Support Your Local Stores
Find In-Store
Find In-Store
Local Services · Outdoor & Property
Propane refills, exchanges, and a clear answer on which is cheaper.
Most local hardware stores do both. Here's the short version: refill is usually cheaper per gallon, exchange is faster. If your tank is in good shape, refill it. If it's old or rusty, exchange swaps it out.
Find a store near you →
The honest read
Refill vs. exchange — what's the difference
Refill means the store fills your existing tank to capacity (usually about 4.5 gallons in a standard 20-lb grill tank). You pay per gallon of actual fuel. Exchange means you trade your empty tank for a full one — often pre-filled to less than capacity (about 15 lbs instead of 20).
Refill is typically $3–4 per gallon cheaper than exchange when you do the math on actual gallons delivered. Exchange wins on speed (no waiting for a fill) and on convenience if your tank is old, rusty, or out of date for recertification.
Tanks need recertification every 12 years from the manufacture date stamped on the collar. After that, most refill stations won't fill them. Exchange takes any tank, expired or not — that's the secret cost saver if your tank is older than you remember.
What the propane counter offers
How propane service actually works at the local store
Not every store does both. Most NHG network locations offer at least one of these.
01
20-lb grill tank refill
Bring your tank. Pay per gallon delivered. Usually $15–22 for a full fill, depending on local rates. Faster than waiting for a delivery, cheaper than exchange. Most stations fill while you wait.
02
Cylinder exchange
Drop the empty in the cage, grab a full one off the rack. $20–30 typical. No waiting. Best when your tank is past recertification (12 years old) or visibly damaged.
03
Larger tanks (30-lb, 40-lb, RV tanks)
Forklift tanks, motorhome tanks, large grill tanks. Refill only — these aren't exchanged. Stores with full propane setups handle these; ask before you tow it across town.
04
Tank inspection and recertification info
Counter staff will check the date stamp and tell you whether your tank can be refilled or needs to be exchanged. Free check, takes 30 seconds.
Before you go
Before you go
- Your tank (for refill) or an empty (for exchange) — empty tanks get returned, not loaded into your car with anything in them
- Cash, card, or store account — most refill stations bill at the time of fill, not later
- Patience if the store has a single attendant — propane refill is one-person, one-tank-at-a-time work
- Know whether your tank is past 12 years from manufacture — if so, plan for exchange instead
- Ventilation in your car when you drive home — never leave a propane tank in a hot car or trunk for long
Try local first · We'll wait
Find propane refill or exchange near you.
Most NHG network hardware stores offer either refill, exchange, or both. Enter your ZIP for the nearest option.
More local services
Other things the counter handles
The NHG promise
We support local hardware stores — we don't replace them.
This is one of the services that's better done in person. The store on the corner is built for it.
Why it's worth the trip →