Safefill Refillable Gas Bottles: Range Overview and Why the 7.5kg is Our Recommendation
- Caravan Coach
- Sep 29
- 4 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
Product Category: Refillable LPG Gas Bottles
Brand: Safefill (manufactured by Hexagon Ragasco)
Prices Usually Range From: £200-£240
Best For: Caravanners looking for a lightweight refillable solution that balances capacity with practicality
Where to Buy: Available at LPG Shop, Amazon, Cannock Caravan Accessories, Somerset Safefill, or major caravan retailers
Safefill Refillable Gas Bottle - Introduction
The Safefill refillable gas bottle range comes in three sizes: 5kg, 7.5kg, and 10kg. The 7.5kg model strikes a balance between the smaller 5kg (which may be insufficient for longer tours) and the larger 10kg (which can be difficult to fit in some gas lockers).
At 4.1kg empty weight, the composite construction is considerably lighter than traditional steel gas bottles. The filling capacity is 14.5 litres at the safe 80% fill level, equivalent to 7.5kg of propane.
Current LPG prices range from £1-£1.50 per litre, making a full fill approximately £14.50-£21.75. By comparison, exchanging a Calor 6kg propane bottle costs £38-45 depending on the retailer.
Key Features
The translucent composite body allows visual monitoring of remaining gas levels. This eliminates the need for gauges or guesswork methods.
An automatic overfill protection device (OPD) stops filling at 80% capacity. A secondary back-check valve provides additional safety if the main valve is left open after filling. Tamper-proof fittings ensure gas only flows when the bottle is properly connected to an appliance.
The bottle measures 482mm in height and 310mm in diameter. The external filling point uses a UK bayonet fitting compatible with standard LPG pump nozzles.
The composite material is manufactured by Hexagon Ragasco, a company with over 9 million units in use across 70+ countries.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Lightweight at 4.1kg empty (11.6kg when full)
Transparent design for visual gas level monitoring
Refilling costs £14.50-£21.75 versus £38-45 for 6 kg Calor exchange
Partial filling capability - top up any amount
10-year cylinder warranty, 2-year valve warranty
Compatible with European filling systems via adaptors
Cons:
Initial cost of £200-240
LPG filling station availability varies by region
Some forecourts decline to fill portable bottles
Safefill Cylinder Comparison Chart
Feature | Safefill Small (5 kg) | Safefill Medium (7.5 kg) | Safefill Large (10 kg) |
Gas Capacity (Propane) | 5 kg | 7.5 kg | 10 kg |
Water Capacity (internal volume) | 12.5 L | 18.2 L | 24.5 L |
Usable LPG Fill Volume (≈ 80%) | 8.5 L | 14.5 L | 19.5 L |
Approx. Dimensions (H × D) | 396 mm × 310 mm | 482 mm × 310 mm | 583 mm × 310 mm |
Empty Weight | 3.4 kg | 4.1 kg | 5.0 kg |
Filled Weight | 11.9 kg | 18.6 kg | 24.5 kg |
Typical Usage | Camping, BBQs, small stoves | Caravans, campervans | Motorhomes, catering, extended trips |
Material | Composite fibre with transparent walls | Composite fibre with transparent walls | Composite fibre with transparent walls |
Safety Features | Overfill prevention valve, excess flow shutoff, visible fill level | Overfill prevention valve, excess flow shutoff, visible fill level | Overfill prevention valve, excess flow shutoff, visible fill level |
Refill Type | Autogas LPG at refill stations | Autogas LPG at refill stations | Autogas LPG at refill stations |
Approx. Refill Cost (@ £1 / L) | £8.50 | £14.50 | £19.50 |
Equivalent Calor Bottle (approx.) | 3.9 kg / 6 kg Calor | 7 kg Calor | 13 kg Calor |
Typical Runtime (2 kW heater) | ~34 hours | ~58 hours | ~78 hours |
Key Advantage | Lightest and most portable | Best balance of size vs. runtime | Longest runtime and best value per fill |
Product Link |
Performance
The automatic overfill protection engages when the bottle reaches 80% capacity. The composite construction (meeting ISO 11119-3, EN 12245, and EN 14427 standards) is designed to resist impact damage, corrosion, and weathering.
When full, the total weight is approximately 11.6kg (4.1kg bottle + 7.5kg gas). This compares favourably to steel alternatives for those managing payload restrictions.
The translucent design provides a clear view of the gas level, removing uncertainty about remaining capacity. This enables strategic refilling - adding only the required amount before a trip rather than committing to full bottle exchanges.
The composite material does not rust or corrode. The bottle maintains its structural integrity through outdoor storage and typical caravan use conditions.
Specifications
Empty Weight: 4.1kg
Full Weight: Approximately 11.6kg
LPG Capacity: 14.5 litres (at 80% fill)
Propane Equivalent: 7.5kg
Height: 482mm
Diameter: 310mm
Material: Composite plastic (Hexagon Ragasco)
Filling: UK bayonet fitting for LPG pump nozzles
Certifications: ISO 11119-3, EN 12245, EN 14427, TÜV certified
Warranty: 10 years on cylinder, 2 years on valve
Recommended Lifespan: 10 years
Manufacturer: Hexagon Ragasco (9+ million units in use worldwide)
Why It's Recommended
The 7.5kg capacity provides a middle option between the 5kg and 10kg variants. The 5kg may require frequent refilling on longer tours, while the 10kg can present fitting challenges in smaller gas lockers.
The weight reduction benefits payload management. The ability to refill partially offers operational flexibility not available with exchange systems - you can add 5 litres before a weekend trip or fill completely before extended touring.
The cost differential between LPG refilling (£14.50-£21.75) and Calor exchange (£38-45) means regular users will offset the initial purchase cost over time. Each fill saves approximately £16-30 compared to Calor exchange. The rate of return depends on usage frequency.
Check FillLPG.co.uk or myLPG app to verify local availability before purchase.
For European use, the system functions with country-specific adaptors. However, acceptance varies - some filling stations abroad may decline to fill portable bottles.
Rating
Overall Score: 4.5/5
Score Breakdown
Design: 4.5/5
Durability: 5/5
Ease of Use: 4/5
Value for Money: 4.5/5
Disclaimer
This review reflects our genuine opinions and experiences. Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, including Amazon Associate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This means we may receive a small commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Product details, availability, and prices were accurate at the time of writing but may change without notice. Please check with the retailer for the latest information before making a purchase. Caravan Coach cannot be held responsible for differences between this review and the actual product or service you receive.
