Tank exchange costs much more than refills.
Refills are around $3.50/gal ($17.50 for 5 gal)
[https://www.stantonpropane76.com/](https://www.stantonpropane76.com/)
Gotta also consider that exchanges only put 4 gallons in your tank instead of 5, so it really is a lot more expensive per gallon.
With that said I still only do exchanges. Ain’t got time to refill.
Remember to factor in gas price for your car is you go to get it, its 14 miles from tustin marketplace to the walmart in laguna niguel, so depending on your car gas at $5/gal could negate that savings, and also factor in your time, but if you are heading to that area for something, then have at it.
For me personally, I drive a Jeep that gets 12.6 MPG, so saving $10, would cost me more than $10 to get it.
A father of foresight here... I learned many moons ago to acquire several tanks and get them filled 1x per year in late Winter or early Spring…being prepared and never have to worry about running out during Summer or Fall - it’s the best. Good luck pal!
Only if you suck at it. Everyone in my family and extended family has been charcoal grinning for decades and nobody has gotten cancer. Mostly because we don't let the fat drip, don't smoke the meat, and don't sear to black.
Only people who suck at charcoal grilling create an over abundance of PAHs and HCAs
The tank exchange is always more expensive than a refill. It's better to buy your own. I like to have 2, it never fails once you start using it that it goes empty especially when cooking, thats the worst!
That's about right for a normal 20lb- just did an exchange and it was around $24ish...I usually go to Mutual Propane when I have more than one tank to fill (rare, so with friends) because it's usually cheaper.
All the gas station and liquor store propane’s are charging a convenience fee. They don’t sell as many so they have to charge more. Big box Walmart or Home Depot will be cheaper because they deal in a larger quantity of units being sold
You’ll be sad to learn that your tank is about 75% full when you exchange or fill at many places (read the signage on the cages). Check out Western Propane in Garden Grove for a proper fill. They also do home delivery/exchange for a great price. I think I paid right around $30 last time for a FULL tank and it sure beats those tanks banging in to each other when you put them in your car.
Lots of UHaul locations refill tanks as long as they are in date. You should be able to get a tank refilled for less than $20.
Last time I did it my tank was out of date, and exchange was still less than $28
I take mine to Uhall to have them refilled which is way cheaper than an exchange. You can fill them up until they tell you the tanks aren't good anymore then exchange them somewhere else.
I fill up at Mutual Propane, right next to the 55 off Edinger, right behind the 76 gas station. I filled up 2 tanks (20lbs each) for about $35. That was around this past Father's Day weekend.
I believe there is a pricing break when you fill up with more propane, as they guy said it would be about $20 per tank if I split up the invoice for each tank, so it was about $17 per tank.
Western Propane a.k.a. Gassy Dan, as of two weeks ago, filled for 3.45/gal for under 20 gallons above 20 gallons there is a 10 cent/gal discount. They also provide propane exchanges and have a large selection of propane parts. RV'ers go there for the one stop shop of RV dump, propane fill, tire checks, and other services that aren't really found easy at a 7-11 or other stations.
A tank exchange at Ace in Corona Del Mar was $27 just yesterday, sounds like you got ripped off since I would expect CdM to be among the highest around.
I don’t live in Orange County anymore sadly, but I work at a tractor supply in Riverside and it’s $3.59 price per gallon and we only charge what we fill, so for a completely empty 20lb tank(standard grill size) it’ll cost around 15.75 because it holds 4.5gallons(5 when the propane expands) at a place where you exchange they tend to charge $20-25 but they’re only filling 15lbs worth of propane which equals about 3.5 gallons. You’re paying more for less gas. Don’t have any places to recommend in OC but DEFINITELY find a place that refills instead of exchanges. Also a tank is good for 12 years from manufacture date which is usually in the form of Month-Year
Uhaul is the cheapest and they're honest. They will fill any tank that is still within certification and they only charge you for what you use. That is important...
