LPG Gas Bottles for Home Heating in the UK
Across the UK, many homes rely on bottled LPG gas for heating and cooking, particularly in rural or semi-rural areas without access to mains gas. In practice, two LPG options dominate domestic use:
Choosing the correct gas type ensures safe operation, good performance, and cost-effective heating.

Where LPG Gas Bottles Are Used
Residential Heating & Cooking
- Central heating boilers (propane)
- Gas fires and space heaters
- Cookers in houses, cottages, and narrowboats
Static Caravans & Holiday Parks
- Space heating and hot water in holiday homes
- Ideal where permanent gas connections are unavailable
Commercial & Industrial Heating
- Large space heaters in workshops and warehouses
- Industrial burners and drying equipment
Agricultural Use
- Poultry shed heating
- Crop drying and seasonal farm applications
Mobile Catering
- Fuel for high-output cooking appliances
- Catering vans and outdoor food setups
Industrial Processes
- Oxy-fuel cutting, welding, and brazing of metals
Propane vs Butane for Home Heating
Although both are LPG, propane and butane are used for different heating purposes, mainly due to how they perform at different temperatures.
Propane Gas for Home Heating (47kg Bottles)
Propane is the preferred fuel for whole-house heating in the UK.
Why propane is used:
- Continues to vaporise reliably well below 0°C
- Suitable for outdoor storage year-round
- Compatible with LPG central heating boilers
- Reliable during cold winter periods
Typical uses:
- Central heating systems
- Gas fires connected to outdoor cylinders
- Multi-appliance household supply
The
47kg propane gas bottle is the largest standard bottled option commonly delivered to UK homes. Many households use two 47kg bottles with an automatic changeover valve, ensuring uninterrupted gas supply during peak winter demand.
Butane Gas for Indoor & Portable Heating (13kg)
Butane gas bottles are primarily used for portable indoor cabinet heaters, often referred to as “Superser” or living flame heaters. These provide quick, localised heat without switching on full central heating.
Why butane is used indoors:
- Performs best at normal indoor temperatures
- Provides instant, powerful radiant heat
- Ideal for heating single rooms or specific spaces
Common bottle size:
Typical uses:
- Living rooms, bedrooms, and conservatories
- Portable cabinet heaters with castor wheels
- Indoor cookers and small heaters
A 13kg butane bottle offers a cost-effective solution for spot heating, helping reduce energy bills by heating only the room in use.

Safety Considerations for LPG Home Heating
Propane Safety
- Must be stored outdoors
- Installed with suitable regulators and fixed pipework
- Designed for permanent heating systems
Butane Safety
- Use only in well-ventilated rooms
- Modern heaters include:
- Flame Failure Devices (FFD)
- Oxygen Depletion Systems (ODS)
- Spare cylinders should ideally be stored outside or in well-ventilated areas
Propane should not be used in indoor cabinet heaters, and butane is not suitable for outdoor winter heating.

How Long Does a 47kg Propane Bottle Last?
Actual usage depends on property size, insulation, boiler efficiency, and heating habits. As a general guide:
- Light or occasional heating: several weeks to months
- Average household use: around 1–3 weeks
- Heavy winter use: approximately 7–10 days
Many households therefore arrange scheduled winter deliveries to avoid running low.
47kg Propane Bottles vs Bulk LPG Tanks
47kg propane bottles:
- No groundworks or planning permission
- Lower upfront costs
- Flexible delivery and easier relocation
Bulk LPG tanks:
- Higher installation costs
- Less frequent refilling
- Best suited to high-consumption properties
For smaller homes, rented properties, and customers wanting flexibility, 47kg propane bottles are often the more practical choice.
Choosing the Right LPG Bottle for Your Home
- Whole-house heating/outdoor systems: 47kg propane
- Single-room or portable indoor heating: 13kg butane
- Winter reliability: propane
- Cost-effective spot heating: butane
LPG Gas Bottle Delivery
BBQ Gas London supplies and delivers
47kg propane and
13kg butane gas bottles across London and surrounding areas.
For advice on choosing the right LPG bottle for your heating setup, call
020 7183 5790 or contact us via the website.