Running out of gas is a total buzzkill – one minute, you’re grilling up some juicy snags, and the next, your barbeque is as cold as a mother-in-law’s kiss. Fortunately, there are some telltale signs to watch for, so you’ll never be caught short without that sweet propane power.
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How Do I Know When My LPG Gas Bottle Is Empty?
The first way to tell if you’re running low is to keep an eye on the gauge. Most modern gas bottles have an indicator that estimates how much fuel is left inside. It’s usually a circular dial or cylinder that goes from green to red as the tank empties. Green means you’re cookin’ with gas, while red is the universal sign for “put another gas bottle on the shopping list, mate.”
Of course, gauges can be finicky sometimes. Maybe the needle is stuck, or you’ve got an older bottle without that fancy gauge. In cases like that, there are a few other tricks to measure gas cylinder levels.
Other Creative Ways to Know When Your LPG Bottle is Empty
1: The Weight Test
This one is pretty straightforward – a full gas bottle is going to be considerably heavier than an empty one. Give your bottle a lift and use your Aussie muscle memory. If it feels lighter than a cold tinnie, chances are you’re running on fumes. Most BBQ buffs recommend refilling anything under 15-20% capacity to be safe.
2: The Water Trick
Here’s a nifty little hack that’s helped me out of many a gas crisis. Simply pour some water down the side of the upright gas bottle and listen closely. If it sounds like the liquid is sloshing around in there, you’ve still got a decent amount of gas left. But if there’s no sloshing noise, that means no liquid could get in because the tank is full of compressed gas. You’ll need a refill soon!
3: Frost on the Tank
In humid weather, moisture from the air can condense and freeze into frost on the outside of a gas bottle that’s close to empty. It’s kind of like when you see your breath on a crisp winter morning. This frosty coating means the last dregs of LPG are vaporising and cooling the tank’s exterior. Keep an eye out for that frosty glow, and you’ll know it’s refill time.
4: Listen for the Whistling
As BBQ diehards, we all know that slight hissing noise a gas bottle makes when it’s connected and the valve is open. Well, listen closely to that hiss – if it starts to sound more like a higher-pitched whistle, that’s the sound of those last precious puffs of gas escaping at high speed. A whistling gas bottle is crying out for a refill.
5: The Smart Scale Approach
If you really want to be on top of your gas game, invest in some smart BBQ accessories. Companies like Plus Gas in Brisbane offer wireless gas bottle scales that measure gas cylinder levels with NASA-level accuracy and sync to your phone. With one of those high-tech scales, you’ll always know exactly how many burger patties you can grill before the tank runs dry.
6: Make Friends with Your Propane Supplier
Ultimately, the best way to ensure you never run out of gas is to establish a good relationship with your propane supplier. Whether it’s a local hardware store or a delivery service, make sure they know you and your BBQ habits well. That way, they can give you a heads-up when prices are about to rise or remind you to stock up before a big weekend cookout.
7: No Flame Is the Dead Giveaway
Obviously, when your burners finally sputter out and die, you’ve officially tapped the very last drops of LPG from your gas bottle. This is the nuclear option that nobody wants to reach. Being LPG-less means no more flame-grilled deliciousness until you can get a gas refill or replacement bottle.
The good news is that if you employ the other tricks on this list, you should be able to detect a nearly-empty tank well before that final flame-out happens. A little preparation prevents total cook-out chaos!
Never Get Caught with An Empty Tank Again
There you have it, mates – everything you need to know to avoid that sinking feeling of a fuel blackout. From weighing your bottle to pouring water tricks, keeping a keen eye (and ear) on your LPG levels is easy once you get the hang of it.
Of course, the simplest solution is to get ahead of the game with regular gas bottle replacements. Take the guesswork out and never face the disappointment of cold grill grates again. The team at Plus Gas in Brisbane has you covered with reliable LPG bottle deliveries and swaps. Their friendly gas experts will make sure you’ve always got full tanks ready to fire up the BBQ.
Don’t risk running dry this grilling season! Visit or call Plus Gas today to learn more about their residential and commercial gas bottle services. With a few clicks, you can schedule affordable LPG bottle deliveries right to your door. Grilling greatness is just an order away!
