If you own a gas grill, fire pit, or other outdoor appliances, you know that propane is an essential fuel source. But when your tank runs low, where should you go to get it refilled? Many Costco members are curious whether the warehouse club is a good option for propane refills.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about getting your propane tanks filled at Costco, including what services they offer, how the process works, how much it costs, and expert tips to make your experience as smooth and efficient as possible. Let‘s dive in!
Does Costco Refill Propane Tanks?
The short answer is yes, Costco does refill propane tanks, but only at select locations. Specifically, Costco offers propane refills at warehouses that have a Tire Service Center. These centers are typically open from 10am to 7pm on weekdays and 9am to 6pm on weekends, though hours may vary by location.
Most Costco Tire Service Centers are equipped to refill the following common propane tank sizes:
- 5 pound tanks
- 20 pound tanks
- 30 pound tanks
- 40 pound tanks
- 100 pound tanks
It‘s important to note that Costco does not refill 1-pound propane cylinders, as these are considered single-use disposable tanks that cannot be replenished.
Before heading to your local Costco for a propane refill, it‘s wise to call ahead to the Tire Service Center to confirm that they offer this service and have propane in stock. You can also check the "Departments and Specialty Items" section of your warehouse‘s page on the Costco website or app to see if propane is listed.
The Propane Refill Process at Costco
So how exactly does refilling a propane tank at Costco work? The process is quite straightforward:
-
Bring your empty tank to the Tire Service Center and locate the propane filling station, which is typically in the parking lot near the tire center entrance.
-
Push the call button at the propane island to alert the attendant that you need a refill. Note that you must be a current Costco member to use this service.
-
The attendant will come out to greet you and inspect your tank to ensure it is not expired and in good condition to be refilled. If your tank is past its requalification date, the attendant cannot legally refill it, but they can safely dispose of it for you at no charge.
-
If your tank passes inspection, the attendant will refill it, which usually takes about 5-10 minutes depending on the tank size and how busy they are. Costco‘s propane dispensers are calibrated daily to ensure the tanks are filled precisely to 80% capacity for safety reasons.
-
Once your tank is filled, the attendant will give you a receipt to bring inside the warehouse to pay at the register after you finish the rest of your shopping. This allows you to get your propane and groceries in a single stop.
Overall, the propane refill process at Costco is efficient and convenient, especially if you‘re already planning to shop at the warehouse. But how much does it cost compared to other retailers?
Costco Propane Refill Prices
One of the main advantages of getting your propane tanks filled at Costco is the low price. Costco aims to offer the most competitive propane refill rates in each market they serve.
Exact prices vary by location and may fluctuate based on market conditions, but Costco members routinely report saving $1-3 per gallon compared to other national chains and local gas stations. Based on recent prices, refilling a 20-pound tank at Costco might cost around $10-15, compared to $15-25 at many competitors.
To put this in perspective, a typical 20-pound propane tank holds about 4.5 gallons of propane. So at a price of $2.99 per gallon, which is a common rate at Costco, refilling a completely empty tank would cost about $13.50 before tax.
Of course, most tanks are not completely empty when you refill them, so your actual cost will depend on how much propane is needed to top off your tank. The receipt from the attendant will show the number of gallons dispensed.
It‘s also worth noting that Costco does not charge any additional fees for propane refills beyond the per-gallon price. In contrast, some other retailers tack on flat-rate "tank service fees" on top of the cost of the propane itself.
Refilling vs Exchanging Propane Tanks
If you‘ve ever run out of propane in the middle of grilling, you may have been tempted to simply swap out your empty tank for a full one at a nearby convenience store or home improvement center. This is known as a propane tank exchange, and it‘s certainly a quick and easy option.
However, propane tank exchanges are almost always more expensive than refilling your own tank. The tanks used for exchanges are prefilled with only 15 pounds of propane rather than the 20 pounds that a full tank should hold. So while the upfront cost may seem reasonable, you‘re actually paying a premium for less propane.
Additionally, exchanging tanks is less environmentally friendly, as the old tanks are not always recycled properly and may end up in landfills. Refilling your own tank ensures that it gets reused over and over again.
