Say goodbye to the hassle and uncertainty of choosing the right propane cylinders for your home or outdoor activities. The 20 and 30 lbs are both popular choices, but which is best for your needs? That’s what we’re here to explore!
You’ll learn the key differences between the two, including size, capacity, duration, cost, and more. By the end of this 20lb vs 30lb propane tank comparison, you’ll know exactly which propane tank is right for you.
20 lbs propane tank
Starting with the 20lbs propane tank, according to Upgraded Home, the weight of a propane tank of this size is typically smaller and lighter than its 30lb counterpart. It weighs about 17 pounds when empty and 37 pounds when full, with a capacity of 4.5 to a gallon that can power a wall or hot water heater for 14 hours straight.
A 20 lbs propane tank is often called a grill cylinder in a cylindrical shape like other propane tanks with a carry handle. It is preferred for outdoor cooking and grilling, camping and a small heater. Its portability and manageable size make it easy to carry, store and handle, making it ideal for those who want to take it with them on the go.
- Pros: compact and easy to handle
- Cons: Has a smaller capacity and may not last long for frequent use
30 lbs propane tank
On the other hand, the 30-pound propane tank weighs about 25 pounds when empty and 55 pounds when full, with a capacity of 7 gallons of propane. This propane tank is larger in size and weight, making it less portable than the 20 lbs tank. Like the 20lbs propane tank, the 30lbs also requires an overfill prevention device or OPD valves to avoid overfilling.
The increased 30lb tank size allows it to store more propane, making it a good option for those using propane for a stove, dryer, refrigerator on RV trailers, or those with larger home heating needs or outdoor cooking. The larger size of the tank also makes it more difficult to handle and transport, but it can be a good choice for those who don’t need to move the tank often.
- Pros: Offers greater capacity and less frequent refills
- Cons: Heavier and propane filling stations can be hard to find
To help you choose between the two, I quoted this online forum from users who said that having a single 30lbs tank requires filling it before it runs out, resulting in wasted gas and less value for money -price. This also means risking half-cooked meat as you have to run and refill the tank. And take care it’s harder to find spares for 30lb tanks than 20lb tanks.
This is why other users have suggested just getting two 20lb tanks to swap when one runs out before filling the empty one and storing them again for the next use.
20lb vs 30lb Propane Tank (Size, Duration, Cost)
20lbs vs 30lbs Propane Tank Size Comparison
The 20lb propane tank measures approximately 18 inches in height and 12.5 inches in diameter, making it the smallest option. On the other hand, a 30 lbs propane tank measures about 24 inches, six inches taller than the 20 lbs propane tank, but has the same diameter size.
1. Duration
The life of a 20- or 30-pound propane tank depends largely on how much propane is used and how often. 20lb propane tanks typically have a British Thermal Unit (BTU) capacity of 430,270, while a 30lb propane tank has a 649,980 BTU capacity.
On average, a 20-pound propane tank can last 18 to 20 hours of continuous use on an average-sized gas grill. Approximate burn time for a 30 pound tank is about 22 hours if connected to trailer tongue or 1 to 2 weeks of daily cooking. This can vary depending on factors such as the size of the powered appliance and weather conditions. Note that these are rough estimates and actual usage may vary.
2. Cost
Prices change over the years due to rising propane prices. Most propane tanks have a price per gallon that ranges from $2 to $6, and obviously 20lb propane tanks will cost a little money compared to 30lb tanks. Depending on the brand, retailer, and location, you’ll pay $20 or more for each 20-lb propane tank refill. Take a look at the refill cost chart for 20lb propane tanks manufactured by Learn Metrics.
How to safely fill your propane tank
Before filling your empty propane tanks, check for these three things: a triangular valve at the top, damage, and the printed date.
