Butane canisters are a popular way to fuel portable stoves. While there are many different brands and types of butane canisters available on the market, they all have one common goal – to provide heat for cooking food or boiling water while outdoors.
But how long does a butane canister last? And is there anything you can do to make them last longer?
In this blog post, we will answer those questions and more so that you can rest assured that you have the right amount of fuel for your outdoor cooking needs.
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How Long Does a Butane Canister Last?
Each can of butane will last for a different amount depending on the brand and size of the canister. However, you can make some fairly accurate predictions depending on the size of your canister:
How Long Does an 8 Oz Butane Canister Last?
You can expect an 8-ounce can of butane to last you approximately three hours. This is assuming you are using the average heat setting. If you are using your device on high, your fuel canister may last for half as long or even less, depending on the conditions.
How Long Does a 16 Oz Butane Canister Last?
You can expect a 16-ounce butane fuel canister to last for approximately six hours. Again, this is assuming you are using the average heat setting. If you have your device set on high, the fuel in your canister may only last for three hours or less.
How Long Does a 220g Butane Cartridge Last?
A 220g butane cartridge equates to just over 7 ounces. You can expect this cartridge to last for approximately 2 hours when used on an average heat setting. If you have your device exclusively set to high, the cartridge may only last for one to one and a half hours.
How Long Will 15kg Butane Last?
15kg butane gas cylinders are used for commercial purposes and can last anywhere from a few hours to weeks, depending on the size of the appliance being fuelled. You can expect your cylinder to last for at least 46 hours on medium and over 50 hours on a low setting. If you exclusively use the high setting, the butane in the tank will last for about 30 hours.
What Can You Do To Make Butane Canisters Last Longer?
There are a few things you can do in order to make your butane canister last:
Use the Lowest Setting Possible on Your Portable Stove
Use your device on low or medium settings whenever possible. This will help conserve fuel and make your canister last longer. If you do use it on medium or high, make sure to stay near your stove and watch it the entire time so you can turn it back down or off immediately when your food is ready to take off the heat or simmer.
Use the Right Cookware
Make sure the stove you are using is properly adjusted to the size of the pot or pan you are cooking with. If the stove is too large for your cookware, it will use more fuel and shorten the life of your butane canister.
You will also want to make sure that your pot or pan isn’t too large, which could cause it to take a lot more time to heat up and cook your food.
Put a Lid On Your Pot or Pan
When boiling water or cooking food, try to put a lid on your pot or pan. This will help to retain heat and use less fuel. You’ll also want to make sure your cookware is made out of a material that heats up fast and retains heat well to reduce the time you’re waiting for your food to cook.
Store Your Butane Canister in a Cool, Dry Place
Butane canisters should be stored in a cool, dry place when not in use. If you store them in a hot or humid environment, it can cause the fuel to evaporate more quickly. The ideal temperature is between 50-70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Make sure to keep your butane canisters in a shaded section of your home such as a basement or garage.
Purchase From a Quality Brand With a Warranty
When purchasing a butane canister, it is important to buy from a quality brand with a warranty, such as GasOne. This will ensure you are getting a product that is reliable and has been tested for safety.
If your butane comes from a reliable source, it will likely be of higher quality, and your butane canister will last as long or longer as the quoted times mentioned above. Also, if you have an issue with your canister, the manufacturer will be more likely to help you.
How Many Butane Canisters Should I Bring Camping?
It’s important to know how much butane to bring along when you’re going camping, especially if you’re going to be in a primitive area without access to electricity or convenience stores nearby.
If You’re Bringing 8-Ounce Canisters:
As mentioned above, this size canister should last for about three hours on an average heat setting. Assuming you’re cooking a lot and making 3 hot meals a day for 2-3 people, you will probably go through one canister a day.
Most people have a non-cooked meal or two throughout the day when camping, such as cereal, sandwiches, or nuts and fruit. If you’re only cooking one hot meal a day, your canister will last for 3 to 4 days.
If You’re Bringing 16-Ounce Canisters:
As mentioned above, this size canister should last for about six hours on an average heat setting. Assuming you’re cooking a lot and making three hot meals a day, you will probably go through one canister every two days.
If you’re only preparing two hot meals a day, your canister will last for four days. And if you’re only preparing one hot meal a day, your canister will last for six to eight days.
Bring an Extra Just In Case
It is always a good idea to bring an extra butane canister with you when camping, just in case something happens to the one you are using. You don’t want to be stuck without heat or cooking options while out in the wilderness.
You never know when you’re going to get a faulty canister, so even if you’re portioning your fuel properly, it is a must to have a backup.
You will also want to follow the above-mentioned tips for retaining as much heat as possible so you can make your canister last as long as possible.
Benefits of Using Butane
There are many benefits to using butane for cooking, including:
- Ease of Use: Butane is a clean-burning fuel that is easy to use. It doesn’t require priming or lighting with a match like propane does, so it’s perfect for those who might not be as experienced in outdoor cooking.
- Portability: Butane canisters are small and lightweight, so they are perfect for taking on camping trips or backpacking.
- Affordability: Butane is a more affordable fuel than propane, making it a great option for those who are looking to save money on their cooking costs.
- Safety: Butane is a safe fuel to use, and it is less likely to cause an accidental fire than propane.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how long a butane canister will last, you can better plan your next outdoor excursion. By following the tips above, you can make sure your stove runs efficiently and conserve fuel, so you have more time to enjoy the great outdoors!