Smaller Propane Tanks

Gdetrailer wrote:

20 lb propane cylinder holds about 4.7 gallons of propane.

Propane weighs about 4.2 lbs per gallon

pretty much all cylinder exchanges (you bring empty and exchange it for a loaded cylinder) short load the cylinders with about 15 lbs of propane or about 3.5 gallons of propane.

In the case of the price of $19.99 that is $5.71 per gallon you are paying for the convenience of grab and go..

If you went to a propane dealer that fills your cylinder while you wait and you were to pay $19.99 you would get 4.7 gallons of propane at $4.25 per gallon!

But I think $19.99 for exchange is a bit low, current price locally for Blue Rhino cylinders near me is $21 for 15 lbs..

Been quite a few yrs ago when I needed to refill my 30 lbs cylinders, cost me less than $19 for full 30 lbs (about 7 gallons) although I am sure it is a bit more now days.

If you are OK paying more for convenience and don't mind only getting 15 lbs then use the cylinder exchanges.

I found your post pretty insightful and appreciate the information.

Guys, I don't look to spend more money than I have to but I also don't look to spend more of my time. There is a trade off. By my calculations, its roughly $7 more per tank to exchange when you correct the volume. I'll use 3 tanks per year, tops. That's not much money and saves me a LOT of time considering I'm at the grocery store every week anyway.

Sheesh! I didn't know I was starting a controversial topic!