How to Check Your Grill’s Propane Tank Level

Don’t let your cookout get ruined by an empty grill tank.

Grilling is serious business here in the Eastern Panhandle. Nothing complements a beautiful summer afternoon like a barbecue with sizzling burgers, chicken wings, steaks, salmon filets or veggie skewers. At the same time, nothing ruins a cookout like suddenly running out of propane for your grill.

Ensuring you don’t lose that crucial propane flame requires a little bit of planning. Luckily, the seasoned pros — pun intended — at Roach Energy can help. In this article, we’ll cover how much propane your grill tank holds and how you can keep track of how much is left.

What Kind of Cylinder Does a Propane Grill Use?

The 20-pound propane tank is the most commonly recognized size of grill tank. Designed to fit standard freestanding grill storage compartments, these tanks are a staple for outdoor cooking. When full, a 20-pound propane tank holds approximately 4.6 gallons of propane, making it a convenient and reliable choice for grilling enthusiasts.

How Can You Determine How Much Propane is in Your Grill Tank?

Portable propane cylinders don’t typically have the same kind of built-in gauge that a home propane tank has. Many grills come equipped with a scale that can tell you the approximate percent fill of your grill tank based on its weight.

If your grill doesn’t have this scale, however, here are three simple ways to check how much grill fuel you have in your cylinder:

1. Use a home scale: Start by checking the markings on your propane cylinder. Look for TW (Tare Weight), which indicates the weight of the empty cylinder, and WC (Water Capacity), which shows how much fuel it can hold. Weigh the cylinder, subtract the TW and divide the result by the WC to determine the percentage fill.
2. Try the hot water trick: Since propane absorbs heat, you can find the fill line by pouring hot water down the side of the cylinder. Run your hand along the metal — where it feels cool is where the propane level sits.
3. Use an external tank gauge: For a quick and easy solution, consider purchasing a tank gauge from a hardware store. These attach directly to the cylinder’s valve and provide a digital or analog reading of the percentage fill. Some even estimate your remaining cooking time!

Need More Propane for Your Grill? Roach Energy Has You Covered!

Don’t let your grill tank run out at your next barbecue! If you’re getting down to the last drops of propane, you can refill or exchange your cylinder at one of Roach Energy’s convenient locations. We offer propane cylinder exchanges and refill stations at local businesses in Shepherdstown, Falling Waters, Inwood and Martinsburg. From 20-pound cylinders to 100-pound tanks for home appliances, we can fill any safe portable propane tank. Get the propane you need quickly and be ready for your next cookout.

Looking for the nearest propane cylinder refill or exchange location? Contact Roach Energy today — we’re here to help!