How to Tell if a Propane Grill Tank Is Low

Signs your propane tank is low

If you’re questioning whether or not your propane grill tank is running low, here is a quick list of the most common, non-technical indicators that it’s about time for another tank.

A Weak Flame

The Hot Water Technique

The Tank Feels Lighter

A Weak Flame

The tell-tale symptom of a grill tank that is low on propane will be a weak or sputtering flame. This may cause your grill to not get as hot as it normally would. If you notice the flame isn’t steady, or hear a sputtering noise when the system kicks on, that’s a good sign your propane tank is low.

The Hot Water Technique

The propane, or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), inside of your propane tank is a much colder temperature than air. When you pour hot water down the side of the tank, it will make the empty part of the tank warmer, whereas the level of the tank with propane will remain cooler to the touch. While this method isn’t as accurate as using a gauge, you should be able to get a good idea of how much propane you have left!

The Tank Feels Lighter

If you’re a regular propane user, you may be able to notice a significant difference between the weight of a fresh tank versus how much a used propane tank weighs. Check out our propane tank weight chart to see the difference:

Propane Tank Size	Weight of Propane Cylinder without Propane	Weight of Cylinder with Propane	Tank Height
Grill Tank	~17 lb	~32 lb	17.75 in

How long do Grill Tanks
(aka 20 lb propane tanks) last?

The time it takes to burn through the propane in a 20 lb grill tank (filled with 15 lb of propane) depends on various factors, such as:

Temperature and size of your grill
Energy requirement of the appliance
Demand on the tank (i.e., colder weather, higher settings, length and frequency of use, etc)

For a standard mid-sized grill, a 20 lb propane tank typically lasts about 15 cooking hours on average.

How long do Grill Tanks (aka 20 lb propane tanks) last?

What to do with used grill tanks?

Whether your tank is running low on propane, or you’re concerned about its age and condition, Cynch has you covered. We deliver propane right to your door — on your schedule — so you don’t have to worry about running low when you need it most.

We’ll exchange your used tank for a fresh one, regardless of its current condition or brand! If you do not have a propane grill tank already on hand, we offer spare tanks you can order with no exchange required.

PRO TIP: We HIGHLY recommend having a spare tank on hand so you’re always ready to fire up the grill. Plus, replacing your old tank with the spare is a great reminder to schedule your next Cynch order!

Learn exactly how Cynch home delivery works.

How It Works