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You’ve just taken your BBQ out of storage and are getting ready for the first one of the year but you find your gas bottle is empty.
If you’ve never changed a gas bottle before you may be wondering how to connect and disconnect a gas bottle from a BBQ.
Connecting and disconnecting a gas bottle from a BBQ is really simple so long as you follow a range of simple steps.
Most BBQs use patio gas bottles that normally come in a green gas bottle with a red top as shown below, or what is known by some manufacturers as Leisure Gas.
Both have the same sort of easy-fix regulator which simply clicks into place on top of the relevant gas bottle.
Changing your own gas bottle is very easy and safe as long as you follow the following steps.
How to Connect a Gas Bottle to a BBQ
Before you even think about connecting a patio gas bottle to a BBQ you need to consider the following points:
- Check you have the correct regulator for patio gas
- Remove any protective caps and ensure the valve is clean and free from dirt
- The regulator is on the off position
Once you’ve checked the above points it’s time to get started on the steps to connect a patio gas bottle which are listed below.
- 1) Put the regulator on top of the gas regulator
- 2) Push down on the regulator firmly until you hear a click which indicated the regulator is in the correct place
- 3) Turn to lever to the on position
- 1) Ensure the
- 2) Push down on the regulator firmly until you hear a click which indicated the regulator is in the correct place
- 3) Turn to lever to the on position
- Turn the BBQ to the off position
- Turn the regulator lever to the off position
- Some regulators require you to push the lever in and the regulator will easily come off the bottle. Others require you to pull the red button away and then remove the regulator.
Once the above steps are completed you are ready to go. Simply turn the gas on your BBQ on and light up!
How to Disconnect a Gas Bottle from a BBQ
The steps to disconnect a patio gas bottle from are BBQ are the opposite to the ones above. Again follow the steps below to safely disconnect your gas bottle.
Once the above steps are completed you are ready to go. Simply turn the gas on your BBQ on and light up!
If you are unsure which gas most BBQs use, you can take a look at our article What Gas for a BBQ, Propane or Butane?.
How Long Does 5kg Patio Gas Last For BBQ?
So you now know how to connect and disconnect a patio gas bottle but how long do they last. Let’s first take a look at the most common size of patio gas bottles the 5kg which is popular as it is easy to store and easy to transport.
A 5kg patio gas bottle will last on average up to 14 BBQs. This is the rough figure for a BBQ with 3 burners on full power for 30 minutes per BBQ.
How Long Does 13kg Patio Gas Last For BBQ?
The larger of the two available patio gas bottles is the 13kg bottle. It is more popular with those who BBQ more frequently or those with BBQs that have 4 or more burners.
A 13kg patio gas bottle will last on average up to 36 BBQs. This is the rough figure for a BBQ with 3 burners on full power for 30 minutes per BBQ. Obviously, if you have 4 or more burners firing at one time this figure will decrease.
Where to Buy Patio Gas Bottles
One of the main questions asked is where can you buy a patio gas bottle. Most patio gas is supplied by Calor Gas. If you’re trying to find out where you can buy patio gas locally then take a look at their website. You’ll find a handy search tool that shows all the retailers local to you that stock patio gas.
You can find the search tool here.