Propane Gas Grill

[Pugchief]

We are heading back North for the summer/fall soon. This year, we bought a new propane gas grill which sits on a concrete pad behind our GLASSED IN lanai.

I know it is not recommended to bring a propane tank indoors, but I am concerned that if the winds get high during hurricane season, the whole grill may tip over and break the glass enclosure. I have had full size grills tip over UpNorth with less wind than what comes to TV.

Would it be best to put the whole grill in the garage? Or does it get above 120F (the alleged heat limit for the propane tank, although I assume it can actually withstand more heat before being dangerous?) in a closed garage in the summer?

What are the best and safest options here to avoid both broken glass and tank explosion?

[tophcfa]

We are heading back North for the summer/fall soon. This year, we bought a new propane gas grill which sits on a concrete pad behind our GLASSED IN lanai.

I know it is not recommended to bring a propane tank indoors, but I am concerned that if the winds get high during hurricane season, the whole grill may tip over and break the glass enclosure. I have had full size grills tip over UpNorth with less wind than what comes to TV.

Would it be best to put the whole grill in the garage? Or does it get above 120F (the alleged heat limit for the propane tank, although I assume it can actually withstand more heat before being dangerous?) in a closed garage in the summer?

What are the best and safest options here to avoid both broken glass and tank explosion?

Drill a couple holes in the concrete pad with a hammer drill and put in some anchors. Attach a ratchet strap to the grill and anchors and secure down the grill nice and snug.

[Bogie Shooter]

Release the remaining gas.
How To Empty A Propane Tank (Quickly, Easily & Safely!) | Upgradedhome.com (https://upgradedhome.com/how-to-empty-a-propane-tank/)

[Altavia]

Propane Tank Storage Safety Tips (https://www.amerigas.com/about-propane/propane-safety/tank-storage)

Storing propane tanks in a garage or detached shed is the best choice for indoor storage. These structures provide coverage from direct sunlight, while also providing a well-ventilated area for the tank in warm and cold weather.

Keep your tank on the ground, in an area that's clear of electrical tools and flammable or combustible materials.

[Pugchief]

Drill a couple holes in the concrete pad with a hammer drill and put in some anchors. Attach a ratchet strap to the grill and anchors and secure down the grill nice and snug.

This is an interesting idea worth looking into. Thanks.

[Pugchief]

Release the remaining gas.
How To Empty A Propane Tank (Quickly, Easily & Safely!) | Upgradedhome.com (https://upgradedhome.com/how-to-empty-a-propane-tank/)

Thanks, but the tank is more than 3/4 full, so that seems wasteful and expensive.

[Pugchief]

Propane Tank Storage Safety Tips (https://www.amerigas.com/about-propane/propane-safety/tank-storage)

Storing propane tanks in a garage or detached shed is the best choice for indoor storage. These structures provide coverage from direct sunlight, while also providing a well-ventilated area for the tank in warm and cold weather.

Keep your tank on the ground, in an area that's clear of electrical tools and flammable or combustible materials.

Thanks, but the same article says, "You should never store your propane tank in your living area or in any spot that's attached to your home." which would in theory disqualify an attached garage.

I guess the real question is does the inside of the garage get above 120F if the door is kept closed all summer?

[Normal]

Thanks, but the same article says, "You should never store your propane tank in your living area or in any spot that's attached to your home." which would in theory disqualify an attached garage.

I guess the real question is does the inside of the garage get above 120F if the door is kept closed all summer?

Garages can. Ours is insulated and it still gets quite warm in the summer. You are in the ballpark at 120 degrees. That would be one of the warmest days though.

[Rango]

We are heading back North for the summer/fall soon. This year, we bought a new propane gas grill which sits on a concrete pad behind our GLASSED IN lanai.

I know it is not recommended to bring a propane tank indoors, but I am concerned that if the winds get high during hurricane season, the whole grill may tip over and break the glass enclosure. I have had full size grills tip over UpNorth with less wind than what comes to TV.

Would it be best to put the whole grill in the garage? Or does it get above 120F (the alleged heat limit for the propane tank, although I assume it can actually withstand more heat before being dangerous?) in a closed garage in the summer?

What are the best and safest options here to avoid both broken glass and tank explosion?

