Can you use propane in a butane stove? The answer to this question is yes you can. You can purchase a camp stove adapter that will allow you to use a 1lb propane canister with your butane or isobutane stove’s Lindal valve system. Propane is under higher pressure so you will need to control the flame and stove heat more than butane which is under lower pressure. Running the flame too high and hot could be dangerous and could also potentially melt the butane stove.
Why Propane?
When would you want to run a propane canister with a butane stove? Propane vaporizes down to a temperature of -43f or about 41C.1 Butane on the other hand vaporizes down to a temperature of +31f or Oc. Isobutane (I-butane) is an isomer of butane and vaporizes down +12f or -11c. Of these 3 different types of fuel used in pressurized cannister camping stoves propane is the clear winner when it comes to running it in cold weather. This can come in handy if you are winter camping and do not want to switch to a liquid fuel burning stove such as one that burns white gas.
What about fuel mixes in cold weather?
What about using a canister that has mixed fuels in cold weather such as butane/propane or isobutane/propane? If in each case the cold is below the butane or isobutan’s vaporizing point than you will end up burning only the propane to keep the stove going due to its ability to operate under colder temperatures. Soon you will burn off all the propane and only the butane will be left behind in the canister. The butane will not burn below its vaporizing threshold and the stove will go out. 2 The propane will not somehow aid the butane to burn lower than its natural state will allow.
Why a camping stove adapter is a good idea
Most stoves made for propane canisters are quite large and are best suited for car camping. On the other hand butane or Lidal valve type stoves tend to run a lot smaller being useful for those looking to cut down on weight and bulk. Being able to eliminate a bulky stove and bring a compact one during winter camping can be a great asset.
If you are camping during summer you can easily use the same stove without the adapter with your butane canisters. So using the adapter is more efficient and economical than purchasing two separate stoves for both fuels.
Of course you can still use butane/isobutane in relatively cold temperatures you just may need to warm them up before use. You can warm them up using your hands, hand warmers, dipping in water or keeping them in your sleeping bag overnight. If you are not as worried about weight such as doing hot tent camping with sleds in winter or while ice fishing you might decide just to bring propane. This way you can quickly heat up some food while day tripping or in your ice tent without fussing so much with warming up your butane canisters.
- The Ins And Outs Of Cannister Fuels Click on link for futher information
- FAQ-Fuel Mixtures.