Camping Cookwear

Wondering whether or not to refill your camping gas cylinder? Or want to know how to go about the refilling? Whatever your queries regarding refillable camping gas be, we’ve answered it all here.

Running out of gas too often, but don’t want to overspend on new canisters every single time? If you’re an outdoorsy person with extensive use of camping gas stoves or backpacking and hiking canisters, then purchasing new canisters every time must feel like an added weight on your wallet.

To reduce your expenses over a longer period of time, it is advisable that you either look into stocking up on canisters in wholesale, or look to refilling your portable gas cylinders. Both these methods have their pros and cons – and finally, it boils down to your personal preferences.

In this article, we discuss the steps to refill two kinds of cylinders – isobutane gas canisters and propane gas cylinders.

If you want to know more about the different kinds of camping gas stoves available, or are confused about choosing the right fit for you from the overwhelming variety that is present in the market – or if you have any other unanswered queries such as how to attach a propane tank to your camping gas stove – we recommend that you go through our previous articles on related topics –

Camper’s Guide To Camping Gas: Your Cuppa’s Camping Best Friend

Propane Vs Butane? – Know Which Camping Stove Is Better For You

How To Attach A Propane Tank To A Camping Stove: 7 Laborsaving Ideas

How Long Does Camping Propane Tank Last? 5 Secret Tips On How To Extend It

Camping Propane In Car: Helpful Tips For Safe & Easy Storage

#1 Should I Refill My Camping Gas OR Exchange It Instead?

Now this is a question of burning confusion for many among us – refill or swap?

The answer to this isn’t a definite one, as it all boils down to your budgetary preferences and comfort with using and reusing the used-up tanks. Let us compare the two processes –

1. Cost

The primary parameter of comparison is the cost of the two.

While an exchange of propane tank varies in the range of $5 – $6 a gallon on average, the cost of refilling a propane tank is somewhere between $3 to $4 at many refilling centers. What this means is that by refilling your propane tank, you save up to $1.76 per gallon on average for your every visit!

2. Resourcefulness

This is an often-overlooked parameter when it comes to deciding between reusing, exchanging or disposing your propane tanks.

If you’ve been working with propane tanks for a long time now, you must be familiar with the general rule of the safety of propane tanks – never let the tank run empty.

Empty propane tanks are both an accident risk and a legally murky situation.

This means that whether you exchange or refill your propane tank – it will not be completely empty.

So, by refilling the propane tank, you are saving yourself from wasting that precious amount of propane still in your tank; whereas when you exchange the propane tank, not only do you spend more money, you also give off unused propane along with the tank.

3. Under-filled propane tanks

You will not always get the amount of propane you pay for, when you exchange the propane tank. Many companies and manufacturers or refilling centres fill 20 – lb tanks with only 10 – or 12 – lb propane.

This means you’ll not only be spending money and giving away remaining propane, you might even be spending more for less in return – a very visibly unprofitable scenario.

#2 Precautions You Absolutely Need To Follow When Refilling

Having compared the two, refilling your propane tank seems like a more lucrative and viable option than exchanging your tank.

However, it finally boils down to personal preferences. Now, if you do opt for refilling your propane tanks, there are a few precautions and risks involved that you must know of.

1. Do NOT refill the unrefillable propane tank or canister. Period.

With many DIY guidelines available all over the internet about “reusing your single – use canister†are nothing but sure shot ways of getting yourself into a legally murky and potentially risky situation.

In fact, there are laws and regulations against refilling unrefillable propane tanks across many states in the USA.

Why put yourself in legal or explosive risks when you can save a lot in the long term by investing in the right refillable propane tanks?

2. Use good quality regulating valves and attachments.

A few of these attachments may come for $30 – $50. While it may seem like an expense, it really isn’t. It is important to understand that a good quality attachment makes the process of refilling safer.

3. If you’re not comfortable refilling a tank by yourself, get it done by professionals.

Take help if you need – but do not risk a DIY refill if you aren’t confident enough.

#3 Risks Associated With Refilling Single – Use Propane Tanks

Here’s why it is advisable to not fall for the DIY “reuse your single – use propane tank†schemes –

1. Can be legally murky.

There is no denying that, when there are legitimate laws and regulations AGAINST it. Even if you aren’t a stickler for rules, this clearly isn’t an area where you’d choose being the rule breaking cool dude.

2. Overfilling of gas.

If you do go for it, then you should know the risks associated too. The first and foremost of the risks is the chances of overfilling your gas.

