[Altavia]

Originally Posted by bilclif

Go to Walmart. Pick out one of their newer tanks out of the exchange cage because you are going to keep it, they don't care. When you need a refill take it to Ace Wildwood or Ace Sothern Trace and have them fill it. They don't know or care that it is an exchange tank as it is exactly the same as the one you would buy at lowes. This is the best value because when you exchange a tank you do not get credit for the residual you left in the tank and as mentioned above exchange tanks are not full. I am in the business.

This is the way to go.

[ton80]

Originally Posted by Windguy

I ran the numbers about a decade ago. Exchange tanks were filled to just 15# and cost about 25% more than a refill. That would make it 1.25/(15/20)=1.66 times as expensive to replace than to refill. And, that assumes you completely emptied your old tank. If the OP was trying to save money by asking what would be the cheapest, then refilling is the way to go.

I’ve wondered if they put only 15# in the exchange tanks was because 20# might be too heavy for some folks. But, it might just be so exchanging didn’t seem so expensive.

I have two tanks so I don’t have to be worried about running out and refill them at the Wildwood Ace.

As I stated in post #16, LPG tanks can not be filled more than 80% for safety reasons. The math works out to about a little less than 17 lbs net LPG. The 15 lbs was an illegal collusion by Amerigas and Blue Rhino to fix prices.

I agree that going to a refiller is typically a little cheaper especially if you are refilling an LPG tank with some remaining LPG. Your 1.25 factor may be in the right range but it will vary with the LPG market. The 15/20 factor assumes that the tank can be filled completely and this is not correct. Consequently, the claim that it is 1.66 times as expensive to replace than to refill. is wrong.

[Bruceg0028]

Originally Posted by GpaVader

We recently bought a Pizza Oven for the patio. It uses a 20 gallon LP Tank, but didn't come with one. Looking at BJ's they want $50 for a new empty tank. Questions are:

1) If I buy this where around here can I get them filled?
2) Am I better off just going to an exchange and getting one there and paying the deposit on it?

Thanks

I found the best price for a new tank filled was Sam’s Club. It’s a self serve kiosk outside the store. Everyone I checked with at the time was $70+ for a filled new tank without exchange. Sam’s was about $50.

If you just need the tanked filled ACE is the place. However the tank exchanges are very convenient.

[Greg L]

We have an Ooni koda. Let’s get together and make some pizza

[Old Bob]

Originally Posted by Ecuadog

For refills, I like the ACE hardware store in Wildwood. They will top off a tank that's not empty yet and charge accordingly. Good if you suspect you're running out and have big cook coming.

Wildwood ACE hardware store... click here

There is an Ace Hardware i Southern Trace Plaza on 466, that refills them also.

[jimorus]

Originally Posted by Altavia

This is the way to go.

After Ace tells you it needs to be inspected exchange it instead and start the process again. Last I looked it was less expensive for the loss of 5 pounds of propane in the exchange than to get the tank inspected and recertified

[Altavia]

Another option is to install a natural gas line to your grill and convert the grill from LP to NG.

I think this was about a $250 add on for a new home.

[Lea N]

Originally Posted by GpaVader

We recently bought a Pizza Oven for the patio. It uses a 20 pound LP Tank, but didn't come with one. Looking at BJ's they want $50 for a new empty tank. Questions are:

1) If I buy this where around here can I get them filled?
2) Am I better off just going to an exchange and getting one there and paying the deposit on it?

Thanks

Try calling Recreation Plantation RV Resort at 352-753-7222 or The Blue Parrot RV Resort at 352-753-7222. I'm not sure if they'll do it or not but they might. They refill propane tanks. Check and make sure they'll do it if you aren't staying there.

[kkingston57]

Not quite on subject, but can not believe that LP gas price has not changed in a long time. Even if the LP gas cost is the same. other costs of the supplier/retailer have gone up.

Best exchange price around here is Sams. U Haul and other companies who re fill the tanks are less but not as convenient.

[kkingston57]

Originally Posted by thevillages2013

Most Ace Hardware stores refill but not the Ace on 441 at Avenida Central. I went over there on a Sunday ( because the Ace on Wedgewood is closed) ASSUMING they filled LP tanks and left very disappointed!

Bet that they want to but landlord may not allow. Most Ace stores are in free standing buildings

[EdFNJ]

Originally Posted by Altavia

Another option is to install a natural gas line to your grill and convert the grill from LP to NG.

I think this was about a $250 add on for a new home.

Great option ................................. if your property has gas service and is a new home being built. Most do not and are not.

[Garywt]

BJs will fill it. When we bought in the Villages it was the first time I used exchange tanks. Felt it was easier than finding a place to refill rapt the time. We have 3 tanks and either go to Lowes or Walgreens to exchange them.

[coffeebean]

Originally Posted by Altavia

The tanks have expiration dates stamped on them (in case not aware).

Thanks. I will check that.

[coffeebean]

Originally Posted by bowlingal

coffeebean....10 years is the max for propane tanks for safety. I hope yours doesn't explode.

Yikes. I'll replace it for sure. Thanks.

[WingedFoot78]

Today, I filled my completely empty tank at Ace in Wildwood. It took 4.5 gal @ $4.39 per gal for $19.76. I have two tanks since I ran out during a long cook. I also use Ace to fill the propane tank on my RV.