Because it's summertime, and because there's not much better than burgers and bratwurst on a grill, I thought I'd make my first piece of Normal Advice the following:
Don't exchange your grills' propane tank.
They're easy, they're convenient, and they're everywhere. On a street near me, you can drive 1/2 a mile and pass 5 different propane exchange locations. Grocery stores, convenience stores, drugstores, they all seem to want to take your old propane tank, and give you a "filled" one, for around $18-$20.
Filled is in quotes above, because you're getting 15 pounds of propane in a 20 pound tank. It's written right on there, but it's in small writing. Imagine going to the gas station, and only ever getting 3/4 of a tank of gas.
Another issue is that when you exchange your old tank, you don't get a "refund" for whatever propane is left in it. In my experience, as a tank gets close to empty, with just a few pounds of propane left, the flame starts to get a little weak. Not as hot. Burgers take longer to cook. Oh, the horror!
Here's the advice: Get your tank filled at a propane dealer or RV/camping supply dealer. Obviously, every store is different, but at the place I go (Four Seasons LP Gas, Westerville, OH), you get a full 20 pounds of propane in the tank. Not only that, but if your tank still has propane in it, you only pay for the propane they put in. 5 pounds left? Pay for 15 pounds. 3 pounds left? Pay for 17. Last time I was there, a 20lb fill is $21, which equates to $1.05 per pound. Doing the math:
Tank with 5 pounds left, exchanged at a Propane Exchange place: No "refund" for unused propane, and you get a tank with 15 pounds of propane. You essentially bought 10 pounds (15 minus the 5 that was wasted in the exchange) of propane for $18-$20. That's $1.80 to $2 per pound. At best, a fully empty exchanged tank, is $1.20 to 1.33 per pound. But who wants to cook on a weak flame from a low tank?
Tank with 5 pounds left, refilled at a propane dealer: $1.05 per pound * 15 pounds. You bought 15 pounds of propane for $15.75. $1.05 per pound.
Thus ends the inaugural first blog entry on Normal Advice for Normal People.
Not a money saver but a headache saver...get two tanks and always have one ready to go for that moment when you are grilling and the propane runs out. It also buys you time so you don't have to go the "convenient" route and exchange but can wait until it suits you to go and refill the spare tank.
ReplyDeleteI agree completely. Just don't do what I did, and be lazy and wait until both were empty. :)
DeleteI've seen adapters that let you connect a small 1 pound tank to a standard grill regulator. Would be handy for a backup.
ReplyDeleteIndeed it would. A quick search shows $12 for the adapter, and $3 for a 1 pound tank. Good if you don't have room to store a second 20lb tank.
DeleteFor another $19 from Harbor Freight, you can get a coupler to refill your 1 pound tanks from a 20lb tank.