Residential LPG gas bottle sizes explained

If you don’t have natural gas available at your address, you may be considering using LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) instead. But before you jump on LPG, you’ll need to understand the different sizes of gas bottles available to buy. From small cylinders for occasional use, to larger tanks for high-volume usage, we’ve taken a look at the various sizes of residential LPG gas bottles below.

Understanding LPG gas bottle sizes

Small LPG gas bottles

Small LPG gas bottles are great for households with low to moderate gas usage. This includes small families, occasional users, or homes that like to use gas for camping or barbecuing. The most common sizes for small cylinders include 4kg (3.7kg), 9kg (8.5kg) and 14kg (13.5kg).

Smaller cylinders are designed for use with portable gas appliances, such as barbecues, camping stoves and patio heaters. Because they’re easy to transport, they can be refilled or exchanged at many locations across Australia.

Medium LPG gas bottles

Medium-sized LPG gas bottles are good for households who use gas for daily cooking, heating or hot water. Typical sizes for medium cylinders range from 45kg to 90kg.

Because of their larger capacity, they require less frequent refills when compared to small cylinders. However, they’re less portable and generally need to be refilled by a LPG delivery driver.

Large LPG gas bottles

Large LPG gas bottles, also known as tanks, are designed for heavy gas users. These bottles are typically found in larger households, or properties and businesses with heavy energy needs. Tank sizes can range from 190kg to 2,100kg or larger.

Large tanks are usually installed outside your home or business, and connected to fixed gas appliances such as central heating systems, cooktops, and ovens. Like medium bottles, large LPG tanks offer the advantage of a continuous gas supply, without the need for frequent refills.

Factors to consider when choosing LPG gas bottle sizes

Gas usage

If you’re deciding on an LPG bottle size, you’ll need to look at the way your home uses gas. You should choose a bottle size that’s large enough for your cooking, heating and hot water needs, without requiring frequent refills.

Available space

You’ll need to have enough free space on your property to store your LPG gas bottles. Although small cylinders are easy to store, larger tanks need room for installation and generally won’t fit in homes with limited outdoor space.

Budget and cost

As well as an upfront cost, LPG users also need to pay for ongoing bottle refills. While larger tanks or bottles are more expensive to buy, they can save you money long-term because you won’t require frequent refills.

LPG gas bottle sizes for your residence

The best sized LPG gas bottle for your home will depend on how your family uses gas, as well as your budget and storage space. If you’re still unsure which size is right for you, your gas supplier can talk you through your options.

Compare cheap electricity deals

Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 3900kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.

Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.

Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4600kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.

Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the SA Power network in Adelaide but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.

Caitlin Bingham

Content Producer

Caitlin Bingham covers a range of content at Canstar from electric vehicles to home loans and internet, offering readers comprehensive insights into consumer-related topics. Caitlin has a Bachelor of Communications with a major in Journalism from Massey University, and has written for various websites across New Zealand and Australia. When she isn’t writing, you can find Caitlin training for (yet another) marathon, or binge-watching the Real Housewives.