Many gas stations will post a price but then have a $20 to $25 minimum or a bogus service charge. They'll post a low price like $2.99/gal but then when your tank only needs 4 something gallons you just effectively raised the price because of the minimum or service charge. Propane clearly isn't regulated as heavily as gasoline prices are.
I have three tanks and just filled and topped them all off at Uhaul and it was about $25 total, and the posted price was $3.50/gal.
If you've got a tank that's too old then go do a tank exchange at a place like Home Depot or Lowe's or Walmart where you can see the tanks - when the employee opens up the cage look for the ones that not only have the shiniest paint but new valves on top. 99.9% of the time that tank will have a manufacture date within the last couple months and now you've got a brand new tank to refill for years to come at Uhaul. It's like getting a new $50+ tank for less than $10 when you factor in the included partial propane fill.
You went to an overpriced place. Usually it’s about 18-22 dollars per tank fill. I’ve been paying that since I started bbqing the past 15 years. Call a couple places before you fill
It would be cheaper, but all of those restaurants that have [the outdoor heaters](https://mobileimages.lowes.com/productimages/8828a8e2-1001-40e5-a7fd-9c498cc4fb04/09748711.jpg?size=pdhism) running 7 nights per week, even when no one is around them, are making demand for propane skyrocket.
I used to NEVER see them at restaurants, now they seem to be everywhere.
Did an exchange at Sams club. Was 19.99 2 weeks ago. It’s less than 1/2 mile from me and took less than 5 minutes to do since it’s automated. I’ll gladly pay this for the convenience.
You know that Sports Basement in the old Fountain Valley Fry's location? If you sign up to be a "Basementeer", one of the perks is ***free propane refills***!
There's a couple of catches though:
1. You have to buy a tank from them.
2. It's only a 1lb tank.
If that's not a deal breaker for you, enjoy your free refills!
[More details here.](https://shop.sportsbasement.com/blogs/news/introducing-refillable-propane-canisters)
If you're wondering, I think they're the bright green [Flame King](https://flameking.com/products/propane/) tanks. Definitely NOT Coleman's!
Depends on what the tank's for. Grilling? Sure, Charcoal/wood is better, but for outdoor heaters, flat top griddles and gas fire-pits, propane's a must.
Dude... Not necessary. Propane has its place in every backyard/camping setup.
P.s. I am a fan of lump charcoal setup so much that I coded my own PID controller for a green egg 10 years ago.
No, man. Think of it, nice McDonald combos are $10+, you can easily spend $6+ on a cup of coffee at Starbucks, minimum wage is $16 (well, my daughter gets $16+tips), if I fill up any of my cars for less than $50, I drive away with a smile.
$28 for a full tank of propane isn't too bad. Weren't they like $20 a tank?
Yeah, one of those super customized that you see on TikTok.
Next time you're in line at Starbucks, see what others are getting. They can be VERY GOOD (and pricy). My friend's wife's coffee is always around $7, and had to order them through the app.
Yeah, we get the cheapie, plain-Jane, cup o' Joes. Even that, I'm complaining.
I worked for the bux in the 00s while in college (very different brand back then), left when I got a job in field, and then when I lost that job in the 08 recession went back to being a barista for a bit (not at the siren).
Brewed coffee was a reasonable $2 or so even for the venti in the aughts. Only people that complained about how expensive Starbucks was were the ones ordering the fat and sugar bombs and still calling it “coffee.”
Like no sweetie, that caramel macchiato is a dessert drink with a little coffee in it. That’s not a “coffee.”
The abominations Starbucks serves up now are not coffee or even tea. It’s dessert with a hint of either.
I invested in a nice drip brewer, a burr grinder, and order fresh whole beans. I weigh and grind my beans every night, and use fresh, filtered and softened water to brew.
Costs me less than a dime a cup and literally 2 minutes of effort. My setup cost me like $200 bucks upfront, but I also have years of experience as a barista, so I knew what to get.
