A 20 pound propane tank is the standard refill cylinder for gas grills, patio heaters, mosquito traps, small generators, and RV ranges. It holds about 4.7 gallons of liquid propane and delivers roughly 430,000 BTU of cooking energy, which translates to 10 to 20 hours of grill time depending on burner output. After comparing 10 popular tanks across valve quality, certification, weight, and cosmetic durability, these five earned the recommendation.
Quick comparison
| Pick | Material | Empty weight | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Worthington 20 lb Steel | Steel | 17 lb | Best overall |
| Manchester Tank 20 lb Steel | Steel | 17.5 lb | Best for grills |
| Flame King YSN-201b Aluminum | Aluminum | 13 lb | Best lightweight |
| Worthington 20 lb Type 1 with Gauge | Steel | 18 lb | Best with fuel gauge |
| Manchester Tank Recertified 20 lb | Steel | 17.5 lb | Best value |
Worthington 20 lb Steel - Best Overall
Worthington Cylinders is the largest US manufacturer of small propane tanks and the brand most propane dealers stock as new inventory. The 20 pound steel tank uses heavy gauge steel with a powder-coated finish that resists rust for 8 to 10 years of outdoor use. The OPD valve is the standard triangular hand wheel and meets all current DOT and CSA certifications.
The tank ships empty (federal regulations require empty shipment) and needs filling at a local propane dealer or exchange. Manufacture date is clearly stamped on the collar, which starts the 12 year recertification clock. Build quality is consistent batch to batch, which matters because off-brand tanks can have valve issues that cause slow leaks.
Around $35 to $45 retail at Tractor Supply, Ace Hardware, and major propane dealers. The default pick for new tank buyers.
Manchester Tank 20 lb Steel - Best For Grills
Manchester Tank is the second major US manufacturer and the brand most commonly found at big-box home improvement stores. The 20 pound steel tank is essentially equivalent to Worthington on paper: heavy gauge steel, powder coat finish, OPD valve, DOT and CSA certification. The dimensions match the standard pocket on most gas grill cabinets.
Build quality is comparable to Worthington. The valve action is slightly stiffer when new but loosens after 2 to 3 fills. Powder coat finish is durable in normal patio use; expect surface rust to start at 6 to 8 years for tanks stored outdoors without cover.
Around $30 to $40 at Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Tractor Supply. The right pick for grill replacements when Worthington is not available locally.
Flame King YSN-201b Aluminum - Best Lightweight
Flame King’s aluminum 20 pound tank weighs 13 pounds empty versus 17 pounds for steel, a 25 percent weight savings that matters for RV galleys, sailboats, and seniors who carry tanks frequently. The aluminum body does not rust externally, which extends the cosmetic life indefinitely. The OPD valve is standard triangular hand wheel.
The trade-off is price. Aluminum tanks cost roughly 2 to 3 times the steel equivalent at $80 to $130 retail. For tanks that sit in one place attached to a grill, the weight savings do not justify the cost. For tanks that get moved frequently (RV travel, boat storage, lifting in and out of a truck), the weight savings make daily use easier on the back.
The right pick for mobile use where weight matters. Skip for stationary grill use.
Worthington 20 lb Type 1 with Gauge - Best With Fuel Gauge
Worthington’s integrated gauge version uses the same tank body as the standard 20 pound steel tank with a magnetic gauge built into the OPD valve. The gauge shows propane level by pressure, which gives a usable estimate of remaining fuel during grilling.
Pressure-based gauges are not precision instruments. They read accurately when the tank is in active use (pressure correlates with fuel level under flow) but can give misleading readings on a sitting tank. The gauge is most useful for confirming “tank has fuel” rather than “tank is 60 percent full.”
Around $45 to $55 retail. The right pick for grillers who want to avoid the surprise empty tank mid-cook. For absolute level reading, a tank scale (the kind that weighs the tank on the cabinet floor) gives better data.
Manchester Tank Recertified 20 lb - Best Value
Recertified tanks are previously-owned tanks that have been inspected, repainted, and certified for another 5 years of service. Manchester Tank recertified units run $20 to $25, roughly half the price of new tanks. The OPD valve and tank body are the same quality as new tanks (Manchester rebuilds the valve assembly during recertification).
The trade-off is the shorter remaining certification window. Recertified tanks need another recertification in 5 years rather than 12. For users who refill 1 to 2 times per year, the cost savings are not worth the earlier recert. For heavy users who refill 6 to 12 times per year, the lower per-tank cost works out.
