About refilling those 1 lb propane tanks . .

[WaltBennett]

While we've a full month before taking off for Montreal, Quebec City, NB, Maine & etc., I've started picking up odds & ends. Never liked carrying a BBQ grill propane tank for our little table top grill and there's nowhere I can run a line for our Mr. Heater Big Buddy, so I'm stuck using the little guys. One thing I found is that those little tanks have jumped to almost $7 a pair and that's a bit too much. I've seen the refill adapters, but never picked one up. Supposedly it's easy, but has anyone done this and what has your experience been?

[DQDick]

I was in your situation and didn't want to mess with refilling so i went with 4# propane tanks instead. They're small and easy to carry, but last a long time and refill like the big ones: http://www.amazon.com/Worthington-28...4+propane+tank
As you can see everyone from Amazon to Camping World sells them and the adapters.

[1retired06]

Exactly what we did also

[WaltBennett]

Thought about those, but they take up the same footprint as a BBQ one only shorter. The 1 lb ones are OK for us save for the cost of new ones. That's why I'm thinking about refilling them (got 8 just sitting around!).

[jcurtis934]

Adapter is hooked to small tank and large tank, big tank turned upside down, and result is liquid propane into small tank. Haven't done it...but that's the general procedure. These days you'll find a u tube on it. John

[dieselguy]

I got one of the filler adaptors a few years back. As John says, you have to turn the 30# bottle upside down to fill the small tanks. They never seem to fill as full as when you buy one new, but that is ok for me. You can put the small bottles in the freezer a while before filling. They fill better that way. I always spray a soapy solution on the small bottle when done to be sure the spigot isn't leaking. As with anything now days, there will be people warning you of blowing yourself up ... I just nod and say "OK thanks for the warning". I'm more concerned about a zombie apocalypse I'm hearing about ...

[Dam Worker]

My little tank has a smaller footprint than some of the others but is taller. Got it at Home Depot on sale a few years back for my heater buddy on my Jet Boat for winter fishing. Lasts a long time and my tank is not near the grill or Heater Buddy.

Tom Marty

[Starmaster]

Hi Walt,

I have one of the adapters and fill the 1lb cylinders from a 20lb tank on a regular basis. As mentioned above, place them in freezer for about an hour before filling. Then attach to bigger tank and invert, open valve and fill for 45 secs.

If you fill longer, it seems the 1lb cylenders overfill and don't work well until you burn out the extra, at least that has been my experience. A refilled 1lb cylinder should have about 14-15ozs (by weight) of propane in them when full.

Dave

[bethandkevin]

I, as have family, filled them for years. As stated, put tank to be filled in freezer. The filling tank should be warm-either in the basement or, if you are ok with it, set just inside the door overnight. They don't fill as full, but hey, they aren't $7.00 a pair either. It's not like it's inconvenient to get them filled.

[uhftx]

I'm on board with the 5LB short tank. Cheap to fill, Maybe one a year. I recently went through a spat with the 1LB bottles for the Baby Q.
Turned out to be a clogged hose after 8 years. Ordered a replacement off Amazon.com for $13 and an easy fix.

[rames14]

X4 on the small tank. It really doesn't take any more room than two of the bottles. We can also get a multi port to run the grill and propane lantern from the small tank.

[paulinbaja]

I used to fill the 1 lb cans. Often they would leak when re-filled. Also found out they are illegal to transport after re-filling. DOT regulation

[JABURKHOLDER]

I see a lot of folks refilling the 1 lb tanks here. Thought they were not supposed to be refilled. Just because you can doesn't always mean you should. Less than $7.00/pr at wal mart.
Anyway, my two cents.