It would seem that there are fewer and fewer propane filling stations these days. With the growing popularity of propane tank exchange locations we may soon find it difficult to get our propane any other way. This is an unfortunately direction for our propane supply since exchanging can cost you more than refilling.
Either way, if you remember how much you paid for propane recently, please hit the reply link below and let us know if you refilled or exchanged and how much you paid.
POLL: Do you Exchange or Refill your Propane Tank?
1) Exchange
2) Refill
Comments
I just filled my 2 tanks this past weekend at a campground close to my house. It cost $15 per tank. I look around at the Blue Rhino stations and the best I could find was $22.99 plus tax. I believe you will find that most campgrounds to refill and will keep refilling. I do suggest trading in your tanks every couple of years to ensure safety.
Sept 25 2011, got 4.7 gallons for $16.40 at a Tractor Supply story.
I do both. I have a couple of 10 lb. tanks that I refill at U-Haul and the 20 lb. tanks for exchanging. The price to refill has gone up quite a bit the last couple of years and now it’s only a few dollars cheaper than exchanging.
I like exchange because I can hit the CVS store up the street late at night or early in the morning before a game and get propane and the filling stations are hard to find open on the weekends.
Have you ever noticed that CVS (Sarasota, FL) charges 17% tax on any tank exchange? I was shocked when I questioned it, and the reply was that it is considered fuel so the 17% applys. I am researching a bit better since I never had that issue at either walmart, home depot and some other place I can remember now. any feed back?
Mirco
I stopped exchanging tanks when I got one that leaked all the gas before I could use it. (I do 2 tanks at a time to get me through the season).
I leaned that some folks trade in tanks, are not always in great shape and trading them in for full ones is cheaper than buying a new empty tank for $40 or $50. Traded in tanks are cleaned and painted but not always tested for leaks under pressure.
I get my tanks (bought them new) refilled for about $9 ea. at a propane station and know they won’t leak or be a hazard to properly store.
I used to exchange but I find that when I have them refilled they last much longer. I can see how much they put in on the gauge at the filling station and that’s what I pay for. You never know how much is in the tanks you exchange.
There is a rental business in our neighborhood with a refill station. I filled my tank last month for $18.99. The last fill up was in November for two dollars less. I have never done the exchange, only refilled.
My problem with the exchange thing is that of cost and the fact that when I first bought my gas grill I exchanged my BRAND NEW TANK and got a VERY used one
I have done both.
Currently I exchange, only because of the convenience of the method. It is several miles to the nearest refill station, plus they have short hours. I can go to Ace Hardware about 3 blocks from the house and exchange for about $17.99. Not much higher than a refill currently.
I just exchanged 2 tanks at Walmart (Blue Rhino). Price was $15.99. When I got home, I noticed that they decreased the amount of propane to only 15 lbs. It was 17 lbs at my last exchange. If you get a refill, how much do they fill it with, and what is the cost? Very tired of paying more for less!
I have done both fill and exchange, due to the costs of exchanging I am refilling my tank today. BSE Rents, Bakersfield charges $2.10/gal with a min $10.50 for propane. So to fill our bbq tank it’s $11.37. That’s alot better price compared to Home Depot exchange rate of $19.97
I just exchanged (May 2009) at Home Depot with a DIY Amerigas exchange. It was 18.99 plus tax. I was displeased, when I read the tank later at home, to find out it is only refilled with 15lbs. Next time I may try a refill if I can find a good location.
This doesn’t necessarily apply to the residential market, but at Forklift Propane Exchange we pickup, refill and deliver full canisters to our customers to save them the headache. Unfortunately there is not enough volume in the residential market to make sense of a delivery model.
I recently received an advertisement for PropaneTaxi.com. Residential delivery of exchange tanks filled with 17lbs for $19.99 (standard price). The first tank exchange for a new customer is $10 with voucher code “LABORDAY”.
Yeah, the “Blue Rhino” Amerigas refills are now only filled to 15lbs. Not only is it a ripoff, but if you’re not careful you can end up with an older tank.
I go out of my way to get the tanks filled at a local propane supplier. You pay less for more fuel.
peace
Blue Rhino is a complete ripoff. For years they were filling their tanks to about 18lbs and few noticed. They’ve since decided to get greedier by filling the tanks to only about 15lbs. When caught their only response was to say it was for safety reasons since overfilling a tank can be dangerous. This is a total lie. A 20lb propane tank for example, is designed to hold 20lbs (4.72 gallons)of propane which when filled will provide a 20% vapor area. Additionally, the valves in use today will not allow the tank to be overfilled. If someone has an older tank, any reputable dealer will not fill the tank. Apparently Amerigas is participating in this same ripoff. Did I mention that these two outfits also charge much more than if you were to refill at a local dealer? Fore example: The local Home Depot sells Blue Rhino exchanges for $22.99 for a 3/4 filled tank when I can go to a local dealer and get the full 20lb for about $15.
Also watch the tare or “TW” (empty weight) on the collar. I have one that is 17.9 & 16.2. Both weighed 30 lbs exchanged. If they put in 15 lbs the 17.9 should weigh 32.9 A 20 lb tank should hold 4.7 gallons safely. I only have 12.1 lbs in this tank & with propane weighing about 4.2 lbs per gal. I only got 2.88 gallons for $23.99! What a rip off. If you do have no option but to exchange, make them dig through & get the lowest TW possible.
I am refilling a tank I purchased ($29 empty at costco). Refilling cost about $15 for close to empty tank Since there are blue rino locations everywhere I plan on having a second tank (used tank) to exchange with them.
I had been told and then confirmed that the standard is 17lbs in a 20lb tank. This is the general rule everywhere. It seems even the law in some places. Blue Rino used to do 17 but year or so ago started using 15lbs. They said it was to avoid a “price increase” LOL. They did not hide it but did not go out of their way to broadcast it either.
Always fill my tank at Southern States. They typically put in 16 to 18 pounds (about 3.9 to 4.2 gal) and charge by the gallon just for what you buy. Don’t know if they have a minimum. Today’s fill for 16 pounds was $15, and sometimes you can get it on sale for around $12. I checked into exchanges and around here they are a lot more expensive.
There seems to be ample feedback about this issue, but I noticed that no one mentioned UHaul. I just had our tank filled up there with almost 4 gallons of propane for $11. It was quick and easy.
I just had my tank refilled here in Tacoma and it was 2.79 a gallon. Call me a tightwad but I don’t want to pay more for less gas and get a tank that might be older than the one I have now.
We go to the local propane dealer and always get a full 20# of propane. I keep a spare tank ready so I don’t have to deal with the exchange people.
I just had my tank filled in a Knoxville, Tennessee U-Haul store. The walk out price (tax and all) was $11.23 for 2.74 gal. Obviously, the tank was not completely empty.
I would suggest that if you want to use the exchange method, buy 2 of the cheapest empty, but code compliant, tanks that you can find. Exchange both tanks for full tanks. Use one of the tanks until it is completely empty. Then install the second tank, and exchange the completely empty tank on your next trip to the store.
I think that a lot of people are afraid to take a chance on running out of propane in the middle of a cookout, so they exchange their tanks with a lot left in them. Also, don’t trust your grill’s spring gauge. My grill’s gauge showed empty, but it really had 40% left.
Let me also add that I still prefer to have my own tanks filled because I take care of mine, and the exchanged ones look like they’ve been dropped off a building. Plus, I get the bonus of a completely full tank, and not one of those short-changed partial fills from some of the tank exchangers.
I may have a little different view on propane tank refilling. We’ve refilled ours for years off of our own 500 & 1,000 gallon propane tanks using the same appartus used for refilling forklift and farm tractor tanks. Not practical or safe for most consumers but having also worked in the propane business I can say that your best value is almost always to have your own tank refilled to the Tare Weight + 20lbs or +30lbs, depending on the tank size of course and skip the whole tank exchange thing. Better yet, have two tanks on hand so you can run the one tank completely empty before refilling it as most refilling stations charge a flat rate no matter how empty [or not] your tank is.
Happy grilling!
Agree with you Dale anyone that has there own large propane tank should fill there own small tanks from it. Much cheaper and more convenienent.
I just moved and had to buy a new tank for my grill. I got a Blue Rhino and it seemed to get used up awfully fast. Where can I return my Blue Rhino tank and get a refund, or exchange it for a normal tank that can be filled anywhere? THe local capsites charge $15 for a refill. I’m feeling ripped off.
I know we are talking about 2 years ago now, but for those currently reading this, A blue Rhino tank is the same as any other tank, just take it to a supplier to be refilled. I went to U-haul yesterday and the guy said it would be $20 to refill my 20lb tank. I decided to go somewhere else because $5 per gallon is a total ripoff.
