Best Propane Tank Gauge [Buying Guide] - Smoked BBQ Source (2024)

We’ve all had that moment where the propane tank runs out during the busiest cookout of the year. Avoid that moment with our propane gauge guide.

This article will show you the best propane gauges on the market – like our top pick: the DOZYANT Propane Tank Gauge Level Indicator. We’ll also look at some serious contenders, their price points, and how they compare to each other.

5 Best Propane Tank Level Gauges

Propane tank gauges don’t necessarily tell the amount of propane that’s left in the tank. They measure the pressure within the tank. Low pressure coincides with a low amount of liquid propane remaining.

1. Best overall – DOZYANT Propane Tank Gauge Level Indicator

The DOZYANT Propane Tank Gauge Level Indicator is our top choice for several reasons.

It has a slew of features and benefits found in other gauges at a consumer-friendly price point, so you’re getting the most bang for your buck.

This gauge’s dial is on the larger side, making it easier to see at a glance and not having to bend down and squint to check the pressure level of the tank.

The gage accounts for surrounding air temperature as well, acclimating the dial to hot, cool, or cold days to reflect variance in pressure. Leak detection technology is built-in and will stop the flow of propane if a leak is discovered.

The DOZYANT Propane Tank Gauge Level Indicator fits up to 40lb propane tanks with Qcc1/ Type1 connections. The attached thread covers ensure that the threads are protected when the gauge is not in use.

What we like:

• Large Visible Dial – Color-coded dial for allowing you to see at a glance when your propane tank pressure is low. Monitors fuel level without removing the tank. Gauge accounts for ambient temperature change.
• Solid Construction – Heavyduty 100% solid brass construction withstands weather, scratching, denting and corroding.
• Works with peripherals – Compatible with propane tank cylinders, propane regulator with hose and propane adapter.

What we don’t like:

• Does not fit older, larger tanks – Doesn’t have male threads to fit POL-type tanks, like the 100-pounders.

2. Astor Propane Tank Pressure Barbeque Gauge

The Astor Propane Tank Pressure Barbeque Gauge is a solid, reliable contributor. It’s very much a no-frills gauge, just connect it to your tank and let it do its job.

This propane gauge goes straight to the tank out of the box without the need for tools or other installation, and the long stem gives you torque and leverage, making it easy to install by hand in tight spaces.

The simple dial graphics make it easy to tell how much longer you can cook on one tank, and leak detection restricts the flow of propane to keep everyone safe.

The heavy-duty brass construction is backed by a one year warranty against defects, so you can rest easy leaving this on your tank during BBQ season. Protection against corrosion and defects are covered for up to a year.

The Astor is a steady performer that you can feel confident putting on your propane tank for extended periods of time, and comes in at a very reasonable price.

What we like:

• Long stem for easy installation – Longer stem size in comparison to competitors makes for easier installation.
• One year warranty – Manufacturer backs construction and performance with one year warranty from defects.

What we don’t like:

• Smaller gauge dial – The dial on the Astor is smaller in comparison to competitors, making you have to lean in close to get an accurate read.

3. Cuisinart CTG-200 in-line Propane Tank Gauge

The Cuisinart CTG-200 in-line Propane Tank Gauge is a dependable gauge that gets the job done.

Cusinart is an established, trusted brand in the kitchen industry, and this propane tank gauge is built to fit the brand.

The dial is on the larger size making for easy readability, and once you have it attached to your tank, you’ll always be aware of your propane tank level.

There’s not much else that sets this apart from any other gauges. It’s a straightforward device with steady performance backed by a trusted brand. The name recognition is reflected in the price, but this gauge should last you for a long time.

What we like:

• Large readable dial – large dial graphics allow for easy readability from a distance.
• Backed by a trusted brand – Cuisinart is a trustworthy, established brand in the kitchen appliance space, so you know the piece is quality for them to put their name on it.

What we don’t like:

• Only fits 20lb tanks – most other gauges in this market space fit up to 40lb tanks.
• Paying for brand name – The Cuisineart CTG200 costs a little bit more than other gauges that do the same thing with more features.

4. Camco Propane Gauge/Leak Detector

If you like your gadgets to be on the “prosumer” side, then the Camco Propane Gauge and Leak Detector is for you. A prosumer is an amateur who purchases equipment with quality or features suitable for professional use, and this gauge looks like something you’d find in a professional kitchen.

