Minnesota winters don’t leave much room for appliance guesswork. When temperatures drop well below zero, homeowners need heating and hot water systems they can count on.
That’s why so many households across Minnesota and the Upper Midwest have turned to propane appliances. They are a reliable, cost-effective option well suited to the region’s demanding climate.
Propane powers a wide range of appliances that can help improve your home’s comfort and energy efficiency. Common propane appliances include:
Propane’s high energy content makes it well suited to appliances that need strong, responsive heat.
Propane appliances are known for delivering strong performance and are available in a variety of high-efficiency models. Here are some of the advantages they can offer:
Even efficient appliances need proper care to continue performing well. Follow these steps to help keep your propane equipment running smoothly:
Worrying about your tank level shouldn’t be part of homeownership. Lakes Gas offers propane delivery without the hassle, and Automatic Delivery can help reduce the risk of an unexpected run-out.
Here’s how it works: a wireless tank monitor can track your fuel level and send information to Lakes Gas when your tank is getting low. That means you don’t have to constantly check the gauge or remember to place a manual order.
If your propane usage rises during a cold snap or drops during a mild stretch, tank monitoring can help Lakes Gas better understand your actual fuel needs and plan deliveries accordingly. It’s another way we help keep your propane appliances fueled and your home comfortable, no matter what the Upper Midwest weather brings.
Propane appliances give Minnesota and Upper Midwest homeowners a dependable and versatile way to heat their homes, power their kitchens, and stay comfortable throughout the year. Paired with regular maintenance and Automatic Delivery, propane systems can provide reliable performance with less day-to-day hassle.
Ready to simplify managing your home’s propane supply? Contact Lakes Gas today to learn more about Automatic Delivery and keep your home running efficiently.
The mobile food scene is booming across Wisconsin, Minnesota, and the greater Upper Midwest.
From game-day tailgates to summer festivals and outdoor weddings, food trucks and caterers are feeding hungry crowds wherever they gather. But none of that sizzle happens without a reliable heat source. For most operators, that source is propane.
Here’s a look at where food truck and catering trends are headed, how propane fits into the picture, and how the right fuel partner keeps your business running.
Propane is the backbone of many food truck kitchens. Inside a typical truck, cylinders can fuel:
Propane delivers instant, consistent heat and doesn’t rely on shore power. That independence lets a truck park at a festival ground, a construction site, or a rural farmers market and still cook at full capacity.
Caterers rely on propane for the same reason: portability without sacrificing performance. At an event, propane commonly powers:
When a wedding is happening in a field an hour outside Madison, there’s no wall outlet in sight. Propane makes that meal possible.
Food trucks have grown from a novelty into a serious dining category. Across the Upper Midwest, a few trends stand out:
Each of these trends depends on dependable cooking power. A truck that can’t fire up its equipment loses sales, plain and simple.
Catering has shifted too, and much of it favors flexible, on-site cooking:
These trends push caterers toward equipment that works anywhere. That’s exactly where propane shines.
Running out of propane mid-service isn’t an option. That’s why a reliable exchange and refill partner matters as much as the food itself.
Lakes Gas offers Swap and Go propane cylinder exchange at retail locations throughout our service area. Bring your empty cylinders in, swap them for full ones, and get back on the road. No waiting, no downtime.
If you own a retail business such as a grocery store, gas station, or home improvement store, Lakes Gas can also help you draw in more customers. We partner with businesses to offer on-site propane cylinder refills and exchange service, turning your location into a convenient stop for the many propane users in your community.
Food trucks and caterers across Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest run on propane for good reason: it’s portable, reliable, and ready to work wherever the crowd gathers. As both industries grow, dependable fuel becomes even more critical to your bottom line.
Ready to simplify how you refuel? Contact Lakes Gas to learn more about Swap and Go cylinder exchange and on-site refill partnerships, and keep your business cooking without interruption.
Fall in Minnesota hits differently. One weekend you’re grilling brats on a 70-degree Saturday afternoon, and the next, you’re bundled up beside a firepit trying to squeeze out the last bit of heat before the snow arrives.
Here in the Upper Midwest, propane doesn’t just fuel the grill. It keeps deck and patio heaters running and firepits burning well into October. Running out mid-season isn’t just inconvenient. It’s a real disruption.