This can happen with refillable gas tanks too! You might think. Well, yes. But the whole point of a refillable gas tank being different from an unrefillable is the added safety in the manufacturing of the tanks.

Refillable tanks have safety relief valves meant to deal with accidental overfilling of gases. The function of this valve is to automatically provide vent by opening up an escape route for the excess gas.

Unrefillable tanks may or may not have this feature depending on the model, size, make, manufacture etc.

3. Exceeding safe pressure.

Propane tanks are high pressure vessels – both refillable and unrefillable kinds. What this means is that the walls of the tanks are made to withstand high pressure.

However, in order to provide for an extra margin of error while refilling, the refillable gas tanks have relatively sturdier walls capable of withstanding more pressure than unrefillable ones.

This means that in case of an excess of pressure in unrefillable tanks while refilling, it could lead to explosion, gas leaks, or damage of the tank – all consequences that will ultimately cost you way more than what it’d cost you to invest in a proper refillable tank with all good quality attachments.

#4 Safety Tips Before You Begin Refilling

1. Wear proper safety gear / clothing when dealing with flammable gases.

2. Whether it’s using your propane canister to cook, or refilling your propane canisters – any application of propane canisters is supposed to happen in well-ventilated areas only. Propane needs ventilation.

3. While setting up a camping stove, or working on the refilling process – when you work with flammable gases, it is recommended that you use tools made of brass to reduce the chances of sparking.

4. The only way to properly measure the amount of fuel in a canister is by weight alone. Canisters should never be over filled beyond the manufacturers original weights (approximately 80% of the canister’s total capacity). It is a good practice to always weigh these canisters when purchased and record the original weights on the canister.

#5 Steps To Refill Your Canister With Isobutane

1. Weigh the cannister.

For refillable canisters, it is important to know how much the original canister weighed. That original weight is the maximum capacity which should never be exceeded while refilling.

While refilling, the first step is to weigh your cannister and note down its current weight.

2. Calculate the amount of fuel you need to refill.

This is a simple calculation. Just subtract the current weight of your canister from its original weight – that’s how much fuel you’ve consumed and now need to refill.

3. Prepare the receiver canister for the fuel transfer.

You will need a screw-on transfer valve for isobutane transfer. Attach the valve to the receiver canister, and ensure that the transfer valve is shut off.

4. Transferring the fuel.

It is good practice to put on stabilizer legs on the donor canister before attaching the receiver. Also ensure that the base surface is level and stable.

Next, place the receiver canister with the valve on the donor canister in the inverted position.

Open the transfer valve and the fuel transfer begins. This could take a while depending on the amount of fuel being transferred, as the entire process is run by gravity.

After the sounds stop or you have transferred enough, close the transfer valve. Invert the canisters so that the Donor canister is on the bottom and unscrew the Donor canister.

5. Re-check the weight of the receiver canister.

Weigh the canister again to see if you have transferred enough fuel. If too much fuel was transferred, purge off using purge valve.

#6 Steps To Refill Your Tank With Propane

Since propane has a much lower boiling point that isobutane, liquid propane can cause serious injury in prolonged exposures. Protective gear is a must during the refilling process. Transporting propane requires extra precautions as well.

Parts Needed To Transfer Propane:

Flame King YSNMT48 Flexible 5′ Extension Hose For 1Lb Cylinder ($25)

DozyAnt QCC1 Propane Refill Adapter ($8)

(1) 1/8″ ID barbed hose splicer, brass ($1.50)

(2) Size 4 hose clamps, fits 7/32†to 5/8†($0.60)

Wooden fruit crate for transport and refilling (about $9 at home centres)

optional: universal toilet lift wire to make a brass purge tool ($2)

Assembling the “transfer hose”:

Remove 26†of hose from the “Flame King YSNMT48 Flexible 5′ Extension Hose” and splice with a 1/8†splicer and two hose clamps.

Removing this length of hose shortens it to a more manageable length while allowing the valve end to rest on the bench top.

All that’s left is to attach the shortened “Flame King Extension Hose†to the Propane Refill Adapter and it’s ready to use.

Propane Tank Stand:

Cut a hole in one end of a fruit crate to accommodate the tanks propane protective collar.

Safety Features in Tanks:

With isobutane over pressure situations, the bottom of an isobutane canister will absorb the impact and change shape to allow expansion if needed.

Since the pressures are much higher with propane, a separate safety over pressure valve is installed on the top of the canister next to the connection port.