Leave tank outside, bring grill into your lanai

[Decadeofdave]

I clean the grill well. Completely degrease all parts, remove propane tank,store grill in garage .
Put propane on shady side of the house in shade of a bush in the bed.

[Dusty_Star]

Which direction does your garage door face? I have an eastern facing (more or less) garage & it never approached 120 last summer. On the other hand I opened the door, probably daily, but briefly, usually only to move the car in & out.

[dewilson58]

Grill in garage, give your tank to a neighbor to use.

[retiredguy123]

One guy is falling from sky and meets another guy who is being propelled upward. The first guy says: Hey, do you know anything about parachutes? The other guy says: No, do you know anything about gas grills?

[Normal]

20 dollars worth of propane, whatever you do with it, I wouldn’t view it as a financial loss. Instead you could call it a purchase of a clean conscience and stress relief. Turn the grill on high for 10 minutes to clean the grates, then either drain it or give it away. Enjoy your summer with less worries.

[Stu from NYC]

we are heading back north for the summer/fall soon. This year, we bought a new propane gas grill which sits on a concrete pad behind our glassed in lanai.

I know it is not recommended to bring a propane tank indoors, but i am concerned that if the winds get high during hurricane season, the whole grill may tip over and break the glass enclosure. I have had full size grills tip over upnorth with less wind than what comes to tv.

Would it be best to put the whole grill in the garage? Or does it get above 120f (the alleged heat limit for the propane tank, although i assume it can actually withstand more heat before being dangerous?) in a closed garage in the summer?

What are the best and safest options here to avoid both broken glass and tank explosion?

bbq bbq bbq

[Dusty_Star]

Does anyone know the price of propane? I looked it up & it seems the best answer I got was $4.97 I don't know if that is right or not.

It does say this: "Propane Prices in Florida Are Generally Higher Than the National Average.
Propane prices in Florida have experienced fluctuations. Still, prices are relatively stable compared to other states and maintain above-national average prices. Since 2016 there has been only one drop in price below an average of $4.0. Currently, propane prices reside at the $4.7 mark, indicating the same start to a heating season for 2023-24 as it was a year before."

https://www.comparepropane.com/florida-propane-prices/

[Normal]

Does anyone know the price of propane? I looked it up & it seems the best answer I got was $4.97 I don't know if that is right or not.

It does say this: "Propane Prices in Florida Are Generally Higher Than the National Average.
Propane prices in Florida have experienced fluctuations. Still, prices are relatively stable compared to other states and maintain above-national average prices. Since 2016 there has been only one drop in price below an average of $4.0. Currently, propane prices reside at the $4.7 mark, indicating the same start to a heating season for 2023-24 as it was a year before."

https://www.comparepropane.com/florida-propane-prices/

It was a little over 19 dollars at Wildwood’s ACE to refill our propane gas about 3 weeks ago. I think it was about 4.3 gallons? They don’t refill to 5 gallons because of expansion.

[coffeebean]

Garages can. Ours is insulated and it still gets quite warm in the summer. You are in the ballpark at 120 degrees. That would be one of the warmest days though.

I have a wall thermometer in my garage. It never reads above low 90s in the heat of the summer. I have radiant barrier in the attic which may keep the heat down in the garage.

[Dusty_Star]

I have a wall thermometer in my garage. It never reads above low 90s in the heat of the summer. I have radiant barrier in the attic which may keep the heat down in the garage.

Mine is similar. I too put a wall thermometer up & it usually read in the high 80s at the hottest days of summer last year. That's why I asked about orientation, southern or western garages might get hotter.

[Dusty_Star]

It was a little over 19 dollars at Wildwood’s ACE to refill our propane gas about 3 weeks ago. I think it was about 4.3 gallons? They don’t refill to 5 gallons because of expansion.

Aren't they usually 20 gallon tanks?

[Normal]

Aren't they usually 20 gallon tanks?

Respectfully, 20 pound, not 20 gallon. A 20 gallon tank wouldn’t fit on most grills. In addition it would weigh 80-90 pounds full including the weight of the container. Most grills such as a Webber have a 5 gallon tank.

[MrChip72]

Long term, the easiest solution is to get a natural gas line run to your grill from your house. Any propane grill can be converted to run natural gas fairly easily. When you're heading back up north just use the quick disconnect and move your grill into the garage.

