Does Walmart Fill & Exchange Propane Tanks in 2022? Your Complete Guide
Hey there! As a seasoned ecommerce business owner, I know how frustrating it can be when you‘re ready to fire up the grill only to realize you‘re out of propane. Believe me, I‘ve been there!
In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll share everything you need to know about exchanging propane tanks at Walmart in 2022. You‘ll get the inside scoop on pricing, availability, other retailers, and tips to save money and avoid hassles.
Let‘s get grilling!
Can You Get Propane Tanks Filled at Walmart?
I‘ll start with the simple answer to this question:
No, Walmart does not offer propane tank refill services.
While many gas stations and specialty retailers have high-capacity propane filling equipment, Walmart locations do not have these on-site.
However, the good news is over 3,500 Walmart stores across the U.S. do offer propane tank exchange programs. This provides an easy, affordable way to swap out an empty tank for a full replacement.
The key details you need to know:
Walmart‘s Propane Exchange Program
- Available at 3,500+ stores nationwide
- Bring in empty tank, exchange for full tank
- Tanks pre-filled by certified propane dealers
- All common sizes: 20 lb, 5 lb, 1 lb
- Accepts any brand of tank
- No appointments needed
Okay, now that we‘ve got the basics covered, let‘s dig into the specific costs, procedures, and tips for propane tank exchange with Walmart.
How Much Does Propane Tank Exchange Cost at Walmart?
One major reason grillers and campers love Walmart for their propane needs is the low, consistent pricing.
Here‘s a quick look at current standard propane exchange rates:
Walmart Propane Exchange Costs
| Tank Size | Exchange Price |
|---|---|
| 20 lb | $14.99 |
| 5 lb | $11.97 |
| 1 lb | $6.48 |
These prices tend to stay the same nationwide, with minimal regional differences.
To give you a sense of the savings, exchanging a 20 lb propane tank (the most common size) costs:
- $21.95 at U-Haul
- $17.98 at Lowe‘s
- $19.97 at Home Depot
The Walmart cash price is around $15, making it one of the most affordable exchange options.
How Do Propane Exchanges Work at Walmart?
Exchanging a propane tank at Walmart is designed to be quick and convenient:
Walmart Propane Exchange Process
- Bring empty tank into store
- Take tank to Propane Exchange area
- Attendant inspects tank
- Pay exchange fee
- Attendant provides filled replacement tank
- Pick up propane carryout slip
- Transport tank to vehicle
The whole process takes just a few minutes in most cases. It‘s much faster than waiting for a tank refill appointment.
Walmart propane exchange attendants will look over your tank to make sure:
- It is an eligible size and brand
- The tank is in safe working condition
- There are no major dents, rust, or other defects
Even old, dingy tanks are often approved as long as they pass the safety inspection.
Once approved, you pay the exchange fee and pick up a pre-filled replacement tank in a sealed box.
Be sure to get a carryout slip before transporting it out of the store. This is an important safety precaution when handling flammable gas.
Buying New Propane Tanks at Walmart
While exchanging is generally cheaper, you can also purchase brand new propane tanks to take home from Walmart.
Here are the current prices on some popular sizes:
- 20 lb steel tank – $42.97
- 5 lb steel tank – $24.97
- 1 lb aluminum cylinder – $6.98
These are very reasonable prices for shiny new, unused tanks. But exchange will ultimately cost less per fill over time.
What Other Retailers Fill Propane Tanks?
In some cases, you may prefer to have your existing propane tank refilled rather than exchanged. This allows you to keep using the same tank indefinitely.
The good news is that many major retailers offer propane tank refill services in addition to exchanges:
Stores Offering Propane Tank Refilling
- Ace Hardware (700+ locations)
- Lowe‘s (1,700+ locations)
- Home Depot (1,300+ locations)
- U-Haul (1,800+ locations)
- Tractor Supply (1,900+ stores)
- Costco (select locations)
I suggest calling ahead to make an appointment, as refill service can get backed up during peak summer grilling season.
Ace Hardware tends to have the quickest turnaround for refills in my experience. While Costco has very low propane prices (around $17 for 20 lb), their refill availability is limited.
2022 Propane Shortages – What‘s Impacted Availability & Pricing?
Over the past year, several key factors have caused propane supply uncertainty leading to shortages and price hikes in 2022:
Causes of 2022 Propane Shortages
- Global fuel and energy market volatility
- Rising inflation driving up costs
- Cold winter increased heating demands
- Supply chain disruptions slowed production
- High summer demand for grilling
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, wholesale propane prices surpassed $1 per gallon in November 2021 and have remained elevated well into 2022.
This has driven up the retail cost of propane across suppliers. Even Walmart has had to raise exchange prices slightly to keep up with market conditions.
Industry experts recommend buying propane early to avoid late summer shortages. Purchase your tanks for grilling season well in advance. Exchange programs like Walmart‘s help ensure adequate propane reserves.
Why You Should Exchange Propane Tanks at Walmart
After understanding the full landscape of propane tank options in 2022, here are the key reasons I recommend Walmart for convenient, affordable exchange:
Benefits of Walmart Propane Exchange
- Save money – Prices $5+ less than other major retailers
- Lock in propane reserves – Avoid unexpected summer shortages
- It‘s fast – No need for refill appointment
- Easy access – 3,500+ exchange locations nationwide
- Brand flexibility – They‘ll take any tank that passes inspection
- Walmart perks – Can use Walmart app coupons and fuel rewards
With inflation squeezing budgets for summer activities, the cost savings are very attractive!
Tips for Successfully Exchanging Tanks at Walmart
Here are my pro tips from exchanging hundreds of tanks over the years:
1. Call ahead to check availability
Not every Walmart has propane exchange services. Confirm yours does before making the trip.
2. Bring your original Walmart receipt
Having the receipt avoids paying tank deposit fees in most cases.
3. Inspect tank thoroughly before bringing in
Any major dents, rust, or expired certification will cause a rejection.
4. Be prepared to negotiate
If your tank is borderline, politely ask attendant if exchange is still possible.
5. Pay attention to carryout instructions
Transporting the filled tank properly keeps you and others safe.
6. Consider Walmart+ membership
Get free shipping and other perks that can offset propane costs.
7. Use Ibotta rebates
Earn cash back when buying tanks or propane-related items.
Walmart vs. Amazon – Which Is Cheaper for Propane?
When it comes to propane tanks and accessories, Walmart often beats Amazon on pricing for equivalent items.
For example:
| Item | Walmart Price | Amazon Price |
|---|---|---|
| 20 lb Propane Tank | $42.97 | $59.99 |
| Propane Cover | $12.88 | $19.99 |
| 10 ft. Hose & Regulator Kit | $19.97 | $29.99 |
Brick-and-mortar retailers like Walmart can provide big savings on bulky propane tanks, since online sellers face substantial shipping costs.
However, Amazon may have a wider selection of propane accessories not carried at your local Walmart.
The Bottom Line
Hope this gives you the complete low-down on exchanging propane tanks at Wally World!
Taking advantage of Walmart‘s thousands of convenient, affordable exchange locations is a smart move – especially with higher fuel prices in 2022.
Visit a store near you to swap out an empty tank and get grilling again. And let me know if you have any other propane questions!
