How much is a 30 lb propane tank at Costco?
Costco has listed the Flame King 30 lb empty steel propane cylinder (item 195557, model YSN301) for $72.99 on its product-comparison page. However, the main product page showed unavailable for the selected warehouse when I checked in November 2026. I treat $72.99 as a useful price reference, not a guaranteed local 2027 price or an in-stock offer.
The cylinder arrives empty and pre-purged. It holds approximately 7 U.S. gallons of propane when correctly filled. At a sample refill rate of $4.29 per gallon, I calculate $30.03 for fuel and $103.02 for the first tank plus a full fill, before taxes and any other charges. Costco propane refilling is location-specific; don’t assume your warehouse provides the service.
Price research: November 9, 2026. This 2027 planning guide uses the latest verified examples available at writing time; check the retailer and refill station before traveling.
If you’re searching for a Costco 30 lb propane tank, I think the most important question is not simply whether the displayed price is low. I want to know whether I can actually obtain the tank at my warehouse, where I can fill it, and whether its extra weight and height suit my appliance. A $73 empty cylinder can be a very good purchase, but it still needs propane, an appropriate connection, and a safe place to use and store it.
Costco 30 lb Propane Tank Price in 2027: What Can I Confirm?
Costco’s comparison page displays a $72.99 price for the Flame King 30 lb empty steel propane cylinder. The listing identifies item 195557 and model YSN301, describes the Type 1 QCC connection with OPD protection, and notes that the cylinder is pre-purged. Its main product page, however, says the product is unavailable for the currently selected warehouse. Those two pieces of information belong together: I can confirm a displayed reference price, but not universal stock or an orderable price in every ZIP code.
I also found a $99.99 listing for the same Flame King model at Sportsman’s Warehouse during research. That provides useful price context without proving Costco is always the lowest-cost option. If Costco requires a longer drive, shows an unavailable item, or adds a delivery condition, I would compare the final cost rather than the number on a search results page.
| Retail listing | Observed price | Important condition |
|---|---|---|
| Costco product comparison, YSN301 | $72.99 | Price snapshot; warehouse prices can vary |
| Costco primary product page, YSN301 | Check selected location | Unavailable for displayed warehouse selection |
| Sportsman’s Warehouse, YSN301 | $99.99 | Comparison listing; availability depends on store |
| Illustrative local propane dealer | Request quotation | May offer a tank with a separately priced first fill |
Is the Costco 30 lb propane tank already filled?
No. The Costco listing explicitly identifies this product as an empty propane cylinder. The term pre-purged means the manufacturer has prepared it for filling; it does not mean it contains propane fuel. In my cost calculations I always show the cylinder and first fill separately, because otherwise a reader might assume that the $72.99 price includes seven gallons of gas.
If you’re evaluating other models as well, my 30 lb propane tank cost guide compares standard and specialty cylinder designs, first-fill budgets, and useful size considerations.
Costco 30 lb Propane Tank Specifications: Capacity, Size and Weight
| Specification | Value | Why I check it |
|---|---|---|
| Nominal propane load | 30 lb | Fuel weight, not metal weight |
| Liquid propane capacity | Approx. 7 U.S. gallons | Used for refill-cost calculations |
| Listed empty cylinder weight | About 25 lb | Important for lifting |
| Approximate full weight | 55 lb | Empty weight plus 30 lb fuel |
| Exterior dimensions | 12.3 × 12.3 × 23.7 inches | Check available height and width |
| Cylinder material | Powder-coated welded steel | Check coating and corrosion condition |
| Connection and valve | Type 1 QCC / OPD | Must match approved regulator and hose |
| Fill preparation | Pre-purged, sold empty | First filling is still required |
| Intended orientation | Upright vertical service | Do not use lying on its side |
| Approximate propane energy | 640,000 BTU | Based on 7 gallons × 91,452 BTU/gal |
One subtle point I emphasize is that 30 lb refers to propane inside the properly filled tank. It does not mean the full cylinder weighs 30 lb. The actual empty (tare) weight is stamped on the cylinder, and it may differ from the approximate product-specification weight. For a representative 25 lb empty cylinder, a full cylinder is roughly 55 lb—more than I would want to lift repeatedly without planning.