Steps to refill:

1. Weigh the tank, calculate the amount of fuel to be transferred.

2. Place the donor propane tank upside-down on the fruit-crate propane tank stand.

3. Check that the transfer hose valve is off – then attach it to the receiver propane tank.

4. Open the propane tank valve and transfer hose valve – transfer fuel until the required amount is reached.

5. Shut off the valve and weigh again.

For clearer understanding, check out the following video:

1 Lb refillable cylinder filling instructions

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Words

Now that you know how to refill your propane and isobutane tanks, go ahead and get those tanks refilled – save extra bucks, and enjoy a fun weekend outdoors with friends and family!

Imagine reaching the campground, setting up the tent, setting up the cooking stove, and after hours of driving and setting up, when you finally switch the burner on to cook a hearty meal or take a hot cuppa, all you hear is a faint hiss – the hiss of disappointment – your tank is empty. Nightmarish, isn’t it? In this article, we bring to you everything you need to know about the shelf life of propane.

Running out of gas is both – very annoying, and very risky. In this article, we bring to you the ultimate guide for checking, maintaining and extending the shelf life of your propane tanks.

If this is your first time knowing about camping gas, or if you have unanswered questions and queries like what is camping gas, or how to choose the right fit for you from the overwhelming varieties available, or even how to attach a propane tank to your stove; we recommend that you go through our previous articles:

Camper’s Guide To Camping Gas: Your Cuppa’s Camping Best Friend

Propane Vs Butane? – Know Which Camping Stove Is Better For You

Know The Laborsaving, Easy Way Of Attaching Propane Tank To Camping Stove

Camping Propane In Car: Helpful Tips For Safe & Easy Storage

Now, to the issue at hand – let’s dive right into it so that we never have to go camping without an empty tank ever again!

#1 The Risks of An Empty Tank

As unbelievable as it may sound, not having fire to heat water and cook hearty meals isn’t the worst thing to happen to you with an empty propane tank.

What’s worse, you might wonder. Well, here are a few consequences of having an empty tank –

• If you leave a valve or gas line open when the propane supply runs out, it can cause a leak when the system is recharged.
• Air and moisture that accumulates in an empty tank can cause rust build-up; rust reduces the rotten egg smell of propane, making a leak more difficult to detect.
• If you run out of gas, your pilot lights will go out – a very dangerous situation if not handled properly.
• By federal code, all out-of-gas calls require a visit from a qualified technician to perform a leak test in your home – paid for by you.

Boy, now THAT is a lot of hassle caused by a simple forgetful moment of not checking the level of gas in your propane tanks. It makes it important that you check your propane tanks regularly – whether recently used or not.

#2 How to Check the Amount of Gas in Your Propane Tank?

Before we go on to knowing the shelf life or how to extend it, it is important to know how to check the level of propane you’re left with.

Here are 4 ways by which you can easily check the amount of propane remaining –

1. By warm water.

The easiest way to find out how long do propane tanks last and how much gas you have left in your Propane bottle is simple. Just follow these step by step instructions:

• Fill up a small jug with warm water
• Pour it down the side of the gas bottle.
• Wait for just 5 seconds.
• Then using your hands, slide them down the side of the bottle.

When you detect a change in temperature (it gets colder), that’s where the gas level is.

Note that when you purchase a gas bottle, it will only actually be 80% full. They do this to allow for expansion on a hot day.

2. By weight.

If you’ve been dealing with propane tanks for a long time, you can approximate whether it’s time to get it refilled simply by picking it up. But to get a better idea of how much gas is remaining, you will need a scale.

All propane tanks come with a few numbers stamped on the handle – most commonly the WC (water capacity) and TW (the weight of the tank when it’s empty).

Most propane tanks for grilling weigh around 17 pounds (8 kilograms) when empty and hold roughly 20 pounds (9 kilograms) of propane.

To measure how many pounds of propane are remaining, weigh the tank and subtract the tare weight.

 For instance, if you weigh the tank and have 27 pounds (12 kilograms) total and have a tare weight of 17 pounds (8 kilograms), you have 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms) of propane — approximately half a tank — remaining.

3. By cook time.

Now this method is especially for the mathematics lovers out there. Who knew, a little math could go a long way when it came to keeping us warm in the middle of nowhere?!

Let us understand this method with the example of a grill:

• First, consider that one gallon (3.8 liters) of propane produces approximately 92,000 BTUs.
• Divide that number by the BTUH (BTUs per hour) rating of your grill. This leaves you with the number of hours it will take for you to use one gallon of propane at the grill’s maximum heat setting.
• Finally, multiply the number of hours by the number of gallons in the tank. A full 20-pound (9-kilogram) propane tank holds 4.7 gallons (17.8 liters) of propane.

