9kg Gas Bottle Dimensions – 4kg Gas Bottle – Small Gas Bottle Sizes

9kg Gas Bottle Dimensions – 4kg Gas Bottle – Small Gas Bottle Sizes

The 9kg gas bottle is a small gas bottle and the 4kg gas bottle is the smallest gas bottle and the most common BBQ gas bottle and camping gas bottle sizes.

9kg gas bottle size comes in the new LCC27 gas bottles version so no LCC27 adaptor is needed. We also have the 4kg gas bottle in an LCC27 gas bottles version.

9kg Gas Bottle Dimensions – 9kg Gas Bottle Size – Small Gas Bottle

The 9kg gas bottle size is the most popular small gas bottle for camping and BBQ gas bottle sizes.  

9kg gas bottle dimensions are approximately 315mm in diameter, 475mm in height and 17.64L capacity of gas cylinder gas in bottle.

9kg gas bottle empty weight (tare weight) is approximately 7.8 to 10.4 kg.

But, how much does a 9kg gas bottle weigh when full with gas cylinder gas in bottle?

9kg gas bottle weight when full of gas cylinder gas in bottle is approximately 16.8 to 19.4 kg.

A 9kg gas bottle size contains 441MJ of energy.

All 9kg gas bottle size specifications are approximate for the small gas bottle.

4kg Gas Bottle Size – 4kg Gas Bottle Dimensions: Camping Gas Bottle & Small Gas Bottles

The 4kg gas bottle are the small gas bottles at SWAP’n’GO, and is chosen as camping gas bottle sizes because of its compact size and light weight, making it easy to transport.

The 4kg gas bottle is the small gas bottle size favoured as both a BBQ gas bottle or camping gas bottle for camping gas stove, camping gas cooktop and camping gas heater applications. 

4kg gas bottle dimensions are approximately height of 345-450mm, a width of 240-265mm and a capacity of 7L of gas cylinder gas in bottle.

4kg gas bottle weight when full of gas cylinder gas is in a range from 8.5kg to 10.6 kg of gas cylinder and contents.

4kg gas bottle empty weight (tare weight) is in a range from of 4.5 to 6.6kg.

A 4kg gas bottle size contains 196MJ of energy.

All 4kg gas bottle size specifications are approximate for the small gas bottle.

Gas Bottle (Gas Cylinder): What is a Gas Bottle?

A gas bottle or gas cylinder is a pressure vessel for storing and transporting liquefied gases and compressed gas at above atmospheric pressure.

A gas bottle (gas cylinder) is typically made from steel or aluminium which is drawn, pressed and/or welded into a cylindrical shape. There is a threaded opening in one end, with or without a neck, for the attachment of a gas valve to control the release of the contained gas.

The gas bottle contains fuel gases like LPG and CNG, industrial gases like acetylene, argon and nitrogen, various scientific gases and medical gases like oxygen and nitrous oxide.

In Australia, the most common BBQ gas bottle sizes are the small gas bottles, 4kg gas bottle (the small gas bottle) and 9kg gas bottle size for BBQ and the 45kg gas bottle sizes for homes.

9kg Gas Bottle Dimensions – 4kg Gas Bottle Sizes & Small Gas Bottle Sizes & Weight Chart

9kg gas bottle dimensions and 4kg gas bottle dimensions and small gas bottle weights shown are approximate. Actual small gas bottle dimensions may vary as 4kg gas bottle and 9kg gas bottle size varies by gas bottle manufacturer. Gas cylinder gas capacity is based on safe filling small gas bottle volumes of 3.7kg and 8.5kg gas cylinder gas in bottle, taking into account possible undersize imported small gas bottle dimensions.

Have questions? See our SWAP’n’GO BBQ GAS FAQs

Small Gas Bottles: 9kg Gas Bottle vs 8.5kg Gas Bottle & 4kg Gas Bottle vs 3.7kg Gas Bottle

The filling of small gas bottles like the nominal 9kg gas bottle as an 8.5 kg gas bottle was a safety initiative of the Australian LPG industry.

The same is true of the 4kg gas bottle being filled with 3.7kg of gas cylinder gas in bottle. But why?

