Ace Hardware propane prices vary by store, service, and local propane market. A 20-pound tank exchange commonly costs $20-$30, while refilling an eligible tank often runs about $3.50-$5.50 per gallon, or roughly $17-$26 for a full tank before applicable fees.
The store’s posted price and the tank’s fill level are the two details most likely to change the checkout total. Not every Ace location offers propane, and some sell exchanges but do not refill customer-owned cylinders.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20-lb tank exchange | $20 | $25 | $30 | Usually a standard cylinder exchange |
| 20-lb tank refill | $17 | $22 | $26 | About 4.7 gallons for a near-empty tank |
| New 20-lb tank with propane | $50 | $70 | $100 | Price depends on tank brand and fill |
| Tank inspection or recertification | $0 | $10 | $25 | Availability and fees vary by location |
What a 20-pound Ace propane tank usually costs
For a typical backyard grill cylinder, budget $20-$30 for an exchange or $17-$26 for a refill when the tank is nearly empty. A refill is billed by gallons dispensed, not by tank size; if the cylinder still contains propane, the charge should be lower. These estimates exclude sales tax and assume a standard 20-pound tank in usable condition.
Exchange pricing pays for a ready-to-use cylinder, while refill pricing depends on how much propane the tank accepts. A new cylinder bought at Ace may cost $35-$70 empty, or about $50-$100 when sold filled, depending on construction and location. Store participation and inventory differ, so a local quote is more dependable than a chainwide price.
How exchange, refill, and tank charges shape the bill
The service type determines the largest part of the quote. An exchange generally includes propane and the use of another cylinder; a refill charges for fuel and may require the customer’s tank to pass inspection. A new-tank purchase adds the cylinder cost, while an outdated or damaged tank may need replacement rather than filling.
| Quote component | Typical price | What it covers | When it applies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Propane refill | $3.50-$5.50 per gallon | Fuel dispensed into a customer-owned tank | Participating refill locations |
| Exchange | $20-$30 per 20-lb tank | Propane and a replacement cylinder | Exchange cages or service counters |
| Empty tank | $35-$70 | New standard cylinder, usually without fuel | Buying a tank rather than exchanging |
| Delivery or local fee | $0-$10 | Possible handling or delivery charge | Store-specific service or delivery |
| Tax | Varies by locality | Applicable sales or fuel taxes | Added at checkout where required |
Assumptions: Standard 20-pound grill cylinder, ordinary access, U.S. retail pricing; local taxes and promotions may change totals.
Refill versus exchange for a 20-pound cylinder
A refill can cost less when the store charges only for propane dispensed and the cylinder is in good condition. A nearly empty tank holding about 4.7 gallons at a $4.50-per-gallon rate would cost roughly $21.15 to fill. If the tank is partly full, the bill falls with the gallons added. A $25 exchange may be simpler, but exchange cylinders are not always filled to the same level as a full 20-pound capacity; many are supplied with about 15 pounds of propane.
Compare the price per pound actually received, not just the exchange price against a refill quote. An exchange may make sense if a tank is expired, damaged, or inconvenient to transport for inspection. A refill is often more economical for a compliant, reusable cylinder.
Which tank conditions and sizes change the final price?
A standard grill cylinder holds 20 pounds of propane, equal to about 4.7 gallons when filled to its safe limit. Larger cylinders, forklift cylinders, and motorhome tanks may require different equipment or a propane dealer rather than an Ace retail setup. The size and connection type should be confirmed before traveling.
Tank condition can also block a refill. A cylinder with a damaged valve, visible corrosion, or an expired qualification date may be refused. Many portable cylinders have a 12-year initial qualification period from manufacture; subsequent qualification periods depend on the method used. Replacement or recertification can add roughly $10-$25 where that service is available, while buying a new tank can add $35-$70 before propane.
Tank size, remaining fuel, and inspection eligibility can shift the bill more than a small difference in per-gallon rates. A fuel-gauge reading is only an estimate; weighing the cylinder provides a better check of how much propane remains.
Three realistic Ace propane price examples
A nearly empty, serviceable grill tank refilled at $4.25 per gallon for 4 gallons would cost about $17, plus any tax. A customer exchanging a standard cylinder at a $26 local price would pay about $26, with the supplied fill level determined by the exchange program.
A shopper buying a new filled tank for a first-time grill setup might pay $50-$100, depending on tank grade and local pricing. A damaged tank that cannot be refilled could instead require an empty replacement for $35-$70 followed by a separate fill or exchange charge.
These examples are estimates, not guaranteed Ace prices; the store’s posted rate and tank inspection decide the actual total.
Why Ace propane prices differ by region and store
Local propane supply, competition, operating costs, and store ownership affect pricing. A rural or low-competition location may charge around 5%-15% more than a nearby market with several refill providers; high-cost urban areas can also exceed the national ranges. Taxes and delivery charges create further differences.
Ace stores are independently operated in many markets, and propane services are not uniform across the chain. Some locations provide on-site refills, others offer tank exchange, and some do not handle propane at all. Calling the exact store to ask whether it refills, exchanges, or sells filled tanks can prevent an unnecessary trip.
Extra charges to check before taking a tank in
Ask whether the quoted exchange price includes the full transaction, whether a new customer account or cylinder deposit is required, and whether taxes are included. Refill stations may have minimum charges, limited hours, or rules requiring staff to inspect and connect the cylinder. Delivery, if offered, can add a separate fee and may have a minimum order.
For a refill, an attendant should weigh or meter the propane dispensed and stop at the permitted fill level. Never attempt to transfer propane between tanks or use an overfilled cylinder; transport the cylinder upright and follow the store’s handling instructions.
How to lower the propane bill without replacing a usable tank
Call two or three nearby providers and compare refill rates per gallon with exchange prices and the amount of propane supplied. If an existing cylinder is in date and passes inspection, refilling it can avoid paying for a replacement tank. Keep it protected from damage, and check the manufacture or recertification markings before making the trip.
Choose the least expensive service only after confirming tank condition, fill quantity, and all fees. Avoid replacing a compliant cylinder solely because an exchange is convenient, but do not pay for a refill that the store cannot safely perform. A quick store call can confirm service, current price, hours, and accepted tank types.