Propane-Refill vs Swap

[Beer-lord]

Just proves what I'm doing is better. I go to a local Uhaul and I can see how much they put in my tanks. Add the Blichmann burner and 1 tank can last me 7 boils sometimes.
While I was there this week, I bought their last brand new tank with a gauge on it. Really don't need that but it was $35 and I talked them down to $25 with a boot for the base so it stands flat in the back of the SUV.

http://www.homebrewfinds.com/2016/05/pr ... nks-2.html
Refill vs swap. The capacity of the standard 20 lb propane tank is, well.. around 20 lbs. Several years ago, some swap services started to underfill tanks. For example, it’s my understanding that Blue Rhino fills to 15 lbs and Heritage Propane fills to 17 lbs.

For me, refilling a tank to 20 lbs is actually less expensive than swapping it out. For the purpose of comparison, let’s say that refilling and swapping are the same… $20 to swap and $20 to refill. The fill costs you $1/lb. If you’re refilling with a vendor that fills to 15 lbs, you’re paying $1.33/;b or 33% more.

When you refill your tank – You’re, generally, saving money, You’re supporting a local business and saving yourself time because you don’t have to get propane as often.

Extra tanks. I suggest having an extra tank (or two) of propane on hand. Running out of propane mid brew is a bummer. It is inconvenient and you can end up with a different beer than you intended because of the delay. This can also be a money saving thing too if you refiller charges by the tank. Since you don’t want to run out of propane on brew day, you may be more likely to swap or refill a tank that still have propane left in it.

[Dawg LB Steve]

Without a doubt refilling is better than swaps. Gas suppliers that fill, fill on a scale or fill till the lp is purging out the safety they open. Always have a spare full, now I have 2 30 lb tanks from the old camper, I can keep one full at home and a spare at the campground for the new camper. Propane tends to run out on me when I forget to get it filled when we need the furnace running in the camper.

[Beer-lord]

I have 4 now but one stays in the BBQ and 1 is pretty old and may not make another year of life.

[FrozenInTime]

I have 3 20lb'rs and one 500lb'r. I don't run out very often.

[MrBandGuy]

1 is pretty old and may not make another year of life.

This is the point I do an exchange. Dig through until you find a newer tank date and your golden. Let Blue Rhino deal with the old one.

[Beer-lord]

1 is pretty old and may not make another year of life.

This is the point I do an exchange. Dig through until you find a newer tank date and your golden. Let Blue Rhino deal with the old one.

That's the plan. My local Uhaul doesn't swap but the guy told me he might have some hanging around but if not, Lowes is down the street with a bunch of them.

[philm00x]

It has been a while since I swapped my tank. There's a place out near where I work that does $10 refills on 20 lb tanks. I'm due to refill but I might just take your advice and replace my tank this time and then refill afterward.

[RickBeer]

Keep in mind that a brand new tank is good for 12 years from manufacturing date, and must be recertified, which only adds 5 years. A refill location should be checking the date, so you want to tank swap before it expires. Whether it looks old or not, the date will drive it.