How Long Does a Blue Rhino Gas Tank Last? (Solved & Explained)
Blue Rhino is an excellent choice when it comes to gas tanks. The company has been providing customers with reliable and quality propane tanks for a long time, but some people are wondering – how long will a gas tank last them?
A full Blue Rhino gas tank can last for up to 9 hours at full blast. In terms of the overall longevity and life cycle of the gas tank, a Blue Rhino gas tank typically lasts for about three to five years. This can vary depending on how often you use the tank and how well you maintain it.
What are the factors that can impact how long a tank lasts? Are there specific things you need to keep in mind? If these are all questions brewing in your head, this is the perfect article for you! Keep reading this comprehensive guide to understanding more about the tanks and how to keep them working for longer!
How Long Until a Blue Rhino Gas Tank Needs Refilling or Replacing?
The answer to this question depends on a couple of factors. Namely, how big the tank is, and how often you use it for grilling. Of course, the larger your tank is, the longer the period between when you need to get the tank refilled.
At the same time, how often you use the tank also has a marked impact – if you use the grill a lot, the tank will be burning a lot more fuel, which means you will soon need to refill it to keep using your grill.
According to the Blue Rhino website, the propane in the gas tank will have 91,000 BTUs for each gallon in the tank. Therefore, if you are using, say 30,000 BTUs for the grill, and you keep the fire burning, with just 3 gallons you can keep the grill going for over 9 hours.
Metrics & Calculated Table
- 1 gallon of propane generates approximately 91,000 BTU (Blue Rhino source).
- 1 gallon of propane is equal to 4.25 lbs of propane.
- Blue Rhino propane tank capacity → 15 lbs = 3.53 gallons of propane.
- BTU content of 15 lbs Blue Rhino propane tank = 321,230 BTU
How Many Hours Will Your Blue Rhino Propane Tank Last? (Calculated Table)
| BTUs of your grill | Approx. Burn Time (hours) for the Blue Rhino Propane Tank |
|---|---|
| 10,000 BTU/h | 32.12 h |
| 20,000 BTU/h | 16.06 h |
| 30,000 BTU/h | 10.7 h |
| 40,000 BTU/h | 8.03 h |
| 50,000 BTU/h | 6.42 h |
| 60,000 BTU/h | 5.35 h |
| 70,000 BTU/h | 4.58 h |
| 80,000 BTU/h | 4.01 h |
However, the right answer will depend entirely on how much strain you are placing on your gas tank.
Whether you use up the gas or not, it is always recommended that you refill the tank after a couple of months. This keeps your gas tank clean and prevents the build-up of harmful and toxic chemicals that can become dangerous when burnt.
Aside from this, you should also change the tank after a few years, as it can face regular wear and tear. When doing so, always make sure to safely dispose of your propane tank to avoid causing fires or breaking local regulations.
How Do You Check the Propane Level on a Blue Rhino?
There are a few ways that you can check the propane level on your Blue Rhino gas tank.
#1 Use Hot Water
One of the methods uses hot water. You can pour this down the side of your tank. Now, if you touch the tank, any cooler parts will still have propane left inside. This can give you an idea of how much gas is still available in your Blue Rhino tank.
#2 Weigh It
Another way to check the propane level in your gas tank is by weighing it. Start by weighing on a machine. If you look closely at the top of the tank, you will find the empty weight of the tank. This is the weight that the tan has without any propane inside it. Now, subtract the empty weight from the weight you have measured.
The number you get is a measure of the total propane left inside your tank. You can compare this with the weight of a full tank to get an idea of how much gas has already been used.
#3 Use the Rhino App
Finally, you can also use the app by Blue Rhino to help you get a prediction for how much gas is left in the tank. The app can help you monitor your gas use and send you alerts when it is time to refill or replace your gas tank.
You can download the app from either the Google Play Store for Android phones or the App Store for iPhones or iPads.
Can You Refill Blue Rhino Tanks?
Yes, you can refill your Blue Rhino gas tank at any propane station. The process is quick and easy, and you’ll be able to get back to using your propane as soon as possible.
Additionally, Blue Rhino allows you to exchange empty tanks for new ones. You just need to swap out the old tank with a new one and you will be ready to get grilling again!
A comparison of pros and cons of refilling a Blue Rhino tank vs exchanging a tank.
| Refilling Blue Rhino Tank | Exchanging Blue Rhino Tank |
|---|---|
| Slightly cheaper | Slightly more expensive |
| You get to use residual propane | Any leftover propane will be lost |
| Less convenient and accessible | More convenient and accessible |
| No inspection with refill | You get an inspected tank with each refill |
| You have to keep the old tank | Accepts all brands in exchange for Blue Rhino |
Good To Know: You can exchange your Blue Rhino tank at thousands of locations across the United States. You can even exchange other brands if you are a new customer.
How To Maintain Your Blue Rhino Gas Tank
If you want to get the most out of your Blue Rhino gas tank, one of the best things you can do is take care of it while you have it. Remember that your tank contains a lot of flammable gas, so it is important to keep it in a safe and clean space to avoid accidents and injuries.
Here are some tips on maintaining your Blue Rhino gas tank to keep it in good condition for longer.
Keep The Valve Clean
The valve on your tank is essential because that is where you can have control over the amount of gas coming out. As such, it is essential that you keep this part of your tank clean and tidy.
The more dirt and grease stick to the valve, the greater the chances of wear and tear, and in the worst-case scenario, leaks.
Look Out For Leaks
The last thing anyone with a gas tank wants is a leak. Not only is this a waste of gas, but it is incredibly dangerous. Having propane leaking into spaces where you, your pets, or your loved ones are can lead to serious injuries.
Therefore, always assess for leaks before and after you use the tank. If you see anything potentially dangerous, immediately call a professional for help.
Keep the Area Clean
Another thing to keep in mind when dealing with fuel is keeping the area around it clean. You should avoid having any combustible or other flammable materials nearby, and you should never try to place them in plastic containers.
Always keep the area clear so that even in the case of a leak, there is minimal damage that you can easily take care of.
Have It Inspected
If you ever feel like your gas tank is not doing as well as it should, or you start smelling propane, the best thing to do is to promptly get an inspection. It is always better to be cautious rather than having to deal with damage later, so always contact a professional to have a look before things get worse.
Conclusion
A Blue Rhino gas tank is a great choice for your propane needs. It is durable, long-lasting, and easy to use. Be sure to check the propane level regularly, keep it clean and dry, and get it refilled every 1-2 months. If you do these things, your Blue Rhino gas tank will last for years to come!
Sources
- Blue Rhino: How long does the average tank last?
