Will I need to refill the BBQ tank?

[UnatcoAgent]

We're having a bunch of people over on monday for BBQ eats, we'll be cooking stuff for atleast 2 hours I'm thinking. We have a brand new gas tank, that's been used for about half an hour to 45 minutes 4 or 5 times, do you think I should get it refilled for monday?

I ask simply because I have no wheels and it would be a pain in the ass. I'm not sure how long these things last for, it's not a big BBQ, typical size.

Thanks!

 

[jupiter57]

If it were me, I would go ahead and have it refilled rather than risk it.
I ran out in the middle of cooking steaks once, never want that to happen again.
I have the "Blue Rhino" tanks you just swap empty tanks for full, I got 2 so one is always full in case the first runs out.
Then I can take the empty to swap later.

 

[UnatcoAgent]

Can you just refill a tank that is half full though? Or does it need to be totally empty for them to refill it (I know that doesn't seem to make sense)?

 

[AnonymouseUser]

Originally posted by: Sabot
Can you just refill a tank that is half full though? Or does it need to be totally empty for them to refill it (I know that doesn't seem to make sense)?

I thought you just swapped an empty tank for a full tank.

EDIT> Let them deal with the details.

 

[ebaycj]

A full tank will burn for ~30 hours give or take a bit, depending on your grill. Big grill, maybe 20 hours. Little grill, maybe 40 hours.

Don't bother getting another one.

 

[everman]

You should be fine. Pick it up and see how heavy it is, but it doesn't sound like you'll have a problem.

Oh and if you do the swap out thing you're paying about oh...3-4x more than you need to. What a scam. (no it doesn't really save time either)

 

[flot]

Originally posted by: Sabot
Can you just refill a tank that is half full though? Or does it need to be totally empty for them to refill it (I know that doesn't seem to make sense)?

Of course. Most of the "big box stores" are doing that blue rhino crap, but you can always find gas stations, U-haul dealers, etc, that will fill a propane tank. It is a little bit more hassle but significantly cheaper.

As someone else pointed out though, even with a decent sized grill a propane tank will last a long time. I use my grill maybe once or twice a month, and it lasts me a year no problem.

Last but not least, all you have to do is pick it up. The cylinders are pretty light with nothing inside. When they are full or partially full they're heavy and you can feel it sloshing around inside.

 

[Pacfanweb]

I keep an extra tank on hand.

 

[UnatcoAgent]

Ok well thanks for the responses guys, I really appreciate it!

If I have time I might get it refilled just to be safe, but I'm not too worried about it anymore.

Thanks again!

Rob