Where Can I Get My Propane Tank Filled? Your Complete Guide to Finding Refills and Saving Money

Grilling season is in full swing, and the aroma of barbecue is filling the air. But nothing can halt a summer cookout faster than an empty propane tank. If you’re standing by your grill, wondering “Where Can I Get My Propane Tank Filled?”, you’re in the right place. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about propane refills, ensuring you never face a grilling emergency again. We’ll explore the best places to refill your propane tank, compare refill versus exchange services, and give you insider tips to maximize your propane and your budget.

Understanding Propane Tanks: The Basics

Before we dive into where to get your tank filled, let’s cover some essential propane tank knowledge. Understanding these basics will empower you to make informed decisions and ensure you’re getting a fair deal.

Propane Tank Sizes and the 20-Pound Standard

For most backyard grilling and BBQ needs, the standard 20-pound propane tank is the go-to cylinder. You might also see them referred to as BBQ grill tanks or simply propane bottles. These tanks are designed to hold, as the name suggests, 20 pounds of propane. However, it’s important to note that “20-pound” refers to the propane capacity, not the total weight of a full tank.

Tare Weight (T.W.): Finding Your Tank’s Empty Weight

Every propane tank has a “tare weight” (T.W.) stamped on its collar. This is the weight of the empty tank itself, without any propane inside. The tare weight is crucial because it helps you determine if your tank has been filled to its proper capacity. For a standard 20-pound BBQ grill tank, the tare weight is usually around 17 pounds.

Alt text: Close-up of a propane tank collar showing the stamped tare weight (T.W.) and manufacture date, highlighting the information needed to determine tank fullness and certification status.

Calculating a Full Propane Tank Weight

To figure out the expected weight of a full 20-pound propane tank, simply add the tare weight (T.W.) stamped on your tank to 20 pounds (the propane capacity).

Tare Weight (T.W.) + 20 lbs (Propane) = Approximate Full Tank Weight

For example, if your tank has a T.W. of 17 pounds, a full tank should weigh approximately 37 pounds (17 lbs + 20 lbs = 37 lbs). This is a handy trick to use after you get your tank filled to verify you received a complete fill.

The 80% Fill Rule and Expansion Space

You might be wondering why a “20-pound” tank isn’t filled to weigh exactly 20 pounds more than its tare weight. Propane, like any liquid, expands when temperatures rise. To account for this expansion and prevent dangerous pressure build-up, propane tanks are legally and safely filled to only 80% of their liquid capacity. The remaining 20% of space is left empty for propane expansion.

Propane Tank Recertification and Date Stamps

Propane tanks, including the 20-pound grill cylinders, need to be recertified after 12 years from their manufacture date. The manufacture date is also stamped on the tank collar, usually as a month and year (e.g., 03-24 for March 2024). After the initial 12 years, tanks require recertification every 5 years.

Recertification involves inspection to ensure the tank is still safe to use. While you can get a tank recertified, the cost and hassle often outweigh the price of simply purchasing a new tank. Many refill locations will refuse to fill tanks past their expiration date, and exchange services often take out-of-date tanks out of circulation.

Where to Get Your Propane Tank Filled: Exploring Your Options

Now for the crucial question: where can you actually get your propane tank refilled? Thankfully, you have several convenient options.

Dedicated Propane Refill Stations: The Go-To Choice

Dedicated propane refill stations are often the best places to get your tank filled. These locations specialize in propane and have trained staff who understand proper filling procedures and safety regulations.

Types of Dedicated Refill Stations:

Propane Supply Companies: These companies often supply larger propane tanks for homes and businesses, but many also offer refill services for 20-pound cylinders. They typically offer competitive pricing and full fills.
RV and Camping Supply Stores: Businesses catering to the RV and camping market frequently have propane refill stations. These are convenient if you’re already stocking up on camping supplies.
U-Haul Locations: Many U-Haul locations are authorized propane refill stations. They are widely available and often have extended hours.
Hardware Stores with Refill Services: Some larger hardware stores, especially those in rural areas, offer propane refill services.

Pros of Dedicated Refill Stations:

Full Fills: Dedicated stations usually fill tanks to their full 20-pound propane capacity (or close to it), unlike some exchange services.
Competitive Pricing: Prices at refill stations are often per gallon, which can be more transparent and sometimes cheaper than flat-rate exchanges.
Trained Staff: You can expect knowledgeable staff who are trained in safe propane handling and filling procedures.
Tank Inspection: Reputable stations will often visually inspect your tank for damage or expiration dates before filling.

