propane tank

[bucketmouth64]

I bought a new gas grill and now I need a 20# propane tank. Wondering which route is better to go buy a new tank at FF and have it filled or go with the ones already filled and do the exchange bit at gas stations/menards. Tank will only be used for grill and turkey fryer since I don't ice fish.

[harvey lee]

Depends on the shape of the used one and it's price I would guess.

I have seen some tough looking tanks in those cabinets.

[CAMAN]

Buy a new one at FF and get it filled at Uhaul. They usually have the best prices I have found.

[Tom7227]

I haven't done a direct comparison but those pre-filled tanks seem awfully expensive to me. Guess it depends on close you can find someone to fill while you wait.

[mnguy152]

otherwise find a local cenex or coop they beable to fill last one I got filled was bout 16 bucks

[Cheers]

Buy the pre filled exchange a tank deal then when it is empty get it refilled at the cheapest place in town . When the tank valve needs to be changed or the date has expired on the tank THEN take it back for an exchange and get a different tank. In theory should never have to buy a replacement tank again

[newoodhntr]

Alot of the exchange tanks are not 20lbs. now they are 17lbs.

[Wanderer]

Tony, I usually prefer to keep my own and refill them at the Federated Co-op in Isanti. I've heard the exchange tanks can be a little light from time to time but I've never taken my scale with to weigh any of them when I have exchanged.

Exchange advantages:

Always available somewhere.

Quick

Disadvantages:

Do you know what you're getting in exchange?

Keeping your own and refilling advantage:

You know the condition of your tank and how much you get on a refill.

Disadvantage:

Finding a place that's open to fill.

Waiting for the fill to be done.

Most people will exchange their own tank at some point out of convenience need or if their tank has an issue. Also, most places charge a flat rate for refills these days. If you have 5 lbs of gas left you'll still pay for 20 when they fill it.

[CJH]

Buy a new one at FF and get it filled at Uhaul. They usually have the best prices I have found.

^ This. That's what I did and ends up being cheaper in the long run, plus you know you have a good quality tank. UHaul is about the cheapest in the Cities, otherwise a Co-op would be the place to go.

[CAMAN]

^ This. That's what I did and ends up being cheaper in the long run, plus you know you have a good quality tank. UHaul is about the cheapest in the Cities, otherwise a Co-op would be the place to go.

Yup, I just refilled mine (completly empty - 20lbs) at Uhaul for $13 and took less than 10 minutes from the time I pulled up to when I pulled out. Great service and if you ask for one they sometimes have a sticker you can place on the tank and that gives you an extra $1 off each refill of that tank.

[CigarGuy]

What uhaul location? Last week I had 2, 20lbr's filled on Hwy5/Hwy13 intersection and I paid $18.60 per tank.

[bucketmouth64]

How long before a tank valve needs to be replaced or certified? I should buy one soon because I have a coupon that expires end of the month to have one filled for about $11.

[Cheers]

10 years from manufacture date or immediately if damaged or if valve doesn't have a triangular shaped shut off valve handle

[SpecialK]

I would buy a new tank and get it filled. Plenty of bulk propane dealers up your way that you can get it filled at cheaper than doing an exchange and they 'should' have valves for the tank when the time comes to replace it. They also know exactly what to look for and inspect on the tank when you bring it in for filling each time.

[DOC33]

Over time I have accumulated a couple of tanks and it sure is nice. If you are in the Brainerd area the gas station immediately north of BIR, I think it is a Freedom, is filling them for $10.99. Just stopped last night on the way home, $11.80 out the door. Both Hackensack and Longville can get it for between $13-14. You can get drilled pretty good @ the exchange stations.

[BLACKJACK]

I bought a new gas grill and now I need a 20# propane tank. Wondering which route is better to go buy a new tank at FF and have it filled or go with the ones already filled and do the exchange bit at gas stations/menards. Tank will only be used for grill and turkey fryer since I don't ice fish.

Once you get the grill up and running, think about getting a second tank. Nothing worse than half way thru grilling Sunday night supper and running out of gas!! Especially if you have guests waiting!

[bucketmouth64]

How fast can you go thru a tank? I know it depends how often you grill, but in general if you say grill 2-3 times a week will it last a month?

[CJH]

How fast can you go thru a tank? I know it depends how often you grill, but in general if you say grill 2-3 times a week will it last a month?

Yes, it should, unless you are doing long cooks/smoking stuff. I get more than a month out of my tank, but I primarily grill burgers/brats/steak/chicken breasts - stuff that has the grill on for 15-20 at a time, not a 4 hour smoke job.

I still have a backup tank however, but it was 8 years before I picked one up!

[Jeremy airjer W]

a couple of cheaper places on the east side of the metro are blue ribbon bait and suburban propane. Both open 7 days a week and convenient hours.

[BH5218]

The cheapest I've found on the north end of town is a BP gas station on Hwy 65 and Constance Blvd in Ham Lake. $13.99 + tax for a 20lb tank.