[CTbrooktrout]

Just got a grill, my first propane one, and wondering what's the best optional best on your practical and real world experiences?

Buying my own propane tank and getting refilled or using an exchange service like Blue Rhino?

I'm in Norwalk if that makes any convenience differences.

Thanks!

[adamz]

I get my tanks refilled at a local place. They fill a 20 lb tank to 25 lbs.

[Mike 75]

I find the exchanges are more convenient. Pretty much every grocery store has one. I remember having to to go to the truck stop to get the cylinder refilled back in the day. Much more of a PITA, IMO.

[CTbrooktrout]

For me, the distance to an exchange or a refill place (Stew Leonards for example) is the same for me so that's not an issue. Was just reading online that you get shortchanged with the exchange tanks, in that they underfill. Any since most exchange customers never wait till the tank is absolutely empty, you end up not using everything that you paid for.

Another question.. can tanks be stored outside all winter below freezing?

[Mike 75]

Originally Posted by CTbrooktrout

For me, the distance to an exchange or a refill place (Stew Leonards for example) is the same for me so that's not an issue. Was just reading online that you get shortchanged with the exchange tanks, in that they underfill. Any since most exchange customers never wait till the tank is absolutely empty, you end up not using everything that you paid for.

Another question.. can tanks be stored outside all winter below freezing?

Yes. Bringing them inside is dangerous.

[Cambium]

You only need to exchange if you see rust on the tanks or suspect a leak or if there's no refilling place near you.

You can always use a scale to weigh it at home as well to see if its empty or full. (there's a formula for it)


One time I needed to exchange my tank and I put it in a cart and brought it inside supermarket to customer service. They almost had a fit. I didn't know. Whoops. Store outside, never inside.


I recommend getting a BBQ cover as well



If you entertain or cook a lot with it, maybe even get 2 tanks this way you can easily swap if in middle of cooking.



My neighbor BBQs even in winter. Nothing wrong with that

[East of the River]

I have 2 tanks. I get them filled most of the time unless I need one quick (storm prep or running low before a party). Other then that the only other time I would swap is as the tank ages. There are several places within 5 miles of my house that do the refill so no big deal.

[Raider111]

Originally Posted by CTbrooktrout

For me, the distance to an exchange or a refill place (Stew Leonards for example) is the same for me so that's not an issue. Was just reading online that you get shortchanged with the exchange tanks, in that they underfill. Any since most exchange customers never wait till the tank is absolutely empty, you end up not using everything that you paid for.

Another question.. can tanks be stored outside all winter below freezing?

Yeah, Stews is pretty easy and convenient with the setup in the gardening center.
Always store outside

[CTbrooktrout]

Thanks guys! Planning to be grilling all winter long... whether sun, snow... eh, I don't do rain.

[East of the River]

Originally Posted by CTbrooktrout

Thanks guys! Planning to be grilling all winter long... whether sun, snow... eh, I don't do rain.

Check around on refill pricing it varies a little. Agway near me puts out coupons sometimes that gives them a good price. I can usually get a 20 pound tank filled for around $15-$17 sometimes as low as $12 when some places near me have a coupon (haven't seen that in a couple years)