Cons of Dedicated Refill Stations:

Potentially Less Convenient Locations: Dedicated stations might not be as ubiquitous as exchange services at every corner store.
Slightly Longer Process: Refilling takes a bit longer than a quick exchange, as the tank needs to be properly connected and filled.

Gas Stations and Convenience Stores: Quick and Convenient

Many gas stations and convenience stores also offer propane refill services, alongside their fuel and snack offerings. This can be a highly convenient option when you’re already out and about.

Pros of Gas Stations/Convenience Stores:

Convenience: Gas stations are everywhere, making refills easily accessible during your regular errands.
Extended Hours: Many gas stations are open late or even 24/7.
Quick Service: Refills are generally fast and efficient.

Cons of Gas Stations/Convenience Stores:

Variable Fill Levels: Fill levels at gas stations can be inconsistent. Some may fill to the full 20 pounds, while others might fill less, similar to exchange services.
Potentially Higher Prices: Prices at gas stations can sometimes be slightly higher than dedicated refill stations.
Less Propane Expertise: Staff may not be as knowledgeable about propane as at specialized refill stations.

Propane Exchange Services: Trade Your Empty for a Full Tank

Propane exchange services, like Blue Rhino and AmeriGas Cylinder Exchange, are incredibly convenient. You simply bring your empty tank to a participating retailer (grocery stores, home improvement stores, gas stations) and exchange it for a pre-filled tank.

Pros of Exchange Services:

Ultimate Convenience: Exchanges are incredibly quick and easy. Just drop off your empty tank and grab a full one.
Wide Availability: Exchange services are available at numerous retail locations across most areas.
No Waiting: You don’t have to wait for your tank to be filled.

Cons of Exchange Services:

Less Propane per Tank: Exchange services are notorious for underfilling tanks. Instead of a full 20 pounds of propane, you often get only 15 pounds, or even less. This “short fill” is often mentioned in fine print but not immediately obvious to consumers.
Higher Cost per Pound of Propane: While the exchange price might seem comparable at first glance, when you factor in the reduced propane amount, you’re paying significantly more per pound of propane compared to refills.
Tank Condition Uncertainty: You are exchanging your own tank for an unknown tank. You might receive a tank that is older, dented, or nearing its recertification date. You lose control over the quality of the tank you receive.
Environmental Concerns: Exchanging tanks generates more waste as older tanks are taken out of circulation, even if they are still usable. Refilling promotes reuse of your existing tank.

Alt text: Image showing Costco propane refill receipts, illustrating the amount of propane purchased in gallons and the total cost, highlighting transparency in pricing per gallon at refill stations.

Big Box Retailers (Costco, Walmart, etc.): Discount Options with Caveats

Big box stores like Costco and Walmart sometimes offer propane refill or exchange services, often at discounted prices.

Costco Propane Refills: Costco is known for offering propane refills at very competitive prices, often by the gallon. However, as the original article points out, even Costco might not fill to a full 20 pounds capacity, sometimes filling to around 75% (approximately 15 pounds of propane). Despite this, the per-gallon price can still make Costco a very economical option if you are a member.

Walmart and Other Big Box Stores: Walmart and other big box stores typically offer propane exchange services rather than refills. These exchanges will have the same pros and cons as other exchange services, namely convenience but often with less propane for the price.

Pros of Big Box Retailers:

Potentially Lower Prices: Costco refills are often among the cheapest options available. Exchange prices at big box stores can also be competitive, though less so when considering the amount of propane received.
Convenience (for Exchange): If you’re already shopping at these stores, exchange can be a quick add-on errand.

Cons of Big Box Retailers:

Membership Required (Costco): Costco refills are only available to members.
Fill Level Uncertainty (Costco): While cheap, Costco refills may not be a full 20 pounds.
Exchange Service Shortfalls (Walmart, etc.): Exchanges at big box stores suffer from the same drawbacks as general exchange services: less propane, higher per-pound cost, and tank condition uncertainty.

Propane Refill Costs and Saving Money

The cost of refilling your propane tank can vary depending on location, type of refill station, and whether you are paying per gallon or a flat rate.

Factors Affecting Propane Refill Costs:

Propane Prices: Like gasoline, propane prices fluctuate based on market conditions and supply and demand. You can check average propane prices online, but local prices will vary.
Per Gallon vs. Flat Rate Pricing: Some places charge per gallon of propane, which is usually more transparent. Others charge a flat rate “per fill,” which can be less clear about how much propane you’re actually getting.
Location: Prices can vary geographically. Urban areas might have slightly higher prices than rural areas, and prices can also differ based on regional competition.
Type of Refill Station: Dedicated propane suppliers may have different pricing structures than gas stations or exchange services.