Before you fire things up this fall, it’s worth knowing exactly how much propane you have left.
Standard 20-pound propane tanks don’t come with a built-in gauge. That means you’re left guessing, until you run out. Unlike a car with a fuel light, there’s no warning. One minute you’re grilling a steak or toasting marshmallows at the firepit, the next your flame is gone.
Fortunately, there are three reliable ways to check how much propane is left in your tank.
This is the quickest method and requires nothing more than warm tap water.
The line where the temperature shifts is your propane level. It’s not precise, but it gives you a fast, reliable read on roughly how full your tank is.
Every propane tank has a tare weight (TW) stamped on the collar—that’s the weight of the empty tank. A standard 20-pound tank typically weighs around 17 pounds when empty.
For example, if your tank weighs 27 pounds and the tare weight is 17 pounds, you have roughly 10 pounds of propane left, about half a tank.
Inline propane gauges attach between the tank valve and the regulator hose. They provide a color-coded or dial reading of your fuel level in real time. If you grill frequently or run outdoor heaters through the fall, a gauge is a worthwhile investment that pays for itself in avoided frustration.
A 20-pound propane tank holds roughly 4.7 gallons of propane. On a standard two-burner gas grill running at medium heat, that typically translates to 18–20 hours of cook time. Add in a patio heater or firepit, and you’ll burn through fuel considerably faster.
In Minnesota and across the Upper Midwest, fall gatherings tend to stretch longer when the deck or patio heater is running. It’s easy to underestimate how much propane you’re going through when multiple appliances are pulling from the same tank.
The moment you notice your tank is getting low, don’t wait. Replacing or refilling before it’s completely empty saves you from scrambling mid-cookout.
Lakes Gas makes it straightforward to stay stocked. With grill tank exchange and refill services at retail locations across Minnesota and the broader Upper Midwest service area, you can swap an empty tank for a full one or top off what you have, quickly and without hassle.
Whether you’re grilling through October, keeping a patio heater running during while watching the kids play outside or making sure the firepit is ready for guests, Lakes Gas has locations positioned to keep you fueled when it counts.
Checking your propane level takes two minutes. Running out mid-season costs far more in time and frustration. Make it a habit to check your tank at the start of each month during grilling and outdoor heating season—especially as temperatures start dropping and you’re relying on propane for more than just the grill.
Stop by a Lakes Gas retail location near you to exchange or refill your tank, and head into the rest of fall fully prepared.
Fuel costs are one of the biggest line items for any fleet operation, and for businesses and municipalities across Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest, those costs add up fast.
Propane autogas offers a proven path to lower costs, cleaner operations, and greater energy independence. Here’s why more fleets in the region are making the switch.
Propane autogas is liquid propane gas (LPG) used as a vehicle fuel. It powers dedicated propane vehicles or bi-fuel systems that run on both propane and gasoline. Filling up is straightforward. If you’ve used a standard gasoline pump, you’ll adapt to an autogas station quickly.
Compared to gasoline and diesel, propane autogas typically costs less per gallon and burns cleaner, producing fewer nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter. For fleet managers watching both the budget and the environment, that combination is hard to ignore.
The Upper Midwest’s mix of agriculture, construction, and transportation makes it an ideal market for propane autogas adoption.
Agriculture: Farm operations running tractors, utility vehicles, and irrigation equipment benefit from propane autogas’s lower fuel costs and reduced engine maintenance needs. Propane burns cleaner than diesel, which means less carbon buildup and longer engine life, a real advantage during high-demand planting and harvest seasons.
Construction: Heavy equipment fleets and job-site vehicles that run on propane autogas avoid the volatility of diesel pricing. On-site refueling stations can be set up to keep crews moving without costly downtime.
Transportation and logistics: Regional haulers and last-mile delivery fleets in Wisconsin and neighboring states use propane autogas to manage rising diesel costs. The lower per-gallon price translates directly into improved margins on high-mileage routes.
Local governments and school districts operate some of the largest vehicle fleets in the Upper Midwest, and propane autogas is helping them stretch public dollars further.
School buses are one of the most common applications. Propane-powered school buses produce significantly fewer harmful emissions than diesel buses, improving air quality for students and communities. Many Wisconsin school districts have transitioned to propane autogas fleets specifically to reduce children’s exposure to diesel exhaust.
