If you’ve ever needed bottled gas for heating, cooking, or outdoor living, you’ll likely have heard of Calor Gas and Flogas — two of the biggest bottled LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) suppliers in the UK. On the surface, they seem to offer the same thing. But in our experience here at Scissett DIY, there are some important differences worth knowing.
We were a Calor Gas stockist for years. However, due to inconsistent deliveries, unreliable stock levels, and poor customer service, we made the move to Flogas. Since switching, we’ve enjoyed regular deliveries, better communication, and a smoother customer experience — not to mention more flexibility for new customers.
Let’s break down the key differences and similarities between the two brands.
Product Range: What They Offer
Both Calor Gas and Flogas supply bottled LPG for a wide range of uses, from home heating to BBQs. Here’s how their ranges compare:
Calor Gas Bottle Types
- Butane Bottles – Popular for portable heaters and caravans (commonly 4.5kg, 7kg, 15kg).
- Propane Bottles – Suitable for patio heaters, BBQs, and larger appliances (commonly 6kg, 13kg, 19kg, 47kg).
- Speciality Gas – Some niche cylinders for forklift trucks and industrial use.
Flogas Bottle Types
- Butane Bottles – Similar sizing to Calor, with options like 4.5kg and 7kg for portable heating and leisure.
- Propane Bottles – Wide range from smaller 6kg patio gas to large 47kg cylinders for heating and catering.
- Speciality Gas – Forklift truck bottles, camping gas, and commercial-grade LPG.
Similarity: In terms of fuel types and bottle sizes, there’s a big overlap. Both brands cover domestic, leisure, and commercial needs.
Availability and Supply
This is where we noticed the biggest difference.
- Calor Gas – We often experienced delayed or missed deliveries. Stock availability was unpredictable, which made it hard to keep our customers supplied year-round.
- Flogas – We now receive reliable, scheduled deliveries and have a clear line of communication with our supplier. When we need more stock, we can arrange it quickly and confidently.
Customer Access: Getting a Gas Bottle
A key frustration with Calor was their bottle deposit policy and restrictions on new customers.
- Calor Gas – In recent years, they stopped allowing many new customers to obtain the initial bottle. If you didn’t already own a Calor cylinder, you often couldn’t start service easily.
- Flogas – New customers are welcomed, and bottles are freely issued with the initial hire agreement. This makes it far easier for first-time buyers to get started without searching for second-hand bottles.
Price and Value
Pricing for bottled gas can vary based on location and supply contracts. While both companies are competitive, Flogas’ more consistent availability means customers are less likely to face inflated prices during shortages.
Summary Table: Calor vs Flogas
| Feature | Calor Gas | Flogas |
|---|---|---|
| Butane & Propane Range | ✔ | ✔ |
| Reliable Deliveries | ❌ Often inconsistent | ✔ Regular and reliable |
| New Customer Access | ❌ Limited bottle issue | ✔ Bottles freely available |
| Customer Service | ❌ Mixed experiences | ✔ Strong communication |
| Suitable for Domestic, Leisure, Commercial | ✔ | ✔ |
Why Scissett DIY Recommends Flogas
Since moving to Flogas, we’ve been able to offer our customers:
- Consistent stock levels
- Faster supply
- Better service for new customers
- Clear communication from our supplier
While both brands offer a similar product range, our switch was driven by service reliability and customer support — two things that make all the difference when you depend on bottled gas.
If you’re looking for a dependable LPG supplier, we’re confident Flogas delivers the consistency Calor couldn’t.
