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What do you really get when you spend more money on a grill?

Shopping for a new grill is a lot like shopping for a new car. There are so many types and models available, the sheer amount of choices can make your head spin.

Do you stick with a small and budget friendly subcompact car? Spend a little more and upgrade to a roomier SUV? Or go into full mid-life crisis mode and splurge on a new Corvette?

The same goes with grills. You can spend as little as $50 on a small charcoal model for basic grilling, or you can drop thousands on a souped up model with all the bells and whistles.

Are expensive grills worth it?

I think so, at least to a certain point. Here’s why…

Durability and Longevity

You know the old saying “You get what you pay for” and there is definitely some truth to that.

When I first got married and started building a family I couldn’t wait to buy my own grill and hang out in my own backyard cooking up a storm. But man babies and mortgages are expensive! We just didn’t have a lot of discretionary income to splurge on an expensive grill. So I settled for a cheaper one.

And it was fine at first. But within a couple of years it started rusting out, one of the wheels broke off, and the cover warped and wouldn’t close snugly. The final straw was when flames started coming out of the center knob.

To the curb it went. And because we were working on buying a new house for our expanding family, money was still tight and I bought another cheap grill. This one only cost me about $100 and I certainly got what I paid for it.

I had one decent summer with it and by the following July it was already looking like it was five years old. It wobbled so much that whenever I scraped down the grates I was afraid I’d tip it over onto its back.

Once we moved into our new home I decided to stop throwing good money after bad. I knew a few guys who loved their Weber grills and had them for many years with no problems at all. So I saved up and bought myself a Weber Genesis. That was 12 years ago and that baby is still going strong!

Sure it was more expensive than some of the other brands you’ll find in stores, but in the long run it has proven to be be far more cost effective in the long run.

Customer Support

If you buy a cheap grill from some no-name brand and you run into trouble with it, will they stand by their product or leave you hanging?

Well known grill manufacturers like Weber and Traeger are known for their excellent customer service and support.

When I bought my Weber more than a decade ago I had them put it together in my backyard for me. When I fired it up I noticed the flame was a little, almost as if the burners weren’t getting enough gas.

I thought I might have accidentally tripped the safety mechanism in the propane regulator (here’s how to fix that issue) but when I looked closer I noticed a bigger problem.

The knucklehead who put my grill together installed the propane intake upside down. In order to connect the propane hose that leads to the tank, he had to install that upside down to, forcing it in a way it wasn’t meant to go. The hose was kinked which blocked some of the gas flow. But that wasn’t the scary part. The hose was forced into a tight spot and when he forced it in he actually tore a small hole in it.

So not only was the hose kinked, it had a small leak as well which is extremely dangerous. I called Weber to explain what happened and they quickly apologized and sent me the replacement part overnight so I could have it the next day.

While he entered my info and set up delivery, the Weber support rep took his time chatting and offering other tips to help me maximize my grilling experience.

With part in hand. the fix itself was easy and I was grilling again in no time. But I wonder, would a cheap no-name brand provided the same level of service?

Features

The more you spend the more extra features you can expect in a grill. Some features you may not care about at all but others could be considered a must have.

Are you just interested in cooking up some hot dogs and chicken breast a couple times a week? Or are you training to be a true backyard grill master? Do want a side burner? A built in smoker? A rotisserie? Built in lights so you can grill at night?

There’s really no end if you’re willing to spend.

More Cooking Space

When it comes to grills, size matters. If you’re mostly cooking for yourself than you can get away with a smaller grill. But if you have a big family or enjoy entertaining in the summer months you’ll be better off going with a bigger model.

Availability of Replacement Parts

I put this one last because I don’t think its a huge deal but it is worth mentioning. Many grills use universal parts so you should be able to find the replacement parts that might go bad such as the propane regulator or burner tubes on Amazon or Home Depot.

But when you stick to brands that have been around for ages you know those parts aren’t going anywhere. I love knowing I can walk into the store anytime I want and pick up some new Weber flavorizer bars or grill grates.

Summary

So are expensive grills worth it? Yes, spending more on a grill will typically get you a better made, longer lasting grill with more cooking space to cook for your family and friends.

In this article we compare a griddle to a grill, discuss the pros and cons of each, and help you decide which is best for you.

When I was just a kid, there weren’t a lot of choices to make when it came to backyard grilling. It really came down to a choice of charcoal vs gas.

But these days there are so many more options. You’ve got traditional charcoal grills, propane grills, pellet grills, Kamado grills, flat top griddles, infrared grills, and all sorts of smokers if slowly cooked barbecue is what you’re after.

Flat top griddles like the Blackstone have really increased in popularity in recent years. And for good reason, they’re well made and allow you to cook everything from scrambled eggs to fried rice.

But that does that mean you should ditch your old barbecue grill for a flat top? Not so fast!

Let’s dig a little deeper and learn more about both options.

What Is A Griddle?