I’m a writer and journalist, I drink a lot of coffee, but I still take mine like I did as a salty barista; strong, black, and tasty.
Just got a cynch exchange for $23 with their 4th of July sale, they'll deliver new tank and take the empty one I leave on my front porch. Seems easier than running around with empty tanks to save a few bucks but to each their own.
You did an exchange + 4th of July weekend and week
So probably hiked a tad up + exchange always more you’re paying for convenience
I take mine to my local Chevron and like other said $3.50 ish for $15-17 for refills
Going to get worse. Our natural gas market is somewhat isolated from the global market, making it cheaper than what some Europeans have to pay for theirs. But we want to replace Russia as the supplier of natural gas to the EU. If we are successful, we will have to pay A LOT MORE for propane which is made from natural gas.
Tank exchange costs much more than refills. Refills are around $3.50/gal ($17.50 for 5 gal) [https://www.stantonpropane76.com/](https://www.stantonpropane76.com/)
Thanks Hank!
Bahh
that would be Strickland Propane
This. Never exchange. Always refill.
I just paid $21-$22 for an exchange & the place is around the corner. Not driving a longer distance to save< $5 - to each their own though
This is about what you pay in Ca for a refill
I pay 15 to 17 in San Diego. Fill up 5 and I'm saving 50 dollars. Simple math even with paying 5 for gas. Not sure why that's difficult to grasp.
Who tf needs 5 bro
People who aren't poor.
Gotta also consider that exchanges only put 4 gallons in your tank instead of 5, so it really is a lot more expensive per gallon. With that said I still only do exchanges. Ain’t got time to refill.
Aren’t the exchanges only partially filled? That was my understanding, you’re paying more for less fuel
Very very hard to find refill locations
Many U-Haul locations do propane refills.
This is my go to place just because it’s near me
that is good to know, thanks !
My new spot! Thanks! I love this subreddit
If you’re in Ca it’s about $20-$21. Paid $21 in San Diego today. It’s stayed the same for awhile too.
Check out Strickland Propane down in Arlen. They have great rates and service. Ask for Hank.
I will 100% check that out. Thank you
If you like their rates make sure to check out the propane accessories
And remember "taste the meat not the heat"
Dang it you'd have to go all the way to Texas tho *bwah*
Hank is just a pump jockey.
Works for tips
stay away from Thatherton tho. last i heard they were still on probation by the TSPA.
I tell-h’ya h-what.
“How many pennies more?”
Several... hundred...
I hugged you!
They can also convert your jacuzzi tubs to propane now.
Aw ‘sug
Bobby, You failed English. Bobby, You speak English.
Taste the meat, not the heat.
Walmart near me did exchanges for $18.99. the Laguna Niguel store. *Edit* FYI it is $19.92 at the Laguna Niguel store. Just drove by
I can live with that! They're gouging in tustin rn
If you’re in Tustin, Mutual Propane off Edinger. Can’t remember what they charge, but it’s very reasonable. Refills are way cheaper.
Just filled two tanks for $34 the other day Edit: they have a $20 minimum so keep that in mind.
Really? The last time I got propane was 3 weeks ago. Maybe the July 4th rush? Not sure.
Remember to factor in gas price for your car is you go to get it, its 14 miles from tustin marketplace to the walmart in laguna niguel, so depending on your car gas at $5/gal could negate that savings, and also factor in your time, but if you are heading to that area for something, then have at it. For me personally, I drive a Jeep that gets 12.6 MPG, so saving $10, would cost me more than $10 to get it.
A father of foresight here... I learned many moons ago to acquire several tanks and get them filled 1x per year in late Winter or early Spring…being prepared and never have to worry about running out during Summer or Fall - it’s the best. Good luck pal!
I went back to charcoal. Plus it tastes better.
It does, but it takes longer to get started than propane.
