Do you want to save yourself the trouble and frustration of running out of gas just when you are ready to fire up the grill to feed your family and friends or from waking up freezing in the middle of the night because your heater has run out of fuel?
There is an inexpensive and easy way to prevent this from happening, which is installing a reliable propane tank gauge.
These nifty devices are affordable, easy to use, and will allow you to monitor the remaining gas level at all times.
They are straightforward instruments that can tell you how much propane is still in the tank without the use of complicated math or calculations.
On their displays, the majority of them have three color-coded settings: green, which indicates that you currently have enough gas, yellow, which indicates that you should start thinking about refilling or replacing the tank, and red, which indicates that you don’t have enough propane to use the tank.
Continue reading if you need help choosing a propane tank gauge and understanding how to use it.
In addition to listing the top gauges for propane gas tanks for 2022, we’ve also included suggestions on how to pick the one that will best meet your needs and instructions on how to connect and use it.
Best Propane Tank Gauges in 2022
GasOne 50120 Propane Gauge
This propane gauge is a bestselling device with excellent ratings. It is affordable, easy to mount on a gas tank, and easy to read.
The gauge by GasOne will eliminate the guesswork and will allow you to keep an eye on the content of your gas tank.
It’s easy to read indicator has three color-coded and clear scale levels, including green for “gas,” yellow for “low gas,” and red for “refill.” This means that you won’t need to deal with confusing numbers and measurements and know exactly when you need to refill your propane tank to keep that grill going.
The top preferred gauge is made of brass and is 4 x 2 x 3 inches and weighs 9.59-oz., so it can fit even in tight spaces.
It comes with a QCC-1 universal fitting which is compatible with all standard propane gas tanks from 5 to 100 lbs.
It is designed to be heat resistant, weatherproof, dustproof, and has a leak detector.
This universal propane tank gauge is easy to mount and will fit on your tank securely.
It offers highly accurate readings and will let you know when you need to refill the tank so that you never run out of gas again.
Pros
- It is compact and lightweight, so it is suitable for all kinds of spaces
- The scale is color-coded and intuitive
- The gauge is made of sturdy brass, offers weather and dust protection, and has a leak detector
- It will work with all standard type 1 propane gas tanks from 5 to 100 lbs.
- Sold at a very reasonable price
Cons
- It lacks ambient temperature measurement scales
Camco Propane Gauge/Leak Detector
The propane tank gauge by Camco is one of the easiest and most secure tools for monitoring the level of propane in your gas tank. It features a universal type 1 connection which allows for mounting it to standard propane tanks for grills or boats, RVs, and others.
It will work with DOT propane tanks with ACME/OPD connections.
Thanks to its easy-to-read and intuitive display and color-coded scale, you can tell whether you have enough gas or when you need to refill the tank with a single glance. Plus, it will show you the readings depending on the ambient temperature, including on cold, cool, or hot days.
The gauge is easy to view from a distance, as it is pretty large, but it weighs only 11.4-oz.
Its larger size not only makes it easy to read from a distance but also makes it more accurate than other gauges as it allows for a larger scale.
It features a leak detector, flow protection as well as thermal protection.
Pros
- A large scale which is easy to view from a distance and is more accurate than smaller settings
- A color-coded scale which includes the ambient temperature readouts as well as those for the fuel level
- It is made of durable materials and offers reliable safety features, including flow and thermal protection
- Type 1 connection suitable for tanks for propane gas grills, RVs, and boats
Cons
- It is quite large, making it unsuitable for smaller settings and tighter spaces
DOZYANT Propane Tank Gauge
This tank gauge is inexpensive but made of durable solid brass, which will withstand all weather conditions and years of use.
The gauge has a color-coded scale of green, yellow, and red for the level of the fuel in the tank in different weather conditions – cold, cool, and hot days.
It has a Type 1 QCC1 connection and will fit on standard propane tanks of up to 40 lbs.
You can easily mount it on your gas tank without the need for tools, and it also comes with a useful dust protection cover.
Pros
- Offered at an affordable price
- An easy to read color-coded scale, which includes the ambient temperature readings as well as the gas levels in the tank
- Easy to mount with no tools required on standard propane tanks
- Made of solid brass, which is dent, scratch, and weather-resistant
- Works with tanks up to 40 lbs. with Type1/QCC1 connections and with peripherals such as cylinders, regulators, and adapters
- Secure and leak-proof connection fittings
- There is a nifty dust protection cover
- A size of 4 x 2.5 x 2 inches and a weight of just 8.8-oz
Cons
- Like the other gauges of this type, it works only when the gas is turned on and is under pressure
- It doesn’t work with older POL-type tanks
Camplux Propane Tank Gauge
Here is another reliable propane tank gauge you can buy without breaking the bank, which will save you the frustration of running out of gas in the middle of a cooking session.
