Campingaz vs Calor – Which Brand Is Best?
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Campingaz and Calor are both longstanding, reliable gas brands in the UK. Although they look similar on the outside, several key differences set the two apart.
While Campingaz and Calor are both great gas brands, Calor gas is more affordable and better for camping in winter. However, Campingaz offers smaller gas canisters and has better availability in Europe and online.
When deciding which brand to choose, there are several things to consider. Let us walk you through the pros and cons of both Campingaz and Calor.
Campingaz vs Calor
The most important aspects to consider are price, availability, gas, and cylinder size. Here is a breakdown of the two brands in each of these categories:
| Brand | Campingaz | Calor |
| Price | Expensive | Affordable |
| Availability | Retailers in the UK and EuropeAvailable on Amazon | Retailers in the UK |
| Gas | Butane or Butane/Propane (80/20) | Butane or Propane |
| Cylinder Sizes | 0.4 kg, 1.8 kg, 2.75 kg (.88 lbs, 4 lbs, 6 lbs) | 3.9 kg, 4.5 kg, 5 kg (8.6 lbs, 10 lbs, 11 lbs) |
Price
Based on a comparison of similar size cylinders, Calor is cheaper than Campingaz. The difference in price includes both the original cylinder of gas as well as additional refills, which you can purchase at physical retailers.
It would be best to always hold onto your empty gas canisters, as a refill is much cheaper than buying a new can of gas. It’s important to note that propane is naturally more expensive than butane. Hence, the prices of Calor gas differ more than Campingaz because they offer pure propane.
Availability
While both companies have thousands of physical retailers across the UK, Calor is only sold in the UK. At the same time, Campingaz is available in Europe and on their Amazon page and retailers in the UK. Keep in mind that this also means that if you’re traveling in Europe, you won’t be able to get your Calor cylinders refilled.
Gas
Campingaz primarily offers butane gas, and their butane/propane options are still 80% butane. On the other hand, Calor offers either 100% butane or 100% propane. Butane is cheaper, less toxic, and can fit more than propane in the same size cylinder.
The one advantage of propane is that it’s better for camping in low temperatures. However, as long as you are camping in temperatures above freezing, butane is best.
Cylinder Sizes
The best cylinder size depends on your unique trip. Campingaz offers smaller cylinder sizes up to 2.75 kg (6 lbs), while Calor’s cylinders begin at 3.9 kg (8.6 lbs). Bringing one larger canister will be cheaper than several little ones and will also cost less to refill.
The average estimate is that .45 kg (1 lb) of gas will burn for 1.5-2 hours, with butane lasting longer than propane. When deciding how much gas you need, you should consider many things, including:
- The number of people traveling with you
- The length of your trip
- What appliances you need to power
If you won’t have access to a retailer to get refills during your trip, it’s better to bring more than less.
Campingaz Is Best For
If you’ll be camping outside of the UK or you’re looking for lighter gas cylinders, Campingaz is the best choice for you. Its smaller size canisters are more lightweight and best for short trips.
Campingaz’s availability in Europe and on Amazon makes it easier to obtain and refill.
One other advantage to Campingaz is their unique Easy Clic Plus system. This system offers valve cartridges in place of cylinders that are made to connect to specific products without needing a regulator. The larger cylinders are compatible with Campingaz backpacking stoves, and the smaller can fits their Camp Bistro stove.
Calor Is Best For
If you’re staying in the UK, going camping in the winter, or want a less expensive option, Calor gas is best for you.
When it comes to gas, butane is generally preferred for camping, as it lasts longer and it’s less toxic. However, when temperatures drop below freezing (0°C or 32°F), butane cannot change from a liquid to the gas needed to create energy. So if you are going camping in the winter, propane is a better choice. Unlike Campingaz, Calor offers a choice between 100% propane or 100% butane gas.
Calor’s pure propane gas can function in temperatures down to -45°C (-49°F). In comparison, Campingaz’s butane/propane mixed gas can only work down to -5°C (23°F).
Can You Use Calor and Campingaz Interchangeably?
You can use Calor and Campingaz interchangeably with the proper regulators. Different cylinders can require various regulators even within one company, so you may need more than one anyhow.
A regulator connects a gas canister to your gas hose, which then connects to the appliance. Therefore, you can easily use your hose and devices with either Calor or Campingaz gas.
The one exception to this rule is Campingaz backpacking and Camp Bistro stoves, which you can only use with the Campingaz Easy Clic valve cartridges.