Municipal fleets—including police vehicles, public works trucks, and parks maintenance equipment—also benefit. Lower fuel and maintenance costs free up budget for other essential services, while cleaner emissions help municipalities meet sustainability and air quality goals.
Government agencies are also eligible for alternative fuel incentives and grants, making the upfront transition more financially accessible.
Cold weather performance is a legitimate concern for any fleet operating in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, and neighboring states. Propane autogas performs reliably in cold temperatures and does not gel like diesel can in extreme cold, a practical advantage during Upper Midwest winters.
Vehicles fueled by propane autogas also tend to start more consistently in freezing conditions, reducing the cold-weather headaches that diesel fleet operators know all too well.
Lakes Gas offers dependable propane autogas service for commercial and industrial fleets across Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest.
Our team takes time to understand your specific operation before recommending the most efficient autogas solution for your fleet, and will set up a filling station tailored to your needs. If those needs change, Lakes Gas adapts alongside you.
Propane autogas delivers a clear set of advantages for regional fleets:
For school districts, municipalities, farms, and construction companies across the region, these benefits translate directly into operational efficiency and long-term savings.
Contact Lakes Gas today to find out how propane autogas can put your fleet in a stronger position.
Forklifts are essential equipment countless Upper Midwest operations.
From grain elevators in rural Minnesota to distribution warehouses in the Twin Cities metro, these machines move product, load trucks, and keep supply chains intact. But the fuel powering those forklifts matters more than most operators realize.
Propane has quietly become the preferred choice for many businesses across Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and the Dakotas, and for good reason. Here’s what you need to know.
Propane forklifts are common across a wide range of industries in the region:
If your business falls into any of these categories, propane forklift service is worth a closer look.
Minnesota winters are no joke. Sub-zero temperatures can drain electric forklift batteries faster than expected and complicate cold starts on gasoline models. Propane forklifts sidestep both problems.
Consistent power output: Unlike electric forklifts, which lose performance as batteries discharge, propane forklifts deliver steady power from the first cylinder to the last. That matters on a busy loading dock where productivity can’t afford to slow down mid-shift.
Indoor and outdoor capable: Propane combustion produces significantly lower carbon monoxide emissions than gasoline, making propane forklifts safe for indoor use when facilities are properly ventilated. This gives operations teams real flexibility.
Fast refueling: Swapping a propane cylinder takes minutes. Recharging an electric forklift battery takes hours. For multi-shift operations, that difference can determine whether you need two forklifts or one.
Propane vs. gasoline forklifts: Gasoline forklifts are powerful, but they come with real drawbacks. They produce higher emissions, making them unsuitable for most indoor environments. Fuel costs tend to be less predictable, and gasoline engines typically require more maintenance over time.
Propane burns cleaner, operates indoors, and offers more stable fuel pricing—particularly when you work with a supplier that provides reliable contract terms.
Propane vs. electric forklifts: Electric forklifts can carry significant upfront costs for batteries and charging infrastructure. In cold climates like Minnesota’s, battery performance degrades, sometimes sharply, reducing the effective range per charge.
Propane forklifts require no charging infrastructure, work reliably in cold conditions, and allow continuous operation through fast cylinder swaps. For operations that can’t afford downtime between shifts, propane is often the more practical solution.
Not all propane suppliers are equipped to handle the specific demands of forklift operations. Here’s what Lakes Gas offers to businesses across Minnesota and the surrounding Upper Midwest region:
From flexible delivery schedules to secure cylinder storage cabinets, Lakes Gas builds service plans around your operation, not the other way around.
Whether you’re running a single forklift at a small warehouse or managing a fleet across multiple shifts, the right propane partner makes a measurable difference in uptime, cost control, and day-to-day reliability.
Contact Lakes Gas today to learn more about forklift propane service and find the right solution for your business.
Summer in Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest means one thing: it’s time to fire up the grill. Whether you’re hosting a Fourth of July cookout on the lakeshore, a big family reunion, or just a Saturday afternoon backyard barbecue, the pressure to feed a crowd efficiently is real.
The last thing you want is to spend an hour waiting for coals to reach the right temperature while your guests hover around with empty plates.