It is inexpensive, made of 100% solid brass, and offers a secure and airtight connection to the QCC1 Type1 propane tank of your gas grill, smoker, heater, or other gas-powered appliance.
The gauge includes a leak detector which will automatically restrict the gas flow in case a leak or malfunction is detected.
It has a color-coded scale on its display, showing you when the tank is full, when you are low in gas and when it is time to refill it or swap it.
The tank gauge is compact and weighs 9.6-oz, so you can mount it on the tank even if there is not too much space available. It will allow you to monitor the gas levels without removing the propane tank every time.
You can install it securely to your gas tank without the need for any special instruments, and you can be pretty certain that the gauge will last for long, as it is made of solid brass and has sturdy and secure fittings.
Pros
- Fits standard propane tanks with ACME/QCC1/Type1 connections
- Small and lightweight (9.6-oz), which makes it suitable for smaller settings
- It has easy to view and interpret color-coded scale for the gas levels
- Made of solid brass with secure fittings
- It is very affordable
Cons
- There is no indicator for the ambient temperature
- It has a smaller scale than some of the other propane tank gauges on our list
GASLAND Propane Tank Gauge
Gasland’s propane tank gauge is another budget-friendly tool that will allow you to rest assured that you know exactly when you need to refill your gas tank.
It will fit Type 1 and POL propane tanks so that you can use it both on new and on older propane gas tanks. You can also easily switch from your empty 20 lb. gas tank to a 1 lb. cylinder in case you end up without propane during cooking.
The gauge comes with a POL to QCC1 adapter, making it perfect for those of you using older-style gas tanks who don’t want to replace them with expensive new ones.
Its measurement scale is small but easy to understand and view, thanks to the color-coding used for a full, low, and time to refill measurement.
The gauge is compact and weighs 10.4-oz. but is durable and corrosion-resistant.
Pros
- It is affordable
- Very compact and lightweight
- Color-coded scale with three settings – gas, low gas, and refill
- Works with older propane tanks thanks to the POL to QCC1 adaptor
Cons
- A small scale that doesn’t include the ambient temperature settings
Char-Broil Universal Propane Tank Gauge
Char-Broil’s high-quality propane tank gauge has a dual Type 1 OPD valve connection and offers an accurate reading of the gas level in the tank in different ambient temperatures.
It is made of sturdy brass and has secure fittings, but it is larger and heftier than many of the other gauges on this list, so make sure that you have enough clearance between your propane tank and your grill frame.
Unlike the other measurement tools, which have cold, cool, and hot day scales, this one has an ambient temperature scale of 100, 70, and 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This will allow you to get more accurate readings of the gas left in the cylinder.
Thanks to its larger color-coded scale, it is easier to view from a distance and is also more accurate than smaller ones.
It is an excellent, accurate, and reliable gauge that is perfect for all kinds of appliances using propane gas, as long as you have the space to fit it.
Pros
- An accurate and large scale which includes the ambient temperatures
- Very sturdy make and design
- Dual Type 1 OPD connection
- It is easy to install without any tools needed
Cons
- With a size of 11 x 2 x 8 inches and a weight of 15.2-oz, this gauge is heavier and larger than many of the others, which can be a problem if you don’t have enough space above the propane tank
Related: The Best Gas Grills You Can Buy
Benefits of owning propane tank gauge
There are several main reasons why it makes sense to invest in a reliable and accurate propane tank gauge.
The first and most obvious benefit of installing one on your gas tank is that you can monitor the fuel level at all times and prevent the unexpected running out of gas when you need it for grilling, heating, or other needs.
Another advantage of using a gauge of this type is that most of the best ones offer other security features, including gas leak protection, thermal protection, and others. This means that you will be not only able to monitor the remaining propane level in the tank but also stay safe in case a leak or other malfunction in the tank and hose are detected.
Another reason for buying a gauge for your gas tank is that it is affordable, easy to install, and easy to read and use. So you don’t need to be an expert to get accurate readings and to know when you need to refill your propane gas tank.
Last but not least, a high-quality propane tank gauge can help you save fuel as it will allow you to keep an eye on your fuel usage so that you can adjust it when needed and thus save fuel and money. And, it will also ensure that you will never waste propane again by buying and refilling the tank when it still contains gas.
Things to consider when choosing a propane tank gauge
If you are still not sure which gas tank gauge is the best option for you and what features you should be looking for when shopping for one, then read on.
