by King Osaghae
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Retail stores, gas stations, and propane companies provide options for refilling or exchanging propane tanks. To find the most cost-effective choice, we’ll outline your options and offer guidance on finding affordable propane refills or exchanges near you.
Best propane refill and exchanges near me
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the best propane options based on prices, nearby stores, and tank sizes:
Refill vs. Exchange: Refilling propane tanks tends to be cheaper than exchanging them. It’s wise to compare prices at various stores nearby to ensure you’re getting the most cost-effective option.
Best refill options
BJ’s Wholesale Club: Offers the most affordable refills for 20- and 30-lb. tanks, usually around $15 or less. Members get an extra discount.
Ferrellgas, U-Haul, and Tractor Supply Co.: Also provide reasonable refill prices, starting from about $14 for a 20-lb. tank or roughly $3 to $4 per gallon.
Best exchange option
Walmart: Typically offers the best exchange price nationwide (unless you’re near an H-E-B store). Expect to pay around $18 to $20 for a 20-lb. tank exchange, and you can exchange any brand of tank.
Considering factors like convenience, proximity, and pricing variations among stores in your area will help you choose the most suitable propane option for your needs.
Comparison Table
Compare prices at all of the propane places on our list in the table below.
| Place | Cost (20-lb. Tank, Approximate) |
|---|---|
| 7-Eleven | $20 to $22 |
| Ace Hardware | $22 |
| Albertsons | $22 |
| AmeriGas | $18 to $22 |
| BJ’s Wholesale Club | $15 |
| Camping World | $18 to $23 |
| Chevron | $22 |
| Circle K | $21 to $22 |
| Costco | $19 |
| CVS | $20 |
| Dollar General | $21 |
| Family Dollar | $22 to $24 |
| Ferrellgas | $14 to $19 |
| Food Lion | $20 to $22 |
| H-E-B | $15 to $16 |
| Kroger | $22 |
| Lowe’s | $21 |
| Meijer | $20 to $22 |
| Publix | $20 |
| Ralphs | $22 |
| Safeway | $22 |
| Sam’s Club | $21 |
| Shell | $22 to $25 |
| Smart & Final | $21 to $22 |
| Smith’s Food & Drug | $21 |
| Speedway | $20 to $22 |
| The Home Depot | $20 |
| Tractor Supply Co. | $19 |
| U-Haul | $14 to $28 |
| Valero | $23 |
| Walgreens | $21 |
| Walmart | $18 to $20 |
The list of propane stores
The list provides information on various stores where you can obtain propane for your 20-lb. tank. The order is based on a combination of factors, including cost and widespread availability. It’s important to note that not all store locations offer propane services, so it’s recommended to check online or contact your local store beforehand.
Here’s a breakdown of some options:
1. BJ’s Wholesale Club
- Cost: Varies by location, typically under $15 for a 20-lb. tank refill; members receive a discount.
- Service Type: Refill
- Restrictions: Services vary by location and availability; fills 20- and 30-lb. tanks. Existing tank should have minimal rust and be unexpired.
2. Ferrellgas
- Cost: Varies by location, usually $3 to $4 per gallon or $14 to $19 for a 20-lb. tank refill.
- Service Type: Refill
- Restrictions: Requires the existing tank to be in a safe condition for refilling.
3. U-Haul
- Cost: Varies by location, approximately $3 to $6 per gallon or $14 to $28 for a 20-lb. tank refill.
- Service Type: Refill
- Restrictions: Fills tanks from any brand if the tank is safe to fill.
4. Tractor Supply Co.
- Cost: Varies by store, usually around $4 per gallon or about $19 for a 20-lb. tank refill.
- Service Type: Refill
- Restrictions: Fills any brand of tank, but the tank should be under 100 lbs. (25 gallons).
5. Walmart
- Cost: Varies by location, around $18 to $20 for a standard 20-lb. tank.
- Service Type: Exchange
- Restrictions: Provides an empty tank of any brand for exchange.
These details outline the services, costs, and limitations for propane refills or exchanges at BJ’s Wholesale Club, Ferrellgas, U-Haul, Tractor Supply Co., and Walmart. If you need more information or have any other queries, feel free to ask!
6. H-E-B
- Cost: Approximately $16 for a 20-lb. tank exchange; occasional $1 discount available.
- Service Type: Tank Exchange
- Restrictions: Requires an empty tank in good condition; employee assistance needed for exchange.
7. AmeriGas
- Cost: Ranges from $18 to $22 for a 20-lb. tank exchange; refill and exchange options available at select locations.
- Service Type: Refill and Exchange
- Restrictions: Accepts tanks from any brand; must be in safe condition with no leaks.
8. Camping World
- Cost: Typically $4 to $5 per gallon or $18 to $23 for a 20-lb. tank refill; Good Sam members get a 15% discount.
- Service Type: Refill
- Restrictions: Services vary by location; tank should be safe and not expired.
9. Costco
- Cost: About $4 per gallon or around $19 for a 20-lb. tank refill at select stores.
- Service Type: Refill
- Restrictions: Membership required; tank must be certified and unexpired.
10. CVS
- Cost: Varies by location, typically around $20 for a 20-lb. tank exchange.
- Service Type: Exchange
- Restrictions: Accepts empty tanks in safe, usable condition from any brand.
11. The Home Depot
- Cost: Varies by location, approximately $20 for a 20-lb. tank exchange.
- Service Type: Exchange
- Restrictions: Requires the exchanged tank to be free from leaks or severe damage.