I just filled up a couple today for 2.30 per gallon, here in Southern Cali. It ended up being just over $20 for 2 tanks. My third tank was defective, so I replaced it with Amerigas for the same amount and it feels MUCH lighter! I haven’t weighed them yet, but I would say it is close to 5 pounds lighter. What a waste!!!!
FYI… Amerigas fills their tanks to 15 lbs.:
http://www.amerigas.com/exchange/consumer/
I am refiller, @16 dollars American at BJ’s, my wife exchanges(usually my shiny new tank)for an explosion hazard from BlueRhino for@22 bucks! Don’t get screwed!! refill your tank!!
I HAVE BEEN IN THE PROPANE INDUSTRY FOR 10 YEARS. THE CHEAPEST WAY IS TO GET YOUR BBQ OR CYLINDER FILL AT A LOCAT DISPENSER BUT HOW WOULD EVERYBODY FEEL WITH FREE CYLINDER CHANGE AT YOUR HOME OR BUISNESS? YOU EXCHANGE YOUR EMPTY BOTTLE WITH A FULL ONE.
Our local Rotten Robbie (Alamo,ca)has Blue Rhino tanks for exch/purchase only. No refills.
New tank $57, refill $24. d
I just had one of my tanks refilled at Thurston’s Beverage for $12.99. It seems to always be cheaper than an exchange and I didn’t like turning in a new tank to receive an old one in exchange.
Did an excahnge in Naples FL at Walmart. $17.82 plus 6% tax for 15.8 pounds of propane. I weighed the tank when I got home on a very accurate scale.
My conclusion is Blue Rhino prices up and less gas than a year ago. I plan to go a a filling station next time.
I found a website that helps BBQ customers find a company to deliver propane BBQ tanks to their home. However, it does not provide pricing for the companies offering the service.
http://www.localpropaneservice.com/
Exchange, because that is all I could find…..make sure you shop around, was quoted $26.75 at a discount gas station…..smiled and said no thanks, paid $17.97 at Home-Depot……suspect Wal-Mart would be a few $ cheaper but no one around at their Garden Center, where store nearby keeps their tanks, this time of year.
The price to exchange at the local big national retailer in Santa Fe New Mexico is $19.99. The cylinder is filled to 15lbs. To purchase 15lbs of propane at one of the local propane companies will cost $10.52 and then you get to keep your good quality propane bottle! No question, filling is the way to go.
In Florida, in February 2010, for 15 pounds, I paid $19.60 at Walmart and later $18.47 at Home Depot.
The Walmart price includes a 10% tax, Sales Tax in this county (Leon) is 7.5%. Home Depot charges NO tax.
I called the Florida Department of Revenue: propane for home heating and cooking is exempt from sales tax. The woman I talked to said that Walmart just needed to be “educated”.
Educated my ass! They need to stop charging 10% tax AND account for what they do with that money!
I’ll be returning to Home Depot.
The specific language granting the sales tax exemption is in:
Florida Administrative Code 12A-1.059(1)(a) and (b).
Both Blue Rhino and Amerigas Exchange Centers (at WalMart, Lowes, Home Depot, etc.) are ripping consumers off with their 25% less than “Full 20lb Refill” and they’ve been doing it gradually since 2008. They both started reducing the “Fill” to about 19 lbs. Few people complained or noticed; the next decline settled around 17 lbs (they even changed their labels to read 17 lbs). But that wasn’t enough greed…..so in the Spring of 2009 they reduced further to ONLY 15 lbs (and changed their labels to read as such)!!!
And if you think that’s bad, read this:
Blue Rhino is not only installing OPD valves, they are installing their OWN proprietary OPD valves, called Tri-Safe II valves. You can identify a TSII valve by the little triangular indentation on the side of the valve. In order to refill a TS2 valve equipped tank, a magnetic key must be inserted into the indentation to retract a steel check ball.
What this means: You can ONLY get the tank refilled/exchanged at a Blue Rhino center.
==============================
The following is an excerpt from a letter Blue Rhino wrote:
“Blue Rhino is the leader in the industry for providing the safest tanks on the market. Some, but not all of our tanks have a special safety device that prevents the refill by anyone other than a Blue Rhino specialist. They are called TS2 cylinders. The reason we designed them is simple. It’s for the safety of our consumers!! We stand behind our product. We know how our cylinders are filled and that the highest level of accuracy and safety checks are performed. When our consumers take our cylinders and have them filled elsewhere, we cannot be liable or guarantee the safety of that cylinder. If your tank is not properly filled, damage to your valve can result, which can prevent it from performing properly.
Our business is propane cylinder exchange. We recommend that our customers only exchange because of the safety/liability issues associated with someone else filling our tanks. However, you, as a consumer, are free to fill your cylinder if you wish. Not all of our tanks offer the special safety feature. The way to identify the special TS2 valve tanks that cannot be filled is easy. If your tank valve has a small triangular indention on the side, then it is “tamper” protected. If you prefer to have a tank that can be filled by anyone, take that tank back to any Blue Rhino retailer and exchange it for one that does not have the triangular indention.
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They will tell you this reduction in volume is for “safety” reasons!!! THAT is a croc of BS!!! All tanks built/sold/refilled after April 1, 2002 must have OPD Valves. ALL tanks built/sold in the US must comply with ASME/DOT specs. If a tank is stamped 47.6 WC (47.6 lbs Water Capacity) on the tank collar, that means it was designed to hold 20 lbs of propane safely. The tank collar will also have a “TW” (Tare Weight) value stamped on it. Usually between 17.8 and 18.2. That is the weight of the empty tank. Add 20 lbs of propane and the total weight should be approximately 36 lbs.
If more than 20 lbs nominal (19.9 – 20.1) of propane is injected in the tank, the OPD valve will close abruptly and start bleeding off the excess pressure causing a hissing sound.
But Blue Rhino and Amerigas are the new Propane Safety Cops. They “know” we’re ONLY safe with 15 lbs rather than the 20 lbs propane as the ASME/DOT Certified tanks were designed to hold.
Most U-Haul centers, Tool/Equipment Rental center, and Propane Distribution centers have refill capabilities and you will receive the “Full” 20 lbs you’re paying for.
I have my tanks filled at an Equipment Rental Center: Cost…..$17.12 (total, no tax) for 20 lbs.
Take your business elsewhere and tell Blue Rhino and Amerigas to go fly……….a 3/4 filled tank.
Thank you for taking time to post
Atlanta, GA March 5th, 2010: Just refilled two 20lb tanks at the local uhaul. Paid 3.99 /gal. for 8.9 gals or $17.76 per tank. Real close to the local Home Depot exchange price but the refills are MUCH heavier.
I had only done the exchange until the last time. I found a place up the road that will fill tanks for 17.99. That’s even cheaper than wally world and nowhere near as inconvenient. If it came to a had to have now(like I’m in the middle of cooking something),there is a place across from our neighborhood that does the blue rhino exchange.
I refilled my tank yesterday at a local camping-motorhome dealer. The owner was teaching a new empoyee how to refill tanks. His comment was, you don’t need to open the bleeder valve to refill. Just fill it till the pump guage says 4.9 gals. I don’t agree with this. He charged me $5.00 p/gal. When I fill it at work I open the bleeder valve and pump till it bleeds gas. I think that’s the proper way to do it.
Not needed with an OPD valve a tank only needs to be purged once.
I just refiled one of my 20 lb (5 gallon) bottles at a cost of $13.75 (4.6 gal). I have 4 such bottles that I rotate through, since many times I use multiple burners/BBQ’s/friers to cook party foods.
With the proliferation of “Blue Rhino” tanks there seems to be a proprietary valve system that prevents the local Refillers from being able to refill our tanks. In addition, you no longer get the full 20# of propane when you exchange. To trick you into thinking they have kept prices down, they have reduced the volume to 18# in most cases.
If you live in Texas, or any other state with a LPG regulating commission, then you cannot have any proprietary valve on a propane tank. In texas all tanks (in order to be refilled) must have a Overflow Prevention Device (OPD) valve. But to be honest buy a tank, you will save the money (since most places will fill your tank if you buy a new one for free) in 1 refill.
I got tired of the up and down prices of propane , and seemingly always running out in the middle of a bar b q . The answer was a natural gas barb q , which we use all year round, even in a Canadian winter. You don,t even notice the increase on your monthly gas bill, and it works great.
I pay 10.95 for 20 lb tank at farm store in eastern iowa.Store across highway charges 15.00.They don`t advertise and this is the same price for the last 5 years at least.
If you use Uhaul for refill go to http://www.uhaul.com/propane for a $1 off coupon (min $10) coupon good til 12/31/2010
I just refilled a 20 lb tank at Lakes Gas in MN for $19.74.
The U-Haul in Vestavia, AL has it, as of today, 3.84/gal.
Here in Dallas the KOA refills the full 20 lbs for $18.59 and the U-Haul does it for $3.99 a gallon (Approx. $16.36 total). Seems to get your full 20 lbs, refilling is the way to go.
