Propane is a versatile fuel source that has many uses. This includes home heating, producing fire, cooking, and cleaning, making it an essential part of a home or a commercial establishment. Propane comes in tanks which are available in many different sizes.
You may have asked yourself, “what size propane tank do I need?” There are a number of factors that you have to put into consideration first before deciding on the size of propane tank to get.
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Different Sizes of Propane Tanks
Propane tanks come five different sizes, each with their own roles in regards to use. It is basic knowledge that the bigger the tank, the more expensive it is. That’s why it’s important to know how big of a tank that you should get.
100-lb Tank
The 100-lb propane tank is the lightest of the bunch. It’s built to provide power to smaller homes with limited use of propane. Due to its size, it’s not ideal for bigger homes with multiple propane-powered appliances such as water heaters. This is best used in trailer houses or firing up a barbecue.
PROS:
- Best for quick uses of propane
- Lightweight and easier to carry
- Most affordable option
CONS:
- Can easily run out
- Extensive use needs frequent changing
- Can’t run many appliances
- Unable to provide enough power to bigger appliances
57 Gallon Tank
Also known as the 200-lb tank, the 57 gallon propane tank is commonly used in homes. It has a convenient amount of propane that’s enough to do many different tasks. This includes cooking, water heating, and drying clothes. However, even the 57 gallon tank has its limits as it’s only able to power bigger appliances such as water heaters and garage heaters for a very limited duration.
PROS:
- A good amount of propane
- Manageable size
- Best used in homes with restricted propane use
- Can provide power to many appliances
CONS:
- Lasts for only around a week with extensive use
- Powers bigger appliances only for a short time
120 Gallon Tank
The 120 gallon propane tank is the standard size used in homes. It’s capable of giving propane to homes. On top of daily tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and drying, this tank is also capable of giving power to heaters. At this size, it’s surprisingly light and easy to transport. This mid-tier propane tank size is good enough for many homes and is the many choice of homeowners around the world.
PROS:
- Lasts for a reasonable time
- Easy to transport
- Can power several appliances
- Can power bigger appliances
CONS:
- More expensive
- Runs out quickly with extensive use
500 Gallon Tank
As for the bigger homes and commercial buildings, the 500 gallon tank is a more efficient option than the smaller variants. At this size, it has no problem giving power to several appliances all at once, making it a good choice for business establishments as well. However, space becomes an issue at this size. It’s also more difficult to transport, often needing assistance from the place where you bought it.
PROS:
- Lasts for a long time
- Can power several appliances simultaneously
- Has no problem running centralized heaters
CONS:
- Heavy and difficult to transport
- Expensive
- Hard to fit in homes (may require a basement or a secure above-ground space)
- More exposed to puncture risk
1000 Gallon Tank
Geared towards big commercial buildings, food establishments, and agricultural businesses, the 1000 gallon tank provides the maximum amount of propane available. Pricing and space are primary problems here in exchange for how long it lasts. It can power several appliances at the same time and even handle centralized heating that can last you through the winter.
PROS:
- Provides maximum amount of propane
- Can last for several months
CONS:
- Most expensive propane tank
- Needs a lot of space (basement or above-ground fenced area)
- Most difficult to transport due to weight
- More exposed to puncture risk
Things to Consider for a Propane Tank
Before you think of buying a propane tank, there are things that you need to take note first. These will determine the size of the propane tank that you actually need. Knowing these things will stop you from wasting money and get the best value for your buck when it comes to getting a propane tank that suits your needs.
Available Space
Whether you’re going to use the propane tank at home or for commercial use, always take into account space. You can’t have a tank that’s too big to fit or you might risk exposing it to damage. Before you go out to buy a tank, take measurements on where you’re going to put it in the first place. Get a tape measure to scale the area where the tank will have its place.
Number of Appliances Installed
The math is easy on this one – the more appliances attached to the tank, the more propane is consumed. If you have a lot of appliances that use propane, think of getting a bigger propane tank.
On the other hand, if you only have a few appliances that use propane, there’s no need to go overboard as it’s smarter to stick with the smaller-sized tanks. This lets you save money in the long run. For example, a home furnace may need a bigger propane tank since it uses quite a bit.
Frequency of Use
Do you have a garage heater than runs on propane? Maybe you’ve got a burner that uses a propane tank to cook? Are you running a business mainly focused on cooking? Then you’re probably better off using a bigger propane tank.
Depending on how much gas you’re using on a daily basis, the size of your propane tank should be the right one. The more you use things frequently that run on propane, the bigger propane tank that you’ll need. This also works both ways – the less you use propane, the smaller tank you should be getting.
Conclusion
Propane tanks come in several sizes, each with their own capacities to provide power to homes and commercial buildings. There are several factors that you should consider before choosing the proper size of propane tank. But ultimately, it’s up to you and your needs. How about you? What do you think is the best size of propane tank for you?
