The average full-size gas grill goes through about 1 pound of propane for every 30 minutes of cooking time. But how many of us cook with a stopwatch? There are a few simple ways of determining how much propane is left in the tank.
1 The bathroom-scale method.
A normal-size 20-pound capacity tank weighs 17 to 18 pounds empty, and 34 to 35 pounds after being filled. To determine how much gas is left, weigh the tank and subtract 18 pounds for the tank; multiply this number by 30 to determine approximately how many minutes of grilling time are left.
(weigh the tank -- 18 * 30 = minutes of grilling time are left)
2. The gadget method.
A gauge, such as the Gasgard unit shown (above) costs about $20 and will give you a constant readout on how much gas is left, in the tank.
3. The seat-of-the-pants method.
Pour hot water over a section of your o o tank, then run your hand up and down ii' the side. The part of the tank that turns warm is empty; the part that feels cool is full. You can get an idea of how much propane is left based on this. At least one propane-exchange company - Blue Rhino - includes a disk on its tank that, with the help of hot tap water, will let you know when there's less than 2 hours of grill time left. Tapeon gauges, like the one shown (above), are also available. If you still need backup insurance, you have three options: Keep a filled spare propane tank on hand, convert your grill to natural gas, or buy a product like the Flame Saver tank, which provides an extra 60 minutes of grilling time with the flick of a switch when your main tank runs out.
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