$3.53/gal at UHaul in Kansas City, KS
Our local dealer charges $18 for a full 20lbs (90-cents per pound). The local exchange places charge $20 for 15lbs (1.33 per pound). That’s a lot of ‘convenience premium’ to pay.
I just refilled one of mine this morning. I don’t recall the exact price, but a full 20 lb refill (4.7 gallons) was around $17 at a local U-Haul (where I always go for refills).
If you go to U-Haul, they are open every day but Christmas and now they have a tool at the pump to allow you to pay and not go inside. You have to have a credit card to do that. I have done a tank exchange, but it is very clear you do not get a full tank and the price you pay is much higher than a fillup.
I own a propane filling station and we fill the tanks by using the bleeder valve. The tank will always weigh its Tare weight plus 20 pounds give or take 1/2 a pound. 4.3 to 4.8 gallons on the meter, some ( very little ) is lost to the atmosphere during the fill process. My price is $13.99 for a 20 lb. tank. As long as there are exchange systems in place my business and others like it will do fine.
•Butane is the bastard gas.
•An F in English? Bobby, you speak English!
•The only woman I’m pimping is sweet lady propane! And I’m tricking her out all over this town.
•I’m gonna tie the long hair on your head to the short hair on your ass and kick you down the street!
•GAY! I’m not gay! I sell propane and propane accessories!
LMAO @ Hank Hill
Filled an empty tank at Burlington Propane on Riverside Ave. (VT). Cost $16 to fill. Looks like they just fill it to 35lbs and don’t really measure how much they dispense. The TW on my tank says 18, so I must have received about 17lbs.
Uhaul down the street is $4.50/gal but their dispensing equipment wasn’t working.
Looks like Burlington Propane was a couple $ cheaper.
I fill my tanks at Godfrey Propane in Arlington, Tx. It is $15 and I always get 20# of gas. I never have to wait or go in the store to find someone. They inspect my cylinder for free and will certify it at no cost if it is out of date.
I pay 9.95 at the rez to get my 20pounders filled. And they do put 20 pounds in. I alos have two 40 pounders filled at the same place for 19.95. Those are for the backup furnace and stove.
I pay about $12 to get my 20lb tank filled. There are 3 gas stations within 10 minutes of my house that fills tanks, never have to wait and one of the gas stations is open until 10pm.
My local walmart is doing 15lb exchanges for $15 plus about 90 cent tax. So its almost the same as everyone who seems to be paying almost $20 for their 20 lb refills plus Walmart is a lot closer and convenient for me. Am I missing something? It seems im getting the same deal exchanging as those who are refilling. My current tank is a prior exchange if that matters.
Local station has both refill and exchange. Exchange is $24.99 (15 lbs.). I just had TWO filled to capacity ( close to 20 ls.) and it was $24.50. Huge ripoff on the exchange.
$15 (total, tax and everthing) for 20lb refill Dublin-Perkasie PA area. Tank is noticelby heavier than a 15lb exchange. Much more convienent than Wal-mart
$15.99 (+tax) for a 20 lb refill at Canadian Tire in Nepean, Ontario. Got stuck doing the exchange a few months ago at the same place (refill station closed) and I think it was around $25 (+tax).
I just pail $19.22 this weekend. I recall paying $11.00 not long ago…
$1.10 per lb at the local refill place – 20 lb tank
Paid $16.00 for an exchange .. getting a 15 lb tank (the old tank was past 12 yrs and did not have a OPV. There was then a $4.00 rebate. Even without the rebate, the exchange deal was a better deal … getting a OPV tank which was only 2 yrs old (and not recertified
Watch when you exchange. They are uusually 15 lbs only. Not the 20 lbs you get when you refill.
Got screwed by the exchange at safeway. Got a very used tank from them, went to exchange it two months later and they wouldn’t take it back. Said it was too old and rusted! But it was exactly as I received it from them, had their label on it and everything. Of course two months later I didn’t have the receipt. Never going to do exchange again. Cheaper to refill, and I don’t get one of their crap tanks!
I always refill at our local Ace Hardware. I just filled a tank today, based on the TW it looks like I got about 18 lbs of propane. Standard price for a refill is $14.99. I’m not sure what exchange is, but I do know it’s more than that.
I just did a refill for the first time and it was $22 at a local dealer in Jersey City, NJ. After reading the comments here, I expected the refill to be a lot cheaper so I was a little disappointed. Exchange at Walmart was $17 last time I was there, so they were essentially the same price. (Refill was $1.10 per lb, vs exchange at $1.13 per lb). I’m curious if anyone gets a better refill price in Northern NJ?
Looks like your prices are better aligned in your market. Here in Upstate NY I can save $5 refilling vs. exchange at recent market prices.
In Knoxville Tn I find Flying J travel Centers have the best refill prices $2.89 gallon but they have a 10 gallon minimun. I take atleast 3 tanks at once. Amerigas off Middlebrook charges $14.52 with tax to refill a 20# tank. Holston Gas charges $16 plus tax for a 20#.
8/24/10 It’s a no brainer for me – It refill propane tanks. I did it in NY and I do it in NC. Blue Rhino exchanges cost $20 + tax (I felt constantly shorted when I did those exchanges years ago) and Ace Hardware store charges about the same. I paid $3.49/gallon and filled an empty container and one that needed about 3.2 gallons for $28. That’s $28 versus $40 plus tax. Y’all do the math.
Avoid Blue Rhino. They raised prices and they only supply 3/4 of a tank. “To hold costs” they say. We know its to boost their profits and play us as though we do not notice.
We refilled two grill tanks for 20.00 today.
I refill so I then know how much propane I am getting. When you exchange you are usually not getting a full tank. Figure out how much those guys save with shaving off a 1 lbs or 2 on each tank.
Refill 20# tank at local UHaul and they charge $3.67 per GALLON. Now if they fill my 20# tank safely with 4.5 gallons (tank should hold estimated 4.73 gallons) that’s $16.50 for a pretty full tank (prior to taxes). I have seen, the cheapest BTW, “Blue Rhino” exchange at Wally World for $17.97 (prior to taxes) … but here is the kicker … their “filled tank” now says “Net Wt. 15lbs” !!!!! That is DOWN from when I first started exchanging and then gave up when I noticed they reduced their “fill” from their “standard” 16lbs (which was still a slight rip to begin with). So $17.97 for a 3/4 filled tank as opposed to a “damn near filled”, if not fully filled tank, for about $5 cheaper, why would you exchange? I would exchange though every couple years to get, hopefully, newer seals and less rust. I have heard of refillers refusing to refill a rusty tank for safety reasons. Another good reason to exchange, if you don’t have the new (circa 2000 and something) “tri-wing” valve handle that signifies that the tank has an “Overflow Protection Device”. Exchange that bad boy and if you are lucky, you may just get that “dumb kid” who exchanges it without charging you the extra “upgrade” to the newer tanks because they don’t know any better. Just my two cents, take it, or leave it.
I always refill my 20 lb tanks never exchange because I don’t want a older tank than my new one. I also had a dangerous situation happen a few months ago I had one of those gas gauges in between my tank and regulator that shows how much gas is in your tank and I was cooking some steaks and had left to go in my house and came back and noticed the flame had went out like it was out of gas and before I started cooking I had checked it and it showed it had gas and also did the soapy water check on all my connections and it was fine but what I found out when I looked at the gas gauge it showed empty and closer inspection I found out it was leaking at the seal that connects thank God I came back out of the house when I did so I would tell anyone to not buy that cheap piece of crap made in china because it doesn’t work and could cause a fire. I just feel of my tank now and hope I have enough gas to cook with without using that thing anymore…SO PEOPLE BEWARE OF THAT GAS GAUGE PRODUCT USE AT YOUR OWN RISK !!!
I always refill. I just got a standard grill tank (4.5 gallons or 20 lbs) refilled today for $14. Mills LP gas and oil in Indian Trail, NC. The cheapest exchange place was over $17, but you only get 15 lbs.
I think refilling is the most cost efficient. It is more convenient to refill BEFORE running out. Think about it, you get more for your money because you first of all don’t have to wait until you’re completely OUT, AND you don’t waste any of the propane you’ve already paid for because you’re not exchanging for a 15# (plus TW) tank.
I always exchange with Blue Rhino. I want to make sure my tank has been inspected and filled by a professional.
Went to Ace Hardware in Deltona Florida at 305 Fort Smith.
Filled my empty tank. Receipt says 20lb at $15.95 plus tax = $16.99 total. I need to watch more carefully next time to see how they set the scale. Just out of curosity.
Refill at Ace Hardware in Kingsland, GA 20# for 17.99 which is 19.25 with sales tax.
