Can LPG Run A Barbie?

by Al
(Australia)

I have a LPG tank 25 ltr from a forklift that is on gas, can LPG run a barbie?

Answer:-

LPG is Liquefied Petroleum Gas. It is a combination of Propane (C3H8) and Butane (C4H10).

If you are running a gas barbie then normally you would run it on butane because butane has a higher flame temperature than propane.

The advantage of propane however (for campers anyway) is that it doesn't liquify until it reaches -42 degrees Celcius or -39 Fahrenheit whereas butane liquefies just below Zero Celcius or 31 Fahrenheit. So if you're grilling in winter, propane is the way to go.

So in theory, because LPG is a combination of propane and butane and these gases are suitable for use with a barbecue grill then there's no reason why you can't use LPG. Certainly there is no issue with smells or odours contaminating the food.

My big concern however is from a safety point of view and this relates to the gas regulator. The regulator controls the pressure at which the gas is delivered to its point of use, and there's a different type of regulator whether you're using propane, butane Or LPG. Each regulator is specific with regard to the pressure of gas in the cylinder so it's absolutely vital get it right.

What if your barbecue has previously run on natural gas? You must read this post.

I've seen many pictures of people with burns as a result of an accident with a barbecue so I take every precaution to ensure that my cookouts are as safe as possible. Using a non-standard gas presents a risk so ultimately the decision to take that risk has to be yours.