I go to Sam’s Club for everything. Literally.
And the other day I needed a propane tank. So, naturally, I was wondering if Sam’s Club sells propane tanks. This is what I found out..
Does Sam’s Club Sell Propane Tanks?
You can purchase propane tanks from Sam’s Club warehouses, either online or in-store. All Sam’s Club propane tanks are sold brand new and empty. Sam’s Club do not fill (or refill) propane tanks.
This article looks at the Sam’s Club propane tank services and retail: what they actually are, why they’re a little confusing, and how to access them.
How Can I Get A Propane Tank From Sam’s Club?
Purchasing a new propane tank from Sam’s Club is simple. You just need to remember to check availability for ordering online or before visiting a street store – and you need to have a Sam’s Club membership.
Sam’s Club sell a range of propane tanks and supplies for heating, cooking, and camping. You can search for these individually or browse them section by section.
If you’re looking online, you’ll find the propane tanks and supplies in Outdoor & Patio or Outdoor Living. The Refillable Propane Gas Cylinder with Gauge – 20 lb. capacity, for example, can be found under Outdoor Grilling and Cooking.
The Coleman 16-oz. Propane Camping Cylinder (4 pk.), however, are found under Camping Equipment.
The Dyna-Glo DELUX Single Tank Top Propane (LP) Heater – 9K-15K BTU is in Home Improvement and can be shipped free to Plus members.
You can purchase this tank online or instore, but most products will not be shipped. You also have to find your nearest store for price, availability, and pickup.
You’ll notice that Sam’s Club carry different brands of propane tanks: the names Coleman, Flame King, and Worthington, for example, refer to the manufacturers of the tanks and not to the suppliers of the propane.
Sam’s Club propane tanks are also purged. In terms of propane tank preparation, purging removes the air, moisture, and contaminants necessary for preventing delivery line pressure irregularities later on.
Does Sam’s Club Exchange Propane Tanks?
You cannot exchange your propane tanks at Sam’s Club warehouse locations, but you can exchange them at most Sam’s Club gas stations. This gas station chain is also nationwide, and you need to be a member to use the services at most of the locations.
To find your nearest Sam’s Club fuel station, use the store locator. Most Sam’s Club locations have a 24/7 self-serve propane exchange station (payable by credit card). These exchange stations are provided by AmeriGas, who is the is the largest retail propane distributor in the United States.
You’ve probably heard of Blue Rhino too. Blue Rhino (owned by Ferrellgas) is an American brand of propane exchange. In other words, AmeriGas and Blue Rhino do much the same thing, although they are not the same company.
AmeriGas and Blue Rhino will pick up each other’s tanks and exchange propane tanks regardless of which brand they are – they only stipulate that the tanks need to be in good condition.
AmeriGas and Blue Rhino both provide a propane exchange service at Walmart (Sam’s Club parent company). There are now over 800 Walmart Retail locations offering the 24/7 self-service propane vending machines where you can easily exchange your used tank or pick up a spare one.
The brands sold and exchanged (in person) at Walmart include:
- Blue Rhino propane tanks
- AmeriGas propane tanks
- Flame king propane tanks
- Backyard Grill propane tanks
You cannot have your propane tank filled or refilled at Walmart – only exchanged.
Read: What Is Sam’s Club Scan & Go?
Can I Exchange Different Propane Tanks?
It is possible to exchange your propane tanks and cylinders regardless of brand. Exchanging or refilling propane tanks is considered the most efficient and cheapest solution for an ongoing propane supply.
Blue Rhino, for example, have a Drop, Swap, & Go process where customers can visit a participating store (such as Walmart), drop the empty tank outside and then purchase a new tank at the cashier.
To access the service locations or to find a Blue Rhino retailer, visit their store locator or text FIND to 75653. You can also purchase your first tank this way. And yes Blue Rhino will accept any tank so long as it’s in good condition, and they will recycle old tanks at no cost to the consumer.
AmeriGas also has a useful tank refill/recycle guide, and they accept all brands of tanks and cylinders. On this page you’ll find information on:
- Buying, refilling, and exchanging propane tanks
- Tank delivery and disposal
- The Propane Tank Exchange in your Neighborhood service – this is the service which connects AmeriGas with Sam’s Club (gas stations) and with Walmart.
Does Sam’s Club Refill Propane Tanks?
Sam’s Club don’t refill propane tanks because they don’t have the facilities to do so. The best Sam’s Cub can offer is a propane tank exchange.
However, it is possible to have your propane tanks and/or cylinders refilled. Many people choose to have their tanks and cylinders filled/refilled at propane refuelling stations rather than exchanging them at an available location.
All cylinders should undergo a simple visual inspection before being filled. This exterior inspection should be performed on all bottles regardless of size or type, in order to check for the following things:
- Damage to the cylinder exterior such as dents, bulges or cracks on the surface
- Excessive rust or pitting on the cylinder, particularly on the bottom
- Absence and condition of a cylinder foot ring, cylinder collar, or valve cover
- Date the cylinder was manufactured or last recertified
- Required cylinder markings and readability
- OPD valve (if required)
Costco, for example, will fill/refill propane tanks at their tire centres – although the service is not available at all outlets – and they will refill 20lb, 30lb, 40lb, and 100lb propane tanks.
Read: Does Sam’s Club Balance Tires?
How Much Does It Cost To Exchange Propane Tanks At Sam’s Club?
The cost to exchange a propane tank at Sam’s Club gas stations is around $14 – $18 for a 20-pound tank, and you can do this through the 24/7 self-serve propane exchange service provided by AmeriGas.
It’s a good idea to check ahead and make sure the fuel station you’re heading to actually offers the service as not every location does. Station opening times don’t apply because the service is 24/7 and payment is by credit card.
Summary
You can purchase propane tanks (in various sizes and brands) from Sam’s Club for cooking, heating and camping purposes, and you can exchange your propane tanks at most of the Sam’s Club gas stations.
However, you can’t get your brand new propane tank filled at Sam’s Cub. Once you’ve bought it, you’ll have to take it elsewhere to be filled.
Many users recommend purchasing and filling more than one tank, and this way you never run out mid event. Other consumers prefer propane tank exchanges as the best solution.