The bottle EXCHANGE IS A RIP OFF!!! I manage a business where we fill propane tanks. We charge a even $16 including tax for a #20 tank. That would equal 4.4 gallons at our rate. All bottles hold slightly different amounts, but at the Blue Rhino or any exchange I am told by our propane supplier that they only fill them 70% because of their close proximity to other tanks. The new style tanks with OPD valves only will hold 80% due to a shut off float, much like your toliet tank. Because of the OPD opening the bleeder is a waste of gas, it is only necessary on tanks without OPD valves, 60# and 100# bottles.
exchange are good because you drop a tank thats greesy and dirty pick up a clean one and really who cares of a couple pounds of propane. I have no time to wait and watch some goofball fill my tank, and maybe overfill it. you no dumb they are.Can’t do it……
On October 9, 2010, I bought/exchanged two 5 gal. tanks at a 7-11 store in Monrovia for $50. the first tank did not yield any propane and I was too busy/lazy to switch to the second tank to see if the other was the problem. today, I got around to try again and neither tanks yielded any propane. These are the AmeriGas products.
I always refill, exchanges only give you 3 gals. Research this. I refill at U-Haul locations because they are open 7 days a week. Early and after work hours. Do your research it’s always cheaper to refill.
I always get mine refilled and have for years and years. Got mine refilled last week at Flying J truck stop in Blacksburg, SC. I got 4.6 gallons for $2.899 a gallon. $14.41 all together with tax.
Just had a bottle filled this morning at a local gas company cost me $10.14.
I don’t think there is a Blue Rhino exchange here in town but the local grocery store & WalMart exchange bottles for about $18.00. The ones I have refilled last alot longer than the exchange ones do.
I just bought two brand new, empty worthington 20 lb tanks at sams club in bradenton, fl for $29 each including tax. filled them both at a shell gas station for $19 each including sales tax. meter read 4.5 gallons in one and 4.6 gallons in the other. gauge on tanks show them completely full.
I use a filling station at a local campground like some others who have posted here. They charge 15.00 plus tax for a 20 lb. tank. These tanks have the weight stamped on the outside of the guard protecting the valve. Most are right at 18 lbs. empty. The brass filler nozzel and connecting hose which is used to fill the tanks weigh 3 pounds. The 18 lbs. for the tank plus the 3 lbs. should have your empty tank with nozzel attatched weigh in at 21 lbs. That means the person filling your tank needs to set the scale at 41 lbs. if you are getting and being charged for a full 20 lbs. of propane. I brought a tank back to the house after filling last week which felt lighter than usual. I set it on a very accurate antique doctors office scale I have in the bathroom and it weighed 36 lbs. I thought the guy didn’t know how to fill it properly. Today I brought the tank back to be topped off and we put it back on his scale. Like I expected it was 36 lbs. on their scale as well. What was unexpected was that when he tried to top it off to the 41 lbs. it should have been …..that particular tank’s safety shut-off float valve prematurely prevented any more propane from entering the tank. It was faulty. I’ll have to trade that tank in. That’s 5 lbs. short , or 25%. Even though the attendant filled the tank as much as it would allow (because of the faulty safety float valve) he should have advised me of that and taken 25% off the $15 they charge to fill a 20 lb tank.
Lets do some math. 18+20=38. If you weighed it on your home scale it should be about 38 pounds, but you should usually short it one or two pounds in heat or extreme weather.
Assuming that it was hot (i know your post was in January, but hoping it was a previous story) the propane will be more “expanded” therefor your propane tank will not be filled to the maximum capacity. And even if it wasn’t hot, if it was higher than 60 degrees you wont get the full 20lbs of propane. Also the valves aren’t complicated, so a malfunctioning valve would usually be fixed by lightly tapping it on the ground and freeing the valve. (imagine the OPD float like a toilet fill float. How often does that go bad? it’s usually never bad. Imagine if your toilet was sealed in 3/16ths of an inch of steel/aluminum. It wouldn’t break unless you did it. )Sorry for ranting but blaming the company is a bad thing to do. or even blaming your propane bottle. Do a little research before you start thinking they ripped you off. Because 36 pounds sounds about right, maybe a pound less, but you cant really notice the difference and it’s actually safer that way.
Located in outskirts of Austin, TX. My propane company has a program I just signed up for – $20 for 20lbs and they will pickup and deliver in 24 hour timeframe or better for no additional charge. Home Depot is $18 for 15 lbs here, though they profess to have no idea how many lbs you get if you ask them. “We think it’s full,” they said. Wrong. Plus, they’ve got this automated system where you have to insert your receipt at a kiosk, wait for a door to open in their tank compound, put the empty tank in, go back to the kiosk and press a button, wait for a door to open for a new tank, and it is a bit of a pain.
I had 2 old 20# cylinders (dated 1996) with old style valves. Exchanged them yesterday at Stop n Go in Mtn View, CA, for $33/ea, including 15lb fills. They charged an uplift fee since I had old cylinders. I think the regular exchange price is $25. Purchase w/o exchange was $45. They’re decent condition so I plan to refill these in the future.
I work at a fuel station in Fresno Ca (SEIBERTS OIL)
and I fill up tanks all day. Are prices are
1-12 gal 2.89 per gallon plus tax
13 to 23 gallon 2.79 per gal plus tax
24-up 2.69 per gallon plus tax
If its for business or Forklifts its 2.29 per gallon plus tax
If your vehicle runs off propane its 2.25 a gal
The ONLY source I have here in Richmond, Va is the UHaul.. and they want $4.00 per gal! Bill
Tractor Supply refills 5 gal bottle for $4.03 with the coupon they have at the register. Coupons good all of 2011… WoW ! we have been getting ripped off for a long time at other place. Reg price at TSupply is $7. Heck of a deal. This is in New Braunfels between Austin and San Antonio TX.
Exchanged for 16.99 local home center in NJ.
Richmond, VA has multiple places to get refills with a little net searching which I had to do since I’ve visiting here, but have lived at VA Beach for $30 and always went to the hardware there–Ace or Local store–both with reasonable prices.
Just guessed the Big Box cage exchanges more costly than using a local supplier without knowing exactly, the info you folks are posting here sure proves my supposition.
After checking the nearby Shell on Rt 147 (Huguenot Rd) at $25.99 + tax and BP on Buford Rd at $24.99, I called U-Haul–never imagining they refilled propane until reading that here.
They’re also close by to my location being on Midlothian Tnpk & Chippenham a 1/2 miles towards town and were are pleasant, fast and accurate any any place I’ve gone for decades! (Other U-Haul location in town–this was the closest and most convenient).
Going to the U-Haul website, I printed out a $1.00 OFF coupon and went. At U-Haul, they put a sticker on the side of my tank which gives me a $1.00 OFF the remainder of 2011 on EACH refill.
Got 4.8 gal (#20) @ $3.99 = $19.15 – 1.00 coupon = $18.15 and $0.18 tax for total of $18.33.
And, even with gasoline as expensive as it is, I was next door on other business and hit 3 task within 1 block.
Thanks for those here who recommended U-Haul!
Refill only, Exchange is way too expensive
What a ripoff from Rhino, I will never use their tank again, i will run out before I buy. I was shock to read that they put only 15 lbs for 17 dollars, I will complain to Wallmart also, Those guys really got in business to screw people.
In Canada, we have a refill for 9 dollars at any costco, Canac Marquis or anywhere, never over 10 dollars for a full 20 lbs.
What a ripoff in USA, i fell sorry for you guys.
I’ve always refilled my tanks. I used to refill at U-Haul until they jacked their prices; I now use Dixie Tool Rental centers. A “Full” 20 lb refill cost $15.28 total. Since I grill a lot, I use 4 tanks, always having at least 2 full ones in reserve for those “low, slow” BBQ marathons.
All 20 lb propane tanks built and/or sold in the U.S. must meet ASME code. They are designed to safely contain 20 lbs (approx. 4.6 gals, depending on temperature and pressure) of propane (LPG). All recent tanks (last 12 yrs +) have an OPD (Overfill Prevention Device) valve that prevents overfilling. The OPD valve was mandated by the NFPA in 1998 as a safety device.
The OPD valve will begin to vent at approx. 325 psi pressure, which is approx. 20.2 – 20.5 lbs propane (depending on temperature).
The numb nuts at Blue Rhino, Amerigas, etc. would have you believe they can only fill to a maximum 80% of a nominal 20 lbs., which equals 16 lbs. (Put your exchange tanks on a scale and see if you’re even getting 15 lbs!!! Likely, it’s 14.5 to 14.7 lbs, if you’re lucky.)
All tanks have the tare weight (empty weight) stamped on the collar band at the top. Most empty tanks weight 17.8 – 18.2 lbs. Determine the total filled weight and subtract the tare(empty) tank weight and that’s how much propane you received.
