It's a practical question - and one we're here to answer clearly
In this guide, we'll explain the key factors that affect gas usage, provide estimates for popular cylinder sizes, and offer tips to help you maximise the lifespan of your gas supply. Whether you use gas for outdoor cooking, heating, or portable appliances, this article will help you plan ahead with confidence.
What affects how long a gas cylinder lasts?
Before diving into exact numbers, it's important to understand that gas consumption varies based on several key factors:
- Appliance
type
A BBQ grill consumes gas differently from a patio heater or camping stove. - Burner
size & number
Appliances with multiple burners or higher BTU output will naturally use more gas. - Usage
duration & frequency
Occasional weekend BBQs will stretch a cylinder longer than daily use. - Environmental
conditions
Wind and temperature can influence efficiency, especially outdoors. - Gas
type (Propane vs Butane)
Each fuel type has slightly different combustion rates. For most outdoor appliances, propane is preferred due to better cold-weather performance.
Common cylinder sizes & their usage duration
Here's a rough estimate of how long various Calor gas bottles [1] will last depending on the appliance:
6kg Patio gas cylinder
- BBQ Use: - 8-10 hours (on medium setting)
- Patio heater use: - 5-7 hours
- Appliances: - Gas BBQs, small patio heaters
- Best
suited for: - Occasional home BBQs and small
gatherings
View the BBQ gas cylinder here [2]
11kg Cylinder (Butane or Propane)
- BBQ use: - 15-20 hours
- Camping stove: - 25+ hours
- Appliances: - Medium to large BBQs, outdoor stoves, heaters
- Best suited for: - Frequent BBQ users and off-grid campers
34kg Propane cylinder
- Use: - Long-term outdoor heating or multi-appliance setups
- Best suited for: - Static caravans, outdoor kitchens, and rural homes using LPG [3]
These figures are estimates based on average appliance consumption. Always check your appliance's BTU/hour rating for precise usage.
How to calculate gas usage for your BBQ or heater
Here's a simple formula to help you estimate usage more accurately:
Cylinder capacity (kWh) ÷ Appliance Consumption Rate (kW) = Total Hours of Use
For example:
A 6kg propane gas cylinder contains roughly 84kWh of energy.
If your gas BBQ uses 4kW per hour, then: 84 ÷ 4 = 21 hours (theoretical
maximum)
Keep in mind, real-world usage is often lower due to:
- Variations in flame settings
- Heat loss
- Weather conditions
How to check how much gas is left in a cylinder
Running out of gas halfway through cooking is frustrating. Here are 3 easy ways to check your gas level:
- Weight
test
Weigh the cylinder and subtract the tare weight (stamped on the bottle). - Warm
water trick
Pour warm water down one side of the cylinder. The gas level shows as a cool line where the gas starts inside. - Use
a gas level indicator
Stick-on indicators or inline pressure gauges are available for most cylinders.
These tips can help prevent surprise cut-outs - especially useful when cooking for guests.
Tips to make your gas last longer
Maximising gas efficiency isn't just about saving money - it's also more sustainable. Here's how to get more from your cylinder:
- Use a lid when BBQing to retain heat
- Cook in batches to avoid long idle periods
- Avoid high settings unless necessary
- Store cylinders upright and out of direct sunlight
- Check for leaks in the hose or regulator regularly
You can find cylinder safety and gas cooking tips here [4] to ensure safe and efficient use.
Best gas cylinder for BBQing in Ireland
For most homeowners in Ireland, the 6kg patio gas cylinder is the go-to choice for BBQs. It's compact, easy to handle, and designed specifically for outdoor use with a clip-on regulator for quick setup.
check range of BBQ gas bottles available here [5]
If you're a more frequent griller, consider stepping up to a 11kg cylinder for fewer refills and longer runtime.
Planning a camping trip? don't forget the gas!
Camping stoves and portable heaters are extremely efficient, especially when paired with smaller butane cylinders. These are easy to carry and can be connected to most travel cooking equipment.
For sustainability-conscious campers, Calor BioLPG [6] is also a great alternative to traditional LPG, offering the same performance with fewer emissions - ideal for those exploring Ireland's beautiful countryside with a lighter footprint.
Where to get gas refills or new cylinders in Ireland
No matter where you are in Ireland, you're never far from a Calor Gas stockist. Use the Calor Retailer Locator [7] to find your nearest location for:
- New gas cylinders
- Gas refills
- Regulator fittings
- Safety accessories
Many retailers offer convenient swap & go services, allowing you to bring in your empty bottle and leave with a full one in minutes.
Why Calor Gas?
Calor is one of Ireland's most trusted energy brands, providing reliable and safe LPG [8], BioLPG [9], and portable gas solutions to homes, businesses, and outdoor enthusiasts. From the moment you connect your cylinder to the last flicker of the flame, Calor delivers performance you can trust.
Explore the full range of Calor cylinders [10] and product solutions at our Calor Ireland [11].
Final word
Whether you're planning a single afternoon BBQ or a season of garden parties, knowing how long your gas cylinder will last gives you peace of mind and better control over your energy needs.
From compact BBQ gas bottles to large-scale cylinders for camping and heating, Calor has you covered - with flexible options, nationwide availability, and expert advice whenever you need it.