This article looks at the advantages of Calor gas, which first came to the UK in the 1930s and is now an extremely useful option for homes across the country. There’s also a look at the various types which Lumberjacks provide.
This article is a three-minute read.
Calor gas is a portable, clean and efficient way of providing heat for your home or outdoors. Lumberjacks, who stock various types of the brand’s gas, look at the history of the Calor gas company, how the product works, and the other types of winter fuel we also provide.
Lumberjacks - Calor Gas Bottle Suppliers in the Ipswich Area
At Lumberjacks, we can cater or all your Calor gas needs, whether you need a refill or a new bottle. Call us on 01473 461394 or click here and fill in the online form if you have any questions.
The History of the Company
The Calor Gas company was founded by Ritchie Gill, a Cornishman who had been working in the United States. He returned to his homeland in 1934 and spotted an opportunity for a product he had seen used successfully in America. That product was Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) or, more specifically at the time, butane.
In January 1935, he set up Modern Gas and Equipment Co. Ltd. In the UK, Gill coined the name 'Calor Gas' (from the Latin for heat) for LPG, which would later go on to be one of the most recognised brands in the UK.
Its use quickly spread, even before the Second World War. During the war, Calor provided cooking facilities for motor torpedo boats and other small naval craft, power for mobile canteens, and emergency lighting and sterilisation systems for hospitals. Post-war, the company looked for new markets and moved into catering and various factory production processes. Butane was unsuitable, so propane was used instead.
Calor Gas in 2025
Nowadays, Calor Gas serves around 4million UK homes and businesses, providing LPG for heating, cooking, and other uses, and is one of the leading suppliers across the country. It’s particularly useful in rural areas (such as Suffolk) without mains gas.
It supplies LPG (either propane or butane) in pressurised cylinders, using regulators and valves to control the flow and pressure for heating, cooking, or leisure activities like barbecuing. The gas, whether propane or butane, is vaporised from its liquid state as it's used, and you can get it through automatic refills for tanks or by exchanging bottles at retailers – which is where Lumberjacks, as Calor gas bottle suppliers for the Ipswich area, come in.
What are the Advantages of Calor Gas?
Convenience - It provides immediate heat with easily adjustable flames, perfect for cooking and fires.
Versatility – You can use bottles indoors as a supplementary heat source, which is particularly welcome at this time of year, or outdoors. Outdoor uses include for barbecues and patio-style heaters – with the latter you can still enjoy your garden all year round, even in winter.
Efficiency – Propane performs well in cold weather, while butane is efficient in warmer conditions for indoor use. It’s also a ‘cleaner’ fuel than some of the alternatives.
Security – It’s less likely to be stolen than oil. Unlike heating oil, which can be easily siphoned from a tank, the nature of LPG (and the weight of the Calor gas bottles) makes it an impractical target for thieves. It instantly turns into a gas when released at atmospheric pressure. This means it cannot be easily decanted or siphoned using simple equipment like a hose.
Lumberjacks – Calor Gas Stockists in Ipswich
At Lumberjacks, we offer a variety of different types of Calor gas – butane in blue bottles, propane in red bottles, and patio gas in green bottles.
Our butane bottles are suitable for indoor mobile heaters and older gas BBQs, while the propane ones are ideal for cooking and heating. All types are available in different sizes, and we also stock regulators.
Note: The prices indicated are for refills only. Enquire in-store if you are interested in new bottles.
FAQs
Q: Does Lumberjacks supply any other types of fuel?
A: Yes, we are also suppliers of firewood in the Ipswich area, offering hardwood logs and sundries such as kindling and firelighters, as well as smokeless coal. In addition, we stock firepits and chimineas, which also provide heat, as well as being excellent for outdoor cooking.
Q: What does LPG stand for?
A: LPG stands for Liquefied Petroleum Gas and is an umbrella term that primarily covers propane, butane, and mixtures of these gases. Calor gas is a specific brand of LPG, not a different type of gas.