That’s exactly where propane grills shine. Propane delivers the kind of reliable, high-volume cooking performance that charcoal simply can’t match when you’ve got 20, 30, or 50 hungry people to feed. From instant ignition to consistent heat across multiple burners, propane turns large-scale outdoor cooking from a stressful marathon into an enjoyable experience.
Let’s take a deeper dive into why propane is the superior choice for large gatherings, how to keep your propane supply stocked without the hassle, and how to safely transport your grill tank, so all you have to do is show up and cook.
Ask any experienced backyard cook who’s hosted a crowd, and most will tell you the same thing: charcoal looks great on paper but creates real headaches when you’re cooking at scale. Here’s why propane consistently wins for large events.
Instant heat, no waiting: Propane grills ignite with the push of a button and reach cooking temperature in about 10 minutes. Charcoal, by contrast, typically takes 20–30 minutes to fully ash over and reach a stable temperature, and that’s assuming conditions are ideal. On a breezy Wisconsin afternoon, getting charcoal to cooperate can feel like a battle.
When guests are arriving and the clock is ticking, those extra 20 minutes matter. Propane gets you cooking sooner, period.
Precise, consistent temperature control: One of the biggest challenges when cooking for a crowd is managing different foods at different temperatures simultaneously. With propane, you can dial each burner up or down with a simple twist of a knob. Want to sear brats on high heat while keeping chicken thighs at a lower, slower temperature? Done.
Charcoal makes this kind of zone cooking difficult. Managing heat requires physically rearranging coals, adjusting vents, and hoping for consistency—a complicated process even for skilled grillers, especially with large volumes of food.
Multiple burners handle large volumes easily: Most propane grills designed for home use include three to six burners, giving you a large, controllable cooking surface. That means you can cook dozens of burgers, brats, and chicken pieces simultaneously rather than in slow batches. For gatherings of 20 or more people, the ability to cook in bulk without sacrificing quality is a genuine advantage.
No ash, no mess: After a long afternoon of cooking and entertaining, the last thing anyone wants is a lengthy cleanup. Charcoal leaves behind a pile of ash that needs to be completely cooled, properly disposed of, and kept out of reach of children and pets. Propane grills produce no ash. A quick brush of the grates and a wipe-down of the surfaces, and you’re done.
Consistent results every time: Charcoal adds a distinct smoky flavor that many people love, but it also introduces variability. Flare-ups, hot spots, and temperature swings can lead to uneven cooking. Propane delivers steady, reliable heat that produces predictable results, which is exactly what you need when you’re responsible for feeding a large group.
Running out of propane mid-cookout is every host’s nightmare. The good news is that Lakes Gas makes it easy to stay stocked, with two convenient options available across Wisconsin and neighboring Upper Midwest states.
Swap and Go: Lakes Gas operates Swap and Go stations throughout their service area. The concept is simple: bring your empty grill tank to your nearest Swap and Go location, and exchange it for a full, clean, safe one. No waiting, no fuss.
Swap and Go is ideal for busy homeowners who want a quick turnaround before a big event. You don’t need to worry about whether your tank has been properly cleaned or inspected; every tank in the Swap and Go program meets safety standards, so you can get back to your backyard with confidence.
Grill tank refills at retail locations: Prefer to refill your existing tank rather than exchange it? Many retail businesses around the Upper Midwest also offer Lakes Gas grill tank refills. This option lets you keep your own tank while ensuring it’s filled to capacity before your next gathering. Check with your nearest Lakes Gas retailer for availability and hours.
Once your tank is full and your menu is decided, a few preparation habits can make your large gathering run even smoother.
Preheat and clean your grates: Run all burners on high for 10–15 minutes before cooking, then brush the grates. This burns off any residue from previous use and creates a clean, non-stick cooking surface.
Estimate your propane needs in advance: A standard 20-pound propane tank typically provides 18–20 hours of cooking time at medium heat. For a large gathering with extended cooking, consider starting with a full tank—or having a backup on hand.
Use a two-zone setup for flexibility: Turn on burners on one side for high-heat searing and leave the other side on low or off for indirect cooking. This setup is invaluable when managing a mix of thick and thin cuts simultaneously.