Here are the key features to keep in mind when buying a propane tank gauge:
Connection type
One of the most important factors to consider before buying a tank gauge is the type of propane tank you will be using it for.
Most gauges are designed to fit on the most popular standard propane tanks, which are the 20 lb. tanks used for propane gas grills or RVs. These popular tanks have Type 1 female thread fixtures, and most gauges offer this type of connectivity.
However, if you have a larger (100lbs.) or older propane tank, you will probably need to look for a measurement unit that offers POL-type male thread connectivity or adaptor.
The smaller and portable propane tanks will also work with only some types of gauges compatible with their connectors.
Thankfully, some products come with universal connections and different adapters, and you can use them on different types of tanks.
Still, make sure that you check what type of tank you have and its connectivity before buying a suitable propane tank gauge for it.
Another factor to keep in mind is how easy it is to mount the gauge on the propane tank and whether you need special tools or skills to do so. The good news is that all of our top picks can be installed by hand and without the need for tools or for hiring a professional.
Material
As with all other investments you make, it makes sense to look for a tank gauge that is built of durable and good quality materials if you want to ensure that it lasts for long and that it is safe and reliable.
Most gauges are made of scratch, dent, and weatherproof brass and have durable connectors and gaskets.
To make sure that the gauge is well built, you may want to look for a propane tank gauge that comes with a warranty by the manufacturer.
Although you may have to pay more for a higher-quality gauge now, it will save you money for repairs and replacements in the long run.
Dimensions and weight
Always check the size of the tank gauge and its weight before buying the most appropriate one for your specific needs.
If you have a tight space around the tank, you should ensure that the gauge will fit in the allocated space and that it will be easy to see without having to move the tank around.
Allowing for enough space for the propane tank gauge to fit will also ensure that you connect it securely to the tank so that it doesn’t interfere with the proper and safe functioning of the tank, the hookup, and the grill or other appliance you are using it for.
Larger-sized gauges have larger displays and scales, which makes them easier to read and more accurate than the smaller ones. But, you should measure the space beforehand to avoid ending up with a measurement device that doesn’t fit your setup.
Is it easy to read
All of the gas tank gauges on this list have intuitive and easy-to-read color-coded scales. This means that you can determine when the tank is full, when it is starting to empty up and when it is time for replacing or refilling it.
This can be done with a single glance, without the need to remove the propane tank and have to calculate the volume of gas remaining in the tank.
Some of the gauges on this list have scales that also take into consideration the ambient temperatures, so they will give you more accurate readings for the gas left in the tank, depending on whether you are using it on a cold, cool, or hot day.
As mentioned earlier, some of these tools have larger screens and scales than others, making them easier to read from a distance, but you will need to make sure that you have enough space for a larger propane tank gauge before buying one of them.
Keep in mind that all of the products on this list are in-line pressure tools, which will start showing the readings only when the gas is turned on, so don’t expect to be able to determine how much propane gas you have left in the tank before turning the gas on.
Connecting a propane tank gauge step-by-step
Thankfully for all users, even those who are not too handy, installing most propane tank gauges is simple and requires zero tools and no professional assistance.
To connect the gauge to the propane tank, you should follow these steps:
- Close the tank to ensure that no gas is flowing
- Disconnect the hose from the tank
- Screw on the tank gauge upright and tighten the connector securely by hand
- Connect the hose to the other connector of the propane tank gauge securely, and once again tighten it by hand until it can not be tightened further
- When you are done, turn the gas on to check the connection
- If the needle on the scale starts dropping rapidly, this means that there is a leak somewhere and that you need to check and secure the connections
- If there seems to be a problem, disconnect the tank, and check what the problem is before using it for grilling, heating, or other needs
- When installed correctly, the needle will remain stable without rapid dropping
- Once it is installed, you can start using your propane gas tank as you usually would
Final Thoughts
If you are using propane gas for grilling, heating, cooking, or other needs, then you should definitely consider buying one of these useful, affordable, and easy-to-use tank gauges.
A simple tool like this will save you the inconvenience and frustration of running out of fuel during cooking or while using a heater.
The propane tank gauges are inexpensive, very easy to install and read, and are the best way to keep an eye on the remaining gas levels in propane tanks. They are also useful indicators that will alert you if there is a leak or another malfunction in your system, so you can shut the gas off and take action to repair them.
As a whole, we recommend that anyone who uses propane gas, adds one of these nifty and inexpensive devices to their setup.
Hopefully, we have helped you find the best gauge for your needs, and pretty soon, you will be enjoying all of the benefits of using a propane tank gauge for your grill, RV, boat, or other needs.