Gas Cylinder Sizes Explained | A Complete Buyer’s Guide
Gas cylinders play a crucial role in our everyday lives—whether it’s cooking at home, running industrial machinery, camping outdoors, or heating spaces during the winter. But if you’ve ever shopped for one, you’ll know that gas cylinder sizes can be confusing. From small, portable bottles to massive industrial tanks, choosing the right size depends on your needs, budget, and usage.
In this guide, we’ll break down gas cylinder sizes, explain their uses, and help you pick the perfect one for your home or business.
Why Gas Cylinder Sizes Matter
The size of a gas cylinder isn’t just about how much gas it can hold. It affects:
Portability – Smaller cylinders are easy to carry, while larger ones are heavy and often require equipment to move.
Cost efficiency – Bigger cylinders usually give you a lower cost per kilogram of gas.
Safety – Using the wrong size can create storage and handling issues.
Usage type – Domestic cooking, outdoor camping, welding, and industrial heating all need different cylinder sizes.
Common Gas Cylinder Sizes
Gas cylinders come in a variety of sizes, usually measured in kilograms (kg) of gas capacity or in litres. Below are the most common sizes and their uses:
1. Small Gas Cylinders (2kg – 7kg)
Best for: Camping, outdoor stoves, portable heaters.
Features: Lightweight, easy to carry, fits in small spaces.
Examples: 2kg camping cylinders, 5kg BBQ bottles.
These are ideal if you want a portable gas cylinder for occasional use.
2. Medium Gas Cylinders (9kg – 15kg)
Best for: Domestic cooking, small restaurants, patio heaters.
Features: Affordable, widely available, easy to refill or swap.
Examples: 12kg LPG cylinder, 15kg butane cylinder.
This is the most popular gas cylinder size for homes, as it balances portability and gas capacity.
3. Large Gas Cylinders (19kg – 47kg)
Best for: Heavy domestic use, commercial kitchens, medium businesses.
Features: Stores more gas, fewer refills needed, requires proper storage.
Examples: 19kg propane cylinders, 47kg LPG cylinders.
These are a great choice for restaurants, cafes, and heating systems.
4. Industrial Gas Cylinders (50kg and above)
Best for: Factories, welding, large-scale heating, bulk supply.
Features: Designed for industrial-grade applications, extremely heavy, requires trolleys or installation in fixed locations.
Examples: 50kg LPG cylinders, 100kg bulk tanks.
If you run a business that consumes large amounts of gas, these are the most cost-effective option.
Domestic vs. Commercial Gas Cylinder Sizes
CategoryCommon SizesUsageDomestic5kg, 9kg, 12kg, 15kgCooking, BBQs, heatingCommercial19kg, 47kgRestaurants, cafes, shopsIndustrial50kg+Welding, manufacturing, large-scale heating
Choosing the Right Gas Cylinder Size
Here’s how to decide which size is best for you:
Assess your usage – How often do you use gas? Daily for cooking, or just occasionally for BBQs?
Check your appliances – Some heaters, stoves, and grills work best with specific cylinder sizes.
Consider portability – Will you need to move it around, or will it stay in one place?
Think about storage – Ensure you have enough space and ventilation.
Budget – Larger cylinders cost more upfront but are cheaper per kg in the long run.
Gas Cylinder Types: Propane vs. Butane
Propane Cylinders – Better for outdoor use, can handle colder temperatures, ideal for heating and industrial purposes.
Butane Cylinders – Work best indoors or in mild climates, often used for cooking and portable stoves.
Safety Tips for Gas Cylinder Use
Always store cylinders upright in a well-ventilated area.
Never place near open flames or direct sunlight.
Regularly check for leaks with soapy water (never with a lighter).
Use the correct regulator and hose for the cylinder size.
Do not attempt to refill cylinders yourself—always go to an authorised supplier.
Cost of Different Gas Cylinder Sizes
Gas cylinder prices vary depending on size, brand, and whether it’s propane or butane. Generally:
Small (2kg – 7kg): £20 – £40
Medium (9kg – 15kg): £40 – £70
Large (19kg – 47kg): £80 – £160
Industrial (50kg+): £150+
💡 Tip: Always check if the price includes a deposit for the cylinder (common in the UK).
Where to Buy Gas Cylinders
You can purchase or refill gas cylinders from:
Local gas suppliers
Supermarkets & DIY stores
Camping shops
Online gas distributors
FAQs About Gas Cylinder Sizes
1. What size gas cylinder do I need for home cooking?
Most households use 12kg or 15kg cylinders, as they provide enough gas for several weeks of regular cooking.
2. Can I use a small cylinder for a heater?
Yes, but only for portable heaters. Larger heaters typically require 15kg or 19kg cylinders.
3. What’s the difference between propane and butane cylinders?
Propane works better outdoors and in cold climates, while butane is ideal for indoor cooking and mild weather.
4. How long does a gas cylinder last?
It depends on usage. For example, a 12kg LPG cylinder used for cooking might last 4–6 weeks in a household.
5. Can I exchange a cylinder for a different size?
Yes, most suppliers allow you to swap an empty cylinder for a different size by paying the price difference.
6. How do I know if my gas cylinder is running low?
You can check by:
Weighing the cylinder.
Pouring hot water down the side—condensation marks the gas level.
Using a gas level indicator device.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right gas cylinder size depends on your specific needs—whether you’re cooking at home, running a restaurant, camping, or managing industrial equipment. Small cylinders are portable and convenient, medium ones are perfect for households, while larger cylinders are more cost-efficient for businesses.