If your grill has an output of 32,000 BTUH, you would get approximately 13.5 hours of cook time out of a standard propane tank if you were cooking at maximum heat.

If you’re only using two out of four burners, you could estimate that the approximate cook time would be double.

4. Buy a gauge.

If you’re willing to spend a few bucks to avoid all the hassle of water and math, then the simplest way will be to buy a gauge.

Note that you need to purchase a PROPANE TANK GAUGE and not a pressure gauge.

Here are a few options you can check:

• LONGADS 2 Pack Upgraded Propane Tank Gauge Level Indicator with Type 1 Connection, Propane Gas Pressure Gauge for 5-40lb Propane Tank, Universal for RV Camper, BBQ Gas Grill, Cylinder, Heater
• 2 Pack Propane Gas Gauge Pressure Meter Leak Detector with Qcc1/Type1 Connection, Propane Tank Gauge Level Indicator Compatible with Propane Appliances – RV camper, BBQ gas grill, Cylinder and more
• GasOne 50120 Propane Gauge for Propane Tanks
• SHINESTAR 2 Pack Upgraded Propane Gas Pressure Gauge for 5-40lb Propane Tank with Type 1 Connection, Stay Accurate at Different Temperatures
• GasSaf Propane Tank Gas Gauge Leak Detector – Universal for QCC1 Type1 Propane Tank Gas Pressure Meter(2-Pack)

#3 When Should You Order More Propane?

With the calculations set and done, it is still important to know when to get a new propane tank, or a refill to your refillable tank.

Propane doesn’t expire. So, with its long shelf-life, the only reason you’ll need to order more propane is when you’re running low.

Unless your propane delivery service provider monitors your fuel level and delivers to you automatically, you’ll need to learn how to read the gauge on your propane tank.

The most important number to know when reading your gauge is the fuel level. It should never be more than 80% full. The reason is thermal expansion.

Keeping your tank filled less than 100% ensures the fuel in your tank can expand with no risk to the tank or your safety.

Once your gauge reads 20%, it’s time to reorder your supply of propane.

If you’re still a little unsure, here is a video that’ll help you –

How to read the gauge on your propane tank

#4 How Long Does a Propane Tank Last?

While the life of a tank depends on many factors, an approximation can be made about a standard propane tank.

• A standard 1-lb propane tank will provide approximately 1½ hours of cooking time on high heat.
• A disposable 14 or 16 ounce propane tank will also last about 1.5 to 2 hours.
• A standard 20-lb propane tank should last about 18-20 hours on most grills.

Having said that, it is still advisable that you have a thorough check of the amount of propane remaining in your propane tank regularly – and especially when planning a camping trip. You do not want to land in a situation where you spend a week in the middle of nowhere with an empty gas tank.

#5 Maintenance Checklist for Propane Tanks

While you’re at it, make sure you check for a little more than just the amount of gas remaining. For starters, here’s a handy checklist of things to check for:

• Check the anti-corrosion coating on your underground tank
• Inspect appliance connectors
• Check appliance vents
• Leak testing
• Fuel quality monitoring
• Ensure you disconnect your fuel tank when it’s not in use
• Check that your propane tank is always sitting level to the ground

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Words

Now that you know how to calculate the burn rate and life of your propane tank, let’s get to work with checking the propane tanks!

With a little extra work put into the pre-packing checks can save you from a wide range of nightmares – from risks associated with empty tanks, to harsh winters without heat.

Happy Camping!

Need help attaching the propane tank to your camping stove? Your quest for solutions ends here, with this easy, helpful guide on everything you need to know about attaching a propane tank to a camping gas stove.

Camping stoves, as we like to call them, are The Hungry Camper’s Blessing.

Whether you’re out camping, or on a fishing trip, a mountain expedition, or simply a BBQ dinner with your friends and family in the backyard – wherever you go, whatever your needs may be, your camping stove will not disappoint you.

With simple construction, ease of use, & amazing portability, camping stoves are a great tool to have for any and every outdoorsy trip.

They are available in various sizes to meet your various needs – from just enough fuel to brew a hot cuppa over a couple of days, to feed a whole bunch of tired, hungry campers – there’s a stove for every occasion.

Along with the simplicity, convenience, and an abundance of varieties to choose from, camping stoves have another major advantage, that of its quality.

