There are not many things that can put a damper on a summer evening grilling session quite like running out of propane. The walk of shame from carrying your half cooked burgers from the grill to the stovetop is an absolute tragedy. Arguably worse than the walk of shame, you now have to deal with the dread of figuring out how to refill your propane tank. Refilling your propane tank is an infrequent occurrence and something that many people struggle with, even those that don’t have the addition of social anxiety. Since many people don’t know how, and those that do may still be uncomfortable with propane in general, we feel that this guide on how to refill your propane tank is a good addition to this site and is a good first post that’s not restaurant related.
In this post, I’ll explain how to refill your propane tank, explain the location we’ll focus on, the process to enable the transaction, the interaction with the cashier, and finally getting your new full propane tank. I’ll also include a general script that will hopefully help you when you’re ready to swap your propane tank that you can use to base your conversation on.
After going through this guide, if you’re still uncomfortable getting a filled propane tank, please don’t hesitate to reach out. There’s a contact form on the sidebar and you can send me a message asking for additional information, clarification, or even some words of encouragement. If you’re not clear on something or if there’s a step I missed, chances are someone else could use the help too!
Where can I refill my propane tank?
Propane is scary for a lot of people. Even though it’s actually rather safe, people are hesitant around it. For this reason, as well as for simplicity and consistency, instead of getting our propane tank refilled we’re going to swap it for a new one. It’s slightly more expensive than getting it refilled, but the convenience and ease of the swap makes it worth it. It also has the added benefit that you can swap out an older/rusted tank and receive a brand new one! We also prefer swapping it out because this is how most major hardware stores handle propane so this guide will be able to help more people in more areas.
Most major hardware stores that swap propane have a pretty similar process. Due to their quantity, we’re going to focus on the two biggest ones in the US; Lowe’s and Home Depot. There are over 5,000 Lowe’s and Home Depots and they serve every single state. The map below generated from Caliper.com shows just how many there really are.
There are two general processes for swapping propane tanks at hardware stores; automated or not. Home Depot typically has an automated swap process while Lowe’s doesn’t. However, there are exceptions to this rule so make sure you read the full guide in case you run into one of these exceptions. If either of these stores are too far and you have another hardware store alternative, chances are pretty good that their propane refilling process is fairly similar.
How to swap your propane tank at Lowe’s
As we stated earlier, Lowe’s does not refill propane tanks. Instead, they swap them out entirely. It’s usually a non-automated process and requires minor interactions with employees. Before we get to the guide on how to swap your propane tank, there are two common questions that we’d like to answer.
What kind of propane tank does Lowe’s swap?
Lowe’s will take any empty tank, regardless of condition, as long as it’s a standard 20-pound propane tank. In return, you’ll receive one tank of Lowe’s branded “Blue Rhino” propane. They’re white tanks with a blue background as seen in the image below. These 20-pound tanks are the most common propane tank size and is likely what you have for your grill.
As long as you have a 20-pound tank you can swap it at Lowe’s. It doesn’t matter what brand, if its covered in rust, or if your tank is expired, Lowe’s will swap it for you.
How much does it cost to refill propane at Lowe’s?
Lowe’s will not refill propane tanks, but does swap them out. Typically, this will cost $19.97 for a newly filled 20-pound propane tank. Sometimes they offer coupons that can reduce this cost, but it’s safe to assume you’ll pay about $5 a gallon for propane during a swap. It’s slightly more money than refilling them, but as we mentioned earlier we feel it’s entirely worth it for such a small cost delta.
If you do not have an old tank to swap, Lowe’s also lets you buy them new. This will cost about $40 instead, but the next time you run out you’ll be able to swap it and save the $20.
Where do you swap your propane tank at Lowe’s?
Propane tanks are always located outside of the store. Propane is never stored inside! If we use the store in the image above, you can see 4 propane cages located to the right side of the entrance door. Lowe’s stores are pretty standard architecturally, so check by both the entrance and exit doors and you should find their propane cages.
You’ll do the drop off and pick up of the propane tank at these cages, but you will have to go inside to pay. Just make sure you leave the propane tank outside! Never bring your old tank or the new one into the store with you.
Steps to swap your propane tank at Lowe’s
Step One: Bring your propane tank (or tanks!) to the outside cages
Carry your old and empty propane tanks from your car over to the storage cages. As mentioned above, these should be located by either the entrance or the exit door. Leave your empty tank beside the cage and head into the store.
It can feel pretty uncomfortable to leave your propane tank outside, but if you push it up against the side of the cages it’ll be okay. Just don’t leave it in anyone’s way and no one will touch it.
Step Two: Go inside to the register
Now that you’ve left your empty tank outside, head on in to the store. Typically, the registers are located along the same wall as the entrances. Walk along the main isle and find the open register with the shortest line possible. Unfortunately, you can’t swap propane using the self-checkout aisles, but hopefully I can give you enough of a script to get through the conversation with the cashier.
You – Hi, I’d like to swap a propane tank.
Them – No problem, how many.
You – Just one please. I left my old one by the cage outside.
Them – Okay that’ll be $19.97.
You – Perfect thanks.
Complete the transaction using card/cash/etc.
Them – Okay I’ll have Jim meet you outside with the key.
You – Thanks again!
Step Three: Return with the employee to the cages
Now that you’ve completed the hard part, all you have left to do is pick up your new propane tank. Sometimes, the same employee who cashed you out will walk with you outside to unlock the cage. Other times, they’ll tell you to go with someone or that someone will meet you out there. Either way, there should be a Lowes employee who will meet you at the cages. They’ll unlock the cage and take out however many tanks you paid for. All you have to do is grab them and walk them to your car. That’s it! You did it!
How to swap your propane tank at Home Depot
Swapping your propane tank at Home Depot follows most of the same steps as at Lowe’s, with one major difference. Unlike Lowe’s, Home Depot typically has an automated swap for their propane. They follow the same swapping rules such as:
- Never take a propane tank inside
- They will take any brand or condition propane tank as long as it is a 20-pound tank
- You will get a full AmeriGas tank in exchange
Steps to swap your propane tank at Home Depot
Step One: Bring your propane tank (or tanks!) to the outside cage
Carry your old and empty propane tanks from your car over to the storage cages. Like Lowe’s, Home Depot’s AmeriGas propane machines must be located outside and will typically be by either the entrance or the exit door. Leave your empty tank beside the machine and head into the store.
It can feel pretty uncomfortable to leave your propane tank outside. Since these machines are automated, if you prefer to leave your old tank in your car you can do so. It’ll be a bit more walking, but you won’t have to leave your tank outside alone.
Step Two: Go inside to the register
This step is pretty much the same as at Lowe’s. Once again, you can’t use their self-checkout so you’ll have to pay for a swap at a cashier. In the section above we have a small script to help get through the interaction!
The only difference between Home Depot and Lowe’s for this step is that an employee won’t meet you outside. Instead, you’ll be given a receipt with a redemption code that’s typically right below the barcode. The cashier might even point it out or highlight it for you!
Step Three: Head over to the machine
If you left your propane tank in your car instead of beside the AmeriGas machine, now is when you should grab it. Once you have it at the machine, follow the direction on the touch pad. They’ll ask you to put the redemption code from your receipt in and one of the three front doors will open. Make sure that your old propane tank’s valve is completely shut and put it inside the open compartment.
When you close the door, a different door will open and you’ll be able to grab a nice newly filled propane tank. You did it!
I’m proud of you.