Using UK gas bbq's in France

[David]

I would like to buy a Weber gas "Q" series BBQ in UK for use in France as the purchase cost in UK is about half that of France.

However, in the FAQ section of the Weber site it says:-

Quote (when a BBQ is not reaching the correct temperature)

you may have a barbecue that is not set to your local liquid propane or butane settings. This can happen if the barbecue is transported out of a region for which its valves and regulators are set, and moved to a region with different norms.

Unquote

Has anybody brought a Weber gas BBQ over from UK?  Is there a problem?  I would be using bottled propane gas, and would buy a French regulator to fit the gas bottle.

Any advice welcomed.  Thanks.

David

[Edward Trunk]

While you are waiting for a sensible answer, here is the only joke in the world about gas barbecues:

A man takes his first parachute jump. Despite following all the instructions, his parachute fails to open. Travelling downwards at some speed, he sees a man rising towards him at some speed. He shouts "Do you know anything about parachutes?" The other man shouts back, "No. Do you know anything about gas barbecues?"

[Suze01]

Not a Weber but a Broil-King (Canadian brand): we purchased from the Camping Gaz shop in Southamptn on-line as at the time there wasn't a great choice in France and had it shipped here. Have been using it every week for 4/5 years with no problems.

[Gluestick]

I much preferred the parachute post.

However that said, if your BBQ is set (gas Inlet jets) for Propane, then it is simply a matter of purchasing une Détendeur which delivers the correct low pressure to the BBQ: and can accommodate the high pressure side of the standard French Propane bottle.

A French reg should be absolutely fine: or you can sport out and purchase the sort of universal adapters used by caravanners and yachtsmen.

The main point to beware of, is using Butane on a device set-up for propane: as Butane has a higher calorific value and will make the thing burn too hot: and the flame pattern will be wrong. (Incorrect mix of Gas-Air).

http://www.southdownsmotorcaravans.co.uk/accessories/gaslow/sdmc_gaslow_2007_brochure.pdf

http://www.discover.co.uk/spares-care-safety/parts-fittings/gas-spares/1?sortorder=ascending&noproducts=18

http://www.camping-gas.com/Browse.asp?BrandFilter=Gaslow&ContainerFilter=All

http://www.calormarineshop.co.uk/marine_gas/uk_yachtsman.htm

[Pierre ZFP]

It's not often I disagree with you Gluey but I think you'll find that Propane has a higher calorific value than Butane but more importantly it burns at a higher temperature so a butane burner running on propane may burn out rather than t'other way round, no?

[Gluestick]

Calorific Value

The Calorific Value of a fuel is described as “The amount of heat released when a known quantity of fuel is burned”.

Commercial Propane = 95 MJ / m3
Commercial Butane = 121 MJ / m3
Natural Gas = 38 MJ / m3

Because LPG appliances release more heat than Natural Gas, it is important that any gas appliances fuelled by LPG are designed and manufactured for that purpose.

Lots of useful data here:

Propane flame is slightly hotter in fact, Pierre: the adiabatic flame temperature is 1949°C (Butane), while for propane it is 1977°C.

More Here:

 

[David]

Thanks everyone, and particularly Gluestick for some very helpful answers and links.

I think there will be no problem in bringing over a BBQ, and we will buy one next week.

Many thanks,

David