Here’s the Law of Economic Convenience for the exchange centers: Receive 25% LESS propane and pay 25% MORE for that tank of convenient exchange!!!!!!
when I remodeled my kitchen for gas and added a gas dryer, my contractor urged me to add a gas outlet for a grill. It seemed expensive at the time, but I’ve never regreted it. No tanks, no refills. Plenty of gas and the price has gone down!
Only problem, not all grills or manufacturers make natural gas models.
IN NORTHERN CA, $12.00 FOR (4) GALS RE-FILL.
I’LL GET 8-10 WEEKS WITH MY WEBER S-670
REFILL AND WHILE THEY HAUL IT TO YOUR TRUCK, YOU CAN ALWAYS STEAL AN EMPTY TANK
White Bear Lake, Minnesota, 55110
Super America Station on County Rd. E & White Bear avenue refills (a standard grill tank) for $18.20
I refill. The only time I ever exchanged was when I needed to ditch the old style valve, and upgrade to the new fitting. I made sure to pick out pristine rust free tanks. I have two. When the one in service runs out, I swap and continue cooking. That way I can refill the empty when it’s convenient.
I go to U-Haul to refill. And if you go to their website, they will email you a coupon worth $1 off every refill through the end of the year.
Price per gallon has gone way up over the years.
At least I know my tank isn’t “shorted”, I heard that some exchange stations tried selling tanks not completely filled.
Hate charcoal, love gas.
If people knew where charcoal comes from (from Coal? hahahaha! no…) (it’s from pyrolysis of animal and vegetation substances.. eww!) , they wouldn’t let it come near their food!
uhaul gave me the “sticker” in exchange for the emailed coupon. The sticker says “2010″. They gave me the buck off, 3.5 gal @ 3.99/gal – $1 = $12.97….. didn’t say a work about what year it was… hopefully they will honor it all year. Web site doesn’t say what year. Might be a good idea to save your dated email message from uhaul’s web site cyberbot.
I live in Kansas City on the Kansas side. I recently bought an empty container from Costco for 26-28 bucks, it had a gauge on the side to tell you how full it was. I realized it was empty and saw this website and commentary. I found BLEDSOE RENTALS off Highway 56 in Olathe, KS. They refill a tank a 20 gallon tank for $20.00 with tax included. After reading that Rhino only filled the tanks to 15 gallons I found this to be a better deal- WalMart was cheaper than Lowe’s in both new RHINO and trade out RHINO tanks. I am not sure what Uhauls price is, but I had good service at Bledsoe, walked right in, paid $20, drove around, 3 mins later filled tank. I wanted to grill tonight so I didn’t print out their $2 off coupon- but will make sure that I do for next next refill. Here’s their website: http://www.bledsoerentals.com/propane.html
Hope this helps anyone from South KC, KS
I fill my grill tank for $13.00 at Black Bear Propane on approx 150th Pacific Ave S, Tacoma, Wa. They even bleed the air out of my 15 foot hose for me. (I heat my 32 foot rv with my SunRite little propane room heater, it’s marvelous!
Well, I just got royally screwed! Not on an exchange — on a refill.
Here I read all these comments about what a rip-off tank exchanges are, so I go to my (not so) local U-Haul (in Burbank, CA) with my empty 20 lb. cylinder (17.7 lb. tare weight) and get it filled. I get charged for 5 gallons — which apparently is physically impossible for it to hold — at $4.42/gallon = $22.10 — $24.25 with tax!
Then when I get home and put it on a digital scale, I find it weighs exactly 35 lbs. So I just paid 22 bucks for 17.3 lbs. at U-Haul ($1.28/lb), when I could have exchanged at Lowe’s and gotten 15 pounds for $19 ($1.27/lb).
Screw you, U-Haul. Never again!
In late January I had two empty tanks filled at my local Uhaul. They were 20# fills. The cost was roughly $16.50 each. In early March I exchanged an obsolete POL tank my brother gave me for a Blue Rhino OPD tank with a 15# fill at Walmart, the cost was $17.82 and I sent in and received a $3.00 rebate from Blue Rhino. This morning I did a Heritage exchange at a local grocery store. The Heritage tank was filled to 17# and the store was running a weekly special for $14.00 per exchange. At my local refill station the price per gallon has gone up, and equivalent 4 gallon refill for this morning’s exchange would have run about $17.32. I do both exchanges and refills depending on the deal.
Hi
I’m in Canada and I have been refilling my tanks for $14 at the cheapest place in the area, until recently when they went up to $17.
I have exchanged once or twice, and that’s a good way to go when your tanks are expiring.
I have my tanks filled today 4-11-11 it was 4.00 per gallon filling three tanks was 37 and change as the tanks are not completly empty they are filled to the proper level and I pay for what it takes to fill them rather than a flat fee.
Blue rhino exchange is costly. As another person commented you are now paying the same or more for the exchange and getting less. I refilled the Rhino tank at a local uhaul and paid $19.60 with tax at 3.98 per gallon and received two and a half more gallons than the normal Rhino exchange tank. Exchange is convienent but not really worth it. I used the money I saved to buy a gallon of gas for my car. Have a great summer everyone
I just exchanged a tank and it cost me $21.09 with tax.
I ALWAYS. I paid $13 at Branneky (True Value) Hardware a couple of months ago. I found a leak at the valve of my current tank and exchanged it with a local guy for 2 full tanks (15# each) for $55. That was for two tanks in exchange for my one leaky tank. I thought it was a pretty decent deal – new tanks empty cost $33 each around here. The tanks had Amerigas labels so that explains the #15 each. Not sure how he offered full tanks for $30 each cause Amerigas charges more unless he owns a franchise or something.
Just refilled yesterday at BJ’s for 15.49
BTW, BJ’s does not charge Florida sales tax. My refill cost $15.49 total.
Just refilled my tank @ Tractor Supply. They rang it up as 4.0 gallons, and it cost $13.96.
If the tank is starting to rust I exchange. Exchange price was 17.87 at walmart plus 6% tax. You only get 15# of propane so the tank is not full. It will usually say that on the cage someplace.
I refill a tthe station, the current price is $3.99 a gallon. 19.41 to fill. You get 30% more propane.
I just filled my two propane tanks at a local marine and RV supply store. Cost for both, $33 or about $16.50 per. Blue Rhino in my area is about $25 with a tank exchange. I only use them when it’s time to “upgrade” my older tanks.
I found a place in SF (U Save Equipment Rental) for $3.45/gal! About a $1/gal cheaper than the local Uhaul.
I got a (very) used tank which I exchanged for a reconditioned tank for about $18.99 plus tax. Now I try to do refill only, now that I already paid the higher price for an exchange.
I happen to live by a commercial propane store that refills trucks, so the price is really low, like $1.99 a gallon. That does the trick for me.
In Lake Forest CA, Blue Rhino tank exchange – $21.99; no exchange – $59.99. My nearest UHaul refill station charges $3.99/gallon and is 12 miles away. Taking into account the distance/gas cost and travel time, I opted for the conveniently located Blue Rhino option; it’s just a mile away. Naturally, if I had more empty tanks to deal with, the calculation would tip in favor of the distant UHaul option.
be careful with exchanges. most places increased their prices to swap, usually from $15-$16 to $17-$18, while filling to 15 lbs, as opposed to the 20 lbs most grill tanks will hold. essentially, you are paying more for less. any filling station will use a scale to determine when 20 lbs of propnae has been reached. remember too, that propane weighs 4.2 lbs per gallon, which nmean a 20#er will hold a little less than 5 gallons.
June 11, 2011 – Exchanged and got 15lbs for $19 at Home Depot. Refilled and got 20lbs for $20. You always get a full propane tank when yo refill, 25% cheaper and less chance to run out in the middle of the BBQ!. I used Posen Propane in Blue Bell PA 610-275-1607 to refill and I will never excahnge again.
I just refilled two completely empty tanks, one of which was a Blue Rhino. (No special adapters were used) They both combined for 9.3 gallons for a $30 total.
I like giving my business to the local mom and pop shop when I can.
Just refilled a 20 lb tank today at an RV place near Lowe’s in Rockledge, FL. The bill was 29.40! Don’t know why it was so high, but don’t go there! At least I think the tank was filled instead of only partial like the exchange ones.
I just fileld two tank at Uhaul in Ct and paid about $16 per tank. Most exchange ones in CT are at least $19
Darn it. I just exchanged at “Pick up” in Lodi, CA, and paid $22.50. I’d've looked for a refill place, except we had already exchanged our brand new, pristine tank for an old nasty one.
The tank I just picked up was probably cleaned up, painted gray, etc. Hope I have enough propane to grill through the summer.
Sorry we ever traded our new one in.
Just to find out, I refilled one tank at a fill station and did an exchange at Home Depot with the other. I weighed them promptly at home and the Home Depot exchange tank was 3.5 lbs lighter.
Both costs were about $19.
I have used both Home Depot and Walmart, neither place gives you a full tank on exchange. When I asked the managers about this, they said there is no guarantee that the tanks are full when you exchange them. I now drive the extra distance to the nearest rental yard and get them refilled myself. It costs less to fill them yourself.