In simple terms, a griddle is just a flat sheet of metal that’s heated underneath so you can cook on it. It’s like a giant frying pan!

Since the heating source is under the cooking surface the flames won’t directly touch or cook the food. Instead, the food is cooked entirely by the heat of the griddle surface itself.

Griddles come in a range of sizes, from a small tabletop version to a giant commercial griddle you’d find in an hibachi restaurant or an old-fashioned diner.

Since griddles have a flat cooking surface you can cook almost anything on them because you don’t have to worry about food falling through the grill grates.

What Can You Cook On A Griddle?

I’ll cook just about anything on my Blackstone griddle. Here are some ideas to get your brain cells going.

• You can make a full family breakfast including eggs, pancakes, bacon, and hash browns.
• Blackstone pizza is one dish you have to try!
• You can shallow fry breaded chicken cutlets or make chicken parmesan.
• Sear up some cod or mahi-mahi and make fish tacos.
• Dishes with rice and pasta that don’t work on a standard grill (try this recipe for Blackstone tortellini.)
• All the usual things you’d cook on a charcoal or gas grill like burgers, steaks, chicken, or hot dogs.

And of course a griddle is essential for cooking smash burgers. You certainly don’t want to try pressing your burger patties on a grill unless you want to watch them squeeze through the grates and into the fire.

What Is A Grill?

We’re all familiar with typical barbecue grills. Whether they’re strictly bare bones or have all sorts of bells and whistles, they work in pretty much the same way.

A grill’s cooking surface consists of slatted metal grates over gas burners or a firebox full of charcoal or wood. The slats allow grease and meat juices to drip down into the flames.

The open flame helps cook the food as well as the heat from the grates themselves, and the grates allow you to get those sought after grill marks.

You can cook all sorts of meals on the grill including steaks, chicken breast, ribs, sausage, hot dogs, fish, veggies, etc.

But you can’t make anything that will fall through the grates. That means no pancakes and eggs for breakfast and no fried rice for dinner.

Or Can You?

Of course there is a simple workaround that will let you use your grill like a griddle. It’s cheaper than buying a dedicated griddle and takes up much less room.

If you already have a traditional grill and you don’t want to spend money on an inexpensive freestanding griddle, you can buy a less expensive griddle insert to sit on top of your grill’s grates. With a flat surface you’ll be able to cook pancakes or omelets like a pro.

If you do go with a griddle insert, look for one with a groove to capture grease. This one is a good choice and it’s universal so it will fit whatever size and brand of grill you have.

Utheer 17″ x 13″ Nonstick Coating Cooking Griddle for Gas Grill, Universal Griddle Flat Top Plate Insert with Grease Groove and Removable Handles for Charcoal/Gas Grills, Camping, Tailgating, Parties

• DIMENSIONS: 17 L x 13 W, package includes 1 Universal Non-stick Griddle. COMPATIBILITY: The Universal Griddle fits for Charcoal/Gas Grills, Perfect for camping, tailgating, and parties
• PREMIUM MATERIAL: Made of Nonstick Coating Metal to ensure long-lasting, heavy duty, not eay deform and warp, heat resistant, non stick, easy to clean. Nonstick Material make cleaning effortless, zero-burden!
• EASY TO USE : Perfect for breakfast, lunch and dinner; cook everything from eggs and pancakes to quesadillas and grilled cheese to steak and potato

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Is A Grill Healthier Than A Griddle?

When it comes to healthy cooking, there are two important factors to consider.

First is the type of food you’re preparing. Fresh vegetables are obviously a healthier option than a fatty steak. And in general the more processed a food product is the less healthy it will be.

The just as important is the way you cook something. Cooking French fries in the oven or air fryer is a healthier option than deep-frying them.

When it comes to cooking on a griddle vs a grill, the are a few differences to keep in mind. On one hand, a griddle can be considered safer than a grill because the food is protected from direct contact with the flame and smoke. You won’t get the same charring you’d get on a traditional grill but that delicious char is also considered a carcinogen and definitely bad for your health.

On the other hand, cooking on a griddle involves more use of butter or oil. Now, you can use a healthier option here too, just check out this article on the best oil to use on a griddle.

But because a griddle doesn’t have grates that allow grease and fat to fall through, your food will cook in a puddle of grease and fat. I’m not saying that won’t be delicious, but its definitely not the healthiest.

Griddle vs Grill – The Final Verdict

In my backyard I have both a Blackstone griddle and a Weber Genesis propane grill. I use both of them all the time. For burgers, hot dogs, and chicken breast I prefer the Weber. But the Blackstone is perfect for a big family breakfast with pancakes, bacon, and eggs.

So if you have room in your yard and your budget for both, you can’t go wrong. But what if you have to choose just one?

If it were me I’d go with the traditional gas grill over the griddle. As much as I love my Blackstone, I think I could get almost the same results by using a griddle insert on my gas grill.

Ready to ditch the nasty chemicals you’ll find in lighter fluid and learn to light your grill the right way? Here’s how to use a charcoal chimney.