How many gallons are in a 30 lb propane tank?
Liquid propane weighs approximately 4.24 lb per U.S. gallon near 60°F. Divide the rated propane load by that density and you get roughly 7.08 gallons. Flame King rounds the YSN301 product capacity to seven gallons, so I use 7.0 gallons in consumer cost tables. Your dispenser’s delivered volume can differ slightly with temperature and how much propane remains.
You may also see references to an 80% fill limit. This does not mean that you subtract another 20% from the seven-gallon rated propane capacity. The rated fuel load already accounts for the cylinder’s required expansion space. For a deeper explanation of these numbers, visit How Much Does 1 Gallon of Propane Weigh?.
How Much Does It Cost to Refill a Costco 30 lb Propane Tank?
Costco doesn’t publish a nationwide refill price for its 30 lb cylinders, and not every warehouse fills propane tanks. For an actionable budget, I therefore calculate the cost at several illustrative per-gallon prices. A refill provider such as Tractor Supply displays an example $4.29 per-gallon price while warning that the rate varies by location. Your Costco warehouse, if it offers refills, could quote a different amount.
| Price per gallon | Full refill estimate | Type of scenario |
|---|---|---|
| $2.50 | $17.50 | Low-price example, not a Costco quote |
| $3.00 | $21.00 | Budget example |
| $3.50 | $24.50 | Middle example |
| $4.00 | $28.00 | Middle-high example |
| $4.29 | $30.03 | Example displayed by another refill retailer |
| $5.00 | $35.00 | High-price example |
| $6.00 | $42.00 | Very high-price example |
At a station billing by the gallon, you normally pay for what is actually added, subject to its pricing terms and any service minimum. A partially filled tank does not need seven additional gallons. If the cylinder is approximately half full, about 3.5 gallons may be needed to top it up; at $4.29 per gallon, that would be roughly $15.02. The person filling it, not a guess, determines when the allowable fill level has been reached.
My worked example: Costco tank plus your first refill
Here’s the simple shopping arithmetic I use. Start with Costco’s displayed $72.99 empty-tank reference price. Assume you locate a licensed station charging $4.29 per gallon and the cylinder needs a full seven gallons. The fuel costs 7 × $4.29 = $30.03. Your total equipment-and-fuel outlay is $103.02, before tax, travel, membership considerations, or special fees.
| Refill price | Fuel for 7 gal | Tank + fuel |
|---|---|---|
| $3.00/gal | $21.00 | $93.99 |
| $3.50/gal | $24.50 | $97.49 |
| $4.29/gal | $30.03 | $103.02 |
| $5.00/gal | $35.00 | $107.99 |
Does Costco Sell 30 lb Propane Tanks at Every Warehouse?
No guaranteed nationwide availability could be confirmed. Costco’s main product listing asks you to change your warehouse and showed the item as unavailable for the selected location when I checked. Its comparison listing still displayed the model and price. This is common with big-retailer inventory: a product can remain in a catalog even when it is not currently orderable in your area.
- Confirm the model and item number rather than searching only “30 lb propane tank.”
- Check the Costco listing with your actual location selected.
- Ask whether the advertised price is for the tank alone; this listing is empty.
- Verify current local stock, pickup options, membership requirements, and shipping charges.
- Identify a propane filling station that can handle 30 lb customer-owned cylinders.
- Measure your appliance compartment or stand before placing the order.
Does Costco Refill 30 lb Propane Tanks?
Some Costco warehouse locations have offered propane filling services, but I cannot confirm that every warehouse does—or that every location still accepts 30 lb cylinders. Costco’s national warehouse locator does not provide a simple propane-refill filter, and Costco has no nationwide, publicly posted per-gallon refill price that I can reliably apply to your location.
