When it's grilling season, the last thing you want is to run out of propane mid-barbecue. Whether you’re cooking for a weekend get-together or simply grilling up dinner, you’ll need a reliable and affordable source of propane. When it comes to topping off your 20-pound BBQ tank, you’re faced with two options: refill it or exchange it. While both will get you back to grilling, refilling your tank is hands-down the best value — and here's why.
You Get More Propane for Your Money
Let’s start with the most important factor: how much propane you actually receive.
When you refill a standard 20-pound tank, you typically get the full 20 pounds of propane. In contrast, most exchange services only fill tanks with 15 to 17 pounds — sometimes even less. That means when you exchange, you’re paying for a full tank but only getting about 75–85% of the fuel.
Over time, that adds up. If you grill often, you could be spending significantly more just for the convenience of a quicker swap.
Refills Are Cheaper — Period.
Propane prices fluctuate, but refill stations usually charge less per pound than exchange services. You’re only paying for the propane added to your tank — not for marketing, packaging, distribution, or labor costs associated with pre-filled exchange tanks.
For example, while an exchange tank might cost $22–28, a refill might only cost $15–20 for the full 20 pounds. You’re saving money and getting more fuel.
Keep Your Own Tank — and Know Its Condition
With refills, you retain control of your own propane tank. If you’ve invested in a new tank or a high-quality composite one, you don’t have to give it up during an exchange. Refilling lets you maintain your own equipment, ensuring it’s clean, rust-free, and in good working order.
With exchanges, you get whatever tank is next in the rack — sometimes older, sometimes dented, and you never quite know the quality.
The Slight Tradeoff: Time
Refilling a propane tank does take a few more minutes than a swap. You’ll need to find a propane refill station (if you are near a Baker's Propane look no further we have the best prices in town).
But for most grillers, the few extra minutes are worth the savings — especially when you’re getting a full tank at a better price!
If value is what you’re after, refilling your propane tank is the clear winner. It costs less, gives you more propane, lets you keep your own equipment, and even helps reduce waste. Exchanges might win on convenience, but refills win on every other front.
So next time you're low on fuel, consider taking the extra step to refill — your grill (and your wallet) will thank you. Maybe even get a spare tank and get two filled at a time to save money and prevent running out this summer! Baker's has a great fill / new tank special going on right now.
If you need to find a Baker's near you check out our locations!
