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Butane

Using Butane as an Emergency Fuel

Butane is a gas at room temperature and simply needs to be combusted to produce heat. As a pressurized gas, it has a unique property – when compressed, it quickly becomes a liquid. 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 rated specifically for indoor use. When compared to propane, ounce-for-ounce butane contains more energy. This results in about 12% more heating and cooking time 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 requirements differ from those for stoves and heaters; aerosol canisters are typically 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
  • Useful for boiling water and cooking meals
  • Can be used indoors with an indoor rated appliance and proper ventilation
  • Comes in easy-to-use canisters
CONS
  • Performance may degrade in colder weather.
Use Restrictions
  • Cooking inside is safe if you use an appliance rated for indoor use, have proper ventilation, and perform regular safety checks to make sure all parts are in good working order.
  • While butane burns efficiently at warmer temperatures, its performance drops significantly in cold weather, making propane a better option for near-freezing conditions.
  • Avoid using old or compromised canisters with poor-quality fuel, as this can negatively affect your stove and require cleaning before the next use.
  • If you find a canister that has rusted or has a deteriorated seal around the valve, do not use it.
Storage Conditions
  • Store indoors, in low humidity, and in temperatures between 32°–125°F.
  • 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 extended periods; only transport it when necessary.
  • Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Shelf Life
  • 7 to 10 years
  • Once opened, canisters may still work, but the gas quality can deteriorate over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about using butane as emergency fuel.

  • Butane is a highly flammable gas that becomes liquid when compressed. It burns cleanly and is commonly used for indoor cooking during emergencies using appliances rated for indoor use and proper ventilation.

  • Yes, butane can be used indoors if you are using a stove or appliance specifically rated for indoor use and ensure proper ventilation to prevent buildup of gas or byproducts.

  • Advantages include clean-burning fuel, great cooking performance, and ease of use. Disadvantages include poor performance in cold weather and the need to use only high-quality canisters with safe seals.

  • Butane is sold in 8 oz and 16 oz canisters for small stoves, as well as larger 10 to 30 lb containers for multi-burner stoves. The correct size depends on the stove you choose.

  • Store butane canisters indoors in a cool, dry place between 32°F and 125°F. Keep away from sunlight, heat sources, electrical outlets, and out of reach of children and pets. Do not store in your vehicle.

  • Unopened butane canisters typically have a shelf life of 7 to 10 years. Once opened, they may still function, but gas quality can degrade over time depending on storage conditions.