How Long Does a Propane Tank Last When Grilling?
Nothing ruins a good cookout faster than an empty propane tank. The best way to avoid running out of propane is, of course, refilling your tank beforehand. But if you don’t have time to stop for a refill or if you’re planning a lengthy grilling session, you might be wondering how long your propane tank will last.
The short answer: it depends! The size of your propane tank plays a crucial role in burn time, but there are other factors that will heavily affect how long you can expect to keep your grill running.
You can also check the propane levels of your tank directly from your phone by using the Mopeka Bluetooth Gauge. Simply stick the magnetic sensor to the bottom of your tank and download the FREE app for accurate readings within a 300-foot range. Never run out of propane unexpectedly again!
As the propane experts, U-Haul has created this guide to help you figure out how long you can expect your BBQ tank to last based on both the tank size and the appliance you're using.
How Long Does a Propane Tank Last?
As mentioned previously, the size of your propane tank is the main factor in how long it will last. As shown in the chart above, 40-pound tanks generally last longer than 20- or 30-pound tanks because they have a higher capacity. Another important factor is the type of propane appliance you're using. For instance, grills with fewer burners tend to last longer than those with more.
Here’s an in-depth look at average burn times broken down by grill size, tank size, and heat output:
| Grill Size | Burn Time on High - 20# | Burn Time on High - 30# | Burn Time on High - 40# |
| 3 Burner | 13.95 hours | 21.23 hours | 27.91 hours |
| 4 Burner | 10.47 hours | 15.93 hours | 20.93 hours |
| 5 Burner | 8.3 hours | 12.74 hours | 16.74 hours |
| 6 Burner | 6.98 hours | 10.62 hours | 13.95 hours |
| Grill Size | Burn Time on Med - 20# | Burn Time on Med - 30# | Burn Time on Med - 40# |
| 3 Burner | 18.60 hours | 28.31 hours | 37.21 hours |
| 4 Burner | 13.95 hours | 21.23 hours | 27.91 hours |
| 5 Burner | 11.16 hours | 16.99 hours | 22.33 hours |
| 6 Burner | 9.30 hours | 14.16 hours | 18.60 hours |
| Grill Size | Burn Time on Low - 20# | Burn Time on Low - 30# | Burn Time on Low - 40# |
| 3 Burner | 27.91 hours | 42.47 hours | 55.81 hours |
| 4 Burner | 20.93 hours | 31.85 hours | 41.86 hours |
| 5 Burner | 16.74 hours | 25.48 hours | 33.49 hours |
| 6 Burner | 13.95 hours | 21.23 hours | 27.93 hours |
How to Calculate Your Propane Burn Time
If your appliance doesn't fit into any of the categories mentioned above, you can still figure out the estimated burn time with a bit of math. But before you grab a calculator, you'll need to know your appliance's BTU rating and your tank's size in pounds.
Formula for Calculating Estimated Propane Burn Time:
(Propane size in pounds*21,548)/BTUs of appliance = estimated burn time at high setting
Note that 21,548 is the BTU rating for one pound of propane. So, for example, if you have a 20 lb tank (which is 19.32 lbs.) and you're using it to power an appliance with a 30,000 BTU rating, you can expect it to last around 13.88 hours on a high heating setting.
Avoid Running Out of Propane
Want to avoid the hassle of running out of propane or having to do any math? The solution is simple: make sure to regularly refill your propane tank! U-Haul offers thousands of propane refill locations throughout the U.S. where you can find a certified propane professional ready to help you out. Don't wait until it's too late – find a refill location near you today!