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Propane is the workhorse of outdoor living: it powers BBQs, patio heaters, outdoor cookers, and even some home backup systems. If you like the instant-on convenience of a gas flame and the freedom to move appliances around without wiring, propane is hard to beat. It’s portable, burns clean compared with some alternatives, and comes in a range of cylinder sizes so you can pick what suits a small balcony or a large garden party. Curious which supplier or store to trust? Read on — we’ll walk through the most common options and how to get the best value.
In the UK there are two types of places you’ll typically turn to for propane: specialist gas suppliers and general retailers. Specialist suppliers like Calor Gas and Flogas dominate with branded cylinders, delivery, and exchange services. On the retail side, national chains like B&Q, Screwfix, Homebase, Wickes, and Argos sell cylinders, patio heaters, and accessories — often with exchange or refill options. Supermarkets and hardware shops occasionally stock small disposable canisters for camping use, while trade suppliers such as Travis Perkins and Toolstation cater to builders and large-volume users.
Calor is one of the most recognised names in bottled gas across the UK. They offer a wide range of cylinder sizes suitable for domestic and commercial use and have long-established exchange and delivery networks. If you prefer the simplicity of swapping an empty cylinder for a full one rather than handling refills, Calor has a strong presence in many garden centres, independent retailers, and large shops.
Flogas specialises in both bottled LPG and bulk deliveries for larger installations. They’re often used by homeowners who need a steady fuel supply for heating or continuous run appliances. Flogas can be a good match if you’re considering a larger cylinder or an installed tank rather than portable bottles.
High-street DIY stores like B&Q, Screwfix, Homebase, and Wickes are go-to options for many households. They stock propane cylinders, disposable canisters, patio heaters, and regulator fittings. These stores are handy if you want to compare heater models or buy accessories at the same time as picking up a cylinder. Many also participate in cylinder exchange schemes or partner with major suppliers for refills.
For casual users who only need a small canister now and then, retailers like Argos, ASDA, and some supermarkets offer disposable gas and portable heaters. These are ideal for camping or occasional use, but may not be the best value for regular outdoor entertaining.
Propane cylinders come in many sizes and the right one depends on what you want to run. Think of it like choosing a water bottle: you wouldn’t take a mug to a marathon. Small canisters are perfect for camping stoves; mid-sized cylinders suit patio heaters and BBQs; large bottles are for continuous home appliances or commercial use. In the UK the familiar small barbecue bottles are roughly 11 pounds in weight when full (often marketed by metric equivalents), while larger bottles — used for home heating or heavy-duty equipment — can weigh over 100 pounds when full. Always check the usable capacity and match it to your appliance’s consumption.
If you mainly run a patio heater or a BBQ for weekend gatherings, an 11-pound cylinder often does the job for several uses before you need to exchange it. For frequent entertaining or for multiple heaters, consider stepping up to a larger bottle or an exchange plan with a supplier so you can keep spares on hand.
If you’re running gas appliances inside the home, a workshop, or need a continuous supply for heating, a bulk tank or large cylinder from a supplier like Flogas or Calor reduces the hassle of swapping bottles. Think of this option as moving from filling water cups to installing a water tap — less topping up, more convenience.
Shopping for propane online can save time and let you compare prices across retailers quickly, but physical stores let you inspect fittings, get advice, and walk away with a new cylinder the same day. Retailers such as Screwfix and B&Q offer online ordering with in-store collection, giving you the best of both worlds. Specialist suppliers often provide home delivery or scheduled exchanges, which is handy if you have no transport or a large bottle to handle.
Price isn’t just the sticker on the cylinder — factor in delivery fees, deposit or exchange schemes, and whether the supplier offers regulator and hose bundles. Some retailers run promotions on patio heaters and match them with discounted cylinders. For real savings, compare the effective cost per pound of usable propane, not just the headline price. A larger cylinder may seem more expensive upfront but could work out cheaper per use if you consume fuel regularly.
Propane is safe when handled sensibly, but it’s still a compressed fuel that demands respect. Store cylinders upright in a well-ventilated, sheltered outdoor spot — never inside your home, shed, or garage. Keep them away from direct heat sources and secure them so they don’t tip over. When connecting or disconnecting, ensure the appliance is off and use the correct regulator and hose rated for propane. If you ever smell a strong gas odour, shut off the cylinder valve, move people away, and seek professional help — don’t try to troubleshoot inside a closed room.
When transporting cylinders, keep them upright and secure in the vehicle so they can’t roll. Use a well-ventilated area — ideally the boot with windows open — and never leave a cylinder in a hot vehicle for long periods. For large bottles, consider delivery; many retailers or suppliers offer delivery services for heavy cylinders to avoid manual handling risks.
Buying the correct regulator, hose, and connectors is as important as the gas itself. Some retailers bundle the regulator with the cylinder sale; others sell them separately. Make sure the regulator is rated for propane (not butane) and check compatibility with your appliance. Many stores like Screwfix and B&Q provide regulator kits suited to common patio heaters and BBQs — buying a matched kit minimizes leaks and fitting errors.
1) Use exchange schemes if you don’t want to manage refills — they’re simple and often cheaper if you use gas frequently. 2) Buy larger cylinders if your usage justifies it; the cost per pound usually falls as bottle size increases. 3) Shop seasonal sales—outdoor heater and cylinder bundles often appear in spring and late summer. 4) Compare specialist suppliers and DIY retailers; sometimes trade suppliers such as Travis Perkins offer discounts if you’re a frequent buyer or trade customer.
If reducing your carbon footprint is a priority, propane is cleaner than some solid fuels but still a fossil fuel. Consider high-efficiency burners, well-maintained appliances, and insulating covers for outdoor heaters to reduce run time. For some uses, electric patio heaters or infrared panels plugged into a renewable electricity supply may be a greener alternative. Cylinder recycling and proper disposal are also important — many suppliers accept empty cylinders for safe return or refurbishment.
If you want convenience and wide availability, national chains like B&Q, Homebase, and Screwfix are safe bets. For specialist support, branded suppliers such as Calor or Flogas bring expertise and delivery options. If price and quick collection matter, check local hardware stores and trade suppliers like Travis Perkins or Toolstation. And don’t forget online marketplaces, where you can compare multiple offers quickly. Think about what matters most to you — immediate collection, lowest price, specialist advice, or reliable delivery — and let that guide your choice.
Before you hand over your card or press buy, run through a quick checklist: Is the cylinder type compatible with your appliance? Does the retailer offer exchange or refill, and what are the costs? Is the regulator included or sold separately? Can you safely transport the cylinder, or is delivery a better option? Is the supplier reputable and clear about cylinder maintenance? A few minutes of checking now can prevent hassle later.
Buying propane in the UK is straightforward once you know your options. National DIY retailers, specialist suppliers, and trade outlets all have something to offer, whether you prioritise convenience, price, or delivery. Match cylinder size to your usage, invest in the right fittings, and follow basic safety steps to keep your garden gatherings warm and worry-free. With the right research, you can get the most out of every pound of fuel and enjoy reliable flame power for cooking, heating, and outdoor fun.
