A 48 kg gas cylinder is the size for houses that run a gas geyser and stove, and for restaurants, guest houses and bakeries that cook all day. They are almost always set up in pairs on a changeover valve, delivered and connected by a dealer, and kept outside on a firm base, often in a lockable cage. This page explains who needs them, how a changeover works, where they stand and whether to buy, pay a deposit or rent. Send one free, no-obligation request and suppliers near you quote you directly.
Who runs on 48 kg
Once a gas geyser is in the house, 9 kg cylinders run out far too fast and 48 kg becomes the norm. The same goes for restaurant ranges, takeaway fryers, bakery ovens, lodges with several cottages, and smallholdings with a farmhouse and brooders. Two 48 kg cylinders give a long stretch between deliveries and a full reserve standing ready. If you would need several pairs, ask whether a bulk tank makes more sense.
Two cylinders on a changeover valve
An automatic changeover valve connects two cylinders to one supply line. Gas is drawn from the service cylinder first. When it empties, the valve switches to the reserve without the geyser or stove going out, and an indicator shows that the first side is empty. That is your signal to order a replacement while you still have a full cylinder working. The valve, the regulator and the hoses are covered on the regulators and hoses page. Fitting or changing one is work for a registered gas practitioner.
Where they stand
48 kg cylinders always stand outside. The installer applies SANS 10087-1 for the exact distances, but plan for:
- An upright position on a firm, level slab, in the open air.
- No drains, pits, manholes or openings below or close by.
- Distance from switches, plugs, the DB board and air conditioner units.
- A clear, level path from the gate for the delivery driver.
- A ventilated, lockable cage where theft or tampering is a risk.
Buying, deposit or rental
There are three common ways to hold 48 kg cylinders. You can buy them outright and refill or exchange them where a dealer accepts that type. You can pay a once off deposit on cylinders that stay the gas company's property. Or you can rent them by the month, which is common for restaurants. Read what each option says about retesting, damage, theft and returning the cylinders when you leave.
What to include in your request
- Say what the cylinders will run
- Say how many cylinders you want
- Say if you want to buy, pay a deposit or rent
- Describe the path from the gate to the cylinders
- Ask if a changeover valve and cage are quoted
48 kg Gas Cylinders for different clients
- Homeowners: two cylinders on a changeover feeding a tankless geyser and the kitchen stove
- Complexes, estates and body corporates: a caged pair outside a unit where the body corporate approved the position
- Restaurants, takeaways and bakeries: restaurant ranges and fryers on a pair swapped weekly by the dealer
- Guest houses, lodges and venues: guest house geysers and kitchens with a reserve cylinder always standing ready
- Farms and smallholdings: the farmhouse geyser and stove, or a small brooder house, on delivered cylinders
- Factories, warehouses and workshops: canteens and process burners where a bulk tank is not yet justified
- Campers, caravanners and event hosts: event kitchens and large patio heater setups at venues for a weekend
- Gas installers, plumbers and dealers: installers specifying the cylinder pair when fitting a new gas geyser
Frequently asked questions
What is the 48 kg gas cylinder price?
How long does a 48 kg gas cylinder last?
Do I need a CoC for 48 kg cylinders?
Can I get a 48 kg gas cylinder for sale near me?
48 kg Gas Cylinders by province and city
- Johannesburg
- Pretoria
- Centurion
- Midrand
- Sandton
- Randburg
- Roodepoort
- Krugersdorp
- Randfontein
- Germiston
- Boksburg
- Benoni
- Kempton Park
- Alberton
- Vanderbijlpark
- Vereeniging
- Durban
- Pinetown
- Pietermaritzburg
- Richards Bay
- Newcastle
- Ladysmith
- Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
- East London
- Kariega (Uitenhage)
- Mthatha
- Cape Town
- Bellville
- Paarl
- Stellenbosch
- George
- Worcester
- eMalahleni (Witbank)
- Middelburg
- Secunda
- Mbombela (Nelspruit)
- Rustenburg
- Brits
- Klerksdorp
- Potchefstroom
- Mahikeng
- Polokwane
- Tzaneen
- Kimberley
- Upington
- Bloemfontein
- Welkom
- Sasolburg