If you've ever stared at a 9 kg gas bottle and wondered, "How many hot showers is that, really?", this guide is for you. We'll break down running costs for Camplux portable LPG hot water across the use-cases Aussies actually care about—weekend camping, caravan life, off-grid households, and remote properties. You'll get simple formulas, practical examples, and easy ways to stretch each bottle further. And because prices move, we'll keep the maths transparent so you can plug in your own numbers.
TL;DR (quick wins)
-
Cost per shower = (model gas use per hour × LPG $/kg × minutes ÷ 60).
-
Showers per 9 kg bottle = 9 ÷ gas used per shower (kg).
-
Biggest levers: set a sensible outlet temperature, shorten shower length a touch, and use a low-flow showerhead.
-
Join our Camplux AU Telegram for price drops, restock alerts, and monthly "save-gas" tips.
How We'll Calculate (and the few assumptions we'll make)
A hot-water session costs three things: LPG, water, and a smidge of electricity (for ignition batteries or a 12 V pump). LPG dominates the bill; water and pump power are usually cents.
Key variables you can adjust to your reality:
-
LPG price ($/kg). Swap-and-go or refill? Metro vs regional?
-
Bottle size. 4.5 kg for light weekenders; 9 kg for most caravans and longer trips.
-
Model's rated input (MJ/h). Check your unit's data plate or spec sheet.
-
Showerhead flow (L/min) and shower duration (minutes).
-
Water source. Mains water (pay per kL) vs tank (near-zero cost, but consider pump power).
-
Ambient & inlet temperature. Colder inlet water means the burner runs harder/longer to reach the same outlet temp.
Simple formulas (no jargon, just plug and play):
-
Propane energy density ≈ 49 MJ/kg (handy rule of thumb).
-
Gas used per hour (kg/h) = model MJ/h ÷ 49.
-
Cost per hour (A$/h) = kg/h × LPG $/kg.
-
Cost per shower (A$) = cost per hour × (minutes ÷ 60).
-
Showers per 9 kg = 9 ÷ gas used per shower (kg).
Example placeholders only
If LPG is A$3.50/kg and a model's input is 28 MJ/h:
-
kg/h = 28 ÷ 49 ≈ 0.57 kg/h
-
A$/h = 0.57 × 3.50 ≈ A$2.00 per hour
-
A 5-minute shower ≈ 2.00 × (5/60) ≈ A$0.17 per shower
-
9 kg bottle → 9 ÷ (0.57 × 5/60) ≈ 189 showers (illustrative; your mileage will vary with temperature settings and flow).
The AU-Relevant Camplux Models at a Glance
Camplux AY132 (6 L)
Compact, easy to carry, and a favourite for couples or solo travellers. Great if you're moving camp often and want quick, reliable hot water without a permanent install. Ideal for sinks, an outdoor shower tent, or quick rinse-offs.
Camplux BV158 (8 L)
The "just right" pick for many Aussie setups. It offers a steadier flow for families or anyone who wants fewer compromises on comfort while still staying frugal with gas and water. A sweet spot for caravans and longer stays.
Camplux F10 (10 L)
When you've got more people or longer daily use, the 10 L class helps avoid the "juggling act" with flow and temperature. It's the right call for households who want close-to-home comfort on the road or off-grid.
_ Tip: Rather than memorising specs, read the rated input (MJ/h) off your unit's label and drop it into the calculator formula above. That ensures your numbers match your exact heater._
Your DIY Cost Calculator (paper-napkin simple)
-
Find your model's MJ/h.
-
Divide by 49 to get kg/h.
-
Multiply by your local LPG price per kg to get A$/h.
-
Multiply by your shower minutes ÷ 60 to get A$ per shower.
-
For bottle life, compute kg per shower first (kg/h × minutes ÷ 60), then 9 ÷ kg per shower.
Want an even easier life? Drop your current LPG price, bottle size, minutes, and model into a note on your phone once. From then on, it's just one glance before a trip.
Stay in the loop: Join Camplux AU Telegram for real-time price alerts, restocks, and quick-reference cost cards you can save to your phone.
Scenario Benchmarks You Can Copy
All examples below are illustrative, so you can swap in your own LPG price and model MJ/h. We'll use the placeholder LPG price A$3.50/kg and three representative inputs:
-
Light-duty example (think 6 L class): 24 MJ/h
-
Mid-range example (think 8 L class): 28 MJ/h
-
Higher-flow example (think 10 L class): 32 MJ/h
Step 1: Convert to kg/h
-
24 MJ/h → 24 ÷ 49 ≈ 0.49 kg/h
-
28 MJ/h → 28 ÷ 49 ≈ 0.57 kg/h
-
32 MJ/h → 32 ÷ 49 ≈ 0.65 kg/h
Step 2: Hourly cost at A$3.50/kg
-
0.49 × 3.50 ≈ A$1.72/h
-
0.57 × 3.50 ≈ A$2.00/h
-
0.65 × 3.50 ≈ A$2.28/h
Weekend campers (2 people × 5-minute showers)
-
Light-duty: per shower ≈ 1.72 × (5/60) ≈ A$0.14
-
Mid-range: per shower ≈ 2.00 × (5/60) ≈ A$0.17
-
Higher-flow: per shower ≈ 2.28 × (5/60) ≈ A$0.19
Two people both shower: ~A$0.28–0.38 total per day in gas.
