How Many Propane Tank Sizes Are There?
Written on: March 4, 2024
Trust Pico to Have the Size You Need
If you’re new to propane, or you’ve only ever used propane to run a portable grill, you might not have given much thought to how many different sizes of propane tank there are. But with a fuel that’s so versatile and efficient, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that many different sizes to match propane’s many uses.
To know what size propane tank you need, you need to know how you will use your propane. There are a lot of variables to consider, and our team has the expertise to take the guesswork out of calculating the best size tank for your needs, whether they are residential or commercial.
There are basically two types of tanks, portable and large storage tanks.
Portable Tanks
Portable tanks range in size from a couple pounds to as large as 100 pounds. Generally, portable tanks, also called cylinders, are used for grills, fire pits, bug zappers, patio heaters, and RVs. Some portable cylinders are used for industrial equipment such as forklifts. The smallest, two- to -five-pound cylinders, are used for portable camping grills and similar equipment. Sizes mainly increase in 5-pound increments.
Large Storage Tanks
Nonportable large storage tanks range from 100 gallons to as much as 1000 gallons or more. These are used to store propane for homes and businesses that use propane for heating, cooking and powering a wide range of appliances—including standby generators. Large storage tanks can be aboveground or buried, and the construction of each type is slightly different.
Gallons or Pounds?
A common question is why portable tanks are measured in pounds, while larger tanks are measured in gallons. The reason is that propane, also known as “Liquid Propane Gas” or LPG, is stored in a liquid state under pressure. When dispensing propane into a large tank, it’s much easier to measure the quantity in gallons. But for smaller tanks, weight is an easier measurement.
What Size Is Right for You?
Knowing how you will use your propane—just for cooking, or for heating water, heating your home, and more—is the key to determining what size tank you will need. There are a lot of variables to consider, but we can help you take the guesswork out of calculating the best size tank for your needs.
Here’s a general guide to residential tank size:
- 60- to 100-pound cylinders: If you plan to use propane for a gas grill, patio heater, outdoor cookstove or for an RV, a refillable portable cylinder tank is what you want.
- 120-gallon propane tank: This size tank is perfect if you only use propane just for water heating or space heating, or to fuel a range or clothes dryer.
- 150-gallon propane tank: If you have one or two low-Btu appliances, such as a water heater, cooking range, space heaters, wall heaters or a clothes dryer, this size tank should provide ample propane.
- 250-gallon propane tank: For three or more propane appliances like ranges, water heaters or fireplaces (but not a furnace or boiler) you may need to go up to this size.
- 500-gallon propane tank: This is the minimum you’ll need if you heat your home with propane. You’ll have enough propane to also fuel appliances including fireplaces, ranges and water heaters.
- 800- to 1,000-gallon propane tanks: This capacity will fuel a large home or small commercial business heated with propane that also uses several propane appliances as well as high-Btu propane appliances like pool and spa heaters.
Whether you’re new to propane or just need to replace your tank, the pros at Pico are here to answer all your questions about propane for your Texas home or business. We can help you choose the best size tank for your needs. We can also help identify the best location for your tank, including whether underground or above ground is best, and we’ll make sure it’s installed safely. We’ll also provide reliable delivery service to ensure you always have the propane you need.
Ready to learn more? Contact us today.