12. 7-Eleven
- Cost: Varies by location, usually around $20 to $22 for a 20-lb. tank exchange.
- Service Type: Exchange
- Restrictions: Requires the empty tank for exchange to be in usable, leak-free condition.
13. Speedway
- Cost: Varies by location, around $20 to $22 for a 20-lb. tank exchange.
- Service Type: Exchange
- Restrictions: The tank for exchange should be safe without leaks or excessive rust.
14. Publix
- Cost: Varies by location, approximately $20 for a 20-lb. tank exchange.
- Service Type: Exchange
- Restrictions: Empty tank for exchange should be leak-free and in usable condition.
15. Food Lion
- Cost: Varies by location, around $20 to $22 for a 20-lb. tank exchange.
- Service Type: Exchange
- Restrictions: Requires the exchanged tank to be leak-free; damaged tanks might require purchasing a new one.
16. Meijer
- Cost: Varies by location, typically around $20 to $22 for a 20-lb. tank exchange.
- Service Type: Exchange
- Restrictions: Accepts tanks from any brand but requires them to be leak-free and safe for reuse.
17. Lowe’s
- Cost: Varies by location, around $21 for a 20-lb. tank exchange.
- Service Type: Exchange
- Restrictions: Allows exchange of empty tanks of any brand; provides a Blue Rhino tank in return.
18. Walgreens
- Cost: Varies by location, around $21 for a 20-lb. tank exchange.
- Service Type: Exchange
- Restrictions: Requires the existing tank to be in a safe condition for exchange.
19. Dollar General
- Cost: Varies by location, typically around $21 for a 20-lb. tank exchange.
- Service Type: Exchange
- Restrictions: Services vary based on location and propane availability; the tank for exchange should be in usable condition.
20. Sam’s Club
- Cost: Varies by location, around $21 for a 20-lb. tank exchange.
- Service Type: Exchange
- Restrictions: Accepts any brand of tank for exchange; requires the empty tank to be leak-free for exchange outside the store.
21. Circle K
- Cost: Varies by location, typically around $21 or $22 for a 20-lb. tank exchange.
- Service Type: Exchange
- Restrictions: Accepts tanks from any brand; old tank should be leak-free with minimal rust.
22. Smith’s Food & Drug
- Cost: Varies by location, usually around $21 for a 20-lb. tank exchange.
- Service Type: Exchange
- Restrictions: The exchanged tank should be free from leaks or excessive rust.
23. Kroger
- Cost: Varies by location, around $22 for a 20-lb. tank exchange.
- Service Type: Exchange
- Restrictions: Requires the tank for exchange to have no leaks.
24. Chevron
- Cost: Varies by location, usually around $22 for a 20-lb. tank; offers both refill and exchange services.
- Service Type: Both Refill and Exchange
- Restrictions: Services depend on location and availability; empty tanks for exchange should be safe with minimal rust and no leaks.
25. Ace Hardware
- Cost: Varies by location, around $22 for a 20-lb. tank exchange; fresh tanks available for purchase at approximately $65.
- Service Type: Exchange
- Restrictions: Only exchanges for 20-lb. tanks; offers new tanks for purchase.
26. Safeway
- Cost: Varies by location, around $22 for a 20-lb. tank exchange.
- Service Type: Exchange
- Restrictions: Requires the existing tank to be in a safe condition for exchange.
27. Albertsons
- Cost: Varies by location, around $22 for a 20-lb. tank exchange.
- Service Type: Exchange
- Restrictions: The exchanged tank should be in safe, usable condition.
28. Ralphs
- Cost: Varies by location, around $22 for a 20-lb. tank exchange.
- Service Type: Exchange
- Restrictions: Requires the existing tank to be in a safe, usable condition.
29. Smart & Final
- Cost: Varies by location, around $21 or $22 for a 20-lb. tank exchange.
- Service Type: Exchange
- Restrictions: Requires the empty tank to be in a safe condition without leaks.
30. Family Dollar
- Cost: Varies by location, usually around $22 to $24 for a 20-lb. tank exchange.
- Service Type: Exchange
- Restrictions: Requires the tank for exchange to be in good condition without leaks.
31. Shell
- Cost: Varies by location, usually around $22 to $25 for a 20-lb. tank; offers both refill and exchange services.
- Service Type: Both Refill and Exchange
- Restrictions: Services depend on location and availability; the existing tank should be safe for exchange, and an unexpired tank is required for refilling.
32. Valero
- Cost: Varies by location, approximately $5 per gallon or $23 for a 20-lb. tank; offers both refill and exchange services.
- Service Type: Both Refill and Exchange
- Restrictions: Requires the empty tank for exchange or refill to be in a safe, leak-free condition.
These details should provide a clear overview of the available services, costs, and restrictions at each store offering propane tank exchanges or refills. If you need more information or have further questions, feel free to ask!
What is a propane tank?
A propane tank is a container used to store propane, available in various sizes and shapes for stationary and portable purposes. These tanks are built to contain propane in its liquid state, which requires pressurization within the container.
Understanding the type of tank you have matters because there are distinct regulations and needs for both stationary and mobile tanks, making it crucial to adhere to the specific requirements for each type.
How to buy a tank of propane?
To buy a tank of propane, you can easily find and exchange propane cylinders at various locations such as gas stations, home improvement stores, convenience stores, hardware stores, and local propane suppliers.
Many of these places provide tank exchange services, allowing you to swap your empty tank for a filled one. This process is particularly common for smaller propane cylinders, making it convenient for customers to quickly refill or exchange their tanks at these retail outlets.