So you’ve got your burger patties prepped and the chicken breast has been marinating nicely. You’re all set to start grilling. But before you can start cooking you’ve got to light your charcoal.

When I was a kid, my dad taught me that lighter fluid was the easiest way to light charcoal. He would form a nice pile of charcoal in the grill, squirt the coals with a generous dose of lighter fluid, and light a match.

Did it work? Sure it did. But lighter fluid smells nasty, can give your food an unpleasant taste, and can be dangerous if you aren’t careful.

In this short guide I’m going to teach you a faster, cheaper, safer, and overall better way to light charcoal. Truthfully, there are several methods you can use and they’re all better than lighter fluid. But my favorite is called a charcoal chimney starter.

Related: 4 Best Charcoal Chimneys – Which Should You Buy?

How To Use A Charcoal Chimney – A Step By Step Guide

Ready to learn how to use a charcoal chimney? Let’s go!

• Step 1: Place the charcoal chimney on a sturdy surface that can withstand the heat, such as grill grates or a stone patio. Do NOT place it on a wood deck or dry grass that could catch fire.
• Step 2: Pour in the amount of charcoal you’ll need. This can take some practice, but after a few tries you’ll know how much you need for a short cook to smoke cream cheese or a longer cook to smoke pork butt.
• Step 3: Place some kind of combustible material under the charcoal chimney. You can old newspaper, cardboard, paper towels, etc. I like to use lighter cubes because they’re non-toxic and odorless, plus they’ll light even if they get wet.
• Step 4: Use a long match to light your fire starter and let it do it’s thing. In about 10 to 15 minutes (depending on the weather and how much charcoal you’re using) you’ll see the charcoal at the very top of the chimney starting to turn grey and ash over. This is how you know they’re ready to go.
• Step 5: Wearing a heatproof glove for safety, carefully pour the hot coals into the grill or smoker. Use a long pair of tongs to rearrange the coals as needed.

Once you’ve poured the coals out the chimney starter will cool off quickly, but it will still be dangerously hot for a few minutes. Put it somewhere safe and out of the way of any kids or pets who might burn themselves.

Needless to say you’ll want to keep your grill or smoker a safe distance from your house and any other structures that could be set aflame by wandering embers. It’s also a good idea to wear close toed shoes when pouring the coals. I haven’t burned myself yet but I did have a close call once while wearing flip flops.

Our Top Pick

Weber Rapidfire Chimney Starter, Standard, Silver

• Designed to quickly produce hot coals for cooking
• 7.5 in. In diameter, 13 in. High
• Specialized cone-shaped grate
• Durable construction for longevity
• Ergonomic handle for comfortable use

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What Is A Chimney Starter?

A charcoal chimney starter is a cylindrical metal device that’s used to quickly and efficiently ignite charcoal without the need for lighter fluid.

Inside the cylinder is a metal grate that divides it into 2 sections. The charcoal goes in the top section where it sits atop the grate. To light the charcoal you place kindling (paper, lighter cubes, or some other combustible material) in the bottom section underneath the grate.

When the kindling is lit it will burn and ignite the coals closest to the bottom. Air holes in the cylinder allow oxygen to flow in and feed the fire. In about 10 to 15 minutes the fire will work its way through the stacked coals.

Once the coals at the top ignite and start to ash over, you can empty the chimney into your grill and start cooking.

Why We Recommend Chimney Starters

I’ve tried just about every method there is for lighting charcoal and to me the chimney starter is simply the best. Here’s why:

Cost – A good chimney starter is inexpensive and will probably last you the rest of your life. Plus, you’ll never have to buy lighter fluid again.

Simplicity – Just pour some charcoal into the chimney and light some kindling beneath it. In about 15 minutes you’re ready to start cooking. Easy peasy.

Safety – There’s no lighter fluid needed so no unhealthy chemicals to worry about.

Portability – Charcoal chimneys are small and easy to travel with. Plus they don’t require electricity so they’re perfect for camping or tailgating. Heck, you can even use a chimney as a mini grill all its own. Just check out the video below where Meathead Goldwyn demonstrates how to sear a steak right on a grill grate sitting directly on the chimney starter. He calls it the “afterburner method” because it looks like you’re cooking on a jet engine…

Frequently Asked Questions

So now that you’ve learned how to use a charcoal chimney to light your grill, let’s go over some commonly asked questions

How long do you leave charcoal in a charcoal chimney?

Once you light the kindling below it, let the charcoal get ready in the chimney for about 10 to 15 minutes. It may smoke heavily at first. You’ll know the charcoal is ready to use when the coals on top start to burn and ash over.

How much charcoal should I use?

The more charcoal you use the hotter the fire will be. Exactly how much you need will depend on what you’re cooking, the size of your grill, and even the weather temperature outside. It takes some practice but after a few cooks you’ll learn how much charcoal you need by instinct.

Do you light lump charcoal in a chimney?