The right pick for households that want a backup tank cheap or for landlords supplying tanks to rental properties.
How to choose a 20 lb propane tank
New versus recertified
New tanks (Worthington, Manchester) give 12 years before first recertification and have full cosmetic finish. Recertified tanks save 30 to 50 percent on cost but reach the next recert sooner. For low-use households, new is the better value over the tank’s life. For high-use, the upfront savings of recertified are real.
Steel versus aluminum
Steel tanks are heavier, cheaper, and standard for stationary grill use. Aluminum tanks weigh 25 percent less, cost 2 to 3 times more, and matter for mobile or marine use. The weight savings do not justify the cost for a tank that lives next to a grill.
Valve type
All current production tanks have OPD valves with the triangular hand wheel. Older POL valves (star pattern) are no longer refillable at licensed dealers. If buying a used tank, confirm it has an OPD valve and is within the 12 year certification window stamped on the collar.
Fuel gauge or not
Built-in pressure gauges give a rough estimate of fuel level. They are not precision instruments. For absolute level reading, weigh the tank: empty 17 pounds (steel) means 0 fuel; 37 pounds means full. A bathroom scale or a hanging luggage scale does the job for less than $20.
Storage and safety
Propane tanks must be stored outdoors or in well-ventilated detached structures, never inside a home or attached garage. Keep tanks upright on a stable surface, shaded from direct summer sun where possible, and at least 10 feet from ignition sources. Check the OPD valve seal and connection threads before each refill; small leaks are detectable with soapy water at the valve. A tank that smells of propane when sealed has a valve issue and should not be refilled until the valve is replaced. For winter storage of grills, leave the tank attached and turned off at the valve rather than disconnecting; this reduces wear on the connection threads.
For related reading, see our 5 lb propane tank guide and our propane tank storage safety guide. Our evaluation methodology covers how we compare propane equipment across safety and durability.
A 20 pound propane tank is the standard fuel storage for residential outdoor gas. Worthington new steel is the safe default for households buying their first tank. The other four picks cover the cases (grill replacement, lightweight, gauge needed, value) where the standard pick is not quite the right fit.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a 20 lb propane tank last on a grill?+
A 20 pound propane tank holds about 4.7 gallons of propane and delivers roughly 430,000 BTU of cooking energy. On a typical 40,000 BTU gas grill running at full heat, that translates to roughly 10 hours of grilling time, or about 18 to 20 hours at medium heat. Real-world usage varies with grill BTU rating, ambient temperature (cold weather reduces burn time), and how often the burners are at high versus low.
Should I buy a new tank or exchange?+
Buying a new tank gives you full 20 pound capacity and a known fresh date for the 12 year recertification clock. Exchange programs (Blue Rhino, AmeriGas) deliver tanks pre-filled to 15 pounds, not 20, which is roughly 25 percent less propane for the same exchange fee. Refilling at a local propane dealer typically fills to 17 to 18 pounds and costs less per pound than exchange. For long-term value, buy one or two tanks and refill them locally rather than exchange.
Are aluminum tanks worth the price over steel?+
For most users, no. Steel tanks weigh 17 to 20 pounds empty and cost $30 to $50. Aluminum tanks weigh 10 to 13 pounds empty and cost $80 to $130. The weight savings matter for RV use, sailboat use, and seniors who lift tanks frequently. For a grill that sits in one place, steel is the better value. Aluminum tanks do not rust externally, which extends the cosmetic life but does not affect the internal cylinder durability.
How often do propane tanks need recertification?+
Under DOT regulations, a 20 pound propane tank must be recertified or replaced 12 years from the manufacture date, then every 5 years after that. The manufacture date is stamped on the collar of the tank. After expiration, propane dealers will refuse to refill the tank. Exchange programs sidestep this because they handle recertification themselves. Recertification by a licensed dealer costs $10 to $20.
What is an OPD valve?+
OPD stands for Overfill Protection Device. It is a float valve inside the tank that automatically stops filling at roughly 80 percent capacity, preventing the dangerous overfill condition that causes valve venting in hot weather. OPD valves became mandatory for new tanks in 2002 and are required for refilling at all licensed propane dealers in the US and Canada. The OPD valve has a distinctive triangular wheel; older POL valves had a star pattern.
