First cylinder swap? Here's the entire process — safe, ordered, and with the verification step beginners skip.

Before You Start

  • All burner knobs OFF.
  • No flames or lit cigarettes in the kitchen.
  • The new cylinder standing upright beside you.
  • Windows open — basic ventilation.

Step 1: Close the Old Cylinder

Turn the valve on top fully clockwise — tight, not forced. The flame dies out; wait a minute for gas in the hose to clear.

Step 2: Remove the Regulator

For a 13kg: turn the regulator hand-wheel clockwise — it's reverse-threaded (opposite of a normal screw). For a 6kg meko: pull/twist per its fitting. Set it aside; keep it clean.

Step 3: Move the Cylinders

Carry the empty by its collar grip, upright — don't lay it down. Position the full one on a stable, level spot where it will live.

Step 4: Inspect the New Cylinder

  • Factory seal on the valve — intact, matching the brand.
  • Colour and engraving — right brand marks (the checklist).
  • Peel the seal off — that's the point of it: only you break it.

Step 5: Connect the Regulator

Check the O-ring is seated and healthy. Seat the regulator squarely on the valve. For 13kg: turn the wheel anti-clockwise to tighten (reverse thread). Firm by hand — no tools.

Step 6: Open and Test

  1. Open the valve slowly — a gradual turn.
  2. Listen: brief hiss settling is normal; continuous hiss = close and reseat.
  3. Soap-test the joint — bubbles = leak; close and redo. (Full test: leak detection.)
  4. Light a burner — blue flame = done.

The Mistakes Beginners Make

  • Forcing the regulator thread — cross-threading leaks. If it fights, back off and retry squarely.
  • Skipping the soap test — the one step that catches a bad connection.
  • Leaving the empty lying on its side — stand it upright.
  • Over-tightening — hand-firm is enough; crushing the O-ring causes leaks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal to smell gas briefly during the swap?

A tiny whiff when disconnecting is normal residual gas — it clears in seconds with ventilation.

How do I know if the regulator went on correctly?

It sits square, hand-tightens fully, and the soap test shows no bubbles with the valve open.

Can I do this alone?

Yes — a 13kg cylinder is manageable; get help for 50kg or awkward spaces.

First swap? Our delivery team can install and leak-check on delivery — just ask. Order gas →