I've always found the throw a ways too expensive. I also found hooking up the grill end exasperating and with the hose it's a one time deal. I've had a small bottle and hose for about 15 years now and both seem capable of another 15. I have a 10# bottle that I bought to replace a squat 11#. If I ever replace it I will go back to the squat because they fit in a milk crate perfectly and are very stable that way going down the road. Both tanks hold roughly 3 gallons and last a long time. I think over time they are worth the investment.