You’ll be surprised by the amount of food you can cook, and water you can boil – and rest assured, the meals you cook at the campsite with your camping stove will be as delicious and nutritious as your regular meals.

If you’re new to this concept, or if you’ve got questions like what a camping gas actually is, how it works, what are the variants available in the market, or how to choose the right kind of camping gas stove for your trip; we suggest you go through our previous articles. You can find them here:

Camper’s Guide To Camping Gas: Your Cuppa’s Camping Best Friend

Propane Vs Butane? – Know Which Camping Stove Is Better For You

Now, if you’re already familiar with the basics, let’s dive in a little deeper to further explore yet another know-how of camping gas stoves.

In this article, we will check out the procedure involved in attaching a propane tank to the camping gas stove. So, without further ado, let’s jump right in!

#1 Introductory Guidance

Whether you’re a first-timer used to using electric cooker at home, or just a cautious camper wanting to avoid any mishap with these flammable tools – this guide will take you through the entire procedure of attaching the propane tank to the camping stove in the easiest possible way.

But, before we get into the procedural details and discuss the steps involved, we’d like to give out a general word of caution from safety point of view:

The steps we describe here form an illustration of a generalized set of instructions for attaching a propane tank to a camping stove.

However, it is of utmost importance to note that every new model purchased comes with a set of specific instructions for the said model.

Be sure to read the set of instructions provided by the company thoroughly to avoid any untoward mishap from occurring.

That being said, the overall procedure is actually fairly easy, and with due diligence and smart work, you should be able to set up your stove in no time.

#2 Pre-Requisites

Here is a list of pre-requisites you must have before setting up a camping stove:

1. Camping Stove Unit

Well, you cannot set up a camping stove unless you have one.

2. Propane Gas Tank

Ensure that propane gas tank meets your fuel needs. Purchasing the appropriate fuel tank is the key to having an amazing outdoors cooking experience.

3. Connection Or Hose

Usually a hose comes with your propane tank package itself, but the length of hose could be too short. It is better to purchase a longer hose, just in case. Ensure that the diameter of the purchased hose matches that of the packaged one.

4. Level and Stable Surface

You do not want your fuel spilling over because of an irregular surface – it can lead to explosive and fatal accidents. So, make sure that the surface you place your camping stove on has a level surface.

5. Soapy Solution in Spray bottle

This will help you check for any leakages or faulty connections after you set up the stove, and before you switch it on. This helps in preventing any accidents that can happen due to improper connections or leakages.

#3 Steps To Attach A Propane Tank To Camp Stove

1. Make sure you have everything you need.

It won’t hurt to double check the list of pre-requisites to ensure none of the items are missing, and all requirements are being met.

2. Level your surface.

This is especially important when you’re camping on uneven terrain. You may need to dig a little space for the stove set-up. But always ensure that the surface is level and stable.

3. Make sure all switches are in the OFF position.

Before you begin any sort of attachment work, it is important to ensure that the camping stove has all of its switches in the OFF position.

This is a very important step because propane is a highly flammable substance and the slightest ignition can set off an untoward accident.

4. Attach the Connecting Hose.

After ensuring that the surface is stable and the camping stove switches are all in the OFF position, you’re ready to make the attachment. Now, if you’ve bought a hose of the perfect dimensions, it should easily twist into the stove.

Connect one end of the connecting hose into the stove, and other to the propane tank. Make sure the connections are well attached, firm and tight.

5. Final Checks.

After making the attachments, do not directly ignite the stove. It is a good practice to give final checks to all connections before switching the stove ON in order to avoid any accidents.

A simple leakage test involves spraying soapy solution on the hose near the sealed ends. If the connector points show formation of bubbles, it is an indication of loose or faulty connection, or a leakage.

Voila! You’ve set up your very own camping stove!

At this point, you should light up one ring of the stove to see if there is a stable flame. Once you’re happy with the set-up, you can adjust the temperature and start your cooking adventures in the wilderness!

#4 Troubleshooting

Once you’ve set up your camping stove, it is necessary that you give it a trial run before adding the pan filled with ingredients onto it. If the flame is stable, you’re good to go. But sometimes the stove doesn’t work as we expect it to. Two major problems can arise:

1. Stove Doesn’t Work

Either one or all of your stove rings might not work – that’s a common issue. Don’t panic. You’ve got this under control.

Firstly, you should check for anything blocking the vents on your stove. If the regulator becomes clogged with food and other debris, then it may prevent your camping stove from functioning properly.

