Propane tank next to a grill.
The Simple Way To Tell If Your Grill Needs A Propane Refill

NEWS

By MATTHEW LEE
Person operating the valve of a propane tank.
Ensuring your propane grill is in good shape before a cookout includes checking the propane tank to determine if it needs a refill. The easiest way to do that is to use hot water.
Person drizzling water over propane tank.
Simply drizzle a glass of hot water over the tank and run your hand along the metal. You'll feel a cool spot where the propane level starts, and the area above it will feel warm.
Person running their hand along the surface of a propane tank.
The line where the cool and warm areas intersect shows you exactly how full your tank is. If this line tells you that the tank only has about 20% left, it's high time for a refill.
Propane tank in front of grill.
This trick works because the propane will absorb heat from the hot water, cooling the tank’s surface, while areas of the tank with no gas and only air and vapor remain warm.