Unfortunately, there are many small gas bottles that are labelled as a 9kg gas bottle or 4kg gas bottle that are actually manufactured undersize, with less than the labelled gas cylinder gas in bottle capacity.

This is a result of the small gas bottle manufacturing and design variances amongst the many manufacturers of small gas bottles that are imported, into Australia, from many countries around the world.

Surprisingly, Australia has no mandatory standard sizing for these small gas bottles as BBQ gas bottle or camping gas bottle sizes, so all of these small gas bottles are approved for sale.

Filling undersized small gas bottles to a full 9kg gas bottle or 4kg gas bottle, thus leaving less than 20% ullage (see image), would create a gas cylinder gas overfill, which would be a major BBQ gas bottle safety issue. Cold burns, fire and even possible explosion could result.

The solution was to take into account the small gas bottle size variations and standardise on 8.5 kg gas cylinder gas in bottle and 3.7kg gas cylinder gas in small gas bottle refills.

This allows for the size variances between small gas bottles and prevents any unsafe BBQ gas bottle overfilling.

To make sure that consumers are fully informed, each small gas bottle is labelled accordingly.

FAQs for the 9kg Gas Bottle

What is a 9kg gas bottle used for?

The 9kg gas bottle has a multitude of uses.

The most common uses are for BBQ and patio heaters.

Other uses include caravans, boat heaters and galleys, flame weeding, fuel for gas torch applications, outboard motors, and many more.

How long does a 9kg gas bottle last?

How long does a 9kg gas bottle last is dependent upon the application.

The following table gives some examples for the most common applications.

How much gas is in a 9kg LPG bottle?

A 9kg LPG bottle has a 17.64L capacity for LPG gas.

In Australia, the typical fill is only 8.5kg, which equates to 16.66L of LPG gas.

How much does a 9kg gas bottle cost in Australia?

An empty 9kg gas bottle of decent quality typically costs between $55 and $70.

Typical SWAP’n’GO prices range from the upper $20s to the mid $40s for 9kg (8.5kg) gas bottle refill price.

The following table shows the lower and upper ranges for 9kg and 4kg SWAP’n’GO gas bottle swaps:

Where can I buy or refill a 9kg gas bottle near me?

You can buy or refill a 9kg gas bottle at SWAP’n’GO dealers throughout Australia.

SWAP’n’GO sells a full 9kg gas bottle with or without a swap.

You can also refill a 9kg gas bottle at a local service station near you that has a gas bottle refill storage tank(s).

Can I swap my empty 9kg gas bottle for a full one?

Absolutely! This is what SWAP’n’GO is all about.

Just bring your empty 9kg gas bottle and swap it for a full one at any SWAP’n’GO dealer.

Is it better to refill or swap my 9kg gas bottle?

Here are some of the reasons you might choose to swap at SWAP’n’GO instead of refilling:

• You get your choice of either 8.5kg gas bottle or 3.7kg gas bottle swap.
• We stock the 3.7kg or 8.5kg gas bottle in both POL and LCC27 gas bottles.
• You can buy a gas bottle even if you don’t have one to swap
• You can swap an older POL 3.7kg or 8.5kg gas bottle for a newer LCC27 gas bottle at the same SWAP’n’GO prices (same SWAP’n’GO gas bottle price)
• You can swap your 3.7kg or 8.5kg gas bottle without worrying about:
  a) When it was last checked to and if it is still in date.
  b) Whether it has been filled correctly.
• We pride ourselves on our BBQ gas bottle exchange quality
• All BBQ gas bottles are new or checked & refurbished by fully trained technicians
• Every SWAP’n’GO BBQ gas bottle is precision filled and leak tested.
• The yellow SWAP’n’GO seal on the neck or tamper proof plug indicates that it has been quality checked and filled to safe industry standards.
• No waiting to refill your BBQ gas bottle at petrol stations
• You get a fresh 3.7kg or 8.5kg gas bottle every time you gas bottle swap
• You own the 3.7kg or 8.5kg gas bottle you receive
• You won’t have to travel far to find SWAP’n’GO, with thousands of outlets, city and country.

There are two reasons you might choose gas bottle refill:

• The cost of the gas is a bit lower.
• You get to keep your same gas bottle.

Are all 9kg gas bottles the same size and fitting?

