Along with a gas hose, pressure reducer, and grill, the right gas cylinder for your gas grill is at the top of the priority list for a successful barbecue evening with family and friends. But which cylinder is right for your grill? We'll give you valuable tips to help you find the right one quickly and ensure a safe grilling experience.
Gas cylinders: The most common sizes in comparison
To be perfectly equipped for the barbecue season, the right gas cylinder is an absolute must. The three standard sizes are available in 5, 8, and 11 kilogram versions. Although the diameter, capacity, and height of the cylinders vary, the contents are always the same.
But be careful: During the cold season, you should definitely use winter gas (usually a mixture of propane and isobutane), as butane gas is not suitable at temperatures around zero.
The different sizes at a glance:
- 3 kg gas cylinder: A handy cylinder for smaller jobs around the house or garden. It's too small for a short trip if you use it regularly for cooking.
- 5 kg gas bottle : Ideal for grilling with gas, as it is large enough to fit in the van even on a camping trip.
- 8 kg gas bottle : Available from BBQ as a separate bottle, small size, ideal for under cabinets of gas grills.
- 11 kg gas cylinder : Taller and less practical for under-cabinet storage, larger diameter. But better for longer camping trips where cooking is required regularly.
- 33 kg gas bottle: Has a higher calorific value, not suitable for grilling, more suitable for gas heaters or burning work.
As you can see, gas cylinders between 5 and 11 kilograms are best suited for a barbecue or a family vacation. The perfect solution for on the road: Our SKOTTI requires only a small, handy gas cartridge. Simply stow it in your backpack and off you go for a hike to the barbecue area with its wonderful view.
Tip: Be prepared and always keep a spare gas cylinder. Especially with a smaller cylinder, you'll run out of gas while grilling, and who wants that?
The agony of choice – buy or rent a gas cylinder?
Before you buy a gas cylinder, consider whether it's worth buying or renting . You can get gas cylinders at gas stations, hardware stores, specialist retailers, or even liquor stores. When they're empty, you can simply have them refilled there. Rental cylinders require a deposit, which, while not particularly expensive, is a bit of a disadvantage compared to buying one.
- Grey gas cylinder (purchase gas cylinder): cylinders that belong to you after purchase and that you can have refilled at various locations.
- Red gas bottle (deposit bottle): Return this to the retailer after use. Important: Exchanges are only possible where the manufacturer's gas is sold.
If you only need the bottles for a certain period of time, it's worth renting them; otherwise, it's better to buy them. Rental bottles can only be filled at the respective bottler's dealers; for purchased bottles, the choice of filling location is up to you.
Rent a gas bottle:
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Rental fee cheaper than buying | Can only be refilled at certain retailers |
| Deposit refunded upon return | |
| No TÜV costs | |
| Sustainable alternative |
Buy gas bottle:
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Can be refilled and replaced at all gas dealers | Purchase price more expensive than rental fee |
| Is your property | Sustainability factor (shorter in use) |
| Fillings are cheap |
Costs of gas bottles for the gas grill
But how much does it cost to rent or buy a cylinder? The price depends on the material and size of the cylinder . Prices vary, however (depending on the current gas price), so we can't give 100% accurate information:
- 5 kg: Purchase from 30 €, filling from 15 €
- 8 kg: Purchase from 45 €, filling from 20 €
- 11 kg: Purchase from 45 €, filling from 30 €
Do you enjoy traveling with your family? We present our must-sees for a road trip through Germany . Let the journey begin!
Grilling with gas: Which is the right gas bottle?
Before buying a gas cylinder, ask yourself the following questions :
- How big is my base cabinet?
- What is the power requirement of my grill?
Whether it's a base cabinet, a separate stand or directly next to the grill - place your gas bottle (depending on its size) in the right place .
Handling the gas grill
There are a few dos and don'ts to consider when grilling with gas. We recommend that you carefully read the manufacturer's manual after purchasing your grill. The general safety instructions will help you better understand your grill. Place your grill in a well-ventilated area and away from other objects to minimize the risk of fire. Also, make sure the gas hose isn't kinked or comes into contact with hot grease. If it's damaged, replace it immediately, otherwise gas will leak. Also, don't leave the grill unattended during the entire grilling process. You'll find more tips for safe grilling below:
Connecting a gas bottle made easy!
Many people are afraid of connecting the bottle to the grill, but it's easier than you think. The important thing is that the bottle is connected correctly and securely . Then nothing will stand in the way of your grilling pleasure.
Here are short step-by-step instructions for connection:
- First, remove the protective cap from the bottle – to do this, pull the safety lever out of the cap.
- Then connect the pressure reducer to the cylinder. It's a good idea to have a pipe wrench handy for this. Tighten it firmly, but not with full force.
- Next, it's the gas hose's turn. Use a pipe wrench to connect it to the grill's gas connection.
- Before you light the grill, you should definitely do a leak test to check if everything is sealed. Whether with soapy water or a special leak detection spray, this test is especially important.
- Now just unscrew the cylinder and supply the grill with gas. Be sure to leave the lid open to prevent gas from accumulating in the grill.
Pressure reducer: Most gas grills come with a pressure reducer and the appropriate gas hose. This is pre-adjusted for the grill (30, 40, or 50 bar) and reduces the pressure in the hose, preventing excess gas from entering the hose. Replace it every ten years to ensure it meets current safety standards.
Storage of the gas cylinder
Extreme caution is required when storing gas cylinders, as they are under enormous pressure. But don't panic; a gas cylinder doesn't explode easily. Nevertheless, please follow these instructions for safe handling :
- No direct sunlight
- Do not store too close to other heat sources
- If possible, store outdoors in a well-ventilated place
- Place in a dry and level place
- Disconnect the gas bottle from the grill if you are not grilling again the next day
- Prohibition: Do not store gas cylinders in enclosed spaces such as basements, stairwells or hallways
The grill is set up, the gas cylinder is ready, and the food is in the fridge – nothing stands in the way of your perfect barbecue evening. Still looking for the perfect recipe? Check out our recipe selection and get inspired.
The perfect gas bottle for your SKOTTI
Not every grill requires a large gas cylinder for power – our SKOTTI is designed for all outdoor enthusiasts in a handy format. Just pop it in your car or backpack, add a small gas cylinder, and off you go. And the best part: It functions as an outdoor kitchen – baking, grilling, cooking, steaming, and frying all in one. You can easily heat it up with a camping gas cartridge – no matter where in the world you are. Simply turn it on and off you go! But that's not all: With our practical gas cylinder connection set, you can connect a 5 kg or 11 kg propane gas cylinder with a 7/16-28 UNEF thread to your SKOTTI in no time. For even more grilling fun on the go or at home!
Caution: SKOTTI does not work with a standard 30 mbar or 50 mbar pressure regulator. Furthermore, the connection to the hose and the RV's external socket is NOT functional—there is not enough pressure. Please connect the adapter directly to the red regulator.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to consider when grilling with gas?
Always read the manufacturer's instructions before grilling to ensure you have the most important safety information at hand. You should also always store the gas cylinder outdoors in a dry place to avoid hazardous situations.
Which bottle is right for my grill?
Choosing the right gas cylinder depends on how much space you have in your closet or garden. If you're planning a camping trip, you should choose a smaller cylinder. Are you only grilling in your garden? Then choose one of the larger cylinders, as they last longer.
What is the difference between red and grey gas cylinders?
The gray gas cylinders are rental cylinders that you can borrow from a manufacturer and refill again and again. Red gas cylinders, on the other hand, are purchased and do not have to be returned.