The dial graphics are large and extensive, giving you readouts that take ambient temperature into account. Hot, cool and cold day readings are all available on the Camco gauge, similar to our number one choice the DOZYANT Propane Tank Gauge. The difference between the two is the price. You’ll pay $5 – $10 more for this Camco gauge.

Like the others, it’s easy to install out of the box and does a good job with tank pressure level, but the added benefit of ambient temperature reading takes this up a notch.

What we like:

• Easy to read – The large dial graphics make for easy readability at a glance.
• Ambient Temperature Readouts – Takes surrounding air temperature into account on the pressure gauge.

What we don’t like:

• Higher price – Priced higher than other models

5. GASPRO Propane Tank Gauge Level Indicator

For a simple, small, value-priced option, the GASPRO Propane Tank Gauge Level Indicator is for you.

The dial on this gauge is the smallest of our group, but that’s reflected in the price to the customer.

A smaller dial costs less to manufacture, and that saving is passed on to the consumer.

About $10 cheaper than most competitors, the GASPRO tank gauge is durable and remains reliable through consistent use.

If price is the biggest factor in your consideration, then the GASPRO is the pick for you.

What we like:

• Affordable – Priced about $10 lower than main competitors.
• Simple – Does what it’s supposed to do with no frills attached.

What we don’t like:

• Smaller dial – Dial is on the small side, so visibility isn’t as good as competitors’.

How do gas gauges work?

Propane tank gauges don’t measure the level of propane in the tank, but rather they measure the pressure of gas being pushed out and into the hose attached to the appliance/grill/RV.

The propane tank gauge will not take readings until the propane tank valve is opened for gas flow.

Once your tank gauge is installed on your propane grill and everything is working properly, you’ll see that the dial needle stays in the “full” position and does not move. The gauge is reading full gas pressure coming out of the tank, and the tank itself is designed to deliver a steady stream of pressure consistently throughout usage.

Only when the propane tank gets down to about a quarter of a tank does the pressure begin to fall. The gauge will reflect this – usually by moving into the yellow portion of the dial.

You may still get one or two cooks in on low pressure, but the flow of gas has slowed and it’s time to start thinking of getting the tank refilled or swapped for a new one.

If the dial reads in the red, the propane tank is no longer usable. That does not mean it is fully empty, but there is not enough propane in the tank to pressurize and push it through the hose.

How reliable are propane tank gauges?

Long story short, there isn’t a direct correlation between the amount of pressure in a tank and the amount of propane left in it.

While the pressure inside the tank doesn’t tell you how full it is, it still matters. Too much pressure off of the tank can damage your grill, while too little pressure won’t output enough propane to cook.

Mechanical propane regulators attached to your grill and appliances ensure the pressure is consistent and appropriate for the application at hand.

Propane tank gauges are a handy resource to inform you when the pressure in your tank is starting to run low. Once the pressure reflected in the dial starts to fall to the yellow, make sure you have an extra tank on hand, or go and refill to be on the safe side.

Do you need to turn the gas on to get a reading?

Propane tank gas gauges will not give a reading until the tank itself is open and turned on for gas flow.

The dial works by reading the gas flow that runs through the gauge. If the propane tank is turned on, there will be no gas flow to the gauge and no reading reflected on the dial.

Luckily, these gauges are easily installed by hand out of the box and all you have to do is open the propane tank valve once the gauge is installed.

Do these gauges work on different sized tanks

The short answer is yes, but you have to be sure to check the specifications for each individual product.

Most of these gauges are rated for consumer use, and fit the most commonly used size of consumer propane tanks: the 20lb tanks used for backyard grilling.

Some propane tank gauges, like our top choice; the DOZYANT, will fit tanks up to 40lbs. Others only fit the 20lb tanks.

These tanks have the type-1 female thread fixtures, and the gauges in this list are all compliant with that fitting type. However, larger tanks like 100lbs POL-type tanks have male thread fixtures.

Unless stated in the product description, these gauges will not fit POL-type large tanks.

Under pressure

We hope this article sheds some light on how propane tank gauges operate and some of the best ones to buy.

The top five in this list will all give you propane pressure readouts, but some may appeal more than others, depending on your needs.

If you have another gauge you think should be in our top five, let us know in the comments, and if you think this article was helpful – please share with your friends.