Q&A for How to BBQ With Propane

Go to a gas station that's offering a refill—simply ask a clerk to refill your tank. Many major retailers like Costco offer the same service. You can also participate in an exchange program where you bring an empty tank and then they give you a new tank upon exchange.

If you see a flame coming from the tank itself, run and call the fire department! That could indicate a leak with the very real possibility of an explosion.

Yes. If the tank valve is left open, it will keep releasing the gas, which also causes the area to become a fire hazard.

Yes, over time the chemicals in it can make it less and less flammable, to the point where it can't ignite. You should change it every few months.

The propane valve should be all the way open before igniting the burners. The BBQ itself will regulate the flow of gas to the burners, depending on what temperatures you want to cook with. Just remember to close the propane valve once you're finished cooking.

That will depend upon the size of the tank and how many BTU/hrs used. Use a propane tank gauge to let you know when the tank runs low. You can figure out how approximately how long a tank will last, but it's a complicated process. A little research should yield you some calculations you can use to figure it out.