Types of Propane Tanks & How They Are Used

Written on: August 28, 2023

Pico Can Get You the Right Tank for Your Needs

If you’re new to propane, you might be surprised to learn how many different sizes and types of propane tanks there are.

Whether you’re a new homeowner who has never run a home with propane, or you’re thinking of making the switch to propane, the team at Pico can help you understand all your options when it comes to choosing and installing a propane storage tank for your home or business.

Types of Tanks

There are basically two types of tanks, portable and large storage tanks. Both come in a wide range of sizes.

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.

Storage tanks range from 100-gallon 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?

You might be wondering 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 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, we’re here to answer all your questions. 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 make sure it’s installed safely.

Propane Delivery

Just as important as having the right size tank is knowing that you have reliable propane delivery service to ensure you always have propane. So it’s good to know that homeowners and businesses across Chatham County choose Pico for prompt, safe, and courteous service—with great options like automatic delivery, tank monitoring and budget friendly budget plans.

Contact us today to learn more and become a customer.