Invest in a grill thermometer: Relying on the built-in lid thermometer gives you ambient temperature, not grate-level heat. A grill surface thermometer gives you a more accurate read of where your food actually sits. There are also instant-read thermometers, and thermometers that connect with your smartphone so you don’t have to keep opening the lid to check on your food. You’ll get a notification as soon as it reaches your ideal temperature.
Before your next big event, find your nearest Lakes Gas location to exchange or refill your grill tank, so the only thing left to worry about is what’s on the menu.
If you’ve ever lost heat during a Minnesota winter or run out of fuel mid-cookout, you know how much energy reliability matters.
Propane delivers that reliability, and then some! Across the Upper Midwest, homeowners are turning to propane not just for heating, but as a full-home energy solution that’s efficient, cost-effective, and surprisingly versatile.
Propane stands out for several practical reasons.
For families in suburban and rural areas where natural gas lines don’t always reach, propane fills the gap without compromise.
Propane’s applications inside the home go well beyond heating. Here’s where it makes the biggest impact.
Step outside, and propane’s versatility becomes even more apparent.
One of the biggest concerns propane users have is running low at the worst possible time. Lakes Gas eliminates that worry with two smart service options.
Automatic Delivery takes the guesswork out of fuel management. Lakes Gas tracks your usage patterns and schedules deliveries before you run low. No phone calls, no monitoring required on your end. It’s one less thing to think about, which matters during a busy Minnesota winter.
Wireless propane tank monitoring takes convenience a step further. A sensor on your tank transmits real-time fuel levels directly to Lakes Gas, triggering a delivery when levels drop to a set threshold. You can also check your tank level anytime through an online portal.
Together, these services mean your home stays warm, your appliances keep running, and you get to enjoy all that without worry.
Lakes Gas has spent decades serving homeowners across Minnesota and the surrounding region. The team understands the unique demands of Upper Midwest winters and the importance of dependable fuel delivery when the temperature drops and the roads get difficult.
With Automatic Delivery, wireless monitoring, and a team that prioritizes your comfort and safety, Lakes Gas makes propane ownership straightforward and stress-free.
Ready to experience the benefits of propane with a provider you can count on? Contact Lakes Gas today to learn more about delivery options and get started.
Sustainability goals are reshaping how businesses across Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest make fuel decisions.
Whether you’re managing a construction fleet, running an agricultural operation, or overseeing a commercial facility, the fuel you choose has a measurable impact on both your operating costs and the environment.
Commercial propane offers a compelling case for businesses looking to cut emissions without overhauling their entire operation.
Propane is classified as an alternative fuel under the U.S. Clean Air Act and the Energy Policy Act of 1992, a designation that reflects its lower environmental impact compared to conventional fuels.
Here’s what that means in practice:
For Upper Midwest businesses operating near lakes, rivers, and farmland, that last point carries real weight.
Across Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, and neighboring states, businesses in a wide range of industries are making the shift to commercial propane:
The versatility of propane makes it a practical fit across industries, and Lakes Gas has the regional expertise to tailor delivery and service to your specific operational needs.
Lakes Gas serves businesses throughout Wisconsin and the surrounding Upper Midwest region with flexible, reliable commercial propane delivery. The focus is on keeping your operation running without interruption, while making it easier to meet your sustainability goals.
What sets Lakes Gas apart is the ability to build a delivery and service plan around your business, not a generic one-size-fits-all contract. Usage monitoring, scheduled deliveries, and responsive customer support are part of the package, so operations managers and business owners spend less time worrying about fuel supply and more time focused on the work at hand.
One of the most impactful ways Upper Midwest businesses can reduce emissions is through fleet conversion to propane autogas, which is propane used as a vehicle fuel. Lakes Gas offers propane autogas services for businesses looking to make this transition.
The numbers are hard to ignore:
For businesses running delivery vehicles, service trucks, or equipment fleets, autogas is one of the most straightforward paths to both emissions reductions and fuel cost savings.
Propane makes the most sense for businesses that want a meaningful reduction in emissions without a dramatic infrastructure overhaul. It’s a particularly strong fit if your operation is located in a rural or semi-rural area where natural gas pipelines aren’t accessible, or if you’re managing energy costs across multiple facilities.