To remove the blockage, you can just tap at the stove to dislodge pieces, otherwise, a can of compressed air will remove stubborn debris.

Damage to the hose which connects your propane canister and the camp stove is also a common problem.

Unfortunately, this usually means a replacement is required for the hose. However, replacements aren’t too expensive, and with them, you’ll have full use of your two-burner or single burner stove.

2. Low Flame

You’ve set up your stove, prepped up the pans, and are ready to cook yourself a hearty breakfast – only to see a tiny, unusable flame light up – the kind that’ll barely toast a marshmallow.

Annoying, right? You’re not alone.

Low flame issues are common, annoying problems faced by campers – especially the ones who have just bought a new camping stove.

This low intensity of the flame is courtesy of a safety mechanism manufactured into the camping stove, that helps prevent accidents in case of a hasty emergency.

However, when the sole emergency at the campsite is the gurgling of the hungry stomach, then the safety mechanism acts more like the anti-hero.

Now, to address this problem, the first and most important thing to do is to ensure that all stove burners are turned off and the propane tank is closed shut.

Once you’ve done that, go ahead and disconnect the regulator. Give it a few seconds to reset. Now, reconnect the regulator to the tank, and perform the leakage test with the soapy solution.

If the propane hose and all connection points are firm, leak-free and bubble-free, then when you open the tank valve, you should hear the rushing of the gas. That sound is the sound of victory, fellow campers.

Once you hear it, you can try igniting the stove again. With a leakage-free connection, your camping stove must now be ready to use.

#5 Tips For Team Electric Stove

If you’re of team electric stove, you most likely use electric stovetops at home. This could lead to some initial unfamiliarity with a camping stove, which is a heat-based stovetop.

However, there is no reason to be worried; we have some tips and tricks that will help you familiarize yourself with cooking on a camping gas stove.

1. Propane stoves are for outdoor use only – do not use it in your tent.

No matter how tempted you are to cook your breakfast in bed because of snowfall, or rains, or general laziness and unwillingness to step out – do NOT use a propane stove in your tent.

Propane is a highly volatile, highly flammable substance that needs to be used in an appropriately ventilated area.

Using one within your tent can lead to major fire risks. Moreover, when used inside, the propane stove will not receive sufficient oxygen – which can lead to the production of a highly toxic gas, Carbon Monoxide.

If weather is the problem, then set up a separate area for cooking with a tarp high above the stove to protect it from precipitation. Ensure that the cooking area is set a little further away from the tent.

2. Protect your burners from the wind.

As a camping chef, you need to rise in the face of adversity – and protect your burners from wind. Since ventilation is a necessity with camping stoves, it also leaves your burners susceptible to heavy winds that can blow your flames and ruin your plans for an amazing meal.

However, there are ways to rise to this challenge too:

• Get a windshield. You can purchase a windscreen that protects the flames of the burner. Check out the link given below for a few purchasing options:

Windscreen for Camping Stove

• Make your own DIY windscreen. If you’re more the kind to have fun with tools, or if you are on a certain budget – you can even make your own windscreen. Want to know how? Check out the link given below!

How to make a DIY $1 wind screen for camp stoves

3. Store fuel canisters properly.

Especially if it is your first time dealing with stovetops based on heat, it is better to take a few extra precautions. Propane tanks are high pressure vessels, and under certain conditions this could lead to accidents.

Make sure propane bottles are always stored upright, in a well-ventilated area, They should be kept far away from any open flame, such as your stove or campfire, at all times.

4. Do not leave your stove lit and unattended.

The only thing lit and around kids, should be the lit dinner you cook; not a lit stove.

Especially if you’re camping with kids or pets, it is important to ensure that when not in use, all switches of the stove are at the OFF position.

5. Set up your camp stove on a proper surface.

You should never sit your stove directly on the ground or another flat surface, air needs to circulate around the whole stove when cooking to prevent fire hazards.

Most stoves come with a stand that they should be set on, so make use of this equipment. In the winter, never put your camping stove on ice, snow, or frozen earth. As the metal heats up, your camp stove could melt what it’s set on and become unstable and topple.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Words

Now that you know how to set up your camping stove and attach a propane tank to it, you’re all set to rise up to the occasion of outdoor cooking, and treat yourself with your favourite nutritious delicacies with an amazing view.

What more are you waiting for? Go ahead, and treat yourself.

Happy camping!

