Are you curious about the difference between Kerosene and Paraffin? Although the names Kerosene and Paraffin are often used interchangeably, there are some differences between the fuels.
To help differentiate the two, we’ve put together a short explanation to help anyone who has ever wondered about the concepts. Many believe that Kerosene and Paraffin are identical, but we will highlight the differences below.
These oils are designed to work perfectly for different applications, so you should remember their differences to better understand which is more suitable for your intended usage.
Why Do People Think Kerosene and Paraffin are the same?
Over the years, Paraffin and Kerosene have become interchangeable to many people. This has happened because they are both similar kinds of oil.
Kerosene is often referred to as paraffin in the UK and in parts of East and South Africa, too. However, if you ever find yourself in the UK, you must buy kerosene. In that case, we advise you to ask for kerosene since nearly everybody will know it as kerosene rather than paraffin.
Is There Any Difference Between The Two Oils?
There are some differences between the two. One difference is their distilled process. Paraffin tends to be a more refined and distilled version of kerosene, making it more suitable for use in the home.
Paraffin is more refined, which means it produces much less soot when burned. This is important for those who have (and continue to use in more remote areas) stoves and lamps to light their homes.
Soot buildup in the home can be unpleasant and harmful if breathed in. It can also accumulate in the glass used to protect the lighting flame, limiting the amount of light it can emit and, therefore, its effectiveness.
If regular kerosene was used in a stove or a lamp, soot build-up would soon become an issue if measures weren’t taken to limit its effects within the home and the glass protector on the lamp.
Another difference between the two would be the odours they give off. Kerosene has a noticeable odour, whereas paraffin tends to include additives that help reduce the odours. This means it’s more friendly to use enclosed spaces, like your home.
A similar procedure is carried out to make kerosene more suitable for home barbeques and the pharmaceutical industry.
If you have used kerosene for your home heating system, you may have noticed that it carries a particularly strong odour. While this isn’t a problem for your boiler, it would be an issue if you used it indoors.
When Should I Use Kerosene and Paraffin?
If you plan to use kerosene or paraffin for stoves and lighting, it is highly unlikely; your best option would be to use paraffin due to the reduced odour and soot build-up.
People located in a remote area that do not have gas mains access the best option is to use kerosene, as this oil is more suited for home heating systems.
Contact our friendly sales team on 0330 232 0101