What Size Gas Bottle Do I Need? A Guide for Macedon Ranges Homes
What Size Gas Bottle Do I Need?
If you are new to LPG or moving to a property in the Macedon Ranges without mains gas, you might be wondering what size gas bottle you need. The short answer for most homes: a 45kg LPG cylinder.
Common Gas Bottle Sizes in Australia
4kg — small camping and portable BBQ bottle. Not practical for home use.
9kg — the standard BBQ bottle. Fine for outdoor cooking, but runs out fast if connected to a home appliance.
18kg (forklift size) — sometimes used for caravans or small appliances. Not ideal for powering a household.
45kg — the standard for Australian homes without mains gas. Large enough to run hot water, heating, and cooking for weeks at a time. This is what most Macedon Ranges households use.
Why 45kg Is the Standard for Homes
The 45kg bottle is the sweet spot for home LPG use in the Macedon Ranges. It is large enough to run your hot water, heating, and cooking without needing constant refills. And the cost per kilogram of gas is significantly cheaper than smaller bottles — you get more gas for your money.
If you are only running a cooktop, a 45kg bottle could last you 4 to 6 months. If you are running hot water, cooking, and heating, expect 3 to 6 weeks in winter.
Do I Need One Bottle or Two?
Most homes in Woodend, Gisborne, Kyneton, and across the Macedon Ranges that use gas for heating run two 45kg bottles with an automatic changeover valve. When bottle one empties, the valve switches to bottle two — giving you time to call Macedon Gas for a refill without losing supply.
If you only use gas for cooking or hot water (no heating), one bottle is usually fine.
What About Bulk LPG?
For very large properties or high-usage homes, bulk LPG with an on-site tank might make more sense. This is common for larger rural properties in the Macedon Ranges that use gas for central heating, multiple hot water systems, and cooking. Talk to us about whether bulk or bottles suit your property.
Macedon Gas delivers 45kg LPG gas bottles to over 45 suburbs in the Macedon Ranges. You can buy, rent, or swap your cylinder.