Three Ways To Tell How Much Gas Is Left In Your Propane Barbecue ...

Home » Blog » How to Tell How Much Gas Is Left in Your Propane Grill TankHow to Tell How Much Gas Is Left in Your Propane Grill Tank

Summer’s in full swing here in Connecticut, and there’s no better time to fire up your propane barbecue grill for some outdoor cooking with family and friends. Whether you’re grilling burgers, veggies, or your famous ribs, having a reliable propane supply is key to a great cookout. But before your next outdoor feast, take a moment to ensure your propane tank has enough juice to keep the grill going all evening without any interruptions.

Here’s the thing—most 20-pound propane tanks don’t come with a built-in gauge, which means many of us end up guessing how much fuel is left. If you’ve ever had the flame go out mid-grill, you know how frustrating that can be!

But don’t worry, there are a few simple tricks to check your propane level and make sure you’re fully prepared for those summer grilling sessions. From weighing your tank to using warm water to gauge the propane level, these easy steps can save you the hassle of running out of fuel when it matters most.

Whatever method you choose, Hocon Gas offers fast and easy propane cylinder refills during regular business hours at all our locations.

Let’s make this grilling season stress-free and full of delicious memories!

Propane Tank Weight Chart (20 lb Grill Cylinder)

Look for the tare weight (TW) stamped on your cylinder collar. Your total tank weight equals TW + propane remaining.

Propane Left (lb)Total Weight on ScaleQuick Read20 (Full)TW + 20Full tank15TW + 15Plenty left10TW + 10About half5TW + 5Low — plan a refill2TW + 2Very low — likely runs out soon0 (Empty)TWEmpty cylinder

Formula: Propane left (lb) = Scale weight − TW

Tip: A “20-lb tank” describes propane capacity, not the empty tank weight.

Three ways to check how much propane is in your grill tank

Running out of propane in the middle of a backyard barbecue can quickly turn a fun gathering into a stressful situation. To avoid such a scenario, it’s important to regularly check the propane level in your grill tank so you’re not caught off guard. Here are a few reliable methods to determine if your propane tank is running low or empty:

1. Weigh the Tank: One of the most accurate ways to check your propane level is by weighing the tank. Propane tanks typically have their empty weight, also known as the “tare weight” (TW), stamped on the collar or handle. To measure, use a bathroom scale to weigh the tank, then subtract the empty weight from the total weight. The difference will give you an estimate of how much propane is left. For example, if your tank weighs 20 pounds when full and the tare weight is 17 pounds, you have about 3 pounds of propane remaining.
2. Tap the Tank: Another quick and simple method is to gently tap the side of the propane tank with your hand or a small tool. Listen closely to the sound it makes. A full tank will produce a solid, high-pitched “pinging” noise because of the liquid propane inside, while an empty or nearly empty tank will produce a hollow, low-pitched sound. This method works best in quieter environments where the sound is easier to hear.
3. Use Hot Water: If you don’t have a scale or prefer a visual indicator, try the hot water method. Pour hot water down the side of the tank, focusing on the upper portion. Then, carefully feel the tank with your hand. The propane inside will absorb heat, so the metal will feel cool to the touch at the level where propane is still present. Above that point, where the tank is empty, the metal will remain warm. This method not only helps you identify if the tank is empty but gives you a clearer idea of how much propane is left.
4. Propane Gauges: For even greater convenience, consider investing in a propane tank gauge. These inexpensive devices attach to your propane tank and provide an easy-to-read indicator of the propane level. Gauges are especially useful for regular grillers who want to avoid checking manually or using calculations.

Lastly, it’s always a good idea to keep a spare propane tank on hand to ensure you never run out in the middle of grilling. A backup tank provides peace of mind and allows you to continue cooking without delay. By regularly checking your propane level using one or more of these methods, you’ll stay prepared for every barbecue and avoid any unwelcome interruptions during your gatherings.

How much does an empty propane tank weigh?

The weight of an empty propane tank can vary depending on its size, material, and design. Typically, the empty weight of a standard 20-pound propane tank, commonly used for grilling, ranges between 17 and 19 pounds. This weight is known as the “tare weight” (TW) and is usually stamped on the collar or handle of the tank for easy reference. This marking helps users calculate how much propane remains in the tank by subtracting the tare weight from the total weight of the filled tank. It’s important to note that tanks of different sizes or made from different materials, such as steel or aluminum, may have slightly different empty weights. Always refer to the specific markings on your tank to get an accurate measurement.

Don’t get burned by your propane cylinder – follow these tips to know how much gas is left in your tank before your next summer soirée! If you run out of propane, don’t panic – just visit one of our convenient Connecticut showrooms for a propane cylinder refill!