Both lump charcoal and briquettes can be lit in a chimney starter. Lump charcoal varies more in size than briquettes which are more uniform in size and shape. For this reason lump charcoal might take either more or less time to be ready. Check out more in our article about lump charcoal vs briquettes.

How do you light a charcoal chimney on a gas stove?

If you have a camp stove or a gas grill with a side burner, just fill the chimney with charcoal and place it on the burner and turn it on high for about 2 to 3 minutes or until the charcoal starts smoking. Then you can turn the burner off and the charcoal should be ready in about 10 more minutes.

Today we answer a common question often debated by backyard grill masters: How far should a grill be from your house for safety?

You want your grill to be close enough to your house so you don’t have to walk a mile to cook dinner. But how close is too close?

Most grill manufacturers recommend a minimum clearance of 3 feet between a grill and a house. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) goes even further and suggests no grill should be used within 10 feet of any house or building.

While keeping your grill at least 10 feet away from your house is ideal, it’s not always possible. Depending on the size and shape of your yard there may be no physical way for you to keep it that far from a house, fence, shed, or other structure. That said, you should always keep at least 3 feet between your grill and your house while cooking.

Of course, this is only when the grill is lit. It’s ok to keep a cold grill right up against the house so it’s out of the way when not in use. Most grills have wheels which make them easy enough to move when you’re ready to cook. When you’ve finished cooking just roll it back into place.

What Can Happen If Your Grill Is Too Close To Your House?

Whether you’re using propane, charcoal, or wood as a fuel, all grills produce flames that can set your house on fire. You might think the flames will be contained but a grease fire can erupt out of nowhere. Out of control flames can quickly spread to a nearby house.

If you’re using charcoal or wood, flying embers could escape and land on flammable materials and set them afire as well. This is why you can’t just worry about the distance between your grill and house. You also want to keep your grill a safe distance away from any fences, sheds, bushes, and trees that could be set alight.

Even if the fire itself doesn’t get out of control, the heat it generates can do plenty of damage on its own.

My neighbor bought a new grill and set it up right next to one of the exterior walls of his house, and he learned the hard way that vinyl siding and grills don’t mix.

The intense heat coming from a lit grill can actually melt vinyl siding and distort it’s shape. Wood siding may get hot enough to catch fire itself and the heat can also kill any plants or bushes that are too close.

Even a house made of brick or stucco is not impervious to damage from a grill placed too close for comfort. Brick may not burn but it can be discolored by the heat or stained by smoke.

What About Grilling In The Garage?

Grilling in the garage is never a good idea. Besides the obvious risk of fire, you may also be venting dangerous carbon monoxide fumes into your home. Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless, and tasteless so it could be slowly poisoning your family and they would never know until its too late.

Even if you keep the garage door open, lighting a grill indoors is way too dangerous. If the weather outside won’t let you light the grill safely, you’re better off ordering a pizza than trying to use a grill in your garage.

Barbecue Grilling Safety Tips

Keep a fire extinguisher handy when grilling. Even if your grill is a safe distance from your house mishaps can still happen. If you have a flare up you won’t have time to go searching through the garage trying to find a fire extinguisher that’s buried in junk.

Never add lighter fluid to fire that’s burning or smoldering as it can cause an explosion. You’re better off using one of these lighter fluid alternatives anyway.

If you’re using an electric or pellet grill that needs to be plugged in, be sure to use a heavy duty extension cord that’s rated for outdoor use.

Don’t lean over the grill or wear loose clothing that hangs low and catch fire in the flames.

You can keep your Blackstone griddle outside, but you should keep it covered when not in use so it is protected from the elements and any potential rusting or corrosion will be minimized.

So you just got yourself a new Blackstone and you can’t wait to cook up some homemade smash burgers or pancakes on your new griddle.

But in the distance you can see some dark storm clouds headed your way. You immediately think to yourself, “Can you store a Blackstone griddle outside?”

The fact is Blackstone griddles are made to be used and stored outside. It’s perfectly fine to store them outside as long as you take some precautions to protect them from the elements. Keeping your Blackstone covered will protect it from moisture and help prevent rusting and corrosion.

How Can You Store A Blackstone Griddle Outside?

The best place to store a Blackstone griddle when not in use is inside a closed shelter such as a garage or shed, or at least under an awning or gazebo. The more protected it is from the elements the better.

If your Blackstone model has wheels it might be easy enough to roll it inside when you’ve finished cooking, but that’s not realistic for everyone. In this case I recommend purchasing a cover. There are a few types of covers to choose from.

Believe it or not I actually have 2 covers. I have a hard metal cover that I use for everyday use because it literally takes a second to put it on or take it off. But I also have a soft waterproof cover that I put on in nasty weather or if I know I won’t be griddling for a bit.

Here are the Blackstone covers I use myself, plus a third option that looks pretty good too.

