Good camp food starts with fuel that works. These butane canisters run most compatible camping stoves - coffee in the morning, a proper dinner at night - and they're small enough to throw a spare in the kit. Sort out what you need before you leave so you don't get caught short.
The size of the canister affects both how long it burns and how much room it takes in your kit. A 220 to 230g canister is the common pick for portable stoves - enough cooking time for day trips, weekends and general camp cooking without much bulk. Match the size to how long you're away so you carry enough and no more.
Compatibility
Check the canister fits your stove before you buy - butane cartridges come in two main fittings. Portable 'lunchbox' stoves use bayonet cartridges; screw-top and backpacking stoves use screw-thread canisters. The two don't interchange, so match the fitting to your stove instead of assuming any canister will connect.
Storage & Safety
Safety starts with the right canister. Pick a known brand with an intact valve and an undamaged seal, and check the connection matches your stove or lantern before you buy. Keep the cap on until you connect it, and read the safety notes on the label.
Quantity
Think about how much you'll cook and how long you're away. One canister usually covers a short trip or works as a backup; a multipack suits longer holidays or feeding a group. Camping far from the shops? Take a spare.
Occasional campers. You don't camp often, so one canister covers a weekend trip without stockpiling extras. Something simple and straightforward beats worrying about fuel management.
Regular family campers. Most weekends you're cooking for a few people, so you want canisters that last a full meal without fuss. Steady output matters more here than the lowest price.
Extended trip campers. Longer camping holidays mean you'll go through more fuel. A multipack helps keep you cooking for several days without needing to stop and restock.
How to care for your butane gas canister
Store canisters upright in a cool, dry spot, out of direct sun and away from heat. Before each trip, check for dents, rust or damage, and keep the cap on whenever it's not connected. Move them carefully and stick to the safety notes on the label.
Butane gas canisters by type
Type
Best for
Single butane canisters
Weekend camping, picnics, backup fuel.
Longer trips, regular campers, family camping.
Multipack canisters
Portable camping stoves and outdoor cooking.
Standard stove canisters
Compatible lanterns, camp lights and cooking appliances
It depends on the canister size, your stove and how hard you're cooking, but as a rough guide a 230g canister gives around 1.5 to 2 hours of continuous cooking at full flame - enough for several meals. For trips of a few days or cooking for a group, pack a spare so you don't run out.
What's the difference between butane and isobutane?
Butane works well in mild to warm weather. Isobutane has a lower boiling point, so it keeps performing in the cold. Check what your stove needs and match the fuel to the conditions.
Will any butane gas canister fit my camping stove?
Can I take a butane gas canister on a plane?
Is it safe to use a butane gas stove indoors?
Not always - it depends on the fitting. Portable 'lunchbox' stoves use bayonet cartridges like the 220g 4-pack here, and most bayonet cartridges swap between brands. Screw-top and backpacking stoves use screw-thread canisters like the 230g here. The two fittings don't interchange, so check whether your stove takes bayonet or screw, then match the canister to it.
No. Butane and other gas canisters are classed as dangerous goods and aren't allowed in checked or carry-on luggage on flights. If you're flying to your destination, plan to buy your canisters locally once you arrive.
No. Butane gas stoves should only be used outdoors or in well-ventilated areas as recommended by the manufacturer. Always follow the safety instructions provided with your camping stove and butane gas canister.
Ready to Fuel Your Next Trip?
Running out of gas mid-trip is a quick way to ruin dinner. Keep a spare canister for your compatible stove, lantern or camp light - one for a weekend, a multipack for longer stays. Check it fits your gear and stock up before you go.
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