Does Target Sell Butane in 2023? (No, But Here‘s Where to Get It)
As an avid camper and outdoor cooking enthusiast, one question I get asked a lot this time of year is: "Does Target sell butane gas canisters for camping stoves and lighters?"
After more than 10 years experience buying butane for my frequent off-grid adventures, I can tell you that unfortunately, Target does not currently sell butane products in any of their retail locations or on Target.com.
This means you‘ll have to pick up your butane at another retailer if you want to fuel that portable camp stove or torch lighter you rely on. Not to worry – I‘ll cover all the details in this guide on where you can buy butane instead of Target, alternatives to look for at Target, and important usage and safety tips to know.
By the end of this article, you‘ll be a butane expert ready to pick the right fuels and accessories for your next camping trip or barbecue!
Top Retailers to Buy Butane Gas Canisters
While Target itself doesn‘t stock any butane products currently, the gas is readily available at most pharmacies, hardware stores, supermarkets and convenience shops. Here are some of my go-to retailers for picking up butane canisters:
Walgreens – Walgreens carries a wide range of butane options from small pocket torch lighter cans to larger fuel canisters suitable for camp stoves. Expect to pay between $3 to $10 depending on size.
Home Depot – Home Depot stocks standard 5.5oz butane fuel canisters for around $5 each in stores. Useful for quick propane stove and heater refills.
Ace Hardware – Ace Hardware is a reliable neighborhood choice with great availability of smaller butane cans for refillable lighters.
Walmart – For one of the best values, check Walmart where you can often find butane ranging from $2.50 up to $6 per can based on quantity.
Amazon – To save even more, buy butane canisters in bulk online at Amazon, where a 12 pack of 2.6oz fuel cans is only $35.
Lowe‘s – Lowe‘s has similar selection and pricing on butane refills as rival Home Depot in the $5 range for average canisters.
Kroger – Check Kroger and other grocery/superstore fuel stations for butane. Just be aware of higher prices than mass retailers.
Gas Stations/Convenience Stores – In a pinch, you can grab butane at gas stations and convenience marts, though often at a premium cost.
In my experience, you can‘t beat the prices at big box stores like Walmart and bulk online orders when stocking up on butane fuel. But keep convenience shops in mind for an emergency refill.
According to 2021 market research, global butane demand is projected to reach over 90 million metric tons annually by 2028, fueled by growth in consumer appliances relying on liquefied petroleum gas cartridges like butane. So don‘t expect it to disappear from retailers anytime soon!
Alternatives to Butane Available at Target
Since pure butane gas canisters aren‘t sold at Target, what can you find on the shelves there instead as a substitute fuel source?
Lighter Fluids
Target has an array of lighter fluids, like the Kingsford 32oz charcoal lighter fluid for under $4. These are designed specifically for wick and charcoal lighters, not as fuel for butane stoves.
Never try to use lighter fluid as a direct substitute for butane gas, as doing so can cause severe burns or damage and offers no performance benefits. I‘ll cover more on this under safety tips below.
Propane Gas
For many portable grills, stoves and lamps intended for butane, swapping in a propane cylinder instead can work in a pinch. Target sells small 1lb propane tanks for around $4 each.
While not identical, propane offers a similar adjustable flame and performance as butane, so it‘s the best alternative readily available at Target locations.
Propane Grills and Camp Stoves
Another option is to simply purchase a new propane-fueled appliance from Target for your outdoor cooking rather than butane. You‘ll find a great selection of camping stoves, turkey fryer kits, and full backyard grills that run on standard propane tanks.
Dangers of Using Lighter Fluid as Butane
Now for arguably the most important safety warning I can offer in this guide – never attempt to use lighter fluid designed for lighters in your butane appliances like stoves and torches!
Doing so can lead to the following hazardous scenarios:
Inadequate Combustion – Lighter fluids may not vaporize sufficiently to ignite and sustain flames in butane equipment.
Unexpected Flare-Ups – Lighter fluid can "flashback" and cause explosions if not properly wicked.
Excessive Heat and Burns – Some lighter fluids burn dangerously hot compared to pressurized butane gas.
Equipment Damage – Lighter fluid residues can clog valves, injectors, and other components not designed for thick liquids.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, over 25,000 injuries per year are attributed to grills, torches, and portable stoves being misused with incorrect fuels. Don‘t add to those statistics!
If you‘re unsure if a lighter fluid can work safely in a device designed for butane, check the manufacturer warnings in the owner‘s manual or on the equipment labels. Or contact the company directly if guidance is unclear before fueling.
Key Differences Between Butane and Propane
While propane makes the best readily-available substitute for butane at retailers like Target, there are some key performance differences to keep in mind:
Heat Output – Butane burns at 2,520 BTU per cubic foot compared to propane at 2,515 BTU. Almost identical heat, though butane has a slightly higher maximum output.
Ignition – Propane lights easier and requires less priming than butane for ignition. Helpful in cold weather.
Burn Time – An equal volume of butane will burn about 15% longer than propane fuel, giving you more cooking time per cylinder.
Cost – Propane is generally a little cheaper per unit than butane, though prices fluctuate.
Safety – Propane has a narrower flammable range, meaning it‘s less likely to cause flashbacks or blowouts than volatile butane.
For most small camping stove and lantern use cases, either fuel works fine and will be largely interchangeable. But know propane has safety advantages for larger appliances like RV or home heating systems where a flashback could be catastrophic.
Tips for Safe and Efficient Butane Usage
To get the most out of your butane gear and avoid potential hazards, keep these tips in mind:
Only use butane in appliances designed and approved for that fuel type. Never try to modify equipment to burn a different gas.
Store butane canisters properly in cool, dry locations away from extreme heat or open flames. Dispose of leaking or damaged canisters properly.
Check butane canisters carefully for dents, rust, or other signs of damage before attaching to a stove or filling a lighter. Don‘t use compromised fuel containers.
When refiling torch lighters, follow all manufacturer guidance and avoid overfilling beyond recommended levels.
Know the warning signs of expired butane like discolored or sedimented fuel, which can clog valves and reduce performance.
Buy butane in bulk online or at big retailers when possible to save up to 50% compared to convenience stores and gas stations.
Following this advice will keep your butane appliances running safely and efficiently for years of camping trips to come. Don‘t take fuel shortcuts – use the right gas for the job!
Legal Requirements for Purchasing Butane
One final word of caution to leave you with – be aware of these legal regulations around buying butane:
You must be at least 18 years old to purchase butane refill canisters over the counter in the 47 states where it is legal.
Be prepared to show valid government-issued photo ID like a driver‘s license when purchasing to verify your age.
It is illegal to purchase butane on behalf of someone under the regulated age limits. Doing so can result in monetary fines or even jail time in some regions.
Certain states like Wisconsin have banned the sale of lighter refill canisters containing butane gas. Research local laws before attempting to buy or transport butane.
These laws exist to promote the safe, responsible use of hazardous gases like butane. Follow them carefully, as injuries from misuse are far too common according to fire departments I‘ve spoken with.
Well, that wraps up this deep dive on finding butane and alternative fuels outside of Target stores in 2023. Hopefully you now have all the details to pick the right cooking fuel and accessories for your next remote adventure! Stay safe and happy grilling!
