We checked propane prices at 8 Raleigh stores. Where to refill or get new tanks
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Exchanging a propane tank typically costs less than buying a new, filled one.
- Buying a new propane tank at Sam's Club could save shoppers up to $18.
- Prices of exchanging tanks varied slightly at the stores we visited.
Cooking and dining outdoors during the summertime is a staple for many.
With pool parties, Fourth of July celebrations, long days and longer weekends, many will be abandoning the stovetop for the grill in coming months.
For those who prefer to flip burgers and sear steaks and brats over a gas-powered grill, there’s one particular ingredient that you definitely don’t want to forget: propane.
In June, The News & Observer visited eight retailers in Raleigh that offer new propane tanks or will refill or exchange them to find which store has the best value. Those stores were:
- Lake Boone Ace Hardware: 2462 Wycliff Road
- BJ’s Wholesale Club: 6301 Triangle Plantation Drive
- Costco Wholesale Club: 2838 Wake Forest Road
- Food Lion: 4317 Falls of Neuse Road
- Harris Teeter: 6024 Falls of Neuse Road
- Sam’s Club: 3001 Calvary Drive
- The Home Depot: 4901 Capital Blvd.
- U-Haul: 716 Capital Blvd.
Cheap new propane tanks in Raleigh
Ace Hardware, Harris Teeter, Food Lion, Sam’s Club and The Home Depot sell new propane tanks that come filled. Each store sells 15-pound tanks made by one of two companies — Blue Rhino and AmeriGas.
- Among the stores we shopped, Sam’s Club sold new, filled propane tanks for the lowest price: $51.99.
- The most expensive stores were Food Lion and Harris Teeter, which each sold a new tank for $69.99.
BJ’s Wholesale Club also sells new tanks, but they come empty. Customers would need to pay to fill up the tank, which can be done at the store. The price of an empty, 20-pound Worthington tank from BJ’s is $49.99. The cost of propane to fill the tank is $12.99 for members (and $14.99 for non-members). Members would pay $62.98 before tax for the tank and propane.
Where to refill or exchange propane tanks in Raleigh
Exchanging a propane tank costs less than purchasing a new, filled one.
How it works: Rather than taking an empty tank to the store and having it refilled, customers usually drop off the empty tank and exchange it for one that’s filled. Often, there’s a kiosk outside that allows customers to pay for the exchange.
Another option is to visit a store that refills tanks on site.
- At U-Haul, customers can bring any size or brand of propane tank to be refilled. The price is $3.75 per gallon.
- Costco also refills propane tanks, after first making sure the tank is empty and in a good condition to be refilled. The advertised price is $2.75 per gallon.
- BJ’s Wholesale Club fills 20-pound tanks, charging members $12.99 and non-members $14.99.
Propane safety tips
The propane provider AmeriGas offers a few safety tips for working with propane:
- Do a smell test: If you smell something like rotten eggs or skunk spray, you may have a propane leak.
- Check for flame color: Propane burns with a blue flame in appliances. If you see yellow or irregular flames, the propane isn’t burning properly and could be a sign that carbon monoxide is being released.
- Check for soot: There should not be any soot in or around appliances. The presence of soot indicates the propane isn’t burning properly, which could result in carbon monoxide release.
- Don’t use outdoor propane appliances, such as grills, indoors or in enclosed areas.
- Don’t store or place a propane cylinder indoors or in an enclosed area, such as a basement, garage, shed or tent.
