Ever Run Out of Gas?

[Slowfro]

Yeah turns out I need to buy a gauge. Out of my paranoia I took my tank in to be refilled before brewing this week, and it was still almost half full, whoops. Good call on having 2 tanks with the change-over valve though, might have to look into that.

 

[JewBrew]

I live in NYC, by law you are not allowed to fill up tanks only exchange, so there is no such thing as topping off a tank. I too learnt the hard way and now have two tanks. Between the grill and the brew I use only one tank at a time and always have a full as a backup.

 

[modernlifeisANDY]

I usually just guestimate by picking it up. I generally know how much the thing should weigh empty, so I just kinda go for it. It helps to be able to top off though, I'd go the gauge route if I was only able to exchange.

 

[RetAF]

Gauges on propane tanks are virtually useless. Propane in the tank is in a liquid state, and 'boils' off as you use it. Therefore, the pressure in the tank stays constant, right up until there is no more liquid in the tank, and then it falls rapidly. Same goes for CO2 tanks.

Only true way to know how much is in the tank is by weight, as was stated earlier.

 

[trub quaffer]

Just pour a big glass of hot water over the side of the tank. After a few seconds you can determine the level of the propane by touching the side of the tank. Start at the top of the tank. It will be warm. As you run your fingers down the tank, it will suddenly get cold. That's the level of the propane left in your tank.

 

[rugman]

I have 4 20# i never run out

 

[rico567]

I only have one tank. I know it takes me 4-5 lbs. of propane to do a batch, and that my tank has an 18 lb. tare (empty) weight, so I use the bathroom scales to keep track of how much is left........haven't run out so far.

My other propane tanks (for the grill) are no good, as they use a bayonet connector that isn't compatible. I haven't bought another tank for the burner because I'm seriously considering running a propane line from the bulk tank that services our house to the garage (about 35 ft), so that I can tap into the cheap gas....

 

[bigolbigbelly]

Gauges on propane tanks are virtually useless. Propane in the tank is in a liquid state, and 'boils' off as you use it. Therefore, the pressure in the tank stays constant, right up until there is no more liquid in the tank, and then it falls rapidly.

I can only tell you from my experience, the gauge I posted tells me I am low when I have enough propane for a 60 min boil left. Only time it did not work was in sub zero weather.