Soft Waterproof Griddle Cover

For ultimate protection, get yourself a waterproof cover that will keep water from getting anywhere near your Blackstone’s cooking surface. I really like the cover below because it protects more than just the flat top itself. It also covers the grease trap, knobs, ignitor system, legs, and even the propane tank.

Because it’s manufactured by Blackstone you know it will fit. There are many aftermarket brands you can try but beware if it doesn’t fit properly it could snag and rip which would defeat the whole purpose of using it.

Plus it has straps that run underneath the griddle and secure with plastic clips. No matter how windy it gets outside, you can trust this cover isn’t going anywhere.

Top Product

Blackstone 1528 36 Black Griddle & Grill Cover

• Sun, snow, hail, dust, dirt, or grime, dont let anything ruin your expensive investment. Blackstone barbecue Griddle cover effectively covers your Griddle and protects it against Mother Natures harsh stressors.
• Made with heavy-duty canvas, Griddle cover can take up the beating without wearing out. The all-weather resistant material resists fading or cold cracking while the double-layered construction and reinforced stitching prevent tearing.
• Durable poly-resin buckles of our heavy duty Griddle cover clips underneath the griddle base and keeps the cover secure when things get too windy. The buckle closure also makes it easy to put on and remove the cover.
• Griddle Griddle cover comes in a neutral black color that wont clash with your backyard or patio décor.
• Keep your grill protected from the elements with this Blackstone 36 Griddle Grill Cover. Its made of high-quality, weather-resistant 600D polyest

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Hard Griddle Cover

Another option to use when storing your Blackstone outside is a hard cover like the one below. This cover is custom made to specifically fit the Blackstone and since it is metal you don’t even need to wait for the griddle to cool off before covering it. So if you just finished cooking and it’s starting to rain, just cover it up and head inside.

Plus you gotta admit it looks pretty cool.

Top Product

Cataumet 36 Inch Griddle Grill Hard Cover, Aluminum Diamond Plate Lid, Custom Industrial Over Sized Handle, Stainless Steel Hardware

• SUPERIOR PROTECTION – Built in the USA with diamond plate aluminum that will never rust. Unlike other griddle lids, our unique hanger bracket foot system eliminates screw holes in the top surface so water can’t sneak in and ruin your griddle.
• GET A GRIP – We machined our handle from solid steel so it’s built to last and it made common sense to build a handle that could easily be worked with one or two hands. To secure the handle and further protect your investment we used 304 stainless hex screws and lock nuts. Finally, to lock out the weather we powder coated it fire engine red.
• ROCK SOLID – Our custom classic cover is durable and easy to clean with a our integrated TIG welded hanger bracket stable top foot design. With our cover in place it remains level with no rocking. This simple design gives you another outdoor surface area for things like food platters or a bucket of ice cold beer for friends when your not cooking.
• SIMPLE PRIDE – We worked hard to create a cover that will deliver long lasting protection from weather and corrosion while at the same time building a lid that you will be proud to own that will surely enhance the look of your griddle.
• DIMENSIONS – 36.75 inches by 22.75 inches FITS Blackstone 36 with back or side grease traps. Total Weight 8 lbs. 10oz. Purchase Includes 1 Griddle Cover, Handle, Stain Less Hardwa

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Grydlmat Silicone Griddle Mat

A newer type of cover that has become quite popular, this silicone griddle mat is inexpensive and easy to use. After cooking, just wait for the griddle to cool off and then place the mat right on the surface. It promises to protect your griddle from moisture and oxygen which will lead to rusting.

I should say I haven’t tried this type of cover yet myself, so I can’t really give an informed opinion about it. But I do see a lot of people talking about how much they like it so I’ll probably give it a shot at some point. When I do I’ll come back and update this article, but in the meantime here is a Reddit thread where people share their opinions.

Top Product

The ORIGINAL Grydlmat 36" Pro: Griddle Silicone Protective Mat Cover for Blackstone

• Fits ANY Blackstone 36 Model Griddle with rear-grease management.
• Year-Round protection - Grydlmat is the original, premium silicone mat will protect your griddle investment every season, all through the year.
• Heavy Duty Food-Grade Silicone - Grydlmat is super thick and tough while remaining ultra flexible. Grydlmat is the safest protection for your griddle top being made of 100% food-grade silicone.
• Polished Bottom Surface Sealing - Grydlmat is designed with a polished under-side that when used on a clean, cool, lightly oiled surface, will protect your griddle from bugs, dirt and rust.
• Protect Your Griddle Investment - This griddle cover will protect your BBQ griddle from mother nature and keep it working in perfect condition. No more cleaning your griddle before every use. Remove Grydlmat and cook on a clean surface!
• High-Wall Design - Grydlmat Pro is built with protection in mind. Offering the best fit and tall walls to contain the moisture and debris making removal and cleaning super ea

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Can Happen If You Store Your Blackstone Outside Unprotected?

Blackstone griddles are made of rolled steel and the cooking surface will rust if exposed to moisture like rain or humidity. Rust is the Blackstone’s enemy so you want to be sure you’re keeping it out of the elements. If you have rust on your griddle you’ll need to scrap it off and re-season it.