The valve is used to open the tank. If you see the triangular shape or OPD valve letter print, it’s OK to fill the tank. If the valve is not triangular, do not fill the tank as it is unsafe. It is also dangerous to refill or use damaged propane tanks, and finally, LP tanks with a printed date over 12 years old must be recertified every 5 years. Make sure you recertify it before refilling it.
If you’ve verified that everything is good, you can proceed with refilling your propane tanks with these steps provided by wikiHow.
Step 1: Weigh the tank.
To get an accurate reading of the full weight of the propane tank, make sure the scale is reset to zero before placing the empty tank on it. The tank weight should be the exact same weight as the tare weight. If there is a difference in number, it just means your tank has propane left.
Step 2: Connect the tanks with a connector hose.
Make sure the hose has propane fittings on both ends and is long enough to reach both tanks. To connect the hose, screw it onto the port on the empty tank and tighten it with a wrench to prevent leaks. Then connect the other end to the port on the power tank.
Step 3: Open two valves.
First, turn the valve on the empty tank to the left (counter-clockwise) so that the propane can enter. Then, do the same with the valve on the full tank. When you hear a hissing sound, it means both valves are open and propane is moving through the hose.
Step 4: Fill the tank with cold water.
Do this using a garden hose. This ensures that the propane can transfer between the tanks and is at different temperatures. Start by turning on the hose at low flow and holding the nozzle above the tank. Let the water run down the sides and cool the tank as you fill it.
Step 5: Close the valve.
Remember to only fill your propane tank to a maximum of 80% capacity. Once the tank weighs the correct amount, turn both tank valves to the right to close them.
Step 6: Open the bleed valve.
To open the bleed valve, use a screwdriver to turn the screw counterclockwise. This is to make sure the tank is not full. Allow the liquid to flow until only gas or vapor is released. Then rotate screw clockwise to close the valve. Remember to wear protective gloves when doing this.
You should be safe when you follow these steps. However, filling with bulk propane is no longer the way to fill propane tanks at your local gas station in Canada and the United States, as safety organizations are working to ban such stations. Instead, people use the trade-in program where you can exchange empty tanks at local stores and Walmarts for a new full tank.
This means they bring their empty tank to a specific propane yard where it is checked, tested and refilled. This change is due to safety concerns, such as accidents at gas stations where people fill up their propane tanks. These accidents occurred due to the loss of too much propane vapor, lack of proper customer inspection, faulty information, and lack of user discretion.
Frequent questions
Q1: How do I know the weight of my tank when empty?
Look on the tank collar for the combination of numbers and letters for the weight of the propane tank. It usually looks like this: WC – xx LB TW – xx LB
WC – xx LB TW. xx is the water capacity that the tank can hold.
TW – xx LB. xx is the number indicating the size of the propane tanks without the propane loads.
Note that the TW (Tare Weight) number is only 80% of the propane tank capacity to allow for expansion at high temperatures. Overfilling propane tanks can lead to leaks and explosions.
Q2: Can I use 20lbs and 30lbs propane tanks interchangeably?
Yes. Regardless of tank size, the propane fuel in the tank has the same properties. They usually come with the same valve and both can accept the connector on the hose connected to your grill.
Q3: How do I know how much propane is left in my tank without a pressure gauge?
You can weigh the tank on a scale to estimate how much propane is left. Find the tare weight of the tank (empty weight) and subtract it from the total weight of the tank. The answer is the propane left in the tank. But you can also use the hot water method.
When you pour hot water down the side of your propane tank and you feel a cool spot, the top of that spot shows how much propane is left. According to CNET, this happens because the liquid propane inside the tank picks up heat from the hot water, causing the metal wall to feel cold where the propane is and warm where it isn’t. Watch this Youtube video below for your guide.
Conclusion
To summarize, the 20 lb propane tank vs. 30 lb is personal; the right choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. In addition to the factors discussed, it is also important to consider the frequency of your use and the availability of propane supplies in your area. We hope this guide will provide the information you need to enjoy the benefits of a reliable propane fuel source for all your outdoor and indoor activities.