Tired of having trail mix for dinner and cold tea for breakfast? You’re not alone. We all have had at least one exasperating moment of running out of fuel for fire, leaving us with nothing but the tasteless and boring nutrition of granola and dried cereal. Which is why we bring to you this, and a bunch of other articles that deal with the details of camping gas.

If beef jerky and cold tea are your favourite delicacies, then this article might not be for you. But, if like us, even you’d like to wake up with a view and have your steaming, hot cuppa in the tent – then you might just have hit a jackpot.

With this, and a series of other articles, we bring to you the detailed how’s, what’s and why’s of this one invention that could rightly be given the title of The Hungry Camper’s Blessing.

That’s right; we’re talking about none other than the camping gas – the unsung hero of all your experiences in the untamed wildernesses.

Without further ado, let’s jump right in!

#1 Camping Gas? Or Campfire?

Hmpf. You might think. Isn’t living raw the whole point of going camping? And isn’t a campfire the epitome of this rawness? Then, is there a point in going for something luxurious, like a camping gas stove?

Well, to answer your queries in order- Yes. Yes! And, heck yeah!

What we mean to say, is that, yes camping is about embracing your wild side, and being one with the element and what not; and yes, a campfire can be taken as a symbol of that raw awesomeness; but, yes there totally is a point in opting for a camping gas stove!

In fact, a camping gas stove is more of a necessity than a luxurious choice. There are some obvious advantages of a camping gas over campfire –

i. Ease of Availability

We’ve all been there – in that one moment where either the firewood was too damp, or the kindling was too less, or no tinder was to be found anywhere!

Those cursed moments of not being able to set up a campfire are no strange occurrence for seasoned campers; and are a greater risk for the newbs.

This is where the camping gas stove shines. It provides flames when you need ‘em – with no hassle or running around for materials.

ii. Clean Fire

Looking for options that make your stay in the wild comfortable, without suffocating the wild? Avoid campfires. Well, not completely. Obviously – nothing beats the fun dances around a campfire, and toasted marshmallows? Who wouldn’t like s’more of ‘em?

But for the important applications of cooking and heating water – applications and uses that require flames to be up for a longer duration, a camping gas stove provides cleaner alternatives.

As we’ll see ahead, the fuel used in camping gas is in fact composed of few of the cleanest sources of energy found today.

Thus, when it comes to cleanliness and environment-friendliness, camping gas stoves score another point over sooty, polluting flames of a campfire.

iii. Consistency

Consistency is the key to good coffee … and, well, success. You get the point.

Campfires give flames that sway and cannot exactly be controlled. The max you can do is to move the pan closer or further away from the flames.

This means inconsistent heating – which in turn means wastage of heat and improper heating of water – which, devastatingly, puts your beloved cuppa at the risk of destruction of taste and texture.

With camping gas stoves, you get the ability to simmer the flames and control the heat supplied to the pan – which gives consistent heating – which is good not only for your brew, but also for any and every item you cook.

iv. Reliability

With factors like control, consistency, ease of availability and ease of usage, camping gas stove is a clear winner in yet another battle of quality, i.e. reliability.

v. Efficiency

The fuel used in campfire is wood; the fuel used in camping gas stove, as we’ll see further, is LPG. LPG, or liquified petroleum gas, is a much more efficient fuel when compared to wood – which means, another hot score for the stove!

Don’t believe us? Believe the numbers:

The average of the calorific values of 41 wood types was taken = 37717 kJ/kg

The calorific value of LPG = 51000 kJ/kg

To put it into perspective, it requires about 335 kJ of heat to boil one litre of water. So –

In an ideal condition, you’ll need about 9 grams of wood to produce the same amount of heat that you can easily obtain from a mere 6.56 grams of LPG.

Add factors like shelf life, ignition temperature, weather dependence and overall long-term costs – and you’ll see how investing on LPG will save the money you so easily would’ve spent on purchasing firewood and kindling time and again.

#2 What Is Camping Gas?

Now that we have hopefully convinced you why you should bother yourself with the prospect of a camping gas stove, let’s get to the most basic question of all – what is camping gas?

Before we answer that, we’ll look at another, perhaps very basic question:

What is LPG or Liquified Petroleum Gas?

As the name might suggest, it is a by-product of petroleum, in the form of a gas, which is liquified before storing.

Basically, when oil and natural gas, two other petroleum products of immense commercial and economic value, are extracted – another by-product tries to escape. This is none other than our LPG.

LPG is more like an umbrella term that loosely defines the family of hydrocarbons propane, butane, propylene, butylene, isobutane and a blend of these.