A 9 kg bottle at mid-range example: kg per 5-min shower = 0.57 × 5/60 ≈ 0.0475 kg → ~189 showers.
Caravan family (2 adults + 2 kids × 7 minutes daily)
Assume mid-range example:
-
Per shower ≈ 2.00 × (7/60) ≈ A$0.23
-
Four showers/day ≈ A$0.92/day in gas.
-
Weekly ≈ A$6.44.
If you're on a 9 kg bottle: kg per shower ≈ 0.57 × 7/60 ≈ 0.0665 kg → ~135 showers → at four showers/day, ~33 days per bottle.
Remote/off-grid homestead (3 people × 6 minutes, most days)
Assume higher-flow example for comfort:
-
Per shower ≈ 2.28 × (6/60) ≈ A$0.23
-
Three showers/day ≈ A$0.69/day, ~A$21/month in gas.
Water cost: mains water is typically a few dollars per kL (i.e., fractions of a cent per litre). With a 6–8 L/min showerhead for 6 min, that's ~36–48 L, or ~A$0.10 or less in many councils; on tanks, water is effectively free (just add tiny pump energy).
Reality check: Colder inlet water (winter in Tassie vs a warm NT afternoon) will nudge these numbers up. So will very long showers and high-flow heads. On the flip side, a modest outlet temperature and efficient head can slash costs.
Camplux vs Common Alternatives (cost & comfort)
Solar bag / gravity shower
-
Cost: Basically free per use once bought, but dependent on sunshine.
-
Comfort: Temperamental and slow; water cools quickly; limited pressure.
Boil-and-bucket
-
Cost: Gas or electricity cost for boiling, and your time.
-
Comfort: Works anywhere, but faffy. Difficult for families.
240 V heater + generator
-
Cost: Fuel for the genny adds up fast; noise is a hidden cost.
-
Comfort: Good heat but heavy, bulky, and often overkill for camping.
Camplux portable LPG
-
Cost: As low as a few tens of cents per shower in many setups.
-
Comfort: On-demand, consistent, safer and simpler than DIY hacks when used correctly.
Bottom line: If you care about the cost per quality shower, Camplux wins on both comfort and running cost predictability.
Practical Ways to Lower Your Running Costs
-
Dial in the outlet temperature. Don't crank to max; aim for "just right" so the unit isn't over-firing and you're not mixing heaps of cold water at the head.
-
Fit a low-flow showerhead (6–8 L/min). Same clean, less water to heat.
-
Shorten warm-up waste. Catch the first seconds in a tub for dishes or rinsing boots.
-
Shield from wind. Cross-winds knock heat exchange efficiency down; pick a sheltered spot.
-
Keep filters clean and descale regularly. Good flow = good efficiency.
-
Tune gas–water mix. Learn your model's "sweet spot" where the burner is stable and the water is comfy without overshoot.
Accessories that help: a quality regulator, efficient showerhead, inline filter, descaler, and robust hoses. If you want curated picks and seasonal deals, hop into Camplux AU Telegram—we post reminders and bundle discounts there.
Safety & Compliance (Australian context)
Use outdoors with plenty of ventilation. Keep clearances from windows, doors, and combustibles as per your user manual. Place cylinders upright on stable ground, away from heat sources and ignition points. If mounting, follow the guidance for distances and airflow; if in doubt, talk to a licensed gas fitter. Your local rules align to AS/NZS frameworks—treat those as the north star, and never operate in enclosed spaces.
Have questions about safe setup for a specific campsite, awning, or annex? Ask in the Camplux AU Telegram—people share photos of real-world layouts and what worked for them.
FAQ (quick answers)
How long will a 9 kg bottle last?
Use the formula: showers per 9 kg = 9 ÷ (kg/h × minutes ÷ 60). Plug in your model's MJ/h and your usual shower length. Many families see weeks of use per bottle, even with daily showers.
Propane vs LPG blends—does it change cost?
Per-kg energy varies slightly by blend and temperature, but in day-to-day use the $/kg and your minutes per shower matter most. Use your actual local price to stay accurate.
Does winter really increase cost?
Yes. Colder inlet water means more energy to reach the same outlet temp. Expect longer burner-on time or a slightly higher setting. For cold-season setup tips, see our winter guide.
Should I count 12 V pump electricity?
It's usually cents per day—worth noting, but gas is the lion's share. If you run a big pump often, include it in your weekly budget.
Mains water vs tank water—what's cheaper?
Mains water is cheap (cents per shower). On tanks, it's effectively free but keep a filter in the loop and maintain your pump.
Which Model Matches Your Budget & Style?
-
Weekend wanderers (1–2 people): A 6 L unit (AY132) plus a low-flow head keeps costs really low while still feeling luxurious compared to a gravity bag.
-
Caravan families: An 8 L (BV158) is the solid middle ground—balanced flow, stable temps, very predictable bottle life.
-
Off-grid households: A 10 L class (F10) provides comfort for multiple showers daily without the "dance" at the mixer, and your cost per shower is still modest if you keep minutes sensible.
