisters will work but the gas will deteriorate over time.