In the past, many homeowners have used kerosene lamps as their only form of light.
However, recent studies have shown that white gas is a better option than kerosene lamps when it comes to energy efficiency.
White gas emits only 39% of the greenhouse gases that kerosene does, making it a more environmentally friendly option.
Additionally, white gas is cheaper than kerosene and has a longer shelf life.
So the choice of campfire fuel can be a personal preference, and there are pros and cons to both white gas and kerosene.
White gas is considered environmentally friendly because it is made from natural gas, while kerosene burns cleaner and has been used for centuries.
Knowing the comparison between white gas vs kerosene is a serious matter.
This article contains various information that will surely improve your perspectives regarding white gas and kerosene’s purpose, quality, and other indifferences.
What is the difference between White Gas and Kerosene?
White gas and Kerosene are both fuels. The terms White gas, Naphtha, and Coleman Fuel are the same. It is a well-known brand by campers since the year 1900s. White gas is much purified, has clearer burns, does not have a bad odor, and is generally sold in tin gallons. It functions similarly to other brands but has cleaner emission of gas because of its high carbon content and vaporizes at lower temperatures.
Kerosene or so-called Paraffin is not only famous to campers. Thus, it is widely known as household fuels for cooking, heating, and lanterns. And commonly used in aviation fuel such as jet or rocket engines. Kerosene is somehow famous because it is readily available in the nearest stores and inexpensive than other brands.
Read related articles : How to Make White Gas?
Which Fuel Burns More Cleanly: White Gas or Kerosene?
Although white gas and kerosene are both useful, these two fuels have a difference in terms of cleanliness. White gas is much purified than any other gasoline. White gas releases burn clearly than Kerosene. Since it has cleaner emissions of gas, you can save more time in cleaning and maintenance. And it also takes a period of time before the residue builds up in your stoves that may cause clogging problems.
While Kerosene mostly produces carbon dioxide and water vapor, that is why it emits dirtier burns than white gas. Due to the dirt effect, it consumes a lot of time in removing residue and odor.
Is Coleman white gas kerosene?
Coleman white gas and kerosene are two different products. Coleman white gas is a liquid form of petroleum gas that is made from 100% light hydrotreated distillate. Its component includes cyclohexane, heptane, nonane, octane, and pentane.
This product is generally for fueling camp stoves and lanterns. On the other hand, Kerosene or Paraffin is a combustible hydrocarbon liquid that is widely used for rocket engines, jet fuels, and even motorcycles. Although, it can also be used as a cooking and lighting gas.
Kerosene and other unleaded gasoline create much residue in a brief moment. Hence, stoves that are designed for kerosene are made with larger holes to prevent blockage or clogging.
Can white gas be used in a kerosene heater?
White gas is not advisable to be used in a kerosene heater. Most consumers are afraid of applying white gas to kerosene heaters because it has an increased risk of creating a blast. White gases are volatile than kerosene. Even accidentally putting a small amount of white gas in kerosene would still make a difference. For it is known for its fast burning effect. That is why users are not very fond of substituting white gas in a kerosene heater.
Can kerosene be used in a Coleman stove?
The best substitute for Coleman fuel is kerosene. Since kerosene is a combustible hydrocarbon liquid which is a derivative from petroleum. It is brilliant for aviation and household use. Plus, kerosene is widely known to consumers and constantly available anywhere.
The only disadvantage of kerosene, it releases more dirty smoke than white gas. Although, it is more advantageous than diesel or gasoline. When kerosene is used, it excessively fumes and stains stoves. It results in difficulty in cleaning and frequent clogs.
Can you use kerosene in a white gas lantern?
Technically speaking, kerosene can be a substitute in white gas lanterns. However, the operator must learn the basic maintenance requirement about the lantern. In consuming kerosene, there is an increased risk of the rapid growth of dust and obstruction to lanterns, rather than using its original fuel.
Aside from the mentioned above, Kerosene has an improved point within the kerosene’s component than Coleman fuel or white gas. That is why it is important to pass first into a preheated generator tube to start up the lantern.
Which lasts longer? White gas or Kerosene?
Both products mostly have a long shelf life if only the owner will store them properly according to manufacturing instructions. White gas, Naphtha, or Coleman fuels usually last for about 5 to 7 years if the container is still sealed. Once you start to consume the product, it will only be suitable for 2 years. And still depending on how it was stored.
Kerosene fuels, it has a shelf life of more than 5 years. If the kerosene is stored for a long time, it will initiate condensation and accumulate water. Thus, this reaction will create the growth of bacteria and molds that could destroy the quality of the fuel. Putting an amount of fuel stabilizer can avoid this situation and extend the life of kerosene.
Which is more dangerous? White gas or Kerosene?
Since white gas is has a highly flammable component, it must be a reminder to take precautions in handling this product. Common side effects brought when in contact with white gas are redness of the skin, minor burns, swelling, and other skin allergies.
Based on medical reviews, kerosene is not poisonous. However, unintentional intake of kerosene may generate various side effects. This includes nausea, vomiting, and other lung problems. Everyday exposure to kerosene and any other types of gasoline may also damage your skin cells.
Therefore, taking precautions is highly recommended before handling these kinds of products. Be sure to understand the basic instructions and safety tips prior to using flammable products.
Conclusion
To sum it up, both white gas and kerosene have an almost similar purpose, but different chemical components. They are made from several ingredients that are made for your needs. They can be a form of alternatives to your stoves or lanterns. Costumers should know that these are flammable products.
That is why one must learn to comprehend the labels and precautions beforehand. Overall, we sincerely desire that you understood the difference between white gas vs. kerosene through reading this article.
