Propane Tank Refill vs. Exchange: Which Is Cheaper?
Short answer: refilling is almost always cheaper than exchange because exchange cages fill tanks to about 15 lb but charge for a "full" tank. At Propane Refill Station in Hollywood, FL, you only pay for the propane you actually receive.
Address: 7214 Taft St, Hollywood, FL 33024
Quick Answer: Propane tank refill is usually cheaper than exchange. Exchange cages typically fill standard 20 lb tanks to only 15 lb. With refill, you pay for the actual propane you receive — often the same dollars get you a fuller tank. Call (954) 966-1763.
The exchange catch most people miss
Walk up to a tank exchange cage at a hardware store, gas station, or supermarket. You swap your empty tank for a "full" one and pay a fixed price. Sounds simple.
Here's the catch: those exchange tanks are typically only filled to 15 lb of propane, even though they have a 20 lb capacity. You're paying for a full tank but getting 75% of one. Most exchange brands disclose this in fine print on the tank cage — it's not a secret, just easy to miss.
How refill works
At a refill station like ours, we connect your existing tank to a pump, fill it to the legal limit, and bill you for the actual amount of propane that went into the tank. You walk away with the tank you brought, now full to its real capacity.
When refill wins (almost always)
- You're cost-conscious — refilling typically costs less per pound of propane.
- You have a tank in good condition and want to keep it.
- You have a larger tank (30 lb, 40 lb, RV cylinder, ASME) where exchange isn't even an option.
- You want more accurate fills for a smoker or longer cooks.
When exchange might make sense
- Your tank is expired, rusty, or in unsafe condition and you'd rather just trade it in.
- You can't find a refill station near you (we have you covered — see cities we serve).
If your tank is expired, we also offer tank recertification or replacement so you can keep refilling instead of switching to exchange.
Cities we serve
Frequently Asked Questions
Is propane refill cheaper than exchange?
In most cases yes. Exchange cages typically fill 20 lb tanks to about 15 lb but charge for a full tank. Refilling charges only for the propane you actually receive, which is usually less per pound.
How much propane does an exchange tank actually contain?
Most major exchange programs fill standard 20 lb tanks to about 15 lb of propane (often disclosed on the cage in small print).
Can you refill an exchange-brand tank like Blue Rhino or AmeriGas?
Yes. As long as the tank is in safe condition and has a current OPD valve, we can refill any standard 20 lb tank — regardless of who originally filled it.
What if my tank is expired?
We can usually recertify it for less than the cost of a new tank. See our tank sales and recertification page for details.
Do you exchange tanks?
No — we refill. That’s how we keep prices fair: you only pay for the propane that actually goes in your tank.
Stop by Propane Refill Station
7214 Taft St, Hollywood, FL 33024 · Drive up — no appointment needed.