It usually depends on your location. Gas stations in your area might offer the option to fill propane tanks. However, most of the time, they would rather you exchange an empty tank for a new one. So, it boils down to there being more exchange locations than refill stations. Depending on where you are it might just be more convenient to exchange an empty tank for a new one. Let’s learn ‘Do Gas Stations Fill Propane Tanks?’.
It ultimately comes down to convenience. Which option is easier for you? There are usually more exchange stations than refill stations, so altogether, most people would think it is easier to exchange a propane tank than refill it. As an incentive, many businesses now offer delivery to homes and businesses, so you never even have to leave in the first place to get a new tank. Still, whether you decide to exchange or refill a tank is up to you. This article will go over what might probably be the best option.
Which Would You Rather Choose?
Well, it is up to you to decide. Is it better to exchange or refill? There are plenty of places to exchange a propane tank, so more people probably do that. Filling stations are scarce and therefore harder to come by. Funny, enough refilling an empty propane tank is the better option. That is because of the amount of propane that goes into the tank.
While refilling stations are harder to come by, it still is a better option to exchange for a new tank. Exchanges come with a fixed amount of propane, rather than a full tank. If you do decide to get a refill, then you get to go home with a full tank of propane. Meaning you end up with more propane in your tank for a similar price of exchange.
What is Better About Exchanging the Tank?
Exchanging a propane tank is quick and easy. As an added benefit, these days you do not even have to leave the house to do it. Many businesses offer free deliveries to your home or business. There are more exchange locations, which are easy to come by and are open into the late hours of the night and on weekends. A lot of them are usually at convenience stores and gas stations.
Exchanges come with a set of instructions and safety information. You are essentially getting a new tank like you would a new appliance or electronic. It gets inspected, cleaned, and tested to make sure you do not encounter any issues when you try to use it. You can even inspect the tank yourself, just to make sure what you are getting is in top condition. You generally want to avoid choosing a corroded or worn-out-looking tank. Issues encountered while trying to use the tank can always be followed up with the vendor.
What is Better About Refilling the Tank?
Refills are cheaper compared to exchanges. If you prefer to inspect the condition of your tanks, then you are probably the kind of person that prefers to rely on refills than exchanges. You also get more propane in your tank compared to an exchange. Exchange stations have a policy that generally involves providing a fixed amount of propane in a tank rather than a full tank. Therefore, if you decide to get a refill, you can have the tank filled to its limit.
It recommended you consider buying two tanks. In the event one runs out, you have another one to switch to on short notice. Having a spare tank on hand provides the guarantee that you will not run out of gas while cooking.
Conclusion
The question of which option is better boils down to a matter of convenience and price. It is cheaper to refill a tank, but it is less convenient. You have to take your tank to a specific retail location because they are scarce. Then you have to set up refills and this can only be done during scheduled work hours on certain days. Even then, whatever propane might still be leftover does not go to waste, because you are simply adding onto it.
Exchanging a tank is more convenient. It is quick and easy and can be done whenever. Retail locations for exchanges are easy to come by for quick pickups. If you do not want to go the distance, you can even have it delivered to your address, where you’ll swap over the old tank for the new one. However, it does tend to be more expensive and you are not getting as much gas as you would a refill. Any propane still left over could also end up going to waste if you decide to exchange it.
Ultimately, the choice is yours. If you prefer to save as much as possible, then refilling would be the preferable option.
