Cooking sausages on a gas barbecue - should I use Propane or Butane?

All gas barbecues must only be operated using low pressure Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). Both low pressure butane and propane are available, and both can be used for gas barbecuing. So what's the difference between butane and propane? And will they make any difference to the taste of your barbecued sausages?

The differences:

Propane comes in red and green gas cylinders.

Butane comes in blue gas cylinders.

Propane has a lower boiling point than butane.

The operating temperature guidelines for butane state that the most suitable temperature range for butane is between 13°C and 30°C. At temperatures less than 13°C, butane will provide a less satisfactory service, and so propane should be used.

Propane is stored at a higher pressure than butane, making it better suited for outdoor storage.

Butane is cheaper in price than Propane.

Propane burns hotter than butane.

Both Calor Patio Gas and BP Light gas cylinders contain propane.

Which gas to choose?

Your gas barbecue should come with instructions indicating if it is fitted with a butane or propane regulator. You should use the gas that matches the regulator type fitted to your barbecue.

If your barbecue instructions indicate that you have a dual fuel model then you can choose either propane or butane, as your barbecue can operate using both fuel types. However, you must make sure that the correct type of regulator is fitted for the type of gas that you choose.

Essentially, propane will enable you to barbecue all year round as it will continue to supply the required gas pressure even in cold weather conditions. Butane is better suited for use on the warmer days of spring and autumn, as well as summer.

The type of gas you choose won't have any affect on the taste of your barbecued sausages, but it might affect your cooking time. Propane burns hotter than butane, so if you choose propane, keep an eye on your sausages, turning them regularly to make sure that they don't burn too quickly on the outside. If you're using butane, then your sausages may take a little longer to cook thoroughly.

You also need to make sure that you use the correct hose for your chosen gas type. For butane, a black flexible hose is often used, but this type of hose is not suitable for use with propane. Propane requires the use of a hardwall gas hose instead. These are usually orange in colour and will ensure that no propane gas leaks develop.

Whichever type of gas you choose for your barbecue, make sure that you have read your barbecue instructions thoroughly, and that you check and maintain your barbecue and accessories regularly.

For further advice on safe gas barbecuing check out the Garden Safety section of the British Gas safety website at britishgassafety.co.uk, and for gas safety tips in general you'll find information about the gas safe register on the main British Gas website.