By Tom Evans
As many of our good readers have been speaking about on the Forum, Calor are phasing out the 6kg CalorLite, it’s increasingly harder to find any stockists and they’re now unavailable on-line too. So why are Calor taking this step? What are our other options? And what do we do with the cylinders we already have?
Well calor seem to have all the answers and their even looking for feedback and advice from us, the caravanning community, to help them develop a new light and practical cylinder!
Here’s the full Q&A from Calor which can be found here
Q: Why are you phasing out the 6kg Calor Lite (the ‘6kg Lite’) cylinder?
A: We carry out inspections on every empty cylinder returned to us before it is refilled and sent back out to the network. We have been finding that increasing numbers of the 6kg Lite are failing our routine quality inspections and, as customer safety is paramount, we have to remove these from circulation. This is having an impact on availability which is causing some customers to have difficulty obtaining these particular cylinders.
As a result, we have decided to replace the current 6kg Lite cylinder with a more robust model to improve product performance and availability (further details are provided on the research and development of this new cylinder below). This means that it makes no sense to purchase any further 6kg Lite cylinders knowing that we are going to replace them in the near future. Instead, we are switching this investment to the standard 6kg cylinder in the short term, with an additional £1 million invested in 2017, prior to the introduction of the brand new 6kg model.
Q: Is the 6kg Lite cylinder safe to use?
A: Yes, it is completely safe. All cylinders supplied and filled by Calor are subject to a rigorous inspection at our filling plants to ensure they are always completely safe for use.
Q: Is this anything to do with the recall?
A: No, the recall was in relation to a specific batch of 6kg Lite cylinders (made between 2008 and 2011) which were found to have possible material defects. Only a very small number were subsequently found to be faulty and withdrawn from circulation.
This recall closed on 1st July 2017.
Q: I still have a recall voucher, does this mean it is no longer valid?
A: No, simply take your voucher to your local retailer where it can still be redeemed for a 6kg Lite if one is available. If not, the voucher can be exchanged for a standard 6kg cylinder.
In addition, if a cylinder is returned for the first time from the affected year without a voucher, then it will be exchanged by the retailer in the normal way.
Q: Will I still be able to purchase (refill) a 6kg Lite?
A: Yes. We will continue to fill and distribute the 6kg Lite cylinders that we have available and currently, there is still good stock availability. Our stockists are all aware that their first priority should be to replace like-for-like wherever possible.
Q: What should I do if my local retailer doesn’t have any 6kg Lites available when I go to purchase one?
A: If one isn’t available then we would recommend you switch to a standard 6kg cylinder which is similar in size with an identical gas valve. You would then be able to switch back to a 6kg Lite if one is available the next time you need a refill.
Q: Will you have enough 6kg cylinders to supply the market?
A: This year we have invested a record amount (over £1 million) in new, standard 6kg cylinders to ensure our retailers have enough stock to meet demand. In addition, we still have stocks of 6kg Lites which remain on sale.
Q: Will I be charged for a 6kg cylinder when I only have a 6kg Lite to return?
A: No. The standard 6kg is freely interchangeable with the 6kg Lite, so if you have an empty 6kg Lite then all you will pay for is the gas. In the event that you have no empty cylinder, then you will need to take out a new ‘Cylinder Refill Agreement’ (CRA) for a one-off charge of £39.99, as well as paying for the gas.
Q: I still want a lightweight cylinder for my caravan, what are you doing to address this?
We are currently undertaking a comprehensive research programme in advance of the development of a new and improved cylinder for the caravanning and camping market. Our aim is to bring a more robust cylinder to market and as part of this activity, we are actively seeking the input of the community to ensure any new product is fit for purpose. We are already working with a number of stakeholders, including the Caravan and Motorhome Club, The Camping and Caravanning Club and caravan manufacturers, but we would very much welcome input directly from end users.
We have therefore created a dedicated email address, caravaninsight@calor.co.uk, where users can register their interest to be involved in the research.
Q: When will a new cylinder be available?
A: As research is still ongoing, it is too early to provide any definite timescales but you can be assured as soon as we have something which is suitable for the market and which has the approval of our customers then it will be brought to market. In the meantime, we will provide regular updates to keep our customers informed on progress.
Let us know your thoughts on all this in the comments below.
