Propane Refill vs. Blue Rhino vs. AmeriGas: Side-by-Side (2026)
Short answer: tank refill bills only for the propane you actually receive. The two major exchange brands — Blue Rhino and AmeriGas — typically fill standard 20 lb BBQ tanks to just 15 lb of propane, while charging a fixed "full tank" price. That 5 lb difference is the reason refilling is almost always cheaper per pound.
Published May 14, 2026 · Propane Refill Station, Hollywood, FL
Quick Answer: Blue Rhino and AmeriGas exchange tanks contain about 15 lb of propane in a 20 lb tank (75% of capacity), at a fixed price. Refilling at Propane Refill Station fills to the legal maximum (~80% of tank capacity, i.e. roughly 16+ lb usable) and bills only for the propane delivered — usually cheaper per pound and a fuller tank. Call (954) 966-1763.
Side-by-side comparison
Comparing what you actually get for a 20 lb BBQ propane tank visit.
| Factor | Refill (Propane Refill Station) | Blue Rhino exchange | AmeriGas exchange |
|---|---|---|---|
| Propane delivered (20 lb tank) | ~16+ lb (filled to legal 80% max) | ~15 lb (disclosed on cage) | ~15 lb |
| How you're billed | By weight delivered (per pound) | Fixed per-tank price | Fixed per-tank price |
| Tank you walk away with | Your own tank (you keep it) | Whatever's in the cage | Whatever's in the cage |
| Tank condition risk | Inspected, kept by you | Random — could be old/rusty | Random — could be old/rusty |
| Expired tank handling | Can recertify (cheap) or sell you new | Trade it in, lose tank value | Trade it in, lose tank value |
| Top-off a partial tank | Yes — pay only for what's added | No (you'd lose remaining propane) | No (you'd lose remaining propane) |
| Larger tanks (30 lb, 40 lb, RV, forklift) | Yes | 20 lb only (exchange not offered) | 20 lb only (exchange not offered) |
| Safety inspection | Every fill (valves, condition, date) | Self-serve cage | Self-serve cage |
| Typical price per pound | Lower (call for current rate) | Higher (fixed price ÷ 15 lb) | Higher (fixed price ÷ 15 lb) |
Source: Blue Rhino and AmeriGas publicly disclose the 15 lb fill weight on tank cages. Federal regulations cap legal fill at 80% of tank capacity (DOT 49 CFR 173.301) to allow for thermal expansion.
The 15 lb fill: what most people miss
Walk up to a tank exchange cage at Home Depot, Walmart, a gas station, or a supermarket. Swap your empty tank for a "full" one. Pay the fixed price. That tank is typically 15 lb of propane in a 20 lb tank.
Both Blue Rhino and AmeriGas disclose this — usually printed in small text on the exchange cage. It's not a scam; it's standard industry practice. The reason: when the exchange brand fills a returned tank, they don't know its exact capacity or condition, so they fill conservatively to a fixed weight that's safely below the legal 80% cap. That keeps liability low. The trade-off is you pay full-tank prices for a 75% fill.
When refill wins (almost always)
- You're price-conscious — refill is cheaper per pound
- You have a tank in good condition you want to keep
- You have a 30 lb, 40 lb, RV, ASME, or forklift tank (exchange doesn't cover these)
- You want accurate fills for a smoker, long cook, or food truck shift
- You only need a top-off, not a full swap
When exchange might still make sense
- Your tank is expired or unsafe and you just want to get rid of it
- You live far from any refill station (we're at 7214 Taft St in Hollywood, FL — serving Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Cooper City, and Davie)
Even if your tank is expired, we can usually recertify it for less than the cost of a new tank. After that, refilling is back to being the cheapest option.
Frequently asked questions
How much propane does a Blue Rhino exchange tank contain?
Approximately 15 lb of propane in a standard 20 lb tank. This is disclosed on the Blue Rhino exchange cage. A refill at Propane Refill Station fills to the legal maximum and bills only for the actual propane delivered.
How much propane does an AmeriGas exchange tank contain?
Approximately 15 lb in a 20 lb tank in most exchange programs. The 5 lb shortfall vs. a true full fill is the structural reason refilling is cheaper per pound.
Can a refill station fill a Blue Rhino or AmeriGas tank?
Yes. We can refill any standard 20 lb BBQ tank with a current OPD valve, regardless of which brand last filled it. Once you own the tank, you can fill it anywhere that does refills.
Is propane refill always cheaper than exchange?
In nearly all cases, yes. The only exceptions are when your tank is expired and needs recertification anyway, or when you live far from a refill station and drive cost outweighs per-pound savings.
What if my tank is expired?
DOT cylinders need recertification 10–12 years after manufacture date. We can recertify expired tanks (cheaper than buying new) or sell you a new one. With exchange, you trade your expired tank for a 15 lb partial fill at a fixed price — losing the value of your original tank.
Refill at Propane Refill Station
7214 Taft St, Hollywood, FL 33024 · Drive up — no appointment needed
Last updated: May 14, 2026