How can you determine if your propane tank is getting low?

Question

I have been using the same gas propane tank for my grill for a couple months.

Im afraid its gonna stop in the middle of using it, is there any way to tell how much is left??

Answer 1

You can get an indicator strip that sticks to the side of the tank at any hardware store. Pour hot water on it and it will show the exact level of liquid propane left. Most of the propane exchange companies have the indicator on their label.

Answer 2

Purchase a gage to be placed between the tank and the attachment to the grill. Anything that would be considered under pressure should have one. Usually a dial type with either numerical or shaded areas to denote amount remaining in tank.

I do not use a gas propane grill; however, I cannot imagine them being sold without an apparatus to measure contents under pressure. See the link below for an example of a propane gas level gage.

Answer 3

There's an android app that tells the propane level by just holding your phone next to the tank.

Answer 4

Having a spare cylinder is the best solution.

To answer your question....

There is a TW # (Tare weight) stamped on the collar of the cylinder. This is the empty tank weight. Most BBQ cylinders hold 18-20 lbs. of propane.

So, take the actual weight of the cylinder and subtract the Tare Weight and you will get how many pounds of propane remain.

Also, FYI a full cylinder usually gives 20-24 hours of actual cooking time.

Answer 5

Lift the tank and feel how heavy it is. If it feels light, it is getting empty.

If you are worried about running out of fuel while grilling, the best thing to do is to get a second tank. If you have a full spare tank, even if your first tank runs out, you can replace it and be back cooking before the lava rocks cool down!

Answer 6

Feel the tank....it will be cold from the top level of propane to the bottom of the tank.

Answer 7

eHow hint tells you: Pour hot water on the tank. The frost line shows how much gas is in tank. (The cooler propane inside the tank causes the warmer water to frost up at the point it makes contact -- the water is more sensitive to this than your hand.)

Answer 8

lift it for one it's lighter when there is propane in the tank for the second look at the flame if it's on a gas stove it should be blue not yellow also it smells more when you're getting low

Answer 9

Weigh the tank. A empty tank will weigh approx. 18 lbs. I full tank weighs approx. 38 lbs. If your tank is only 1 or 2 lbs over the empty weight, it may not work. You can use a bathroom scale to weigh it. I have used the stick on indicators, and they don't always work.

Answer 10

easy, propane is liquid under high pressure. slightly shake the tank, if you hear a lot of liquid moving around, you have plenty to work with. if you don't hear anything, run to the store and get a refill.