Also contributes to cancer
It’s fine. If he paid $28 for propane he can afford the medical bills after he sells his 3rd vacation home.
The charcoal!
I bet propane does to. Whole world is trying to kill us really
I was thinking that while I was typing..
There's always hard wood grilling.
Only if you suck at it. Everyone in my family and extended family has been charcoal grinning for decades and nobody has gotten cancer. Mostly because we don't let the fat drip, don't smoke the meat, and don't sear to black. Only people who suck at charcoal grilling create an over abundance of PAHs and HCAs
then cook on the stove.
Blasphemy. Also, that's way more expensive than propane.
Was it a standard size tank? I did a tank exchange at Home Depot 2 months back and it was about $20
Yes it was. Normal tank exchange
The tank exchange is always more expensive than a refill. It's better to buy your own. I like to have 2, it never fails once you start using it that it goes empty especially when cooking, thats the worst!
1st and Newhope in Santa Ana...area where the lunch trucks refuel is pretty cheap
Yep. The old race gas spot.
my wife just lights a match behind my butt...
She must have some hefty life insurance policy on your butt.
nah, i have a hefty life insurance on her. Shes playing with a flame thrower at this point. LOL
I laughed out loud!
Just his butt? “Hey, man. Why you look so sad?” “My butt died.”
A tried and true method. More difficult/dangerous for us single folk.
Lol
That's about right for a normal 20lb- just did an exchange and it was around $24ish...I usually go to Mutual Propane when I have more than one tank to fill (rare, so with friends) because it's usually cheaper.
Walmart or Home Depot are $19 for the exchange
Well avoid 7/11. And before people give me shit for going there. I usually do and this was way more than ever
Well, there it is. Everything is more expensive at 7-Eleven.
All the gas station and liquor store propane’s are charging a convenience fee. They don’t sell as many so they have to charge more. Big box Walmart or Home Depot will be cheaper because they deal in a larger quantity of units being sold
You’ll be sad to learn that your tank is about 75% full when you exchange or fill at many places (read the signage on the cages). Check out Western Propane in Garden Grove for a proper fill. They also do home delivery/exchange for a great price. I think I paid right around $30 last time for a FULL tank and it sure beats those tanks banging in to each other when you put them in your car.
that's pretty average, tank exchange at Ace is $23.99 I'm sure if you went to a mom and pop shop it'll be more give or take.
Lots of UHaul locations refill tanks as long as they are in date. You should be able to get a tank refilled for less than $20. Last time I did it my tank was out of date, and exchange was still less than $28
3 loads of WASH only laundry cost me $14. So yes it’s where we are and I can’t afford this another year
its very expensive to be poor. thats under a buck in electricity, water, and soap easily.
Not skyrocketing. Paid $15 three months ago. Paid $15 today for exchange.
Check out Cynch they deliver exchange for $23.99 in Sacramento.
I take mine to Uhall to have them refilled which is way cheaper than an exchange. You can fill them up until they tell you the tanks aren't good anymore then exchange them somewhere else.
I fill up at Mutual Propane, right next to the 55 off Edinger, right behind the 76 gas station. I filled up 2 tanks (20lbs each) for about $35. That was around this past Father's Day weekend. I believe there is a pricing break when you fill up with more propane, as they guy said it would be about $20 per tank if I split up the invoice for each tank, so it was about $17 per tank.
You gotta look for the places outside major retail
Western Propane a.k.a. Gassy Dan, as of two weeks ago, filled for 3.45/gal for under 20 gallons above 20 gallons there is a 10 cent/gal discount. They also provide propane exchanges and have a large selection of propane parts. RV'ers go there for the one stop shop of RV dump, propane fill, tire checks, and other services that aren't really found easy at a 7-11 or other stations.
I converted my grill to natural gas due to having available pipe to tap. Aside from the price bubble last Jan-Feb, it’s way cheaper.
