What is better: the gas hose made of rubber or plastic?
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After a while, you take a look at your gas hose and see: It is so worn, porous or simply old that you absolutely have to replace it. You set out to visit the specialist shop, or find information online. In most cases, you can choose between a rubber or plastic hose assembly. But which is the right one?
As the name indicates, the plastic orange hose assemblies for propane and butane are synthetically produced, i.e. chemically produced. The basic material of the GOK hoses is polyvinyl chloride (PVC). In addition to leak-tightness, hose assemblies must meet another important requirement: They must be flexible and easy to bend.
Gas hose made of rubber
To ensure that a plastic gas hose has this characteristic, so-called plasticizers are included. They make the material smoother, but they reduce some of their function as soon as temperatures drop during camping or barbecuing with gas. Metaphorically: The plastic hose assemblies become as hard as rock and are as flexible as a stair railing.
Consequences
This stiffness can lead to the hose being kinked when the hose is bent – for example when connecting a barbecue or when replacing the gas cylinder. Cracks due to brittleness and, in the worst case, hose disconnection, would be possible consequences.
Things are different with the rubber hose. Its formula is mixed with rubber – in a sense, a natural plasticizer. The proportion of rubber and other synthetic softeners ensure that the hose assembly remains flexible and smooth even at the lowest temperatures.
How far into the minus?
Are you wondering up to which low temperatures this is the case? Let’s say it this way: At these temperatures, no one likes to spend their time outdoors and absolutely no one will be firing up the gas barbecue.
If you fire up your gas barbecue in winter, you should use a flexible gas hose made of rubber.
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Rubber vs. plastic gas hose
Conclusion: neither of these is “better” or “worse” because both versions fulfil their purpose and the standard. However, if you continue your outdoor hobby in late autumn or winter, you should use the gas hose made of rubber. Although it is slightly more expensive to purchase, the added cost is justified by the advantages described regarding handling.
