I assembled my barbeque last night. I bought a new, but empty propane tank from CostCo. Is it better/cheaper to refill it or to exchange it for one that is filled already at a gas station? Is there a difference?
propane gas - cheaper to refill or to exchange tanks?
- Thread starter NsXMas
- Start date
It only cost $15 to exchange your tank for one filled up. Plus, whenever you get an exchanged tank you can be assured that it has been safety checked. Also, I keep an extra filled tank because it only takes one time to run out of propane and ruin an otherwise great meal.
I hate to lose a brand new tank in exchange for an ugly rusty one. Therefore, I rather refill.
But I do think about explosion when I stand next to the tank during refills.
But I do think about explosion when I stand next to the tank during refills.
fannsx said:
I've never gotten back an "ugly rusty one". In fact, they all pretty much look brand new, especialy the ones in the cage at the gas station or Home Depot.
I've found it's about $7-$9 to refill and $15-$22 to exchange. I refill when it is geographically convenient.
The numbers SCS2K states sound about right in my neck of the woods also. I almost always refill, especially when my tank was nice and new. The refilling is done by an employee of the propane place, so I'm not real worried about explosions (any more than I would be at an exchange place).
However, I just recently exchanged my tank, because they changed the valves on the tanks (this may apply only to Texas, I don't know), and I had an old one. If you have a brand new grill, this issue probably doesn't apply.
Having said all that, exchanging is a lot more convenient.
However, I just recently exchanged my tank, because they changed the valves on the tanks (this may apply only to Texas, I don't know), and I had an old one. If you have a brand new grill, this issue probably doesn't apply.
Having said all that, exchanging is a lot more convenient.
about 4 months ago i bought a "blue rhino" propage tank from orchard supply and when the tank was empty, went to refill it at a gas station that provides propane. there was something like a $18 minimum. during pumping, it registered full at about 4 gals indicated - what's up with that? the attendant says "these store tanks often are ~1/2 full of air so you only get a half tank of propane. you need to use the fuel, then let the tank slowly out-gas the remaining air in the tank, then bring it to us."
ah, so that's what's up.
me, i'd prefer to have a local propane shop fill the tank rather than exchange (even without the "1/2" empty theory) as it's likely to be less expensive.
be well.
hal
ah, so that's what's up.
me, i'd prefer to have a local propane shop fill the tank rather than exchange (even without the "1/2" empty theory) as it's likely to be less expensive.
be well.
hal
coolnsx said:
Damn I should have thought of this. I heat with propane too. I have 2- 500 gallon tanks buried in the ground for heat and hot water. I am planning on piping in the BBQ directly when I redo the rear patio. Having him fill the grill tanks in the interim is a great idea. Thanks for the tip.
Thanks for the info. Not sure how I could find a refilling station. I ended up driving to a gas station that had exchange and just exchanged it for a used canister, which is still pretty new looking...
DocL said:
Well, you probably never lived in New York City.
fannsx said:
I happened to have completed my residency at The Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York City, and my family lived on 87th between Madison and 5th. I even lived on Governors Island while providing dental treatment for the Coast Gaurd for a few months.
You shouldn't assume anything.
I did my residency in the South Bronx.DocL said:
Hated it.
Anyway, I exchanged a brand new empty propane tank one time for an old beat up rusty partially disintegrating one.
fannsx said:
I hated living in NYC so much, that two days after I learned I passed my Florida boards, I bought a one way ticket to Florida and moved down here not knowing one person. Luckily I haven't gotten a rusty propane tank down here with all the humidty.