Costco is the cheapest around – $13.30 in Alberta.
Lowe’s has an exchange bottle program $21.88 but the bottle is not re-certed. It’s only a good deal id your own tank’s about to expire and maybe the one they give you has a few years left on it.
Just filled up today… $4.08 per gallon at UHaul ($21 for 20 lb tank) Next time I am exchanging. Price diff is negligible and exchange is faster and you get a “new” tank!
alot of gas stations will refill propane tanks for around 3.50-4.00 bucks a gallon. it might not be cheaper in the long run but if you just need a little bit to get you buy or can’t afford a whole tank that’s the best route to go.
Exchange my tank yesterday @ Home Depot…Total $18.00
tw 16.6lbs full tank weight at 60 degrees 33 lbs.
come to 3.8 gallons of lp gas..$4.73 per gallon
I bought two refill tanks from Lowe’s in Spring, TX
For 36.75 total.
Some people are left to believe that I bought the tanks instead of the refills. I guess the price was too high for them
Costco, July 2011 – Filling 20lb tank cost $11.45 tax included CDN (approx $12 US at the time).
Newark, NJ – I spent some money buying two lightweight cylinders named CoMet at Amazon.com and now I only refill, or better, my wife refills it as it is very light and comfortable to carry around. Two weeks ago, she paid $11.50 to fill one CoMet. The tank does not corrode and does not fall during transportation. I will never go back to those old heavy cylinders again.
I paid $3.25/gallon when I refilled my tank recently.
Dennis
California
I just filled my tanks at a local KOA camp ground and paid $3.05 per gallon because I was getting more than 11 gallons. It’s $3.15 per gallon if less than 11.
I only do the exchange when my tanks are about to go out of date then I inspect the exchanged tanks date and select the best date. This way they get your old expiring tank and you are saving the cost of a new tank and at least getting some fuel with it.
Exchange places like Walmart, Home Depot & Lowes use vendors that only fill the tanks to 15 lbs or appx 3.6 gallons. Do the math — your probably paying over $5.00 per gallon. Talk about getting ripped off.
I bought a new grill at the beginning of the season and had to get an exchange tank since i didnt have a new style tank for it. I paid $18 for a 15lb Blue Rhino tank that lasted no time at all so i bought a new 20lb tank that i can have filled anytime for $10.99. It sure wont take long to pay for itself since i use it for my grill and my turkey fryer.
here, it depends on who is charging what as to your best deal. Our local Uhaul buys from a price gouging supplier and their prices are now just as high as exchanging. I’ve priced out the price per gallon (knowing how many gallons are in the tanks that I exchange) and the tank exchange is cheaper per gallon (although less fuel in the tank than Uhaul)
Many tank exchange companies only put 3.5 gallons in their tanks here. I’ve just gotten a propane supplier for my deli who give me 17lb tanks which are the equivalent of 4 gallons.
As for the leaking – Uhaul filled one of mine one time and half of it leaked out on the way open. They never made good on it. (the guy left the knob slightly open)
Just finished reading most of the comments. Having worked for a national propane distributor for over 10 years, 3 as a terminal operator, most of the comments are accurate. FYI, Blue Rhino was taken over by Ferrellgas Inc, another national distributor, several years ago and is currently in a class action law suit for short filling exchange tanks as stated by many in their comments. I’ve lived in Martin County, FL over 20 years and can tell you that no more than a 5 mile drive in any direction here will get you to a refill station. If exchange is your thing, knock yourself out and spend more money for a partially filled tank!
I just bought a see-through 20 lb. tank. Haven’t filled it yet but am anxious to find out how often the refiller sees these.
Most U-Haul centers offer propane refill. Paid $3.95 per gallon last week. Pay at the pump and the guy ripped me off. Charged me for 5.2 gallons which is more than the tank will hold. Just tell them you want 4 gallons and you should be okay.
i live in arkansas and i have a wonderful propane supplier that i go to and they only charge me $9.72 for a 20# tank , thats including tax! amerigas and others wanted around $17 to $19 to refill the same tank, about double what it cost me now!!
I am surprise it took you so long to figure the rip off scam. I am in ontario, Canada and did the math as soon as they came out with the tank exchange. It has been a scam from the get go. You are basically paying for a new tank everytime. The only thing you dont pay for is the initial purge. A propane tank is good for 10 years. You figure you pay $4 to $5 dollars more than a refill, sometimes as high as 8 or 9, at twice a year for ten years adds up to from $80 go $180. A lot of you say only a few dollars more, damn I wish I had extra dollars to give to some scam corporation. That doesnt even take into consideration your exchanged tank may only be 3/4 full….BAM up to another $100 dollars. Think about that, you just spent all your new barbecue money lining some corporate pockets.
i just refill them…..
$10.00 per tank
Uhaul charges by the pound,not a set price,so if you need 1.4 pounds,thats what you get charged for.
Blue Rhino Class Action Lawsuit for “underfilled” tanks. See http://propanesettlement.com to file your claim. Up to $150 reimbursement for documented purchases between June 15,
2005 to October 11, 2011. Or, up to $7.50 reimbursement for undocumented claim.
Just filled up three BlueRhino empties at my local marine supply.
Here in Los Angeles Propane is selling for $3.74 per gallon.
The filling station puts 4.5 gallons in each totally empty tank.
The station is lacated at the very end of the Marina del Rey freeway at Lincoln.
All the other filling station have gone out of business.
We refill our tanks at the local hardware store. About $18. We live in a small town in southern In. Convenient and the are open every day.
last ime I refilled my tank for $17.99 plus I had a $1.50 coupon . so my cost was $16.49 for my refill.
I paid $4.06 a gallon to fill up my tank, 4.7 gallons so about $19.08. I refilled at a U-Haul. Usually 20-30 dollars to exchange at Blue Rhino.
NY-
Aubuchon Hardware refills for 11.99 + tax= 12.83
Tanks are always full after, often not the case with exchanges OR other (more expensive) fill stations.
My Costco tank with gauge 27.99$
called around U-haul 3.99$ gal suburban propane 3.79$ gal
few local gas stations 3.69-3.49$ a gal plus tax
my fillup was 3.49$ X 4.4 gal plus tax for a total of 16.70$ in California
I think it would be best to get the exchangable tanks the first time, refill them for awhile until they start to rust, and then exchange them. Surely you will get the raw deal when you first exchange them, but getting refilled is always cheaper (Summerville, SC)
There is at least 1.2 gallons less in every tank exchange and 5 pounds less for sure. I read the fine print at Walgreens and it says 15 pounds and the local U-Haul gives me 20 lbs. I paid $16.06 for 4.5 gallons of propane plus tax at U-Haul and when I exchanged a while back, I paid $21.95 and got 25% less. PLUS I do not have to back as much as I fill 2 tanks at a time. Refill is the best deal and I paid by credit card right at the U-Haul pump and was in and out in 10 minutes. Seems I always get the slowest moving employee at a tank exchange or one who does not know how to do it.
I would have my tanks (2) refilled, but they are used on a boat and they tend to rust. Exchange gets me non-rusted tanks. I have two pretty good looking ones now so if they don’t rust by the time they are empty, I’ll have them filled.
Last year they were charging $18 for a 20lb can REFILL – I went to the same place yesterday & it cost $24 dollars for the same can – WTH? Is everybody greedy or is the cost truly UP??? Spoke to husband & we agree it’s time to run a gasline to the BBQ…
I have a special high temperature smelter for melting metals.(gold copper and aluminum)
The problem to get the fuel flow to run this you have to turn the propane bottle over so the valve is on the bottom.(it was designed this way) i had to buy a 50# non OPD valve bottle that is not portable just to run my equipment. and build a home made rack to turn the bottle over.
Just filled up a 20 lb. tank at BJ ‘s for 13.99.
Just paid $17.82 + $1.38 tax for 15 lbs. of propane in an AmeriGas exchange tank at a San Diego area Home Depot.
Looks like I’ll have to buy a second tank so I can use all I’ve paid for before switching tanks.
Left about 2 lbs. in the tank, but it wasn’t enough to grill much with.
$15 to refill at the local propane dealer. $20.03 for an exchange…$52.74 for a new tank at the exchange place.
Needed a new grill , wentwith a natural gas grill with a quick disconnect , will never run out of gas now , cheaper than propane and can just disconect from gas line and store it when not in use
My parents have a large propane tank that they have filled every year. One day my dad was talking to the guy while he was filling up the tank and the guy told him that they sell adapters that would allow him to fill up small tanks from the big one. So dad told him he wanted one. The next time the guy was around he dropped it off at the house. It was somewhere around $60 I think. No more exchanges or outside fill-ups…
You can fill those empty propane tanks with natural gas from your home at 25 cents a pound,,with the adapter.
