Have a Safer Cookout with These Grill Tank Tips

Your Complete Guide to Handling and Using Your Propane Cylinders

Summer may be winding down, but here in Wake County, fall is still peak cookout season. Milder afternoons, football every weekend, baseball’s final stretch, and plenty of other reasons to gather friends and family mean you’ll be firing up the grill just as often as ever—and burning through a fair amount of propane along the way.

Before your next backyard get-together, here’s what you need to know to handle and use your grill tanks safely and get the best performance out of your propane grill.

Why Propane Is a Popular Grilling Fuel

Propane has earned its place as a go-to fuel for backyard grilling, and for good reason. Grillers count on it for:

• A clean-burning flame with minimal smoke
• Powerful heat that’s easy to adjust on the fly
• Quick startup and fast cooldown
• No chemical aftertaste on your food
• Simple, low-mess cleanup

Storing and Organizing Your Grill Tanks

Most propane grills run on standard 20-pound portable cylinders, which are widely available at cylinder exchanges and fit neatly into most freestanding grills’ tank compartments. When you’re not actively grilling, keep any spare tanks safe with these guidelines:

1. Store cylinders upright on level, stable ground, away from grills, fire pits, or anything else that produces a flame or spark.
2. Never smoke near a propane cylinder.
3. Keep tanks out of excessive heat and away from temperatures above 120°F.
4. Don’t store cylinders inside your home, garage, shed, or other enclosed space.
5. Secure tanks and protect them from damage and harsh weather.

Transporting Grill Tanks Safely

Whether you’re picking up a fresh fill or swapping out an empty cylinder, getting your tank to and from your vehicle safely matters just as much as how you store it. Keep these tips in mind:

1. Always keep the cylinder upright and secured during transport to prevent shifting or damage.
2. Double-check that the valve is fully closed before you hit the road.
3. Transport tanks in a well-ventilated area whenever possible, such as a truck bed. If a cylinder must ride inside a vehicle, keep the windows open for ventilation and remove the cylinder promptly when you reach your destination. Never leave a propane cylinder inside a closed vehicle, especially on a warm day.

Keeping an Eye on Wear and Tear

Propane cylinders don’t last forever. Portable cylinders are subject to requalification requirements based on their manufacture date and cylinder type, so check the date stamped on your cylinder and have it requalified when required. If you notice dents, rust, corrosion, or other visible damage, don’t wait—have the cylinder inspected by a qualified propane professional.

And leave the technical work to the pros. Attempting to modify or repair a valve, regulator, or other cylinder component yourself can be dangerous. If a component of your grill tank looks like it needs repair or replacement, contact our team to take care of it.

Ready for your next cookout? Swing by LG Jordan Oil & Gas’s showroom in Apex during business hours. We’ll fill your grill tank for less, and while you’re there, we can inspect and requalify it for use so you can grill with confidence all season long.