That means I treat tank purchasing and refilling as separate decisions. You can buy a new cylinder at Costco and have a qualified propane station fill it elsewhere. If your local Costco offers filling, I would ask its service desk exactly how the process works, whether its station handles 30 lb cylinders, whether it charges by the gallon, and when the filling attendant is available. The general gasoline station on the property is not proof that propane refilling is offered.
| Question | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Do you refill customer-owned 30 lb DOT cylinders? | Some locations handle other cylinder sizes only |
| What is the current price per gallon? | Makes total refill cost comparable |
| Do you bill only gallons dispensed? | Important for partial top-offs |
| Are there service minimums or special fees? | Affects effective price per gallon |
| What are the propane attendant’s hours? | They may differ from warehouse hours |
| Will you inspect a newly purchased pre-purged cylinder? | All cylinders must be accepted as safe before filling |
A dedicated refill provider may be the simpler choice if you regularly use this tank. Some refill stations charge by the measured gallon, which avoids losing the remaining propane you would surrender in an exchange. My article on how to tell when you need propane explains why you should check the remaining fuel rather than assume every tank is empty.
Costco 30 lb Propane Tank vs. 20 lb and 40 lb Cylinders
Capacity is not the only consideration, though. If your goal is easy carrying, one full 20-pounder can be more convenient. If your trailer is designed to hold 30 lb cylinders, the increased capacity may reduce refilling stops. And if you need a spare tank for an occasional grill, two separate 20 lb containers can offer redundancy while avoiding a single heavier lift.
| Specification | 20 lb | 30 lb | 40 lb |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rated fuel load | 20 lb | 30 lb | 40 lb |
| Approximate propane | 4.7 gal | 7.0 gal | 9.4 gal |
| Capacity vs. 20 lb | 1.0× | 1.5× | 2.0× |
| Full refill at $4/gal | $18.80 | $28.00 | $37.60 |
| Portability | Easier for many users | Heavier, fewer fill trips | Heavy; check handling needs |
| Most useful when | Standard grills, backup | RV, trailer, extended use | Longer runs if approved |
How Long Does a Costco 30 lb Propane Tank Last?
To calculate runtime, I start with propane’s approximate energy content of 91,452 BTU per gallon. A seven-gallon fill contains about 640,000 BTU of fuel energy. Divide that by the appliance’s input rating in BTU per hour for a theoretical run time.
| Appliance input | Approx. hours | 2-hour sessions |
|---|---|---|
| 10,000 BTU/h | 64.0 hours | 32 sessions |
| 15,000 BTU/h | 42.7 hours | 21 sessions |
| 20,000 BTU/h | 32.0 hours | 16 sessions |
| 30,000 BTU/h | 21.3 hours | 10 full sessions |
| 40,000 BTU/h | 16.0 hours | 8 sessions |
| 50,000 BTU/h | 12.8 hours | 6 sessions |
| 60,000 BTU/h | 10.7 hours | 5 sessions |
These figures assume continuous operation at the stated input and enough propane vapor can be supplied throughout the run. Actual results differ if you lower the burner setting, use multiple appliances, face very cold conditions, or encounter vaporization limits. A high-demand heater can require more vapor than one cylinder can safely supply in freezing weather; the number of BTUs remaining in the tank is not the entire story.
Worked example: How much does one grilling session cost?
Let’s assume your grill consumes 30,000 BTU/h at the operating setting you use and you cook for two hours. The session uses 60,000 BTU, which is about 0.66 gallon of propane. At $4.29 per gallon, that’s approximately $2.81 in fuel. With a full 30 lb cylinder, the energy estimate is about 21.3 hours of full-rate use—or roughly ten complete two-hour sessions with some fuel left.
Interactive 30 lb Propane Tank Refill and Runtime Calculator
Use this calculator to test different local refill quotes and appliance loads. I set it to seven gallons and the illustrative $4.29-per-gallon price; change the numbers to match your situation. The runtime figure is an energy-based estimate, not a certification that a cylinder can supply any particular burner continuously in cold conditions.
Assumes 91,452 BTU per gallon. Use a qualified refill station; do not attempt to fill a cylinder yourself.
Is Refilling Cheaper Than Exchanging a Propane Tank?