Can a Blackstone be left in the rain?

You can leave your Blackstone griddle outside in the rain or snow, but you should keep it covered when not in use to prevent rust and corrosion.

Can you use a Blackstone outside in the winter?

As long as your body can stand the cold temperature, you can use a Blackstone griddle outside in the winter. I wouldn’t do it in a blizzard, but I’ve used my Blackstone while it was lightly snowing outside and it’s actually kind of fun.

Can you use a Blackstone in a garage?

Blackstone griddles are meant to be used outside, and they should never be used in a garage due because of the threat of fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. Some people disregard the danger and cook on a Blackstone in their garage with the door open, but for safety reasons we do NOT recommend it.

Getting ready to grill but not sure if you have enough propane? In this article you’ll learn 3 simple ways to tell how much propane is left in a tank.

It’s every griller’s worst nightmare. You’re right in the middle of a BBQ and you’ve got half-cooked chicken breast and steaks sitting on the grill when suddenly the flames die out and you realize you’re out of gas.

If only there was a way to know you were running low on fuel before you started cooking.

Well there are actually 3 ways to check how much propane is in a tank. Master there simple techniques and you’ll never have to worry about running out of gas again.

• Weight the tank
• Use warm water
• Use a propane gauge

Let’s take a closer look at each method.

Weigh The Tank

One way to estimate the level of propane in your tank is by weight. For an extremely rough estimation you can simply lift the tank and see how it feels. If you’ve grilled long enough you develop a feel for the weight of an empty tank vs one that still has gas to give.

But that’s a pretty unscientific approach. A much more accurate method would be to actually weigh the tank to determine how much propane is inside.

A standard propane tank like the ones you use for grilling weighs about 17 pounds when empty. To be more exact, the tank itself weighs 16.6 pounds and most tanks will have that number stamped somewhere on the collar that protects the valve. It might also indicate TW or tare weight, which is simply the accepted weight of a container when empty.

So now that you know the tank’s tare weight, you can easily calculate the amount of propane inside by subtracting the tare weight from the tank’s total weight.

For example, let’s say you weigh the tank and the scale says it weighs 25 pounds. The tare weight is 17 pounds which means you have about 8 pounds of propane left.

Note – some grills have a built in scale that helps you estimate how much propane is left in a tank. Below is a picture of the scale on my ten year old Weber Genesis.

It’s not perfect, but it does help you know when the tank is getting low and ready for a refill.

Use Warm Water

This is a really neat trick and all you need is a cup of hot water. The water doesn’t need to be boiling hot, just hot water from the tap will do nicely.

Here’s how to tell how much propane is left in a tank using nothing but a glass of water.

• Fill a cup of hot water from the tap
• Pour the hot water down the side of the tank
• Run your hand down the side of your tank until you feel a cool spot

The reason this method works is because the propane in the tank absorbs the heat from the hot water faster than the air in the empty part of the tank. The empty part of the tank will remain warm to the touch while the part that still contains propane will cool quickly.

As you run your hand down the side of the tank you’ll notice a significant difference when you get to the section that has propane in it.

This method isn’t exact, but it will give you a good estimate of how much propane you have left so you’ll know if you have enough to cook or you need to get more.

The guys from the “FIX IT Home Improvement Channel” made a short video demonstrating how to use this method.

Use A Fuel Gauge

The most accurate way to measure the amount of propane left in a tank is to use a gauge, Propane tank gauges come in three different types and you can find them in a hardware store or on Amazon.

An inline pressure gauge installs in between the valve on the propane tank and the gas line that feeds into the grill. Just screw it into place and when you open the tank’s valve the gauge will tell you how much propane is left.

An analog propane scale is basically just a miniature scale with a hook attached. Simply loop the hook through the tank’s handle, pick it up, and read the scale to see how much propane is left.

Electronic propane tank sensors attach to the bottom of your tank via a strong magnet. They use ultrasound to accurately measure the amount of propane left in your tank and then send the data directly to an app on your smartphone so you can always know exactly how much gas you have left.

The only type of propane gauge I’ve tried myself is the inline gauge. It comes in handy when your tank is inside the grill itself or otherwise hard to reach or pick up. Otherwise I normally just pick up the canister to estimate how much propane inside.

How Long Does A Propane Tank Last?

Some people will tell you you can tell how much propane is left in a tank by tracking how much cooking you do with it. To do this you’d need to keep some kind of log to track how long you cook with the tank.

I think that’s crazy. When I’m grilling, I’m focused on the food (and maybe the cocktail I’m drinking with it). Keeping a log of every minute the propane is turned on just isn’t realistic.

It’s also bound to be wildly inaccurate because there are so many variables that could affect the total cooking time of a tank.

A standard 20 pound propane tank should get you somewhere between 15 and 20 hours of cooking time.