The only real downside to refilling vs exchanging is the extra time it takes to do the refill and pay inside the store. But with Costco‘s efficient process and the ability to multitask by shopping while your tank is being filled, this inconvenience is minimized. And the cost savings and environmental benefits make it well worth the effort in the long run.
Other Propane Products at Costco
In addition to propane refills, Costco sells a selection of propane tanks and accessories both in-store and online. Some of the options you may find include:
- New 20-pound and 30-pound steel propane tanks with overflow protection valves (OPDs)
- Propane tank gauges to help you monitor your fuel level
- Propane hoses and adapters to connect your tank to your grill or appliance
- Propane fire pit tables and patio heaters (seasonal items)
Prices and availability may vary by location, so it‘s best to check with your local warehouse or browse Costco.com to see what‘s currently in stock.
Is Costco the Best Place to Get Propane?
For many people, Costco is an excellent choice for propane refills due to the low prices, convenient process, and opportunity to combine the errand with a regular shopping trip. However, there are some scenarios where other options may make more sense:
-
If you don‘t live near a Costco warehouse or don‘t have a membership, it may not be practical to make a special trip just for propane. In this case, refilling or exchanging at a closer location may be more efficient.
-
If you need propane outside of Costco‘s Tire Center hours, you‘ll need to find a 24-hour location such as a gas station or a retailer with a 24/7 kiosk.
-
If you have an expired or damaged tank that Costco won‘t refill, you may need to visit a propane specialty store to purchase a replacement before you can refill it.
Overall though, if you have a Costco membership and a Tire Service Center nearby, refilling your propane tanks there is a smart way to save money and minimize waste over time.
Propane Safety Tips
Propane is a safe and efficient fuel when used properly, but it‘s important to follow some basic safety guidelines when refilling and transporting tanks:
- Always refill and transport tanks in a secure, upright position
- Never store propane tanks indoors or in an enclosed vehicle
- Keep tanks away from heat sources and open flames
- Check for leaks regularly using a soap and water solution
- Make sure your tank‘s valve is fully closed when not in use
- Replace any tank that is damaged, rusty, or expired
- Follow the manufacturer‘s instructions for your specific appliance
By taking these precautions and choosing a reputable refilling station like Costco, you can enjoy the benefits of propane without any unnecessary risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I refill a propane tank that isn‘t completely empty?
A: Yes, you can refill a tank at Costco even if it still has some propane left. You‘ll only be charged for the amount of propane needed to fill the tank to 80% capacity.
Q: How long does a propane tank last?
A: A typical 20-pound propane tank will last about 18-20 hours when used with a medium-sized grill. However, this can vary based on factors such as the BTU rating of your grill, the outside temperature, and how high you have the burners set.
Q: How often should I refill my propane tank?
A: It‘s generally a good idea to refill your tank before it‘s completely empty to avoid running out of fuel in the middle of cooking. You can use a propane tank gauge or weigh your tank to estimate how much propane is left. As a rough guide, a 20-pound tank weighs about 37 pounds when full and 17 pounds when empty.
Q: Can I use a propane tank that has expired?
A: No, propane tanks have an expiration date stamped on the collar that indicates when they need to be recertified or replaced. Most tanks need to be recertified 12 years after the manufacture date and every 5 years after that. Costco will not refill expired tanks, but they can dispose of them for you.
Q: What should I do if I smell gas while using my propane appliance?
A: If you smell a strong odor of gas, immediately turn off the appliance and the propane tank valve. Check for leaks using a soap and water solution, and if the leak persists, contact your local fire department or propane supplier for assistance. Do not attempt to use the appliance until the leak has been repaired.
The Bottom Line
Refilling your propane tanks at Costco is a convenient and cost-effective option for many members. With competitive prices, a user-friendly process, and the ability to knock out two errands at once, it‘s no wonder that Costco is a popular choice for propane.
By following the tips and guidelines in this article, you can ensure a smooth and safe experience every time you need to top off your tank. And with the peace of mind that comes from using a high-quality propane retailer, you can enjoy all your favorite outdoor activities without worrying about running out of fuel.