All 9kg gas bottles are of a similar size, but do vary in height and diameter.

The gas fittings come with two options, LCC27 and POL gas fittings:

The newer LCC27 gas bottle with the LCC27 valve that is compatible with all BBQs sold after 2022.

The older style POL valve to fit older BBQs and other appliances.

Note that the LCC27 gas bottle is backwards compatible with POL regulators (fittings).

Can I use a 9kg gas bottle for indoor appliances?

For safety reasons, it is best to keep your 9kg gas bottle outdoors.

However, Australian gas bottle storage regulations do allow for one 9kg gas bottle to be stored or used indoors.

How do I safely transport and store a 9kg gas bottle?

The best way to safely store a 9kg gas bottle:

• It is best to store a 3.7kg or 8.5kg gas bottle is outdoors in a well ventilated space.
• Gas bottles should never be stored indoors.
• Gas bottles should always be stored upright and secure.
• It should be on level ground and not where water can accumulate.
• Do not store your 3.7kg or 8.5kg gas bottle near an ignition source.
• If you store your BBQ or patio heater indoors, when not in use, you should always detach the gas bottle first and store it separately outdoors.

The same points apply to transporting 9kg gas bottles plus:

• Do not transport more than two 9kg BBQ gas bottles at a time and make sure the valves are closed
• Transport BBQ gas bottles secured and upright in the boot, not in the passenger compartment for gas bottle safety
• The gas bottle should not be left inside of a hot vehicle.
• The time inside the vehicle should be kept to a minimum.

How do I connect a 9kg gas bottle to my BBQ or heater?

Follow the following 7 steps to connect/disconnect a 9kg gas bottle:

1. For how to change a gas bottle (how to change a BBQ gas bottle), it goes on the BBQ mounting hook or in its holder/shelf, depending on your BBQ or heater.

The BBQ gas bottle should ALWAYS be kept upright.

Your LPG gas bottle must NEVER hang by the gas hose.

2. Remove any dust cover or plug that may be inside or over the female valve opening, where the BBQ gas regulator screws in.

Please note that, if it is a screwed-in plug, you must turn it clockwise to remove it (reverse thread).

3. Inspect the BBQ gas regulator and hose for any damage.

Some BBQ gas regulators have rubber O-rings on the connector.

The O-ring should also be undamaged.

The connector should be clean and dirt free prior to insertion.

4. How to change a gas bottle (how to change a BBQ gas bottle) is different for POL versus LCC27 regulators. Screw the BBQ gas regulator into the valve opening by turning BBQ Gas Regulator Hand Wheel anti-clockwise (reverse thread) for older POL connectors and clockwise for newer LCC27 connectors.

Tighten well by hand only.

Make sure the gas hose is not kinked.

5. How to change a gas bottle (how to change a BBQ gas bottle) isn’t complete until you do a leak test. Without turning on the BBQ, open the Gas Valve Hand Wheel to turn on the gas (anti-clockwise).

Spray the entire BBQ gas regulator, valve and gas hose with soapy water to check for any possible leaks.

You will see bubbles or smell gas if there is a leak.

If you have a leak, you should immediately turn the gas off (clockwise) and fix or replace the leaking component.

For more detailed instructions, please see BBQ Gas Leak Test

6. Assuming you have no leaks, you are ready to use your BBQ or patio heater.

Turning the BBQ gas bottle ON a couple of turns is sufficient.

You should not turn it hard to the open stop.

7. Remember, when you are finished with your BBQ or patio heater, you should always turn off the gas at the BBQ gas bottle (patio gas bottle) first.

Close firmly by hand only.

NOTE: These instructions only apply to POL fittings and LCC27 fittings.

How do I tell if my 9kg gas bottle is empty or full?

Here’s how to check gas bottle level (test gas bottle level) using condensation and/or temperature change as your gas bottle gauge (gas bottle level indicator):

1. Fill a bucket with hot tap water. More water is better for how to check gas bottle level (test gas bottle level).
2. Slowly pour the hot water (not boiling water) down one side of the gas bottle. (Take care not to scald yourself)
3. A line of condensation may appear as the gas bottle level indicator (gas bottle gauge). If not:
4. Wait a few seconds and then run your hand down the same side of the gas bottle, where you poured the water.
5. You should feel a noticeable cooler change of temperature at the level of the gas. The point where the temperature changes is another gas bottle level indicator (gas bottle gauge) for gas bottles.
6. If you feel no difference when you check gas bottle level (test gas bottle level), it may be empty.