But that’s just a rough average. Actual cooking time will depend on a number of factors including:

• How much propane the tank started with. Was it completely full or only “kind of” full like the ones you get at an exchange station. Their tanks could give you as much as 25 percent less cooking time!
• The size of your grill and how many BTUs your particular grill uses.
• Whether you cook on low or high heat.
• Your location. If you live in a high altitude area you’ll likely need to preheat and cook for a longer amount of time

For these reasons I don’t think using cook time will ever give you an accurate estimate of how much propane you have left. You’d be much better off just using one of the other methods discussed above.

We’ve done that math to figure out if you’ll get a better deal by exchanging your propane tank of getting it refilled. Let’s see if you’ve been getting ripped off.

Key Takeaway

Getting an empty propane tank refilled is more cost-effective than exchanging it for a new one. In most cases you’ll actually bring home more propane and spend less money at the same time.

It sounds hard to believe, but stick with me and by the time your get to the end of this article you’ll agree that propane tank exchanges are a rip-off.

The easiest way to decide if it’s better to exchange or refill your empty propane tanks is to compare the price per gallon. But to figure that out we first need to understand how much gas can actually fit in a propane tank.

A standard propane tank that you’d use on a backyard grill can hold 20 pounds of propane. Each gallon of propane weighs about 4.2 pounds. That means that a 20 pound tank can hold about 4.7 gallons of propane.

This is important because when you get a tank filled you know the price per gallon going in. The price should be posted at the fill up station just like you’d see at a gasoline station when filling up your car’s tank.

I recently took a ride to a U-Haul station that offers propane refills. I had two completely empty tanks and one that still had some in it. I got 13.6 gallons for a total of $57.80. That equates to a price of $4.25 per gallon.

But how does that compare to what you’d pay for an exchange?

Propane exchanges don’t give you the price per gallon so we’ll have to figure that out ourselves. They do give you a total price for the exchange itself and that price can range quite a bit. Some readers say it’s only about $18 where they live, but in my area it’s more like $24 to $26.

The picture at the top of this article is one I took at a Wawa store and the exchange price was $23.99, so let’s just use that as an average.

If you pay $23.99 and get a full 20 pound tank with 4.7 gallons of propane that would mean you’ll pay $5.04 per gallon. That’s already 79 cents more per gallon than the refill, but just wait until you hear the whole story!

It Gets Worse

When you exchange your propane tank you don’t get a full 20 pound tank back. They only fill it about ¾ full so you really get 15 pounds of propane.

Let me say that again to make sure I’m being clear. Propane tank exchanges only give you a tank that’s 75 percent full. Instead of getting the full 4.7 gallons that can fit in the tank, you only get about 3.5 gallons.

That completely changes the math and makes a bad deal even worse. Using our example above, a tank exchange that costs $23.99 and only provides 3.5 gallons of propane equates to a price of $6.85 per gallon.

That is a HUGE difference!

So you have a choice. You can either pay $4.25 for a refill or $6.85 for an exchange. You’re paying 60 percent more for an exchange!

To be clear, the propane exchange providers don’t hide the fact that they only give you 15 pounds of propane. Blue Rhino says it right on their website and if you read the fine print at the exchange locker it too will say 15 pounds.

I just don’t think many consumers realize that 15 pounds is not really a full tank. That means the price can be misleading to the average griller who doesn’t know any better.

Why Do Propane Exchanges Cost More Than Refills?

With a propane exchange you’re basically paying a premium for convenience. There are tanks exchanges all over the place including many large retailers, gas stations, and garden centers. All you need to do is drop off your empty tank and grab a new one.

And new technology is making it even more convenient with completed automated machines where you can pay with a credit card and exchange your tank without even having to enter the store or talk to an other human being.

Tank exchanges also have a lot of overhead and additional costs. They have to use trucks to transport tanks to and from all those exchange locations and they need to maintain and either recertify expired tanks or take them out of service.

The Bottom Line

If you’re asking yourself if it’s better to exchange or refill your propane tank, the answer is clear. Refilling your empty tank will cost you less money and you’ll actually get more propane, which means the tank will last longer and you won’t run out as often.

Did you know that the propane tanks you use to cook on your gas grill have an expiration date? Using an old propane tank could be dangerous so in this article we’ll explain how to tell if your propane tank is expired so you can be sure it’s safe to use.

For many years, I had no idea that propane tanks have an expiration date. But it does make sense when you think about it. Nothing lasts forever, right?

You’ve probably seen some old and rusty propane tanks laying around and never gave them a second thought. I remember one time I helped my buddy clean out his parent’s house after his dad died and we found an old propane tank that was so rusted we joked that it must have been on the Titanic.

But seriously, how do you know if your propane tank is expired?

Propane tanks are built to last for 12 years from the date of manufacture. When they reach age 12 they need to be taken out of service or recertified. If recertified they can be used for another 5 to 10 years. You can find the manufactured date stamped onto the collar or handle of the propane tank.

