Posted: August 10, 2026
How Hot Does Propane Burn?
What You Need to Know About the Fuel
While propane technically is a gas, the energy source is not identical to or interchangeable with natural gas.
They do burn at the same temperature, however. Both propane and natural gas burn at a temperature of 3,560 degrees Fahrenheit. Even though their burning temperature is the same, propane produces more energy within a single unit than natural gas does. One cubic foot of propane produces about 2,520 British thermal units, or Btus, of heat. Natural gas, on the other hand, only produces about 1,012 Btus per cubic foot.
Let’s take a look at some more facts about propane and how the energy source differs from natural gas.
What Else Should I Know About Propane?
- Propane’s freezing point is -44 degrees Fahrenheit. This means that you don’t really have to worry about the fuel in your propane tank freezing.
- Propane is also called liquefied petroleum gas, or LP gas/LPG for short.
- Compared to electricity, propane is a more efficient energy source.
- Propane is colorless and odorless in its natural state. However, as it is being made, a scent is added to it that makes it smell like rotten eggs. This is meant to make propane leaks easy to detect.
- Propane is a very accessible fuel thanks to the fact that the majority of the propane used here in the United States is also made here in the United States.
Comparing Natural Gas to Propane
- As we mentioned above, propane provides more energy per unit of volume compared to natural gas. This makes it more efficient and effective.
- Natural gas is made from a combination of methane and additional gases. Propane is a direct result of natural gas processing and the petroleum refining process.
- Natural gas is usually measured in cubic feet or cubic meters. Propane is typically measured in gallons or liters.
- Propane is stored and transported in tanks, cylinders, and similar types of containers. Natural gas is delivered via piping and gas lines.
What Are Natural Gas and Propane Used For?
Natural gas and propane can be used for many of the same applications. However, there are differences when it comes to how effective the two fuels are.
Here are two specific examples:
- Approximately 95% of chefs here in the United States choose to cook on a propane range over the alternatives. This is because propane ranges offer precise and instant temperature control that their natural gas counterparts simply cannot deliver.
- Propane-powered heaters are able to heat up homes and rooms faster than heaters powered with other fuels, including natural gas. In fact, propane has double the heating capacity per cubic foot as natural gas.
Propane Services from Becks Propane
Becks Propane provides propane services all throughout Central Michigan. This includes fuel deliveries, tank installations, and tank monitoring services. We offer a free Automatic Delivery service as well as flexible pricing and payment options.
Contact Becks Propane today to learn more about the propane services we offer throughout the Central Michigan area.