That said, the right fuel decision depends on your specific operational profile, usage volumes, and sustainability targets.
Reducing your carbon footprint doesn’t require a complete reinvention of your business. For many Upper Midwest companies, switching to or expanding commercial propane use is a practical, cost-effective move, one that aligns environmental responsibility with operational efficiency.
Lakes Gas is ready to help you find the right solution. Contact your local Lakes Gas office to discuss customized commercial propane delivery, autogas services, and how we can help your business run cleaner and smarter.
Did you know that Minnesota consistently ranks as one of the top five states in the U.S. for RV ownership per capita as well as a top 10 state for camping?
It makes sense, considering all the wonderful places to visit here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes and surrounding states. With about 75 state parks and recreation areas, along with more than 100 RV parks, there are plenty of places to stay and explore.
Propane is a great energy source when it comes to camping and RVing because it’s portable and provides efficiency and amenities.
Choosing the right propane tank size can mean the difference between a seamless trip and an unexpected cold shower.
Here’s a straightforward breakdown of the most common camper propane tank sizes and what each one is best suited for.
Before diving into tank sizes, it helps to understand just how hard propane works on a typical trip.
In RVs, propane commonly fuels:
For tent and cabin campers, propane typically powers portable stoves, lanterns, insect traps, and small heaters. Usage is lighter, but running out mid-trip is just as frustrating.
Running low on propane shouldn’t cut your trip short. Lakes Gas operates propane cylinder refill stations and Swap and Go exchange locations throughout Minnesota and the wider Upper Midwest, making it easy to top off before you hit the road or find a refill close to camp.
Check the Lakes Gas station locator to find the nearest refill or exchange point, and hit the road with full tanks and zero worries.
Managing a warehouse or construction site in Wisconsin and the neighboring Upper Midwest states requires equipment that can handle demanding schedules and tough conditions. Forklifts are the backbone of these operations. When they break down, productivity stops.
Business owners and operations managers know that replacing heavy machinery impacts the bottom line. Maximizing the lifespan of your current fleet is the smartest way to maintain cost efficiency.
By implementing a proactive maintenance strategy, you can protect your equipment investment, ensure regulatory compliance, and keep your operators safe.
Evaluating fuel types is a critical first step when managing a commercial fleet. Choose a propane forklift if consistent power and fast refueling matter more to your operation than the indoor-only emissions standards that electric models require.
Propane forklifts maintain 100% power until the cylinder is completely empty. Conversely, electric forklifts gradually lose power as the battery drains and then require hours of charging time, often as long as a full eight-hour shift.
Gasoline forklifts produce higher emissions and are generally unsafe for indoor use. Propane models offer the perfect balance of robust outdoor performance and safe indoor operation, making them highly versatile for transport, agriculture, and construction tasks.
Consistent maintenance directly correlates with decreased fuel costs and improved delivery reliability. Operators should perform a daily checklist before starting any shift.
First, inspect the propane cylinder and hoses for any signs of wear, rust, or leaks. A compromised cylinder is a severe safety hazard and drains fuel efficiency.
Second, check the engine oil, coolant, and hydraulic fluid levels. Operating a forklift with low fluids creates unnecessary friction, leading to premature engine failure.
Finally, blow out the radiator to remove dust and debris. A clean radiator prevents the engine from overheating, especially during long shifts in dusty agricultural or construction environments.
Even the most well-maintained forklift cannot operate without a consistent fuel supply. Running out of propane halts operations and delays client deliveries. Partnering with a dedicated commercial fuel provider ensures your team always has the energy required to meet seasonal demand spikes.
Lakes Gas offers customized forklift propane delivery across Wisconsin and neighboring Upper Midwest states. Our team works directly with operations managers to build delivery schedules based on your specific usage rates.
We provide secure cylinder storage racks and on-site safety training for your staff. This customized approach guarantees reliable supply, every time, allowing your team to focus on daily operations rather than fuel logistics.
Extending the lifespan of your propane forklifts requires a combination of disciplined daily maintenance and a dependable fuel supply. By protecting the engine components and ensuring cylinders are safely managed, you reduce long-term costs and boost operational excellence.
Reach out to the team at Lakes Gas to discuss a customized forklift propane delivery plan that fits your exact business needs.