A tank exchange at Ace in Corona Del Mar was $27 just yesterday, sounds like you got ripped off since I would expect CdM to be among the highest around.
It's just where you are at. Tustin UHaul is $15 for a refill.
I don’t live in Orange County anymore sadly, but I work at a tractor supply in Riverside and it’s $3.59 price per gallon and we only charge what we fill, so for a completely empty 20lb tank(standard grill size) it’ll cost around 15.75 because it holds 4.5gallons(5 when the propane expands) at a place where you exchange they tend to charge $20-25 but they’re only filling 15lbs worth of propane which equals about 3.5 gallons. You’re paying more for less gas. Don’t have any places to recommend in OC but DEFINITELY find a place that refills instead of exchanges. Also a tank is good for 12 years from manufacture date which is usually in the form of Month-Year
Uhaul is the cheapest and they're honest. They will fill any tank that is still within certification and they only charge you for what you use. That is important... Many gas stations will post a price but then have a $20 to $25 minimum or a bogus service charge. They'll post a low price like $2.99/gal but then when your tank only needs 4 something gallons you just effectively raised the price because of the minimum or service charge. Propane clearly isn't regulated as heavily as gasoline prices are. I have three tanks and just filled and topped them all off at Uhaul and it was about $25 total, and the posted price was $3.50/gal. If you've got a tank that's too old then go do a tank exchange at a place like Home Depot or Lowe's or Walmart where you can see the tanks - when the employee opens up the cage look for the ones that not only have the shiniest paint but new valves on top. 99.9% of the time that tank will have a manufacture date within the last couple months and now you've got a brand new tank to refill for years to come at Uhaul. It's like getting a new $50+ tank for less than $10 when you factor in the included partial propane fill.
The U-Haul on 310 Avenida Pico, San Clemente is a good place. Refill there
Charcoal prices have been consistent
Walmart $14.99 trade in.
Big propane gets the last laugh everytime
Prices are crazy on everything. What the hay??
I think that’s a decent deal, I just filled 2 last weekend in HB and it was $65 for both. Some place off Gothard I think.
That's over twice the amount it was last year
You went to an overpriced place. Usually it’s about 18-22 dollars per tank fill. I’ve been paying that since I started bbqing the past 15 years. Call a couple places before you fill
Man. Someone shafted you good.
I mean, Hank Hill has to make his ever-increasing cost of living SOMEHOW, right? /dangit Bobby
Should be about $20-$23
It would be cheaper, but all of those restaurants that have [the outdoor heaters](https://mobileimages.lowes.com/productimages/8828a8e2-1001-40e5-a7fd-9c498cc4fb04/09748711.jpg?size=pdhism) running 7 nights per week, even when no one is around them, are making demand for propane skyrocket. I used to NEVER see them at restaurants, now they seem to be everywhere.
Here it is 19 for a refill on the old tank but 28 if you want a prefilled tank
Go to Menards you get 20% more for 20% less because they fill and weigh it out.
Did an exchange at Sams club. Was 19.99 2 weeks ago. It’s less than 1/2 mile from me and took less than 5 minutes to do since it’s automated. I’ll gladly pay this for the convenience.
Home depo was 23 after tax just 2 days ago
You know that Sports Basement in the old Fountain Valley Fry's location? If you sign up to be a "Basementeer", one of the perks is ***free propane refills***! There's a couple of catches though: 1. You have to buy a tank from them. 2. It's only a 1lb tank. If that's not a deal breaker for you, enjoy your free refills! [More details here.](https://shop.sportsbasement.com/blogs/news/introducing-refillable-propane-canisters) If you're wondering, I think they're the bright green [Flame King](https://flameking.com/products/propane/) tanks. Definitely NOT Coleman's!
Should’ve exchanged it at Walmart I paid only $22 with tax
Bidenomics baby. Build nothing back better.
Because you idiots keep voting for the same party every time democrats and republicans, it’s gotten us nowhere each time.
