How to Check if Your Patio Gas Bottle Is Empty or Full
If you love spending time outdoors with your gas heater or BBQ, there’s nothing more frustrating than running out of fuel mid-cookout. Knowing how to check if your patio gas bottle is empty or full can save you time, hassle, and unexpected interruptions. Whether you’re new to using gas bottles or want to make sure you’re checking correctly.
Why It’s Important to Check Your Patio Gas Bottle
A patio gas bottle powers many outdoor appliances such as BBQ grills, fire pits, and patio heaters. Unlike electric devices, these rely entirely on gas pressure to function properly. If your patio gas bottle runs empty during use, it can interrupt your plans, damage the burner, or even cause safety issues if mishandled. Regularly checking whether your bottle is empty or full helps ensure consistent performance and avoids the need for emergency refills.
1. The Weight Method – The Most Accurate Way
Every patio gas bottle comes with a tare weight (TW) stamped on the collar or neck of the bottle. This number indicates how much the bottle weighs when completely empty.
To check the gas level:
Turn off all appliances and disconnect the gas regulator.
Weigh the bottle using a household scale.
Subtract the tare weight from the total weight.
The difference represents the weight of the gas remaining inside.
For example, if your bottle’s tare weight is 10 kg and the total weight reads 14 kg, you have approximately 4 kg of gas left. This simple technique provides one of the most accurate results for checking if your patio gas bottle is empty or full.
2. The Hot Water Method – A Quick Home Test
This is one of the easiest and most popular ways to check your patio gas bottle. You only need a cup of hot (not boiling) water and a few seconds.
Here’s how to do it:
Pour hot water down one side of the bottle.
Wait a few seconds.
Run your hand down the side where the water was poured.
You’ll notice the metal feels cooler at the point where the gas level starts. That’s because the liquid gas inside absorbs heat, creating a distinct temperature difference. The warm area above that line indicates where the bottle is empty, while the cool area shows the remaining gas level.
This method is fast, safe, and ideal for regular checks of your patio gas bottle.
3. The Bubble or Leak Test – For Safety and Accuracy
If you suspect your patio gas bottle might have a leak or is not functioning correctly, perform a bubble test.
Mix water with a bit of washing-up liquid.
Apply it to the connection points or valve area.
Turn on the gas slightly without igniting it.
If you see bubbles forming, there may be a leak. This doesn’t directly measure how full your bottle is, but it ensures that gas isn’t escaping unnecessarily. A leaking bottle can appear empty even when it’s not. So, it’s an important step in determining if your patio gas bottle is truly empty or simply losing pressure.
4. Using a Gas Level Indicator or Gauge
Modern solutions like magnetic gas level indicators or clip-on pressure gauges can give you a visual reading of how much gas remains inside your patio gas bottle.
Magnetic indicators: Attach to the outside of the bottle and change color depending on the gas level.
Pressure gauges: Fit between the regulator and the valve to show the gas pressure.
These tools are affordable and can be reused multiple times. While not always 100% accurate, they give a quick idea of whether your patio gas bottle is nearing empty.
5. Listen and Shake Test – The Simplest Method
When in doubt, gently lift and shake your patio gas bottle. If it feels lighter than usual or you can’t hear any sloshing sound inside, it’s likely close to empty. While this is the least precise method, it’s handy when you’re outdoors without equipment.
However, never shake the bottle vigorously or invert it, as that can interfere with the regulator connection and pressure system. Use this technique only as a rough check.
6. Understanding How Long a Patio Gas Bottle Lasts
The lifespan of a patio gas bottle depends on several factors, including:
The size of the bottle (e.g., 5kg, 13kg, or larger).
The type of appliance (BBQ vs. heater).
Duration and frequency of use.
For instance, a standard 13kg patio gas bottle used for a medium patio heater might last around 40 to 50 hours, while the same bottle used for BBQs may last up to 8-10 cooking sessions. Tracking your usage helps you estimate when to check the gas level next.
7. Signs Your Patio Gas Bottle Is Empty
Here are clear indicators that your patio gas bottle might be empty:
The burner flame is weak or flickers inconsistently.
The appliance doesn’t ignite even though connections are correct.
The pressure in the regulator feels low.
You can lift the bottle easily compared to before.
When these signs appear, it’s time to perform one of the above checks to confirm if your patio gas bottle is truly empty or just running low.
8. What to Do When Your Patio Gas Bottle Is Empty
If you’ve confirmed that your patio gas bottle is empty, follow these steps:
Turn off the valve completely.
Disconnect safely from your appliance.
Store it upright in a well-ventilated area.
Exchange or refill at an authorized supplier.
Most UK gas suppliers like Calor or Flogas offer exchange services, where you return your empty bottle and receive a full one instantly. Always check the expiry date and valve condition before reconnecting a new patio gas bottle.
9. Safety Tips for Handling Patio Gas Bottles
Even when you’re just checking the level, handle your patio gas bottle safely:
Keep it upright during use and storage.
Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight or heat sources.
Check for leaks regularly.
Never use open flames to check gas levels.
Store bottles outside in a shaded, well-ventilated space.
Safety should always come first when working with any type of gas bottle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How often should I check my patio gas bottle level?
It’s best to check your patio gas bottle before each major use—especially before hosting a BBQ or outdoor event. Regular checks help prevent sudden interruptions.
2. Can I use boiling water to check the level?
No. Only use hot, not boiling, water for the hot water test. Boiling water can damage the paint and valve area of the patio gas bottle.
3. Why does my patio heater flame look weak even though the bottle isn’t empty?
A weak flame can result from low gas pressure, regulator issues, or partial blockage. Ensure your patio gas bottle valve is open fully and that there are no leaks.
4. Are gas level indicators reliable?
They provide an approximate reading. For the most accurate results, use the weight or hot water method to check your patio gas bottle level.
5. Where should I store my empty gas bottles?
Always store your patio gas bottle outside, upright, and in a cool, shaded location. Avoid enclosed spaces such as sheds or garages.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to check if your patio gas bottle is empty or full is an essential skill for any outdoor cooking or heating enthusiast. By using simple techniques like the weight method, hot water test, or gas level indicator, you can avoid unexpected fuel shortages and ensure your equipment runs efficiently.