Tips to Save Money on Propane Refills:

Choose Refills Over Exchanges: As a general rule, refilling your tank is almost always more economical than using exchange services in the long run because you get more propane for your money.
Shop Around and Compare Prices: Call a few local refill stations (propane suppliers, hardware stores, U-Haul) and ask about their per-gallon price or flat fill rate. Don’t be afraid to drive a little further for a better deal, especially if you refill frequently.
Consider Costco (if a member): If you have a Costco membership, their propane refill prices are often hard to beat, even if they don’t always fill to full capacity. Do the math to see if the per-gallon price makes it worthwhile.
Check for Local Deals and Promotions: Some propane suppliers or hardware stores might occasionally offer discounts or promotions on refills.
Refill Before Empty: Unlike exchange services where you trade in partially full tanks, with refills, you only pay for the propane you actually receive. It’s generally better to refill before your tank is completely empty so you don’t run out mid-grill.
Weigh Your Tank After Refill: Always check the weight of your tank after refilling to ensure you received a reasonable amount of propane. Compare it to the expected full weight you calculated using the tare weight.

Ensuring a Proper and Safe Propane Refill

Safety is paramount when dealing with propane. Here’s what you should know to ensure a proper and safe refill experience.

What to Expect at a Propane Refill Station: The Process

When you go to a refill station, here’s generally what you can expect:

Locate the Propane Refill Area: Follow signs or ask staff for the propane refill area. It’s usually outdoors, in a well-ventilated space.
Present Your Empty Tank: Bring your empty 20-pound propane tank to the designated refill point.
Staff Assistance: A trained staff member will typically handle the refill process. Do not attempt to refill the tank yourself unless explicitly instructed and authorized at a self-service station (which are less common for 20-pound tanks).
Tank Inspection: A reputable refill station will visually inspect your tank for any damage, rust, or expiration dates before filling. They may refuse to fill tanks that are deemed unsafe or out of certification.
Filling Process: The staff member will connect your tank to the filling equipment. They will use a scale to ensure they fill the correct amount of propane, usually aiming for around 20 pounds of propane, while adhering to the 80% fill rule. Some stations use an 80% outage valve, which vents a small amount of propane vapor when the 80% fill level is reached.
Payment: You will usually pay after the tank is filled, often based on the gallons of propane dispensed or a flat fill rate.
Safe Transportation: Ensure your refilled tank is transported safely in your vehicle. Keep it upright, secured, and in a well-ventilated area (like your vehicle’s cargo area or truck bed, not inside the passenger compartment if possible).

How to Check Your Propane Fill Level: The Weight Method

The most reliable way to check if your propane tank is properly filled is by weighing it.

Find the Tare Weight (T.W.): Locate the tare weight stamped on the collar of your propane tank.
Weigh Your Filled Tank: Use a bathroom scale to weigh your refilled propane tank.
Calculate the Propane Weight: Subtract the tare weight (T.W.) from the weight of your filled tank. This difference is the actual weight of propane you received.
Compare to Expected Weight: Ideally, you should get close to 20 pounds of propane. A slight variation (a pound or two less) is normal due to temperature and filling conditions. However, if you consistently get significantly less than 20 pounds at locations claiming to provide “full” refills, consider going to a different refill station.

Propane Tank Safety Tips:

Inspect Your Tank Regularly: Check your tank for rust, dents, leaks, or damage before each use and before refilling.
Never Overfill: Overfilling can be dangerous. Trust trained professionals to fill your tank to the safe level.
Transport Safely: Always transport propane tanks upright, secured, and in a well-ventilated area of your vehicle. Never leave tanks in direct sunlight or hot vehicles for extended periods.
Store Tanks Properly: Store propane tanks outdoors, in a well-ventilated area, away from heat sources and flames. Store them upright and on a level, stable surface.
Check for Leaks: Before using your grill or propane appliance, check for leaks by applying soapy water to connections and valves. Bubbles indicate a leak. If you suspect a leak, turn off the propane tank valve immediately and do not use the appliance until the leak is fixed by a qualified professional.
Recertify or Replace Expired Tanks: Do not use propane tanks past their recertification date. Get them recertified by a qualified facility or replace them with new tanks.

Conclusion: Grilling with Confidence

Knowing where to get your propane tank filled and understanding the ins and outs of refills empowers you to grill with confidence and save money. Choosing refills over exchanges, finding reputable refill stations, and being aware of pricing and fill levels will ensure you get the most out of your propane and your grilling season. So next time your flame starts to dwindle, you’ll know exactly where to go to keep the barbecue going! Find a local propane refill station today and get grilling!