I exchanged a tank at Turkey Hill gas station (owned by, or affiliated with, Kroger) in Columbus, OH for $19.99.
$18.99+HST at Canadian Tire Gas station Mavis/Britannia
Just got back from Costco in Kitchener, Ontario. They do flat fee refills for $10 = HST up to 20 lbs. I have been going to an independent and paying about $17 +HST with every 7th free. Will be going to Costco from now on.
Just got 4.8 gallons of propane here in Las Vegas for $19.00
Houston area.
Uhaul. 3.33 gal
Acadamy – ex-$15.99
Lowes – ex – $17.82
Walmart – ex – $15.99
Ace Hardware – refill – $11.99
CVS – ex – $17.00
better to have it refilled at Ace Hardware..
http://www.centralacetexas.com/docs/coupon_propane.pdf
and this is good for 20% off at Ace Hardware. Lowes and Home depot will take it as well.
Costa Mesa, CA at RV supply store 13.5 gallons for three 5-gallon tanks $44 plus tax (8%) = $47.50 total for 13.5 gal. for 3 “empty tanks”
Blue Rhino exchange $21 plus tax at gas stations.
June 2012 and Sept 20011
I had my Blue Rhino tank refilled at Creco in Oakland, Calif. for $21.48 on June 30, 2012.
I refill my newer tanks, but when I find an old one cheap (old valve that isn’t refillable) I buy it and exchange at Walmart for $17or so and get a nice, newer one. They let me pick the tank so I just get the newest date.
I just got a cylinder refilled @ uhaul …Cost $19.76…..4.2 gallons @ $4.40/gal….I can get it Exchanged @ Walmart for $ 15.47… Choice is yours!!!
My local UHaul is at $2.99 a gallon, and I’m in P.R.Kalifornia! Such a deal!
I just had my tank refilled at Tractor Supply Company for $12.99. 4.9 gallons @ $2.49/gallon. It’s over $20 to do the exchange thing…
I have done both, and I like refilling mine because it seems to last a lot longer than exchanging them by far. One filled tank last me a summer, but a traded tank lasted me only a month if not less, and I did not cook anymore than usual. So I’ve traded w/ blue dino once and that’s it. But I’ve noticed that too, that different places seem to last differently for me. Like some need refilling quicker than other places, so I go to one place even though it takes me 15 mins to get there. I defiantly recommend refilling over exchanging, w/ my experience.
Having got a meter that will fit in my grill, I have started refilling. That way I don’t run out while barbequing and don’t have to give up unused propane when I exchange. Tractor Supply was charging $1.99 per gal last week so I got 5 gals for just under $10.00. I would guess you don’t get anything like 5 gals from Blue Rhino for $20.00.
with fewer and fewer places that refilled tanks I relented and went with the exchange program which costs 25 a refill. Now today, the local Shell station which exchanges them could not do an exchange due to some technical glitch in their system, forced to drive around and in the end buy another tank and drive 5 miles to refill for a barbecue tonight. Will prompt me to convert to natural gas I think.
There are not any refill stations i am aware of in my area. I am forced to do exchanges.
I am noticing the valves are faulty at most exchange places. I have a new grill and I can’t use it because the 3 tanks exchanges i got had bad valves. I just got another today and it works. This is total bull crap. Some of the tanks i get valves dont turn at all. They are just stuck open.
I live I Texas and the HEB store exchanges tanks for $14.99 And the u haul rent store refills for $17.99 . So you need to check around.
Paid $11.50 at BJ’s last fill up. Also note the TW plus 20 is what your tank should weigh in the end. The tank is actually a 25 lb tank. The industry and some laws only allow for 80% fill to allow for expansion of the gas, (25 lbs x .8 =20 lbs).. I have called the State Consumer Protection on businesses that have cheated me. They in turn go to the place and inspect on how they fill the tank, and correct the problem. One bussiness was so bad they had to lower there price $5.00 a tank for 3 months to cover the rip off. Some places try to be legit, however they do not know certain things short people, One thing is they need to take the tare weight, add 20 , then add the weight of the nozzel and hose which is about 3.5 lbs. The 3.5 lbs per tank adds up really fast and is profit. Thats why I called the state to investigate. The BJ’s I go to opens the side screw when filling , this allow a little liquid gas to seep out when it is full. I know my tank has 20 lbs no matter what they use to fill it with.
Thanks for all of the great advice here. I just had 3 empty 20lb tanks filled up at my local propane dealer here in Southern California for a total of 13.6 gallons @2.69 a gallon. The total for all 3 tanks and the tax came out to $39.41 (about $13 a tank). Be aware though that the propane tanks must be re certified after a number of years in service. I was told that one of my tanks manufactured in 1999 was expiring. Its $15 to have that tank recertified. I am going to exchange it the next time around. Good luck all.
I just filled my tank at the u haul store for ~$3/gal. It cost $29 for two tanks. There is a store locator on the u haul website.
Most places charge $21.95 for an exchange. A new tank, such as Blue rhino, has 15lbs of propane in. This is equivalent to $1.45/lb. Refilling stations like Uhaul or TrueHardware or Handyman charge $3.50 a gallon, which is equivalent to $0.45/lb. So if your tank is less than 12 years old and has no rust, refilling is a better deal.
I just refilled at Tacoma, WA and paid $23 for 4.6 gal. The time before I used Blue Rhino and it only lasted about a month. As little as I bbq it will usually last all summer. Since I have one blue rhino tank and one of my own I chose to refill my tank.
I questioned this at the gas station and he explained that the exchange tanks don’t fill the tanks all the way. A few months ago he saw exchange tanks advertised down the street for $18.99 so he bought one and took it down to the distributor. for evaluation. Turns out the $18.99 tank only had 1.5 gallons in it. This explains why I ran out of propane so quick. It just didn’t seem right that with fuel going up so much why does the cost of propane stay the same?
The only variable I thought was the amount of propane in the tank, which turned out to be correct. I’m sticking with refilling. It’s like getting 3 gallons for free.
uhaul Lakewood, co $3.39 per gallon
I refilled at a major provider. Allied in Richmond, ca. It was $16.50 !
About a year ago it was $12.
An exchange at a place like Home Depot is about $22.
Still a savings to refill and they got 20lbs in. But the margin seems to be shrinking.
Home Depot 20 gal tank exchange: $17.82
UHaul Propane refill $3.29 per gallon!
Pricing is what I use to determine whether I exchange or refill. We have a refill station that charges 1.89 per gallon, so that’s the cheapest right now.
If the station is closed then I would go exchange it because other stations run about 3.20 -4.99 a gallon. One day we really needed the propanes & I spent 51.60 on 3 5-gallon tanks. If I had went to where I normally go I would of spent under 30 for 3 5-gallon tanks.
19$ refill, garden city ks
Just re-filled two tanks. Came to 8.1 gallons and cost me $25.53 at the 76 gas station.
Check the volume on the exchange tanks, often they do not contain 20 lbs, but rather 15 lbs. A refill station near us charges $15 to refill, and if you are using a tank that you had previously gotten from an exchange (they can tell by some numeric system), they will not refill yours to 20 lbs. Best to buy your own, and refill.
I work for Chet’s Rent-All in Michigan & we both refill & offer exchange. The refill is always a better value than exchange. We fill tanks based on tare weight so the customer always gets a full 20 lbs. Tanks weigh anywhere from 16.0 to 19.0 lbs empty, so depending on manufacturer / date, a full tank will weigh 36 to 39 lbs after we fill it to capacity. We will not fill your tank if it is past the 12 year expiration date or shows signs of excessive rust or decay…it’s not legal! That is why we also offer exchange. The exchange tanks are clearly marked at 15 lbs. net weight right on the label, so you get 25 % less propane. But the exchange is necessary if your tank has expired. We have a $2.00 off coupon at http://www.chetsrentall.com, & it’s the same price ($19.00 after tax & coupon) no matter which option you choose. Plus our exchange tanks are always refillable, which is not so at many other exchange outlets I’ve encountered. No matter where you go, be smart and refill unless you need to exchange your tank. Then exchange it for a tank you can refill. That’s my advice to all cost conscience consumers.
Just filled up today at mobil gas station in socal. They use amerigas as theyre provider. They also offered exchange program. Current exchange rate was 22.99$ or 49.99$ no exchange. I like many others prefer my own tank. Has a built in guage and i know it doesnt leak. The average tank empty and purged normally holds 4.7 gallons. Ive seen this fluctuate quite a bit buy im not a propane tech so couldnt really tell them how to do their job. Current price as of november 13th 2012 was 3.79 gallon. Then just regular sales tax so out the door im usually around 17. Walmart currently is charging 17.92 for 15lbs. I have 2 tanks one i refil and one i exchange for convenience reasons. My refilled one usually lasts quite a few hours longer
I fill my tanks at U-Haul – 4.2 gal @ 3.20 a gal = $13.44
I just had my refilled at the gas station here in Murrieta ca. I paid $13.75 + 7.75% tax = $14.82 for 4.6 gallons of propane. This is much cheaper compare to $22.99+ tax to exchange.