The picture below shows the propane tank that is currently attached to my Blackstone griddle. As you can see it was manufactured in January 2012. This particular tank also has a warning that it is only qualified for use within 12 years of the manufacture date.

Not all propane tanks have that message, but all tanks should have the date of manufacture stamped on it. Simply add 12 years to the date and you know exactly when the tank expires.

Below is another propane tank I have in my backyard waiting to be refilled. This one has a manufactured date of July 2022, so I can expect many more years of use out of this one.

What To Do With An Expired Propane Tank

If you have a propane tank that has reached its expiration date you can either have it recertified for continued use or exchange it for a newer tank.

Propane Tank Recertification

To have your tank recertified, you’ll need to find a place that is authorized to inspect it. Propane tanks are regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation and you can use their site to search for re-qualifier locations near you.

Look how many locations are within 100 miles of me:

Some locations only do a visual inspection where they check the tank for rust, corrosion, dents, cracks, and bulges. They ensure the foot ring at the bottom of the tank and the collar that protects the valve are in good shape. They also inspect the valve to make sure it doesn’t leak.

Others do more in-depth stress testing using either Volumetric Expansion or Proof-Pressure testing. The details of those testing methods are outside the scope of this article, but they are considered more stringent than a simple visual test.

Assuming your tank passes inspection, the re-certifier will either add a sticker to the collar or stamp a new date on it. If they only inspected it visually, the tank will be certified for an additional 5 years. If they did the more stringent testing the re-certification will last 10 years.

Propane Tank Exchange

Another option is to exchange your expired tank for a newer one. Many garden centers and stores like Home Depot, Lowes, and Walmart offer tank exchanges for around $19 to $25.

Generally I prefer getting my tanks refilled because exchanging your tank is usually a bad deal. But this is one occasion where exchanging your tank works to your benefit.

Just drop off your old, expired propane tank and swap it for one with a more recent date. Now that you know where to look, finding a newer tank will be no problem!

The stores won’t care if the tank you drop off is expired because they’re just sending it back to the gas company. They’ll do their own inspection and recertify it or take it out of service if it’s in bad shape.

Is it safe to keep a propane tank open when it’s not in use or should you close it when you’ve finished grilling?

Received an interesting question from a reader and I figured there’s probably a lot more people out there with the same question on their mind so I might as well answer it here.

Do you have to turn off the propane tank after grilling?

For safety reasons, you should always turn off your grill’s gas supply when the grill is not in use. If one of the knobs were to be inadvertently turned on, the grill could fill with gas. The best case would be coming back to an empty tank and a waste of money. The worst case could be a backyard explosion if the gas were to somehow ignite.

Truth is, I can’t think of a single reason why you wouldn’t want to close the propane tank (or shut off a natural gas connection if you have one). Would you pull out of a gas station before screwing the gas cap back on and drive around with it open?

And what is leaving the tank open saving you anyway? It takes less than 5 seconds to close so wouldn’t you?

What can happen if don’t close a propane tank after grilling?

Keeping the propane tank closed when not in use is the best way to prevent a gas leak.

If you keep the tank open you’re relying on your grill’s control knobs and if someone (like a curious child or an over-active dog) bumps them or accidentally turns them on you could end up with a dangerous situation as that tank fills with gas.

Here’s another possibility that seems far-fetched but can definitely happen. Imagine a mouse or a squirrel gnawing on the gas hose connected to a tank that’s been left open. If their little teeth pop a hole in the hose gas will leak out.

Since gas is heavier than air it will tend to settle in low areas in and around your grill. What if someone lights a cigarette or citronella candle nearby? Or maybe your charcoal smoker is right next to your gas grill.

What do you think will happen when you go to light the charcoal?

One more thing to consider:

Many believe leaving your grill’s propane tank open increases the chance of triggering a safety mechanism that reduces the flow of gas so you’ll be able to get a very low flame and temperature. I’ve already written about what to do when your grill has a low flame. It’s an easy fix but it still takes way longer than just closing the tank when you’re done with it.

What If You Forget To Shut The Propane Tank Valve Overnight?

Don’t panic. It’s unlikely that anything will actually happen, especially if the knobs were turned off. Just turn off the tank valve and open the grill lid so any gas trapped inside can dissipate.

If the knobs were open or if you have a leaky hose it’s likely your tank is more empty than you expect. You should check to see how much propane is left in the tank before your next cook.

Do You Turn Off The Propane Tank Or Grill First?

Best practice is to always turn off the propane tank first. Wait a few seconds for the remaining gas to exit the hose and then close the knobs. Shutting off the gas supply first ensures there’s no gas trapped in the hose.

When you’re ready to fire up the grill for your next cook, start by slowly opening the propane tank to full and then turning on the knobs and lighting her up.

Final Thoughts

Make a habit of always shutting off the gas supply when you’re finished grilling. Leaving it on may not necessarily lead to anything bad happening, but it might. There’s absolutely no benefit to leaving the propane tank open and it only takes a few seconds to close it, so why even take the risk?