[Topspinmo]

Grill propane tanks are filled and stored outside till you buy them, why would them need special attention? Just bindi cord you grill to something like tree/ palm. Mine sets out away from house it has never blown over. IMO don’t want it in my garage or up beside my house.

[Topspinmo]

Does anyone know the price of propane? I looked it up & it seems the best answer I got was $4.97 I don't know if that is right or not.

It does say this: "Propane Prices in Florida Are Generally Higher Than the National Average.
Propane prices in Florida have experienced fluctuations. Still, prices are relatively stable compared to other states and maintain above-national average prices. Since 2016 there has been only one drop in price below an average of $4.0. Currently, propane prices reside at the $4.7 mark, indicating the same start to a heating season for 2023-24 as it was a year before."

https://www.comparepropane.com/florida-propane-prices/

Haven’t you noticed everything higher in Florida :shrug:

[Dilligas]

Thanks, but the tank is more than 3/4 full, so that seems wasteful and expensive.
You can replace the tank at Walmart for under $25 with a full tank upon your return

[huge-pigeons]

Got rid of propane gas grills a dozen years ago. Have seen too many propane gas grill fires that start the house on fire. I went with pellet grill, wood flavor pellets, can also smoke the meat. The grill is 140 lbs, not going anywhere unless a direct hit. I buy a bag of pellets online or from Lowe’s. No need the shlep a heavy awkward propane tank around to get refilled

[Barbgf]

I would give the propane to a neighbor, screw the grill to a concrete pad, and cover the grill. No way would I put the propane in our garage.

[Lyarham]

We are heading back North for the summer/fall soon. This year, we bought a new propane gas grill which sits on a concrete pad behind our GLASSED IN lanai.

I know it is not recommended to bring a propane tank indoors, but I am concerned that if the winds get high during hurricane season, the whole grill may tip over and break the glass enclosure. I have had full size grills tip over UpNorth with less wind than what comes to TV.

Would it be best to put the whole grill in the garage? Or does it get above 120F (the alleged heat limit for the propane tank, although I assume it can actually withstand more heat before being dangerous?) in a closed garage in the summer?

What are the best and safest options here to avoid both broken glass and tank explosion?

I put the grill in the garage but leave the tank in a safe corner on the front porch

[Josephjmarchese]

Thanks, but the tank is more than 3/4 full, so that seems wasteful and expensive.

Take the tank off. Store the grill inside and the tank in a shady corner in the back of your home. It will be ok. Remember even though you’re going home people are still using grills and tanks outdoors. Grill inside, tank outside

[Dnash]

Remove the tank and store it outside.

[TomPerry]

Our patio faces north/northeast. Keep our grill on patio near the house. 24/7/365 for eight years! We have had several hurricanes and never had an issue. I think the fear about gas grills is way overblown, no pun intended.

[bowlingal]

lend your 3/4 full tank to a neighbor for the summer to use. Get it back in the fall when you come home

[jarodrig]

The suggestion to empty the tank by placing it on its side and opening the valve is a bit flawed for 2 reasons.

1. The valve itself has a spring loaded “seal” that is activated when screwing in the regulator hose. So, nothing is going to come out of the tank without that spring loaded seal is depressed .

2. These tanks have a safety valve inside which is part of the valve . I can describe it as sort of a “float” shut off.

When tipping the tank on its side , that safety “float” shuts off the flow and prevents the fuel from coming out of the valve .

[Professor]

We are heading back North for the summer/fall soon. This year, we bought a new propane gas grill which sits on a concrete pad behind our GLASSED IN lanai.

I know it is not recommended to bring a propane tank indoors, but I am concerned that if the winds get high during hurricane season, the whole grill may tip over and break the glass enclosure. I have had full size grills tip over UpNorth with less wind than what comes to TV.

Would it be best to put the whole grill in the garage? Or does it get above 120F (the alleged heat limit for the propane tank, although I assume it can actually withstand more heat before being dangerous?) in a closed garage in the summer?

What are the best and safest options here to avoid both broken glass and tank explosion?

For 15 years I have left the grill and propane tank in the garage every summer without incident. Garages here don't seal that well so I never worried.

[Teemotay]

Grill in garage, give your tank to a neighbor to use.

100% correct answer!

