Written on: September 7, 2026
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.
