Not sure which propane tank to grab off the shelf? We’re here to offer clarity around which appliances use which propane tank size. Whether you’re grilling on the weekend, powering an RV, heating your backyard, or running a full Canadian home through the winter, the key is matching fuel capacity to burn rate, appliance BTU demand, and how often you want to refill. This guide covers the most common scenarios so you can choose confidently.
What Size Propane Tank Do I Need for a BBQ?
For BBQs, the answer is almost always the classic 20 lb cylinder. It holds ~4.7 gallons (~430,000 BTU), enough for roughly 18–20 hours of grilling. This same size works for most freestanding patio heaters and many fire tables.
If you use a high-output griddle, multi-burner outdoor stove, or pizza oven, consider a 30 lb cylinder (~7 gal). It reduces mid-event refills and delivers steadier performance in cooler temperatures.
What About Camp Stoves?
For portable cooking (camp stoves, tabletop grills, compact heaters), the disposable 1 lb cylinder is the go-to. Lightweight and easy to pack, it’s ideal for camping, ice fishing, and RV add-ons.
Other Appliances
Outdoor heat appliances consume more BTUs than people expect. Here are some simple guidelines:
- Tall patio heaters: 20 lb cylinder works, but a 30 lb provides longer runtime for events or cooler nights (if it fits).
- Fire tables: Most run well on 20 lb tanks, but larger 50,000–60,000 BTU models benefit from 30–40 lb cylinders for steadier output and fewer swaps.
- RV use: The RV standard is a 30 lb cylinder; higher-draw setups (furnace + cooking + hot water) often use two in parallel.
The 40 lb cylinder (~9.4 gal) is a strong choice for anyone using patio heat frequently—more capacity, fewer interruptions, still manageable in size.
When to Choose a 100 lb Cylinder
If you’re powering small cabins, seasonal bunkies, temporary heat, or multiple outdoor appliances, a 100 lb cylinder (23–25 gal) can be ideal. It covers moderate furnace use, RV furnaces in cold weather, and outdoor entertaining across a whole season. It’s also a good bridge between portable cylinders and permanent tanks.
Bulk Tank Sizing for Homes & Properties
If you need propane tanks to heat a house, think in terms of the number of appliances, heating load, and refilling convenience.
- 120-gallon tanks suit cottages, small homes, or a single major appliance (fireplace, boiler, or large water heater).
- 250–325 gallon tanks work for modest homes with multiple propane appliances—fireplace + water heater + cooking, for example.
- 500-gallon tanks are the standard for whole-home heating in Canada, providing enough capacity to handle winter and hot-water loads with reasonable refill spacing.
- 1,000-gallon tanks serve larger homes, multi-building properties, or families running a furnace + water heater + fireplace + pool heater.
Remember: propane tanks follow the 80% fill rule for safety. A “full” 500-gallon tank holds about 400 gallons. Larger tanks offer better cold-weather vaporization and fewer delivery trips.
Need Help Sizing Your Propane Tank?
At Ultimate Home Comfort, we size, sell and deliver propane tanks for everything from BBQs and outdoor kitchens to RVs, cottages, and whole-home heating systems. Tell us your appliances and usage habits, and we’ll recommend the right tank size with no guesswork. Contact us today to get started.