Back To Camping Gas:

Now that we have a rough idea of what LPG is, we can focus on the burning question in our hand – what is camping gas?

Camping gas forms that part of the LPG family which contains a blend of propane, butane, propylene and other hydrocarbons in small quantities.

Worthwhile to note – camping gas is a mixture of hydrocarbons; it is not pure propane or pure butane.

It is important to remember this difference because while superficially the names of ingredients look the same, the chemistry changes drastically when we go from pure propane to a propane-butane mix to pure butane.

Let us look at the chemical composition of a common cylinder:

Chemical Composition Of An Average 20-pound cylinder

While compositions can vary with brand, size and type, the following table provides a rough estimate of the composition. Although, it is advisable that you always read the company’s datasheet before purchasing a gas cylinder.

Propane	Ranges from 10 to 95 percent
Butane	Ranges from 10 to 95 percent
i-Butane	Ranges from 20 to 80 percent
Propylene	Less than 5 percent
Ethane	Less than 6 percent
Ethyl Mercaptan	Less than 0.1 percent

It is useful to note here that ethyl mercaptan has no much role in burning or combustion; yet, it has one of the most important roles to play – i.e. safety.

The smell of rotten eggs you get when there is a gas leak, it’s the courtesy of ethyl mercaptan.

The other hydrocarbons, i.e. propane, butane, etc are odourless, colourless, and thus do not give any indication of leakage. This is precisely why a small amount of ethyl mercaptan is added so that we are alerted in case of a leakage.

Properties Of Camping Gas

Given the variety of compositions available in camping gas cylinders, pin-pointing a single set of properties won’t paint an accurate picture.

However, there is a certain generalized set of properties for a mixture of propane/butane that sets it apart from pure propane and pure butane:

Boiling Point: ~ 10.94 degrees Fahrenheit (mid-way between Propane & Butane)

Burning time: 2.5 to 3 hours in ideal conditions

Ease of carrying: lightweight, very portable

For a detailed description of properties of various compositions of propane and butane, click here.

#3 Camping Gas VS Propane

We’ve mentioned multiple times now, that camping gas is different from pure propane. But how different is it? And in what ways? Why choose pure propane at all, when camping gas has pretty attractive properties?

Let’s clear these doubts too!

There is no doubt in the fact that propane is one of the cleanest most versatile fuel there is. However, one of it’s major drawbacks is that it cannot be used as a pure substance in warm weathers – it will explode.

Propane has high volatility, which means –

• You need high pressure vessels to store propane; these can sometimes be heavy to carry.
• Propane will vaporize and be flammable at temperatures found on a nice, bright sunny day; this makes it a high-risk material to carry.

Camping gas, on the other hand, has a combination of butane and propane. Here’s how it comes in handy:

• For starters, the high volatility of propane is actually used to a benefit here: camping gas can be used in cold temperatures where butane tends to fail.
• Next, thanks to the sluggish vaporization of butane, the pressure over propane is maintained – which reduces the explosion risks associated with pure propane.

Basically, propane/butane form a sort of a yin/yang duo for camping gas stoves. The properties of one enhances those of another.

#4 Camping Propane VS Torch Propane

A propane torch is a tool used for many purposes such as brazing, welding, annealing, soldering, and if you’re skilled enough – cooking some s’mores in the backyard!

As the name suggests, the torch uses the hydrocarbon Propane as its fuel. Propane seems like the star of the show here – from stoves to blowtorches.

Now coming to whether or not there is a difference between the propane used for camping stoves and propane used for blowtorches –

The short answer is, there is no difference as such.

The slightly longer answer is, the only difference you might find will be in the slight variations here and there in the compositions of additives like ethane and propylene. Other than that, it is really the same propane being used.

#5 Can I Use Camping Propane For Torch?

Again, the short answer is – yes, you can.

The slightly longer answer will be to check for parameters like fitting, dimensions, compositions – if the nozzle fits the torch dimensions, you can use the camping propane canister for your blowtorch too!

The major precaution to take here is to keep clumsiness out of the room. Once you manage that, you’re pretty much good to go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Words

Now, unless you’re trying to recreate your very own version of Man Vs Wild while camping, it is better you invest in a camping gas stove.

Whether you like it or not, a campfire is not the ultimate solution to all your cooking needs.

So, what are you waiting for? Get Google-ing and find that perfect partner for your perfect cuppa and perfect meal in the tents.

If you are confused regarding which camping gas is best for you, check out this complete guide Propane Vs Butane? – Know Which Camping Stove Is Better For You