[xcaligirl]

Thanks, but the tank is more than 3/4 full, so that seems wasteful and expensive.
Think of it as cheaper than it exploding and causing your house to go up in flames. I'm thinking it would not be expensive at all or let the 'block party' begin to starting grilling up some favorites to burn the gas. (that would be more expensive too). Have a safe trip back home!!!

[Nell57]

Well, this has been an interesting conversation.
I never thought to ask this question. I’ve lived here 15 years. When I went north in the summer I just left the tank attached to the grill on my lanai, and an extra tank in the garage. Never a problem.

I’m not saying that it’s the thing to do. I’m just suggesting that people wiser than me have suggested many good options.

[Sparky99]

Well, this has been an interesting conversation.
I never thought to ask this question. I’ve lived here 15 years. When I went north in the summer I just left the tank attached to the grill on my lanai, and an extra tank in the garage. Never a problem.

I’m not saying that it’s the thing to do. I’m just suggesting that people wiser than me have suggested many good options.

Same here:

"When I went north in the summer I just left the tank attached to the grill on my lanai, and an extra tank in the garage. Never a problem."

[Dusty_Star]

Respectfully, 20 pound, not 20 gallon. A 20 gallon tank wouldn’t fit on most grills. In addition it would weigh 80-90 pounds full including the weight of the container. Most grills such as a Webber have a 5 gallon tank.

Thanks!

[RRGuyNJ]

We store multiple tanks in both an attached and detached garage in Eastern NC. It gets just as hot here as there and have never had a problem. Check for leaks with soapy water if want to be sure. You need a grill from BQ Grills in Elm City, NC. If our grill blows over we have more to worry about than where to store an LP Tank.:MOJE_whot: Safe travels!

[virtue51]

Storing propane tank in garage is not recommended -- check with Fire Department on this issue.
-- all kinds of opinions on the thread

Or, as a number of people have said -- give the tank to your neighbor

[ScopeMan]

We are heading back North for the summer/fall soon. This year, we bought a new propane gas grill which sits on a concrete pad behind our GLASSED IN lanai.

I know it is not recommended to bring a propane tank indoors, but I am concerned that if the winds get high during hurricane season, the whole grill may tip over and break the glass enclosure. I have had full size grills tip over UpNorth with less wind than what comes to TV.

Would it be best to put the whole grill in the garage? Or does it get above 120F (the alleged heat limit for the propane tank, although I assume it can actually withstand more heat before being dangerous?) in a closed garage in the summer?

What are the best and safest options here to avoid both broken glass and tank explosion?

Move the grill to the interior corner of the lanai.
Turn off tank valve and cover the grill.

[Maddog7]

Get a grillin’ or give to your favorite neighbor. Good chance they will return the favor on your return trip

[CoachKandSportsguy]

Storage outside the risk of a fire / explosion is low, as there should not be an ignition source anywhere near the tank if it leaks

Propane tanks in garages works until it doesn't due the enclosed nature of the garage and potential electrical ignition sources

Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

I leave ours up north on the shady side of the house, outside.
But there are many propane tanks outside in the sun all season long in FL

good luck

[Annie66]

I dug a hole about 2-2.5 feet deep. Installed a 4"x4" post. Threw concrete into the hole and watered it. Then simply strapped the BBQ grill to the post when I was concerned it would depart the pattern. It was an easy fix. Took about an hour to accomplish.

[Dusty_Star]

I dug a hole about 2-2.5 feet deep. Installed a 4"x4" post. Threw concrete into the hole and watered it. Then simply strapped the BBQ grill to the post when I was concerned it would depart the pattern. It was an easy fix. Took about an hour to accomplish.

You did this at your Villages home? Thanks!

[jimmy o]

We are heading back North for the summer/fall soon. This year, we bought a new propane gas grill which sits on a concrete pad behind our GLASSED IN lanai.

I know it is not recommended to bring a propane tank indoors, but I am concerned that if the winds get high during hurricane season, the whole grill may tip over and break the glass enclosure. I have had full size grills tip over UpNorth with less wind than what comes to TV.

Would it be best to put the whole grill in the garage? Or does it get above 120F (the alleged heat limit for the propane tank, although I assume it can actually withstand more heat before being dangerous?) in a closed garage in the summer?