PRO TIP: The hot water test to check gas bottle level (test gas bottle level) works even better during or after you use one of your LPG appliances, making the finding of the gas bottle level indicator for gas bottles even easier.
For example, if you have LPG hot water, look for the gas bottle level indicator (gas bottle gauge) during or right after someone takes a shower. The condensation gas bottle level indicator (gas bottle gauge) may even appear without pouring the bucket of hot water.

What’s the weight of a full vs empty 9kg gas bottle?

The 9kg gas bottle weight full (8.5 kg gas bottle), for SWAP’n’GO gas bottles, includes the weight of the 8.5kg gas bottle plus the 8.5kg of bottle LPG gas, which is a 9kg gas bottle weight of approximately 17.5kg.

The tare (empty) weight of steel SWAP’n’GO 8.5kg gas bottle (9 kg gas bottle) typically ranges from 7.8 to 10.4 kg (9kg gas bottle weight empty) and some exceptions may even fall outside of this range.

Can I recycle or return my 9kg gas bottle?

You can recycle an old 9kg gas bottle.

Gas bottle disposal and recycling can be done at a local council recycling centre or you can leave the bottle at your nearest SWAP’n’GO depot.

You cannot return SWAP’n’GO bottles.

When you purchase or gas bottle swap a 3.7kg or 8.5kg gas bottle at SWAP’n’GO you own the bottle.

Unfortunately, there is no basis for issuing a refund.

You might consider giving your bottle to family or friends.

Local clubs that do sausage sizzle fund raising would also appreciate the donation.

Why choose ELGAS SWAP’n’GO for 9kg gas bottles over other suppliers?

• You get your choice of either 9kg gas bottle with gas (8.5kg gas bottle) or the 4kg gas bottle with gas (3.7kg gas bottle), nearby gas bottles for barbecues at great SWAP’n’GO prices.​
• As SWAP’n’GO dealers set their own prices, you can shop around for the cheapest SWAP’n’GO near you.
• At SWAP’n’GO, you’ll find a bottled BBQ gas bottle with both POL and LCC27 gas bottles for bottled BBQ gas bottle exchange near you.
• You can buy a full BBQ gas bottle even if you don’t have a 4kg gas bottle or 8.5kg gas bottle gas bottle swap (BBQ gas bottle exchange).
• You can do small gas bottle exchange nearby of an older POL gas bottle for a newer LCC27 gas bottle with gas, at the same SWAP’n’GO prices.
• Do a bottled BBQ gas bottle swap of your empty small gas bottle without worrying about:
  a) When the BBQ gas bottle was last checked and if still in date.
  b) Whether your bottled BBQ gas bottle has been filled correctly.
• We pride ourselves on having the best quality bottled BBQ gas bottle around
• Every 4kg gas bottle and 8.5kg gas bottle is either a new BBQ gas bottle or checked & refurbished by fully trained technicians
• At SWAP’n’GO, our BBQ gas bottle is precision filled and leak tested.
• The yellow SWAP’n’GO seal on the neck or tamper proof plug indicates that the bottled BBQ gas bottle has been quality checked and filled to safe industry standards and ready for your BBQ gas bottle exchange (barbecue gas bottle swap).
• No waiting around a LPG gas station near a BBQ gas refill, just do a bottled BBQ gas bottle swap (4kg gas bottle and 8.5kg gas bottle gas bottle exchange).
• You get a fresh full BBQ gas bottle near you every time you do a bottled BBQ gas bottle exchange nearby (small gas bottle swap).
• You own the BBQ gas bottle you receive when you do bottled BBQ gas bottle swap (barbecue gas bottle exchange).
• With SWAP’n’GO, you won’t have to travel far to find nearby gas bottles for barbecues, with bottled BBQ gas bottle near you at a hardware store, LPG service stations or LPG fuel station near you including thousands of outlets, city and country at great SWAP’n’GO prices.