The first question I ask is: How much propane am I getting? Cylinder exchanges often involve 20 lb-capacity containers loaded with 15 lb of propane. That is only about 3.54 gallons. If such an exchange costs $24.99, the effective fuel price is about $7.06 per gallon. If it costs $29.99, it works out to about $8.47 per gallon. Those are illustrative exchange prices, not Costco prices.
At a measured refill price of $4.29 per gallon, a full seven-gallon 30 lb refill costs $30.03. The two $24.99 exchanges needed to obtain 30 lb of propane would total $49.98—approximately $19.95 more for the same nominal fuel weight. However, the exchange cylinders are physically different from your 30 lb cylinder, and you generally cannot drop a 30-pounder into a standard 20 lb exchange program. I’m comparing the cost of fuel, not claiming the services are interchangeable.
| Purchase arrangement | Propane received | Price | Effective cost/gal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Measured 30 lb refill at $4.29/gal | 7.0 gal | $30.03 | $4.29 |
| 15 lb exchange at $24.99 | About 3.54 gal | $24.99 | About $7.06 |
| 15 lb exchange at $29.99 | About 3.54 gal | $29.99 | About $8.47 |
| Two 15 lb exchanges at $24.99 each | About 7.08 gal | $49.98 | About $7.06 |
My Cost-per-Trip Method: When Is a Costco Purchase Really a Bargain?
Imagine Costco’s $72.99 cylinder is 25 miles farther away, round-trip, than another retailer’s $99.99 cylinder. The upfront hardware savings are $27.00. If that special trip costs $9 in vehicle expense and takes 45 minutes, the immediate cash savings fall to $18. Whether the time is worth it is your decision. If you are already visiting Costco for groceries, the additional trip cost may be almost zero. These travel figures are an original illustrative scenario, not measured operating data.
There is also a long-run calculation. Suppose you refill this tank six times per year at $4.29 a gallon. That equals approximately $180.18 annually in propane, or $540.54 over three years. Add the example $72.99 tank purchase and you get about $613.53 in cylinder plus fuel costs over three years, excluding taxes, fees, the opportunity cost of travel, and any future price changes. Most of the lifetime expense is fuel—not the steel cylinder.
| Cost component | Calculation | Estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| One-time cylinder purchase | Costco comparison price | $72.99 |
| Propane each year | 6 fills × 7 gal × $4.29 | $180.18 |
| Propane over three years | $180.18 × 3 | $540.54 |
| Three-year equipment and fuel total | Purchase + 18 fills | $613.53 |
What do I learn from that example? A few dollars saved per refill can be more important over time than a one-time discount on the empty tank. If you have competing refill stations, compare their per-gallon prices and required travel. For more about fuel-cost timing, see What Time of Year Is Propane the Cheapest?.
My Decision Guide: Is the Costco 30 lb Propane Tank Right for You?
| Your situation | My recommendation | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| RV holder made for a vertical 30 lb tank | Strong candidate | Useful capacity if fit and connection are confirmed |
| Occasional grill that normally uses 20 lb | Compare both sizes | Less lifting may matter more than extended runtime |
| Want fewer refill trips | Consider 30 lb | About 50% more fuel than a 20 lb load |
| Need a horizontal tank | Choose an approved horizontal model | The vertical YSN301 is not a substitute |
| Costco product page shows unavailable | Check nearby alternatives | Catalog listing is not stock confirmation |
| High-BTU appliance in freezing weather | Ask propane specialist | Cylinder vaporization may limit delivery |
| No nearby 30 lb refilling service | Resolve refill access first | Convenience could be worse than with a 20 lb tank |
The seven things I check before paying
- Actual availability: Is the model in stock at my chosen warehouse or available for shipment?
- First-fill cost: How much will a qualified station charge for about seven gallons?
- Dimensions: Will a 23.7-inch-tall cylinder fit the approved holder and clearance?
- Connection: Does my equipment use a compatible regulator and Type 1 connection?
- Handling: Can I safely manage approximately 55 lb when full?
- Inspection date: What is stamped on the collar, and is the cylinder in proper condition?
- Future service: Will my nearby supplier refill this size and inspect it at every visit?
