Running out of propane in the middle of a BBQ or while using your patio heater can be a real buzzkill. Knowing Where Can I Get A Propane Tank Filled is essential for any grill master or outdoor enthusiast. Whether you’re a seasoned griller or new to propane appliances, understanding your options for refilling your 20 lb BBQ tank is key to convenience and cost-effectiveness. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about propane tank refills, ensuring you’re never caught off guard again.
Understanding Propane Tanks: Tare Weight, Fill Capacity, and Certification
Before we dive into where to get your propane tank filled, let’s cover some basics about these cylinders. Those “20 lb” propane tanks commonly used for BBQ grills are designed to hold, you guessed it, approximately 20 pounds of propane. However, there’s more to it than just that number.
Tare Weight (T.W.): The Empty Tank’s 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. For standard 20 lb BBQ tanks, the tare weight is usually around 17 pounds. This is crucial information because it helps you determine if your tank has been properly filled.
Alt text: Close-up of a propane tank collar showing the stamped tare weight (TW) and manufacture date, essential for understanding tank specifications and refill levels.
To calculate the weight of a full tank, you simply add the tare weight to the desired propane fill weight (typically 20 lbs). Therefore, a “full” 20 lb propane tank should weigh approximately 37 pounds (17 lbs tare weight + 20 lbs propane). Always check the tare weight on your specific tank to get an accurate full weight.
Propane Fill Capacity and the 80% Rule
While a 20 lb tank is designed to hold 20 lbs of propane, it’s not actually filled to 100% capacity. Safety regulations require propane tanks to be filled to only 80% of their volume. This is to allow for propane expansion, especially in warmer temperatures. If a tank were completely full, temperature increases could cause excessive pressure buildup, potentially leading to venting or even rupture.
This 80% rule is typically managed by an internal mechanism called an Overfill Protection Device (OPD valve), which is standard on all newer propane tanks. When refilling, this OPD valve will automatically stop the flow of propane once the 80% fill level is reached.
Tank Certification and Expiration
Propane tanks, like many pressurized containers, have a limited service life. You’ll find a manufacture date stamped on the tank collar, usually in the format MM-YY (month-year). From this date, a standard 20 lb propane tank is certified for 12 years. After this 12-year period, the tank needs to be recertified to ensure it’s still safe for use. Recertification typically involves an inspection and re-stamping, which is valid for another 5 years.
However, the cost of recertification often rivals the price of a new tank, making replacement a more practical option for many consumers. Exchange services often accept expired tanks, but refill stations might not fill them unless they have a valid certification date.
Purging New Propane Tanks
Brand new propane tanks sometimes contain air inside from the manufacturing process. This air needs to be purged before the first propane fill to ensure optimal performance and prevent pressure issues. Purging involves releasing the air and a small amount of propane. Some newer tanks come pre-purged or have stickers indicating they don’t need purging within a certain timeframe from the manufacture date. If your new tank needs purging, some refill locations may offer this service, sometimes for a small fee.
Where Can I Get My Propane Tank Filled? Top Locations
Now, let’s get to the core question: where can I get a propane tank filled? Fortunately, there are several convenient options available, each with its own pros and cons.
1. Big Box Retail Stores (Walmart, Home Depot, Lowe’s)
Large retail chains like Walmart, Home Depot, and Lowe’s are common places to find propane exchange services. While they might not always offer refills, they are widely accessible for tank swaps.
Pros:
- Convenience: Locations are abundant and often have extended hours.
- Exchange Services: Easy tank swap, no waiting for refills.
- New Tank Purchases: You can buy new tanks if needed.
Cons:
- Exchange, Not Refill: You’re typically exchanging your empty tank for a pre-filled one, not getting your own tank refilled.
- Potentially Less Propane: Exchange services are known to sometimes fill tanks with less than the full 20 lbs of propane (often around 15 lbs), as noted in the original article’s Costco example.
- Cost per Pound: Exchange services can be more expensive per pound of propane compared to refills.
2. Hardware Stores (Local and National Chains)
Local hardware stores and national chains like Ace Hardware or True Value often provide propane refill services. These can be excellent options for getting a proper refill.
Pros:
- Refill Services: They usually offer to refill your existing tank, ensuring you get (and pay for) the propane you need.
- Potentially Fuller Fills: Hardware stores are more likely to fill tanks to a fuller capacity compared to exchange services.
- Expertise: Staff may be more knowledgeable about propane and tank safety.
Cons:
- Potentially Higher Price: Prices might be slightly higher than big box stores or membership clubs.
- Less Widespread: May not be as readily available as big box retailers.
3. Propane Supply Companies and Dealers
Dedicated propane supply companies and dealers are specialized in propane services, including refills. These are often the most reliable sources for accurate and full refills.
Pros:
- Full Refills: They typically fill tanks to the proper 20 lb capacity (or close to it) and charge by the gallon or pound.
- Fair Pricing: Prices are usually competitive and transparent.
- Expert Service: Trained professionals handle the refills, ensuring safety and proper procedures.
- Tank Recertification and Services: Some may offer tank recertification or other propane-related services.
Cons:
- Less Convenient Locations: Might require a dedicated trip to their facility, which may be less convenient than stores you already frequent.
- Limited Hours: Hours of operation might be more restricted than retail stores.
4. Gas Stations and Convenience Stores
Some gas stations and convenience stores offer propane refills, often as an added service.
Pros:
- Convenience: Readily accessible while refueling your vehicle or running errands.
- Refill Services: Usually offer refills, not just exchanges.
- Potentially Competitive Prices: Prices can be competitive, especially if they are trying to attract customers.
