Information about the types of gas/propane used for HOTTAP, including what sizes and types of gas are appropriate, different types of fittings & hoses and information about how long each type should last as well as what kinds of other fittings may be suitable.
Australia & New Zealand
What type of gas do I need?
The easiest way to explain it is that the HOTTAP runs on the same gas that your home BBQ does. We use (most commonly) 9kg LPG cylinders. In NZ they are called ULPG but they are very similar.
What gas hose does HOTTAP use? And what is included?
The gas hose we supply is a standard LCC27 Propane hose.
Starting April 1, 2021, all HOTTAPs now include a new LCC27 Type Connector (safer propane hose) instead of the older POL-type. to meet new safety rules in Australia and New Zealand. You can click here to learn more.
All HOTTAPs also include our gas quick disconnect adapter, to allow you to connect your gas to HOTTAP (and other appliances) without the need to tighten the fittings with a spanner and check for leaks at each use.
NOTE: If you need a POL gas hose get in touch with us here.
What size gas tank can I use?
9kg Cylinders
The standard and most common size is a 9kg LPG cylinder, but LPG cylinders are quite common in other sizes right down to around 4kg. Just make sure that the cylinder has an LCC27 connection to attach to the gas hose which is supplied.
2KG Cylinders
Smaller bottles down to around 2kg have also been known to work well but will require adapters to connect to the gas hose we supply.
Common 2kg cylinders usually have a 3/8" threaded outlet, so you’ll need an adapter to work with the HOTTAP's 1/2" BSP gas connector.
Smaller Cylinders/Canisters
You can also use smaller canisters, like Coleman or Companion, with a BOM fitting. Just grab our Joolca Lightweight Gas Hose and transfer the female GASKNECT adapter from the supplied hose or get an extra one to keep both options ready!
How much gas does it use?
A 9kg gas bottle can get up to 15 hours of use and a 4kg up to 7 hours, this is on the gas being set to the highest settings. In summer or warmer climates, you probably won't have the gas set this high. Needless to say, it's a pretty long time!
Connecting to other fittings?
The HOTTAP can work with other gas hoses (like a bayonet fitting) as long as they have an adapter to convert to 1/2" BSP end fitting. You can remove the female gas connector from our supplied hose and install it with your new or existing ones.
United States & Canada
What type of gas do I need?
The easiest way to explain it is that the HOTTAP runs on the same gas that your home BBQ does. This is called a Propane Tank and the standard size is 20lbs but they can also come in smaller sizes.
What gas hose does it use? And what is included?
The Gas hose we supply is a standard BBQ style LPG / Propane hose (QCC 1 Connection).
All HOTTAPs also include our gas quick disconnect adapter, to allow you to connect your gas to HOTTAP (and other appliances) without the need to tighten the fittings with a spanner and check for leaks at each use.
What size gas tank can I use?
4.5 - 20 lb Tank
You can use any 4.5 lb to 20 lb tank, as long as it has a QCC1 connection on the bottle side.
1 lb Cylinders:
To use a 1 lb cylinder, you will need a purchase an adapter like this one (Home Depot) or this one (Amazon) which will allow you to use your Joolca-supplied hose to connect to the smaller cylinder.
How much gas does it use?
A 20 lb tank lasts about 12 hours on high gas setting. It's a little less than the longevity of the Australian Spec HOTTAP because we're allowed to have a higher gas flow setting for you. This is a good thing because it means you can get heat more water which comes in handy in cold conditions.
Connecting to other fittings?
United Kingdom
Types of gas in the UK
There are two types of gas in LPG gas bottles, Propane & Butane. They are characterised by different colour bottles, and confusingly use different gas connections (however, we include a regulator suitable for Standard Propane in our kits). Our HOTTAP will work with either Propane or Butane.
All HOTTAP kits include a Bullnose (POL) screw-on regulator with hose, compatible with Flogas Propane (red) bottles but not Patio Gas.
These are the Red bottles and are readily available from Flogas and Calor.
You can also use the following regulators as long as the gas hose has a 1/2" BSP end fitting:
- 27mm Clip-on for Patio Gas (Propane): Used on Patio Gas & "Gas Light" (Green) Propane Bottles.
- 21mm Clip-on for Butane: Used on all Calor Butane cylinders (except the small 4.5kg bottle). Also used on the Flogas 7kg & 13Kg gas cylinders characterised by their yellow colour.
- 20mm Clip-on for Butane: Used only on Flogas 4.5kg, 7kg & 13Kg cylinders, The 20mm fitting is characterised by the dark blue bottles
- Screw-on for Camping Gaz: This screw-on regulator is used only for Camping Gaz refillable 1.8Kg & 2.73Kg Butane bottles
Which is the best gas to use?
We recommend the use of Standard Propane over Butane gas in general due to better performance in lower temperatures. We also recommend it over Patio Gas because Patio Gas Refills are often more expensive per the same amount of propane purchased.
Can I use another type of Gas?
Absolutely. Other gas types are safe to use with your Joolca and you are free to do so, but you'll need to purchase a compatible regulator.
How much gas does it use?
A 9kg gas bottle can get up to 15 hours of use and a 4kg up to 7 hours, this is on the gas being set to the highest settings. In summer or warmer climates, you probably won't have the gas set this high. Needless to say, it's a pretty long time!