If you’re thinking about the larger economics of buying containers rather than relying on a supplier-owned tank, my related article Is Propane Cheaper If You Own the Tank? covers the ownership question in more detail. The right choice is the one that matches your usage and available service, not simply the lowest price today.
Are There Safety or Recertification Costs to Consider?
Yes, particularly if you use a portable cylinder for years. The cylinder should be inspected before filling for damaged valves, significant rust, dents, distortion, and other defects. A requalification date can also matter. Federal requalification intervals depend on cylinder specification and test method, so I would have the propane supplier or an authorized requalifier evaluate the stamped markings rather than rely on an internet shortcut about an exact expiration date.
Keep a standard vertical cylinder upright during handling, transport and use as applicable, secure it against falling, and follow local transport rules. Store propane cylinders outside in an approved, ventilated location, away from ignition sources and openings. Never keep a portable cylinder in your home’s basement or a closed living area. Do not leave it inside a parked vehicle. A damaged or leaking cylinder requires professional attention.
One important limitation: the fact that a Type 1 connector attaches to your hose does not automatically make every application safe. You must follow the appliance manufacturer’s fuel supply, regulator, orientation, and mounting requirements. A tank intended for vapor withdrawal cannot replace an equipment-specific liquid-withdrawal cylinder just because their propane capacities look similar.
For a broader look at propane behavior and safe use, see Do Propane Fumes Rise or Fall?. If you ever suspect a leak, keep away from the area, do not operate ignition sources or switches, and contact your propane supplier or emergency services from a safe location.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a 30 lb propane tank cost at Costco?
Costco’s comparison page displayed a $72.99 price for the empty Flame King YSN301 (item 195557), but its product page showed unavailable for the selected warehouse. Check availability and current local pricing before ordering.
Does Costco sell 30 lb propane tanks filled?
The Flame King 30 lb cylinder in this guide is sold empty and pre-purged. You must pay for propane separately unless another clearly described local offer includes fuel.
Can you refill a Costco 30 lb propane tank?
Yes, an eligible, serviceable DOT cylinder can be refilled by a qualified provider. Costco refill service is not available at every location, so verify the service first or use another certified refill station.
How many gallons does a Costco 30 lb propane tank hold?
Flame King lists its YSN301 at approximately seven U.S. gallons of propane, corresponding to about 30 lb of fuel. Slight changes in measured gallons occur with temperature and fill conditions.
How much does the Costco 30 lb propane cylinder weigh full?
Using the manufacturer’s approximate 25 lb empty weight, a fully loaded 30 lb cylinder weighs around 55 lb. Read your cylinder’s stamped tare weight for its individual figure.
Will a 30 lb tank last longer than a 20 lb grill tank?
Yes. At the same propane consumption rate and under comparable conditions, 30 lb of fuel provides about 50% more run time than 20 lb. The extra storage does not change the efficiency of the appliance.
How much does a full refill cost at $4.29 per gallon?
Seven gallons cost $30.03 at $4.29 per gallon. This is a worked example, not a quote from Costco. A station’s actual price, fees and dispensed volume determine your receipt.
Does Costco exchange 30 lb propane tanks?
I could not verify a standard nationwide Costco exchange program for 30 lb cylinders. Do not assume a 30 lb bottle can be exchanged like a common 20 lb grill tank; ask your intended provider what sizes it accepts.
Can the standard Costco 30 lb cylinder be used horizontally?
No. The YSN301 is a standard vertical cylinder. If you need a horizontal design, buy a tank specifically approved for that orientation and follow its installation instructions.
My Final Recommendation on Costco’s 30 lb Propane Tank
My buying rule: confirm availability, measure the space, confirm a safe compatible connection, and secure a local refilling option before paying. If you do those four things, you can judge the true cost of ownership instead of buying on a headline price alone. For your next calculation, I suggest Is Propane Gas Economical? and How Much Does 1 Gallon of Propane Weigh?.
Mike is an experienced propane technician with over 15 years of professional experience in the field. He has dedicated his career to helping customers with their propane needs, from installation to maintenance and repair. Together with Jeremy, he co-founded this website to provide useful information and guidance to customers seeking reliable propane services.
