Propane refill vs. tank exchange: what's the difference?

When you refill, a trained operator adds propane to your existing eligible cylinder. With an exchange, you turn in a cylinder and receive another prefilled cylinder.

Why the amount matters

A typical 20-pound grill cylinder can hold about 20 pounds of propane when properly filled. Some exchanges contain 15 pounds. Check the actual net weight.

Which costs less?

Compare the cost per pound of propane, not just the advertised total. Propane weighs roughly 4.2 pounds per gallon, varying with temperature and density.

Example: four gallons at $4 per gallon costs $16 and represents roughly 16.8 pounds of propane.

When exchange makes sense

Exchange may be more convenient if a refill attendant is unavailable or your cylinder is damaged, expired or ineligible. Exchange providers have acceptance rules too.

Only appropriately qualified and authorized personnel should fill propane cylinders.