How Much Propane Is Left In My Grill Tank?

Don’t let a runout ruin the cookout!

One of the best things about summer is all the outdoor grilling and dining we get to do! There are quick weeknight dinners, leisurely weekend dinners, and cookouts with family and friends.

Whether you’re grilling burgers and hot dogs for a crowd, making grilled fish for a low-carb supper, or barbecuing ribs or brisket, propane makes grilling fast and easy without the smoke, wait, and hassle of a charcoal grill!

To make sure you can enjoy your grilling, you need to have enough propane in your propane cylinder. Because if you run out of propane, the cookout is coming to a screeching halt and your only options are to run out and get another cylinder or call for takeout.

There are ways you can check on how much propane is in your tank so you can avoid this. Let’s run through them.

The hot water trick

This method is as easy as 1-2-3! Here’s what you do.

• Fill a small bucket with hot tap water.
• Pour the water down the side of the tank.
• Run your hand along the side of the tank and feel for a cool spot.

The top of the cool spot is the fill level of the tank. It’s cool because liquid propane inside the tank is absorbing the heat from the water, which makes the metal wall of the tank cool to the touch. You can use this method to gauge how many of the original 18 to 20 pounds are in the tank.

Weigh the tank

Two figures are usually stamped on the handle of a propane grill tank – the water capacity (WC) and Tare Weight (TW). When empty, most grilling tanks weigh about 17 pounds and hold 20 pounds of gas.

To figure out how much propane is left in your tank, simply weigh it on a scale and subtract the TW number. Here’s an example of how that works: If a tank weighing 25 pounds has a TW of 17 pounds, there are about 8 pounds of gas left. That’s a little less than half a tank.

Use an external pressure gauge

There are several options for an external tank gauge to choose from. They’re available online, or at your local home improvement, grill, or hardware stores. Options include:

• Inline pressure gauges install between the gas line from the grill and the cut-off valve on the tank, measuring pressures to determine how full the tank is.
• Analog propane scales look like luggage scales and are pre-set to take your tank’s TW into account.
• Digital propane tank scales provide a digital readout of remaining cook time and gas fill percentage. Some even come with smartphone apps. 

Attach a grill box

Another option would be to have a grill box attached directly to your existing bulk propane tank. Never have to go to get a refill or exchange and never run out in the middle of cooking dinner. Ask us about installing a grill box to provide continuous fuel to your gas grill.

For the most reliable propane delivery in Central Maine, count on Murray Heutz! Become a customer today.