Avoid the Mid-Barbecue Shutdown: How to Calculate Propane Usage for Summer Gatherings

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Avoid the Mid-Barbecue Shutdown: How to Calculate Propane Usage for Summer Gatherings

There’s nothing like the smell of sizzling burgers and the sound of laughter filling the air during a summer barbecue. But nothing brings the party to a halt faster than running out of propane mid-grill. As a propane company committed to keeping your summer running smoothly, we’re here to help you plan ahead and calculate your propane usage so you can avoid an unexpected shutdown and keep the good times rolling.

Know Your Grill’s Consumption Rate

The first step in estimating propane usage is understanding how much fuel your grill uses. Most standard propane grills burn around 20,000 BTUs (British Thermal Units) per hour. A standard 20-pound propane tank contains roughly 430,000 BTUs of energy. That means one full tank will last approximately 20 to 21 hours of cooking time, depending on your grill’s BTU rating and heat setting.

If your grill has multiple burners or a high BTU rating (say 40,000 BTUs/hour), expect that tank to last closer to 10–11 hours.

Estimate Cooking Time Per Gathering

Next, consider how long you typically grill during a summer event. If you’re hosting a group of 10–12 guests and grilling burgers, hot dogs, and maybe some veggies, your grill might run for 1.5 to 2 hours straight. A single 20-pound tank should easily handle this. However, propane use can add up quickly if you’re planning an all-day cookout or back-to-back gatherings.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Small gathering (1–2 hours) = ~1/10th to 1/5th of a tank
Large party (3–4 hours) = ~1/4 to 1/2 of a tank
Weekend of entertaining = Full tank or more

Factor in Side Burners and Extras

Remember to account for side burners, rotisserie attachments, or griddles—these can significantly increase propane consumption. If you’re using your propane tank for more than just the main grill, it’s smart to pad your estimate by 20–30%.

Check Your Tank Before Guests Arrive

There are a few simple ways to check your tank’s fuel level before guests arrive:

Weigh the tank: A full 20-lb tank weighs around 37 pounds. Subtract the tare weight (stamped on the collar) to find how much propane is left.
Hot water trick: Pour hot water down the side of the tank and feel where the metal turns cool—that’s your propane level.
Use a gauge: Propane tank gauges (either inline or magnetic) are inexpensive and provide a quick reading.