What are the best and safest options here to avoid both broken glass and tank explosion?
You go not have to worry about storing propane tank in garage or lanai or anywhere else. I don’t know what people are talking about this 120 degree stuff, but for propane to ignite without ignition source the temp would need to be about one thousand degrees. Gasoline is way more dangerous and that ignition point is about 500. Are you worried about leaving you far in the garage? Of course not, stop worrying about nothing.

[jarodrig]

You go not have to worry about storing propane tank in garage or lanai or anywhere else. I don’t know what people are talking about this 120 degree stuff, but for propane to ignite without ignition source the temp would need to be about one thousand degrees. Gasoline is way more dangerous and that ignition point is about 500. Are you worried about leaving you far in the garage? Of course not, stop worrying about nothing.

It’s not the temperature that causes the problem .

The issue of storing the tank in the garage is the possibility of the tank developing a leak and filling the garage with the propane gas . Any spark source can set it off . Something as simple as a light switch….

Give your homeowner’s insurance agent a call and ask him if you would be covered if you had an incident caused by a propane tank stored in your enclosed garage.

Talk to any professional who deals with hazardous materials.

So no, it’s not “worrying about nothing” …. It’s called using common sense .

You’ll hear the comments , “I do it all the time and have had no problems “

It’s never a problem until there is a problem.

Not trying to convince you about anything and we all know that you’ll do whatever you want ! ;)

[ton80]

You go not have to worry about storing propane tank in garage or lanai or anywhere else. I don’t know what people are talking about this 120 degree stuff, but for propane to ignite without ignition source the temp would need to be about one thousand degrees. Gasoline is way more dangerous and that ignition point is about 500. Are you worried about leaving you far in the garage? Of course not, stop worrying about nothing.

This post is wrong on many points. I will try to state what the issues and concerns are for storing combustible material.

1. Never store material that can create explosive mixtures in enclosed spaces. Propane tanks can leak and have pressure relief valves that relieve when the internal pressure reaches the pressure relief valve setting. Without researching tank designs for transport companies, 120F propane will have a vapor pressure of about 250 psig which I believe is a typical setpoint for the Propane tank. So this makes sense from a tank design standpoint.

2. The temperatures you quoted of autoignition temperatures without a source of ignition of 1000F for propane and 500F for gasoline are directionally correct for autoignition. However it is totally misleading in that all garages have potential sources of ignition besides open flame. Light switches, and garage door openers are examples of sources of ignition in past explosions. Autoignition is not the issue since the place is already on fire.

3. The key property to worry about is flashpoint temperature. Flashpoint T for gasoline is ~45F while propane is -150F. So both propane and gasoline fumes can form explosive mixtures in enclosed spaces and should be avoided. Ideally, store both portable gasoline containers and propane tanks outside in a shaded well ventilated situation. Your car is a different story. You want to store it in your garage. Pay attention to any spills or leaks and ventilate if necessary. It is a much smaller risk in my estimation. The potential for gasoline leaks is smaller and the amount leaked should be less. It is an accepted practice by Fire Officials and Insurance Companies.

[Altavia]

It’s not the temperature that causes the problem .

The issue of storing the tank in the garage is the possibility of the tank developing a leak and filling the garage with the propane gas . Any spark source can set it off . Something as simple as a light switch….

Give your homeowner’s insurance agent a call and ask him if you would be covered if you had an incident caused by a propane tank stored in your enclosed garage.

Talk to any professional who deals with hazardous materials.

So no, it’s not “worrying about nothing” …. It’s called using common sense .

You’ll hear the comments , “I do it all the time and have had no problems “

It’s never a problem until there is a problem.

Not trying to convince you about anything and we all know that you’ll do whatever you want ! ;)

Everything has risks. Our garages are not sealed and have significant air exchange around the doors so a leaky propane tank filling a garage here is highly unlikely.

However if you have CCST gas line in your attic there is risk of a nearby lightening strike punching a hole through the tubing an starting a gas leak and resulting an undetectd fire in the attic. The VIllages averages two lightening induced home fires a year the Villages.

Experts Say Flexible Gas Line Lightning-Related Fires Continue in Spite of New Safety Measures – NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/experts-say-flexible-gas-line-lightning-related-fires-continue-in-spite-of-new-safety-measures/188585/)

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/corrugated-stainless-steel-tubing-attics-fire-safety-121781/index6.html