How Many Beers in a Propane Tank?

Brewing Brother · Post by **Brewing Brother** » Tue Jan 07, 2014 10:15 pm

I've done up three 5 gallon batches with my new propane heater. How many more can I brew before replacing the tank? I don't want to run dry halfway through a boil.

Post by **Beer-lord** » Tue Jan 07, 2014 10:22 pm

I usually get 4, sometimes a bit more than 3 but I don't exchange my 'rhino' tanks. I go to a Uhaul and get them to fill it for me and they actually fill it. I've been told that the Rhino tanks only come partially filled, never fully filled so I pay a buck more at Uhaul to fill it full than I pay for a rhino exchange.

Yankeedag · Post by **Yankeedag** » Wed Jan 08, 2014 1:17 pm

Depends on the size of the boil pot.
And, if you just get the normal tanks, they're a wee light on the fill.
The tank should weigh about 5 pounds empty.
I get a better fill at a propain joint than just swapping out the tanks

but that's just me

Gymrat · Post by **Gymrat** » Wed Jan 08, 2014 1:40 pm

Rhino only fills their tanks up to 75%. So by having refilled you get more propane. That being said I am usually good for 4 brew days to the tank.

swenocha · Post by **swenocha** » Wed Jan 08, 2014 2:05 pm

I don't generally store beer in my propane tank, so I don't have a good estimate...

RickBeer · Post by **RickBeer** » Wed Jan 08, 2014 2:19 pm

swenocha wrote:I don't generally store beer in my propane tank, so I don't have a good estimate...

Damn, beat me too it.

Post by **gwcr** » Wed Jan 08, 2014 2:49 pm

I usually get 4 5.5-gallon batches, and I'm a swapper outer. Might have to start re-filling now though...

mtsoxfan · Post by **mtsoxfan** » Wed Jan 08, 2014 3:41 pm

Around here Rhino charges $22+ for a 15# swap. Mom and Pop equipment dealer charges $18 for a 20#.... and they are closer...
I can't give an estimate unless you want to add in steaks and brews.... I steal my grills tank when I brew...

Post by **Beer-lord** » Wed Jan 08, 2014 3:54 pm

At my Uhaul, I pay per pound but I always make sure I use every last drop. I pay $18 plus tax for a full refill. The Lowes in my area sells the swap for about the same price.

I have searched the web and everything I find tells me that the exchange tanks have 20-25% less in them due to shipping and storage. I can get 1 brew day out of that!

Brewbirds · Post by **Brewbirds** » Wed Jan 08, 2014 5:13 pm

I don't use propane to brew with just for the BBQ and fish fry/crawfish pot but I have two tanks so there is always a full one handy if the one that is hooked up runs dry.

Inkleg · Post by **Inkleg** » Wed Jan 08, 2014 7:18 pm

Sorry don't keep count. I managed to score a 2nd tank. So I always have a full one on hand. Have one on the grill also, so a total of 3 tanks. Come hell or high water, I'm brewing beer.

Brewing Brother · Post by **Brewing Brother** » Wed Jan 08, 2014 7:56 pm

swenocha wrote:I don't generally store beer in my propane tank, so I don't have a good estimate...

There's one (or two) on every board. That said, it appears four boils is the average. I guess I'll try one more and then get it refilled; that seems to be much more financially sound. After all, the more I save on Propane, the more grains and hops I can buy!

Thanks Everyone! :urock:

packerduf · Post by **packerduf** » Wed Jan 08, 2014 9:40 pm

Like Inkleg, I scored a second tank because I couldn't stand the thought of possibly running out of propane in the middle of a boil. There are too many variables to accurately predict how many batches per tank, IMO. Wind is a HUGE factor, here in Oklahoma. I highly recommend the procurement of a second tank, just to be safe. I swap out the Blue Rhino tanks for $17. I wasn't aware these tanks were not at full capacity. I may start going back to UHAUL. Thanks for the info.

Post by **Beer-lord** » Wed Jan 08, 2014 9:43 pm

I have 3 tanks....2 for my beer and 1 for my BBQ. Got 2 burners too though the one I use is light years ahead of the backup.
Down here, you never know if you will be boiling 2 or 4 sacks of crawfish and crabs so you best be prepared.

Trollby · Post by **Trollby** » Thu Jan 09, 2014 8:24 am

Just an FYI....

On the side of the tank "Handle" there is the MT weight. I have a good Propane refill spot that is a hardware store just down from my place.

They always give you a max fill and any other place I have gone the tank seems lighter when filled. The owner is a great guy and prices are higher than a Menards/Lowes/Home-depot but I would go there anytime do to awesome Customer service.

Next time tank is empty verify the MT weight and weight after 1 batch that will give you the usage for your burner for the size batch.

I have 3 tanks so I will never run out since always have two full

--- Edit ---

I have 1 tank for gas grill, 1 tank for burner and some Dip-Shit through out a good grill with almost new tank that was empty so got 3rd tank

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