I’ve been getting mine refilled at Uhaul. I’m south of Chicago and it’s running me 3.59 a gallon. They put in around 4 pounds on a 20 pound tank.
Initially buying the tank from Blue Rhino is not bad at all. They sell for $43 and there’s usually a $3 rebate. A new tank will cost $30, and a fill $14. Plus you have to make 2 trips.
When it comes to refilling vs exchanging, the choice is obvious. $14 for 20 pounds vs $20 for 15 pounds. The exchange is 52.6% more expensive. Just buy their tank and refill it.
hi all as a refiller i would suggest that if at all possible refill your tank if it is good condition as if you take a freshly refilled tank and a full exchange tank and weigh them you will file the refilled tank will weigh more if the refill station is legit you will have 20 pounds of propane in most states it is only legal to fill tanks by weight not gallons and a refill station fills them completely and an exchange tank is not always completely filled because for saftey reasons because some exchange racks store tanks on their side rather than properly storing them upright hence the exchange tanks do not last as long
and in reading i noticed one post from a florida person saying they were charged 17% tax on an exchange tank i would check with your state web site on propane i dont believe there should be any tax on propane as most states consider it heating fuel which is nontaxable not motor fuel which is taxable
for those of you who have natural gas piped to your house… natural gas conversion kit $75!
i left my grill on low for 3-days (don’t ask me why, I know i’m a moron… I… I mean, no, yes, it was an experiment to see the benefits of natural gas as fuel for my grill) my gas bill was something like $5 higher than it would have been otherwise. my guess is that a regular propane tank left on for 3 days would have been bone dry?
If you grill a lot and have natural gas piped to your house, this is the best!
I exchange for $17.99 at Walmart. One problem I had: tank was far from full when I put it on my gauge at home. I took it back but Walmart would not stand by it… it’s Blue Rhino’s responsibility, but there’s no way to prove you haven’t used the fuel yourself and they will not let put a gauge or scale on it at the store. If I had a gallon of milk with a pint missing they would replace it though. They distribute the product, they should stand by it. Go figure.
I exchanged 2 today, Academy. $15.99 for 16.5 lbs. The closest Ace is more expensive per lb. Do the math, weigh on scale, subtract TW, . You never get a totally full 20 lbs at a refill centers either. I get an average of 18.5 lbs. there. You people need to start weighing the tanks everytime you get home, don’t believe all the hype. Price per gal is price per gal, refill or exchange. I like a fuller tank also but I keep several, and to get the cheapest per gal price I would need to drive across town wait in line at the KOA, U-haul, etc. Too much hassle to save maybe fifty cents. I generally get very new tanks at Academy with the exchange (Amerigas).
Normally I refill, but my tank had the old valve and needed recertification so I opted to do an AmeriGas exchange. Cost was 17.82 for 15 lbs and was still less than it would have cost to recertify and change valve or buy a new tank for about $30 and pay ~$14 for 15 lbs of propane. Will refill until I need a new tank. I have two other tanks with the old valves that I’ll exchange when they’re empty.
Weighed the exchange tank and it was about 14.5 lbs of propane, but within the accuracy of my scale.
Jan.2.2013 Just leaving an up date on refill price. Had two tanks filled small tank had 4.6lbs and the large tank had 10lbs total of 14.6 lbs at 3.36 lb. The exchange price at the same station was $24.99 for the small tank and mine cost 15.80 so I saved about $9.00 They did have a min. charge of $18.99 as do most places. So its best to fill two tanks if you have them.
All of my 4 tanks are too old to refill, I also live in CA.
I am going to try and find non-tamper tanks with the oldest possible date stamp at Blue Rhino and swap my old tanks in 1 at a time as I use them up. Replacement cost at Wallgreens is $19.99
Then I will go back to refilling 2 tanks at a time at my local rental yard.
around here (North Carolina- Durham-Greensboro area)
20 lb refill 9.99 +tx
100 lb refill 49.99 +tx
screwed up. this may post twice. Forgot to say where.
Costco
Blue rhino doesn’t fill their tanks
Filling is the best way to go, almost half the price, think about it, do wait to run out or go before. So on an exchange your don’t also pay more you give them your last few pounds you have left in your tank.
We fill by fill meter, just like filling your car, you only pay for what you get and when you want it.
I live in western OK on a farm so I fill mine from my 1000g tank but as opposed to most exchange places, if you have older tanks and they charge extra for the newer tanks, Wal-Mart exchanges even steven. Plus, it’s $17.99 +tax. I was told a tank should weigh 20lbs empty, 40lbs full. I paid $1.96 gal last summer to top off my home tank. The wet line my propane company made for me ran about $75 but for them to refill my tanks, they charge $15 so I’m better off doing it myself.
Exchange tanks are only filled to 15 LBS, when you have them filled it should be 20. Exchange is not a good deal unless you want to get a newer tank. then refill.
Check the amount on exchanged tanks. In my area 15lbs as opposed to 20 when refilled
refill 5 gal tank $ 9.50 i have a 450 gal tank for the house so i have a acc with the comp auburn cal
Costco’s in Myrtle Beach refills a 20# tank for $9.99
There is a locally owned beverage store in my town that fills LP tanks. They charge $14.95 for a 20 lb tank. Most of the places that exchange tanks charge &17.95 and up. Between my grill, smoker and camper, I try to keep 5 or 6 tanks around. When one tank is either really dirty or is out of date, I exchange it.
I too use both. The last time I refilled the cost was within $2 of exchanging. I had to wait until the clerk was finished with his last task and was there about 25 minutes. I exchange at a Grocery store near where I live. I paid at the check-out counter with my food, and the person bagging accompanied me to the Exchange station. Very efficient.
I have a exchange propane tank that I got from home-depot and when you
do your exchange it will cost you $22 bucks.
Now that said I take that same propane tank (that never expires because I’m on the exchange program at home-depot) and have it refilled at Mo hock/husky for about $17bucks.
the thing is about this if you are singed up on the exchange program with propane the bottle never expires what can I say
no more propane bottles that expire.
As a BJ Club member I fill up there. The price is$11.95. The home Depot in the same location is $18.00 exchange. BJ’s sell extra tanks with gauges for $28.00.
Also you have to remember that the tank is never empty. So when Blue Rhino refills them they always have some fuel in them so they really are filling up to the, theroitical capacity, and charging you for the total.
Just did a tank replacement for Blue Rhino. Hooked up regulator to tank and had a major gas leak. Tried to reattach a few times thinking it might be user error. It wasn’t. The rubber gasket inside the replacement tank was cracked and corroded. If you’re going to get a replacement tank from them, bring a flashlight to check inside the turn on valve of any tanks under their name.
Exchange cylinders only have 15 lbs of propane. When you fill them at a dealer you get 20 lbs of propane.
Exchange tanks never have more than fifteen lbs or three fourths a tank. You are paying more and getting less. Always go to a propane dealer if possible.
I refill my tanks all the time. I never pay more the $12 per 20lb tank which when you are done filling should weigh 38 lbs. I see people over paying everywhere and its simply because they look to the simple exchange vs what should be a reasonable fee. For those of you exchanging tanks you might be paying a lot more then you think because those exchange tanks are not FULL, they short you 3 to 4 lbs per bottle so if it seems like your always out of propane and you grill a lot, that is one of the reasons why.
I bought a bulk tank,500 gal.,to heat my shop .it has a slave valve to fill small tanks. works out to be about half the cost.
Lots of great comments here. I always like to fill my own tank because I know its in good condition and I like to get a full. 20 lb fill-up. I am new in the Bradenton Fl area and have not found a refill station yet. I am off SR 64 near I-75. Does anone know of a propane refill station near my location.
Thanks
Dennis
Just refilled 3-20lb tanks in northern Illinois for $60. Buy 4 and get the 5th free. Exchange by me is $22.95.
i filled a 20lb tank in vancouver canada for $14.99 plus tax total $16.00
I refilled. Got exactly 20 lbs for $17.00. This was in Canton, Michigan 48188
I found the best price in Ottawa south for an exchange was at a small RV dealer in Metcalfe. I paid 23.99 taxes in.
I braught in my old tank and they were able to exchange it no problem.
Exchange tanks are way more expensive than getting your tanks filled at a dispensing station. It’s for convenience that people fall into these cons. It’s just like the little packaged crackers and cheese you pay over 2 bucks for so the kid has a snack at school.
To the person who fills bottles and doesn’t use the bleeder on the OPD valves. Wrong! Whenever you fill a propane tank you use the bleeder valve regardless of the type of valve it has. All Tanks need to be filled and monitored with the bleeder valve.