Does Costco Fill Propane Tanks in 2024? Your Complete Guide
With over 800 warehouse locations across the US, Costco offers some of the lowest propane prices around. But does your local Costco fill those indispensable propane tanks for your outdoor adventures?
As a Costco member myself, I rely on their propane refills to fuel my grilling, camping, and RVing activities. Here’s what I’ve learned about getting propane tanks refilled at Costco.
Locating Costco‘s Propane Refill Stations
The first step is finding a Costco location that offers propane refilling services. Out of Costco‘s 558 US warehouses, around 500 have propane stations according to the Costco warehouse locator.
You can check for a propane station at your local warehouse by:
Searching "propane" on the warehouse locator page. This will indicate "Tire & Propane Center" if available.
Calling the warehouse directly to inquire about propane services.
Looking for propane signs in the parking lot pointing to the fill station.
If propane is offered, the fill station is typically located near the Tire Center, which shares the same opening hours:
- Monday to Friday: 10 AM – 7 PM
- Saturday and Sunday: 10 AM – 6 PM
But call ahead to confirm propane hours, as they may differ by location.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Propane Tank Refilled
Refilling your tank at a Costco propane station is quick and straightforward:
Bring your empty propane tank to the marked propane area, typically in the parking lot.
Alert the attendant that you need a refill. They will check that your tank is not expired or due for re-certification before filling it. Tanks have a 10-15 year certification lifespan.
The attendant will fill your tank and provide a printed receipt indicating the number of gallons added. A standard 20 lb propane tank holds about 4.5 gallons when full.
Take the receipt to the register when you check out from regular Costco shopping and pay for the propane gallons.
Return to the propane station and present your receipt to pick up your now full propane tank!
Costco Propane Prices: How Much Does Refill Cost?
As of January 2023, Costco‘s propane refill price averages $2.59 per gallon nationwide, according to Costco representatives.
This compares very favorably to competitor propane prices:
- Walmart: $3.27 per gallon
- Home Depot: $3.49 per gallon
- U-Haul: $3.99 per gallon
With market propane prices currently around $3.50 per gallon, Costco offers over 25% savings compared to other major retailers.
| Retailer | Average Propane Price |
|---|---|
| Costco | $2.59/gallon |
| Walmart | $3.27/gallon |
| Home Depot | $3.49/gallon |
| U-Haul | $3.99/gallon |
Propane pricing does frequently change with market conditions. Contact your local Costco for current rates before refilling.
Why Choose Refilling Over Exchanging Tanks?
While exchanging your empty propane tank for a full one is convenient, refilling has several advantages:
- Cost savings: Only pay for the exact amount of propane you need.
- No product waste: Fully utilize all the propane you buy.
- Environmentally friendly: Reuse your tank instead of recycling.
| Propane Tank Refill | Propane Tank Exchange |
|---|---|
| Pay for exact propane needed | Pay flat exchange fee |
| Use all propane purchased | Leftover propane wasted |
| Reuse current tank | Recycle tanks more often |
| Cheaper at Costco | More expensive overall |
Since Costco does not offer propane exchanges, refilling existing tanks is the optimal route for Costco shoppers.
5 Benefits of Refilling Your Tank at Costco
Beyond the savings, here are some top benefits I‘ve experienced from refilling propane tanks at Costco:
1. Speedy fills while you shop – With propane stations on-site, refills take just 5-20 minutes while you do your regular Costco run.
2. Highly trained attendants ensure proper tank handling and filling. They also inspect for expired tanks, adding safety.
3.Peak fill guarantees – Costco fills tanks to at least 80% capacity for maximum propane.
4. Available nationwide – With 500+ US locations offering propane, Costco provides convenience and consistency.
5. Supports RVing and outdoor fun – Reliable propane supply enables activities like camping, grilling, and travel.
Propane Safety Tips
When refilling and handling propane tanks:
- Ask attendants for help transporting heavy tanks
- Turn off all propane appliances before disconnecting tank
- Store detached tanks outdoors in an upright, shaded area
- Check hoses for wear/tear and replace damaged parts
- Learn how to check propane levels with a gauge
The Bottom Line
For Costco members seeking propane tank refills, the warehouse retailer offers an affordable, fast, and convenient option. With propane prices up to 25% less than competitors in 2024 and easy on-site filling, Costco propane helps save money while fueling outdoor adventures.
By refilling at Costco instead of exchanging tanks, savvy shoppers can gain the environmental and economic benefits of reusing their existing tanks. So next time your propane tank runs empty, consider a quick fill-up at your local Costco.
