As soon as the evenings get warmer, the same question lands in our inbox: “What exactly is patio gas, and which bottle do I need?” It is one of the most misunderstood products in the bottled gas world – partly because the name describes how the gas is used rather than what is inside the bottle.
This guide clears it up. We will explain what patio gas actually is, settle the propane-versus-butane confusion once and for all, compare the bottle sizes Adams Gas supplies, and show you how to get a refill delivered locally or picked up from a stockist near you.
What is patio gas?
Patio gas is propane – a type of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) – supplied in distinctive green bottles designed for outdoor living equipment such as patio heaters, gas barbecues, pizza ovens and chimineas.
The “patio” name is a marketing label, not a different fuel. Manufacturers created it to give households an easy, recognisable product for outdoor entertaining, fitted with a convenient clip-on regulator connection rather than the screw-thread fitting found on older propane bottles. Underneath, it is the same reliable propane that powers forklifts, catering trailers and off-grid heating across the country.
Because propane stays usable in cold weather, patio gas works year-round – which is exactly why pubs, restaurants and event venues lean on it to keep outdoor seating areas warm well beyond the summer.
Is patio gas propane or butane?
Patio gas is propane, and this is the single most common point of confusion. Both propane and butane are LPG and both come in pressurised bottles, but they behave differently and use different connections.
| Patio gas (propane) | Butane | |
|---|---|---|
| Bottle colour | Green | Blue |
| Best for | Patio heaters, BBQs, year-round outdoor use | Indoor portable heaters, some camping appliances |
| Cold weather | Reliable outdoors, even in winter | Struggles near freezing |
| Typical connection | Clip-on regulator | Clip-on regulator (different size) |
The short version: if the appliance lives outdoors, you almost always want propane patio gas. If you are weighing up the two fuels in more detail, our propane vs butane guide breaks down exactly when to use each.
Patio gas bottle sizes
Patio gas typically comes in two everyday sizes, and Adams Gas also supplies a lightweight refillable alternative. Here is how they compare:
| Bottle | Gas | Best suited to | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5kg Patio Gas | Propane | Single patio heater, smaller BBQs, easy to carry | Lightest standard option – popular with households |
| 13kg Patio Gas | Propane | Larger heaters, frequent use, hospitality patios | Longer run time between refills |
| 5kg Gaslight | Propane | Anyone who wants a lighter, see-through bottle | Lightweight composite cylinder you can refill |
| 10kg Gaslight | Propane | Regular outdoor use without the heavy steel | Translucent – you can see the gas level |
The 5kg bottle is the easiest to lift and store, making it the go-to for a single patio heater or a weekend barbecue. The 13kg bottle runs for longer between changes, which is why it suits busy hospitality settings and households that entertain often.
If carrying a steel cylinder is a struggle, the Gaslight range is worth a look – these are lightweight, translucent propane bottles so you can actually see how much gas is left, with no guesswork before a big event.
Not sure which size matches your appliance? Our dedicated guide on which gas bottle you need for a patio heater walks through it step by step.
What can you use patio gas for?
Patio gas is genuinely versatile around the home and garden:
- Patio heaters – the original and most popular use, keeping gardens and terraces warm into the evening.
- Gas barbecues – propane lights instantly and gives precise heat control.
- Pizza ovens and chimineas – clean, consistent outdoor cooking heat.
- Outdoor hospitality – pubs, restaurants, marquees and events rely on patio gas to keep covered seating and beer gardens comfortable.
For businesses, reliable outdoor heating is a revenue decision: warm seating extends the trading season and keeps customers outside for longer. That is where a dependable local supplier matters.
Where to buy and refill patio gas near you
Once your bottle runs low, you have two routes:
- Exchange – swap your empty bottle for a full one.
- Refill – top up a refillable cylinder such as Gaslight.
Adams Gas makes both straightforward. You can order patio gas for local delivery across our coverage area, or collect from one of the independent retailers in our stockist network. Check our areas we deliver page to see whether we cover your postcode, find your nearest stockist, or browse the full patio and BBQ gas range and wider Calor gas range to find the right bottle.
Prefer to talk it through first? Get in touch and our team will help you match the right bottle and connection to your equipment.
Stay warm, reliably
Patio gas is simply propane in a convenient green bottle – easy to use once you know that the appliance, not the label, decides what you need. Choose the 5kg bottle for portability, the 13kg for longer run times, or Gaslight if you want a lighter, see-through cylinder, and you will be ready for everything from a quiet evening on the terrace to a packed beer garden.
If you run a hospitality business and want a dependable patio gas supply – or you would like to stock Adams Gas products yourself – become a stockist or contact our team today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is patio gas the same as propane?
Yes. Patio gas is propane supplied in a green bottle with a convenient clip-on regulator connection, designed for outdoor appliances like patio heaters and barbecues. “Patio gas” is simply the everyday name for it.
Can I use patio gas for a BBQ?
Yes. Patio gas (propane) is ideal for gas barbecues – it lights instantly, gives precise heat control and performs well in cold weather. Just make sure your barbecue’s regulator matches the bottle’s connection.
What size patio gas bottle do I need?
For a single patio heater or occasional BBQ, a 5kg bottle is usually plenty and easy to carry. For larger heaters, frequent use or a hospitality setting, a 13kg bottle runs longer between refills. See our patio heater bottle guide for help matching your appliance.
Is patio gas propane or butane?
Patio gas is propane. Propane comes in green bottles and works year-round, including in cold weather. Butane comes in blue bottles and is better suited to indoor use, as it struggles near freezing.
Where can I get patio gas near me?
Adams Gas delivers patio gas locally across our coverage area and supplies an independent stockist network for collection. Check our areas we deliver page for your postcode, or contact us to find your nearest stockist.
Ready for the season ahead? Keep your patio warm and your barbecue firing. Find your nearest Adams Gas stockist, check our delivery areas, or contact our team to sort your patio gas supply.
