Helium gas for balloons comes in two main forms: small disposable cylinders sold as party kits, and larger refillable cylinders rented or bought for events, party shops and decorators. Balloon gas is not always pure helium; it is often a mix, which is fine for floating balloons. This page covers choosing between a kit and a cylinder, roughly how many balloons you can expect, latex versus foil balloons, safe handling and returning rented cylinders. Send one request and local helium suppliers and party shops will quote you for free, with no obligation.
A party kit or a rented cylinder
A disposable kit suits a birthday or a small table display: the cylinder comes full, often with balloons and ribbon, and is thrown away empty once the valve is open and the gas is spent. Ask how to dispose of it in your area. A refillable cylinder suits weddings, school functions, shop launches and decorators who fill balloons every week. It is rented or bought from a helium supplier and swapped full for empty. Refillable party helium cylinders list at about R5,800 to R11,500; rental terms are quoted per supplier, see gas cylinder rental.
How many balloons a cylinder fills
It depends on the cylinder size and on the balloons: a small latex balloon takes far less gas than a large one, and foil balloons vary by shape. Suppliers give an estimate per cylinder for a standard balloon size, so tell them how many balloons, the type and the size you plan. Some useful points:
- Latex balloons usually float for a shorter time than foil ones, so fill them close to the event.
- Do not overfill; a balloon stretched tight bursts in the heat.
- Fill on the day, indoors, out of the sun and wind.
Safe handling
Never inhale helium, not even from a balloon for a squeaky voice: it pushes oxygen out of your lungs and can make you pass out. Keep children away from the cylinder. Stand it upright and secure it so it cannot fall, close the valve when you are not filling, and transport it upright and strapped, never left in a hot car. Never use an LPG or welding cylinder to fill balloons; for those gases see welding and industrial gas.
Events, shops and returning cylinders
Party shops and decorators often keep one cylinder in use and a full spare. For an event, book early in busy months and agree who delivers and collects. Rented cylinders must go back to the supplier that owns them, with the valve closed and the filling nozzle removed if it is yours. Rental usually runs until the cylinder is returned, so keep the collection note. Venues using patio heaters can often arrange LPG at the same time.
What to include in your request
- The event date and the venue
- How many balloons, and latex or foil
- Balloon sizes you plan to use
- Kit, rental or bought cylinder
- Whether you need delivery and collection
Helium Gas for Balloons for different clients
- Homeowners: a disposable kit for a child's birthday or a gender reveal at home
- Complexes, estates and body corporates: a rented cylinder for an estate year end function in the clubhouse
- Restaurants, takeaways and bakeries: restaurants filling balloons for birthday tables and opening nights
- Guest houses, lodges and venues: wedding venues and lodges with a rented cylinder for receptions
- Farms and smallholdings: farm schools and church halls filling balloons for a market day
- Factories, warehouses and workshops: company year end functions and shop launches with a rented cylinder
- Campers, caravanners and event hosts: parties, matric farewells and sports days with balloon arches
- Gas installers, plumbers and dealers: party shops and balloon decorators renting cylinders all year
Frequently asked questions
Where can I buy helium gas for balloons?
How many balloons can a helium cylinder fill?
How much does a helium gas cylinder cost?
Is it dangerous to breathe in helium from a balloon?
Helium Gas for Balloons 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