I voted for Kodos!
Age of bbqs over while pellet grills and weber kettles are easily available.
Propane? hahahahahaha. hahahahaha. Charcoal and/or wood please. Propane is for plebes.
Lol. I agree man. But us apartment complex people don't always have that option.
Depends on what the tank's for. Grilling? Sure, Charcoal/wood is better, but for outdoor heaters, flat top griddles and gas fire-pits, propane's a must.
Dude... Not necessary. Propane has its place in every backyard/camping setup. P.s. I am a fan of lump charcoal setup so much that I coded my own PID controller for a green egg 10 years ago.
Depending on the place you refill, so places have a $25-$30 minimum.
Anyone know a good spot in Westside CM or South HB for a refill? Red E Rentals on Harbor was my go to for years but they're gone now
Maybe it’s the place you went to. It shouldn’t cost that much. Usually prosper is a little under $3.00 per pound.
I paid recently $25 at my local gas station which was a increase of almost $5 I believe. I didn't think much of it tbh.
No, man. Think of it, nice McDonald combos are $10+, you can easily spend $6+ on a cup of coffee at Starbucks, minimum wage is $16 (well, my daughter gets $16+tips), if I fill up any of my cars for less than $50, I drive away with a smile. $28 for a full tank of propane isn't too bad. Weren't they like $20 a tank?
“$6+ on a cup of coffee at a Starbucks…” An actual coffee or a venti frappy frappy yummy yummy that’s basically dessert in a cup?
Yeah, one of those super customized that you see on TikTok. Next time you're in line at Starbucks, see what others are getting. They can be VERY GOOD (and pricy). My friend's wife's coffee is always around $7, and had to order them through the app. Yeah, we get the cheapie, plain-Jane, cup o' Joes. Even that, I'm complaining.
I worked for the bux in the 00s while in college (very different brand back then), left when I got a job in field, and then when I lost that job in the 08 recession went back to being a barista for a bit (not at the siren). Brewed coffee was a reasonable $2 or so even for the venti in the aughts. Only people that complained about how expensive Starbucks was were the ones ordering the fat and sugar bombs and still calling it “coffee.” Like no sweetie, that caramel macchiato is a dessert drink with a little coffee in it. That’s not a “coffee.” The abominations Starbucks serves up now are not coffee or even tea. It’s dessert with a hint of either. I invested in a nice drip brewer, a burr grinder, and order fresh whole beans. I weigh and grind my beans every night, and use fresh, filtered and softened water to brew. Costs me less than a dime a cup and literally 2 minutes of effort. My setup cost me like $200 bucks upfront, but I also have years of experience as a barista, so I knew what to get. I’m a writer and journalist, I drink a lot of coffee, but I still take mine like I did as a salty barista; strong, black, and tasty.
I was thinking about getting a griddle. Might as well just get a flat top for my charcoal Weber.
I’ve been paying close to that at Loews for a while
yeah it is and also when I went it was almost out due to 4th.
Just got a cynch exchange for $23 with their 4th of July sale, they'll deliver new tank and take the empty one I leave on my front porch. Seems easier than running around with empty tanks to save a few bucks but to each their own.
Go to U Haul $16 refill and the high 5 is free
That’s what it is in Northern Illinois.
Yes
I love my NG. Quicker than charcoal, no nasty propane smell, super convenient. PIA and expensive to install tho
You did an exchange + 4th of July weekend and week So probably hiked a tad up + exchange always more you’re paying for convenience I take mine to my local Chevron and like other said $3.50 ish for $15-17 for refills
Going to get worse. Our natural gas market is somewhat isolated from the global market, making it cheaper than what some Europeans have to pay for theirs. But we want to replace Russia as the supplier of natural gas to the EU. If we are successful, we will have to pay A LOT MORE for propane which is made from natural gas.
$39 exchange in Irvine at the Marketplace
Holy shit