"Refill", "exchange" and "new" get used loosely by sellers — but they're three different purchases with different prices. Here's exactly what each means and which to pick.
1. Refill (Exchange)
You hand over your empty cylinder and receive a full one of the same size. You pay only for the gas — the cylinder itself belongs to the brand's exchange pool. This is what 90% of gas purchases are.
- Cheapest per purchase — gas only.
- Your empty must be a genuine, standard cylinder (any brand, matching valve).
- The cylinder you receive may have cosmetic wear but is safety-certified.
2. New Cylinder
You buy a brand-new cylinder plus the gas inside — roughly double the refill price. You own the cylinder; future purchases are refills. Buy new when:
- You're starting with gas for the first time.
- You want a specific brand to keep permanently.
- Your old cylinder is damaged, expired or a non-standard brand no one accepts for exchange.
3. Informal "Decanting"
Roadside sellers who pour gas from one cylinder into yours — illegal in Kenya, unlicensed, and dangerous. The gas may be underfilled, contaminated, or the cylinder overfilled. Always exchange at licensed sellers.
The Cost Comparison
| Option | 13kg cost | What you own after |
|---|---|---|
| Refill/exchange | KSh 2,750–3,300 | Exchange pool cylinder |
| New cylinder | KSh 5,640–8,500 | Your own cylinder + gas |
Which Should You Choose?
- First-time user? Buy a new complete set — cylinder, burner, regulator, hose all matched.
- Have an empty? Refill/exchange — always.
- Rented home, may move? Refill/exchange keeps you flexible; you don't need to own the cylinder.
- Old/damaged cylinder? A new cylinder is safer than repairing — steel cylinders have a certification lifespan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I get my own cylinder back after a refill?
No — you exchange it for another certified cylinder of the same brand/size. That means you never wait for refilling and always get a inspected unit.
Can I exchange a 13kg for a 6kg?
Exchanges are size-for-size. You can buy a different size separately and keep both.
Is my old cylinder accepted for exchange?
If it's a standard brand (Afrigas, K-Gas, Total, ProGas, Hashi, Ola, Supa, Jatel, Lake) with a normal valve — yes, virtually always.
Have an empty to exchange? Order a refill now — same-day exchange delivery. Order refills →