Cons:
- Varying Fill Levels: Fill levels can vary, so it’s worth asking about their filling practices.
- Staff Expertise: Staff may not be as knowledgeable about propane as dedicated propane dealers.
5. Camping and Outdoor Supply Stores
Stores specializing in camping and outdoor equipment, like REI or local camping stores, sometimes offer propane refills, particularly for smaller camping propane cylinders. While less common for 20 lb BBQ tanks, it’s worth checking if you are already visiting these stores.
Pros:
- Refills for Various Sizes: They may refill smaller camping cylinders as well as 20 lb tanks.
- Outdoor Enthusiast Focus: Cater to customers who use propane for grilling and outdoor activities.
Cons:
- Less Common for 20 lb Tanks: Refills for 20 lb BBQ tanks might be less widely available compared to smaller camping cylinders.
- Potentially Higher Prices: Prices might be geared towards convenience for campers and outdoor enthusiasts.
6. U-Haul Centers
U-Haul centers are another option for propane refills. They are primarily known for moving services, but many locations also offer propane services.
Pros:
- Refill Services: U-Haul locations generally offer propane refills by the gallon.
- Reasonable Pricing: Prices can be competitive, especially when priced per gallon.
- Widespread Locations: U-Haul has numerous locations across the country.
Cons:
- Inconsistent Fill Practices: As mentioned in the original article, fill practices and pricing can vary by location. It’s always good to inquire about their fill process and pricing upfront.
Refill vs. Exchange: Which is Better?
When considering where can I get a propane tank filled, you’ll encounter both refill and exchange services. Understanding the differences can help you make the best choice.
Propane Refill:
- You keep your own tank: Your existing tank is refilled at a location.
- Pay for propane dispensed: You pay for the actual amount of propane put into your tank, typically measured in gallons or pounds.
- Potentially fuller fills: Refill stations are more likely to fill to a fuller capacity.
- Often cheaper per pound: Refills are usually more cost-effective per pound of propane.
Propane Exchange:
- Swap your empty tank for a pre-filled one: You don’t get your original tank back; you exchange it for another tank that’s already filled.
- Flat fee: You pay a fixed price for the exchange, regardless of how much propane was in your exchanged tank.
- Convenience: Quick and easy tank swap, no waiting for refills.
- Potentially less propane: Exchange tanks may contain less than a full 20 lbs of propane.
- Can be more expensive per pound: Exchange services tend to be more expensive per pound of propane.
Which is better?
- For cost-effectiveness and potentially fuller fills: Refilling your own tank is generally the better option.
- For convenience and speed: Exchange services are quicker and easier, especially if you’re in a hurry.
What to Expect When Getting a Propane Tank Refilled
Knowing what to expect when you go to get your tank refilled can make the process smoother.
- Locate a Refill Station: Use online search tools (like Google Maps, Yelp, or store locators for hardware stores and propane dealers) to find refill locations near you. Search for “propane refill near me” or “propane tank refill locations”.
- Bring Your Empty Tank: Ensure your tank is reasonably empty before going for a refill.
- Inform the Attendant: Let the attendant know you want a refill and the size of your tank (usually 20 lbs).
- Filling Process: The attendant will typically:
- Inspect your tank for valid certification and damage.
- Weigh your empty tank to verify tare weight (optional, but good practice).
- Connect the tank to the filling station.
- Open the bleeder valve (80% outage valve) to prevent overfilling.
- Fill the tank with propane until the bleeder valve starts venting vapor or the OPD valve shuts off the flow, and the scale reaches the target filled weight.
- Close the valves and disconnect your filled tank.
- Weigh the filled tank to confirm proper fill weight.
- Payment: You’ll pay for the amount of propane dispensed, usually by gallon or pound.
Ensuring You Get a Proper Propane Refill
To make sure you’re getting a fair and accurate propane refill:
- Ask about filling by weight or gallon: Inquire if they fill by weight or gallon, which is preferable to a flat fee that may not guarantee a full fill.
- Check the tare weight: Know the tare weight of your tank so you can estimate the expected full weight.
- Weigh your tank after filling: If possible, weigh your tank after the refill to check if it’s close to the expected full weight (tare weight + 20 lbs). A bathroom scale can work for this.
- Ask about gallon fill: If they fill by gallon, understand how many gallons equate to a full 20 lb fill (approximately 4.7 gallons, as mentioned in the original article).
- Look for the bleeder valve: Observe if they use the bleeder valve during filling, indicating they are trying to achieve a proper fill level.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions: If you’re unsure about their filling process or pricing, ask questions to clarify.
Safety Tips for Propane Tank Refills
Safety is paramount when dealing with propane. Follow these safety tips:
- Transport tanks upright: Always transport propane tanks in an upright position to prevent leaks.
- Secure tanks during transport: Secure the tank in your vehicle to prevent rolling or damage.
- Don’t overfill: Overfilling is dangerous. Trust the refill station’s procedures and the OPD valve.
- Inspect your tank regularly: Check your tank for rust, damage, and leaks.
- Store tanks properly: Store propane tanks outdoors in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
- Never store tanks indoors: Propane leaks can accumulate indoors and create explosion hazards.
Conclusion: Find Your Best Propane Refill Option
Knowing where can I get a propane tank filled empowers you to choose the most convenient and cost-effective option for your needs. Whether you prioritize price, convenience, or full fills, understanding your choices and asking the right questions ensures you get the propane you need to keep the grill hot and the patio warm. Explore the refill locations mentioned, compare prices and services, and find your go-to spot for reliable propane tank refills. Happy grilling!
