How good are butane canisters for our emergency stockpile?
“What is a butane canister?”
“I have never used butane…”
“I am scared to keep butane canisters in my home…”
First, I would like to assert that butane canisters are better than other types of fuel, in my small home, for my emergency stockpile. Here are my reasons.
- Butane canisters are extremely versatile. Check out these examples showing butane canisters’ wide range of uses.
- Cooktop ( IWATANI )
- Heater ( IWATANI Japan )
- Generator (HONDA ENEPO )
- Burner ( IWATANI )
- Refrigerator ( Dometic Combicool )
- It’s easy to keep butane canisters in storage. If you store them in the correct place, they can keep more than 7 years. (I used a 10-year old butane can, once. It was totally fine.) Other types of fuel can give off a bad smell, or they can be dangerous. If you have big garage or outdoor storage and the right kind of containers (like a gasoline can for gasoline), you might be ok storing other types of fuel. Bottom line: butane is easy to store.
- Butane canisters are good for your short-term stockpile, using a rolling stock method. You can use your butane canisters for heat in the winter or tabletop shabu shabu in the fall. Use each canister up completely, and you won’t need to worry about storing them for a long time.
You might worry about using butane canisters, but try them once and I believe you will be convinced. They are convenient, safe, and I think you will love them.
How to store
- Do not keep butane cans in direct sunlight. The best temperature will be under 40℃/104℉.
- Butane cans will last longer in areas with less humidity. (The cans can rust more quickly in humid areas.)
- Do not store you butane canisters separately, keep them together. If you have a fire, you can easily tell the firefighters where the butane canisters are.
- Keep butane canisters away from the heavily trafficked places in your daily life. Accidents happen.
- Do not keep butane canisters on or near your evacuation route.
- Some municipalities set a limit on the amount of butane you are allowed to store. Check with your city to learn your local guidelines and limits.
- Before using a butane can, check for corrosion and leaks. If you see signs of rust, you should check for leaks. Don’t attempt to use it if it’s leaky or broken.
Usually, you can find the manufacture date on the cans. Japanese butane canister companies recommend using them within about 7 years. Butane gas itself doesn’t expire, but the integrity of the canister can degrade over time. The metal can corrode, and the rubber seal is especially vulnerable to deterioration over long periods.
You might worry about using butane canisters, but try them once and I believe you will be convinced. They are convenient, safe, and I think you will love them. These IWATANI videos should give you a sense of how safe they are.
See you next time.