How to Check Gas Bottle Level: Gas Bottle Level Indicator – Gas Bottle Gauge
How to check gas bottle level is by temperature with hot water, referred to as the hot water gas bottle test.
For the hot water gas bottle test, you pour a bucket of hot water down the gas bottle side and slide your hand down the side until it feels cold. The point where the temperature changes is the gas bottle level indicator. This testing gas bottle level works even better while using gas.
That’s how to check gas bottle level. You can also use a gas bottle gauge.
So, to check gas bottle level of remaining gas, in a gas bottle, is an easy process. For more detailed instructions, keep reading.
Also, to help it make sense we’ll explain how LPG works.
A Gas Bottle Gauge for Pressure Doesn’t Work for LPG
It‘s worth noting that a pressure gas bottle gauge doesn’t tell you how much gas is left in an LPG gas bottle.
This is because LPG isn‘t compressed gas – it is liquified gas.
With LPG, the pressure inside your cylinder remains the same until the last of the liquid LPG is vaporised.
The gas bottle gauge will only move when you hit empty.
However, there is a different kind of gas bottle gauge that does work, to be discussed later.
How to Check Gas Bottle Level Instructions – Gas Bottle Level Indicator
This process to check gas bottle level works for both large LPG gas bottles and BBQ size bottles too.
Here’s how to check gas bottle level:
- Fill a bucket with hot tap water. More water is better.
- Slowly pour the hot water (not boiling water) down one side of the gas bottle. (Take care not to scald yourself)
- A line of condensation may appear as the gas bottle level indicator. If not:
- Wait a few seconds and then run your hand down the same side of the gas bottle, where you poured the water.
- 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.
- If you feel no difference, the test gas bottle level may be empty.
PRO TIP: The gas bottle test to check 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 even easier.
For example, if you have LPG hot water, do the gas bottle test during or right after someone takes a shower. The condensation gas bottle level indicator may even appear without pouring the bucket of hot water.
Watch a quick video on How to Check Gas Bottle Level
Gas Level Indicator for Gas Bottles that are Empty
There is no gas level indicator for gas bottles that are empty.
How to tell if gas bottle empty is a process of elimination.
When you look for the gas bottle level indicator with the hot water test, you may not see a condensation line, as your gas bottle level indicator, nor feel any difference in temperature.
This is your gas level indicator for gas bottles that are empty, as you have not detected any remaining gas bottle level.
Why Does the Gas Bottle Feel Cold?
LPG (propane) is stored under pressure as a liquid in a gas bottle.
It turns back into a gas by ‘boiling’.
LPG draws heat from the steel walls of the gas bottle. (see image)
This ‘boiling’ LPG makes the gas bottle feel colder at the levels where there is remaining liquid gas.
That’s why it is the gas bottle level indicator, with condensation or temperature change.
When gas escapes the bottle rapidly, ice can even form on the gas bottle exterior, providing the perfect gas bottle level indicator.
How Full is Full? Gas Bottle Level Indicator at 80%
Also, please remember that gas bottles are designed to be full at 80% or just over 3/4. So, your gas bottle level indicator will be at 80%.
This allows for the natural expansion of the gas during warmer temperatures.
For safety reasons, NEVER open the valve on an unattached gas bottle to check for remaining gas, even if you think it is empty.
Checking gas bottle levels regularly will let you stay on top of your usage for your cooktop and gas heaters and know when it’s time to check gas bottle level and re-order.
8 Tips for Never Running Out of LPG Gas Again!
1. Always order gas as soon as the first bottle runs out.
Don’t wait until the gas bottles are both empty or near empty.
Follow this advice and you are virtually assured to never run out of gas.
2. Remember to order sooner, rather than later, during the busy winter season.
3. Remember to check gas bottle level more often in cold weather, especially if you use a gas heater or gas log fire.
Even your water heater has to work harder in cold weather, as the incoming water is colder.
4. Having additional house guests can also increase your usage if you have gas hot water.
Remember to check more often so both you and your guests avoid cold showers!
5. If you only have one gas bottle attached to your home, you may wish to consider adding a second gas bottle.
Unless you are on automatic tanker delivery, you will either run out or have to call for a gas bottle exchange before using up all of your gas.
These are both situations you would surely like to avoid.
A second bottle solves the problem and is particularly wise if you use your gas for hot water and/or heating.
6. If you are an ELGAS customer, make sure we have your Mobile Number so you receive Gas Check Alerts™ by Text (SMS).
These are sent automatically, by our computer, based on your past gas usage.
With Gas Check Alerts, you will never forget to check gas bottle level again.
7. Remember to increase how often you check gas bottle level if you install additional gas appliances.
8. Also, be certain to tell your supplier if you install additional appliances, especially if you are on automatic tanker delivery, so we can adjust your delivery schedule.
Follow these tips and you should enjoy using of your gas appliances without interruption.
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Choice of 2-Year Fixed or Variable 45kg Gas Bottle Price
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Ultrasonic Gas Bottle Gauge
One type of gas bottle gauge is an ultrasonic unit that sits under the BBQ gas bottle and sends a gas bottle level indicator via Bluetooth to an app on your mobile phone.
You buy the gas bottle gauge then download and install the gas bottle gauge app.
The app shows the gas bottle gauge gas bottle level indicator on your mobile phone.
This gas bottle gauge works well on BBQ bottles but cannot be used with a 45kg gas bottle. For larger gas cylinders, you’ll need to stick with the hot water gas bottle test.
Alternative Way to Check Gas Bottle Level
An alternative way to check BBQ size gas bottle level is by using a scale as your gas bottle gauge.
Turn off the gas regulator, disconnect the bottle and place it on a scale, making sure the valve is firmly closed.
The tare (empty) weight of the bottle is stamped on the neck ring.
The difference between the scale reading and the tare weight should tell you how much gas is left in the gas bottle.
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Eric Hahn has over a decade of experience in the LPG industry and has become a key figure in shaping how LPG is marketed and communicated. As the creator of one of the world’s first LPG blogs, Eric has authored over 200 technical posts, helping educate and inform the industry and consumers.
Eric has served on multiple committees for Gas Energy Australia and the World LPG Association (WLPGA), contributing to important discussions and advancements within the global LPG sector. He has presented at WLPGA Annual Conferences, sharing his expertise as a speaker, panellist, and panel chair.
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Steve Reynolds
Technical Consultant
Steve Reynolds is a leading expert in the LPG industry with over 22 years of experience. As part of the national management team at ELGAS, Steve ensures the safe and efficient storage, handling, and transportation of LPG. He serves as the lead investigator for incidents and collaborates with authorities on industry developments.
Steve is a technical advisor to Standards Australia and Gas Energy Australia (GEA), and an active member of the World LPG Association (WLPGA), contributing to global standards and technical reviews. He holds a BSc. (Hons) in Industrial Chemistry from UNSW and has held senior safety and technical roles at ELGAS, making him a trusted authority in LPG safety and standards.