New 100 lb Steel Propane Cylinder with CGA510 Valve - DOT /

The Verdict

If you’re running a whole-house generator, a big propane grill, or a workshop heater, you know the dance: hauling those little 20 lb tanks back and forth to the filling station every week. This 100 lb steel cylinder ends that cycle. It’s a serious piece of equipment for serious propane users, and at 4.6 stars from 229 ratings, it’s clearly doing something right. But “serious” also means heavy — let’s talk about what you’re actually getting.

What’s in the box (and what it costs you)

You get the tank itself — a bare cylinder with the CGA510 valve installed. No hose, no regulator, no gauge. It’s 48 inches tall and 30 inches in diameter at the base, so plan your storage space accordingly. The tank arrives empty, which is important because most sellers won’t ship a pressurized cylinder. You’ll need to take it to a local propane dealer for filling.

Here’s the thing about the weight: an empty 100 lb tank weighs about 67 lb. Filled, you’re looking at roughly 170 lb. That’s not a “lift it into the truck bed” situation — that’s a “bring a hand truck” situation. Several buyers mentioned this. One reviewer put it bluntly: “This thing is heavy. I knew it would be, but I still underestimated it. Get a dolly before it arrives.” That’s solid advice.

Build quality and real-world performance

The tank is DOT/TC approved, which means it meets US and Canadian safety standards for transport and refill. That’s non-negotiable for legal refills, and this one has the stamping to prove it. The welded steel is thick — this isn’t a thin-walled import that’ll dent when you bump it. The powder-coat finish holds up well outdoors; multiple reviewers noted it survived a few seasons of sun and rain without rusting.

The CGA510 valve includes the mandated OPD (Overfill Protection Device), which prevents overfilling — you’ll hear a distinctive click when the tank hits 80% capacity during filling. The valve also has a safety relief valve that vents pressure if things get too hot. Standard stuff, but well-executed here.

One thing to check: a few buyers reported the O-ring on the valve stem arriving slightly loose. It’s a two-minute fix with a wrench, but worth inspecting before your first fill. Also, there’s no fuel gauge. You’ll either need to weigh the tank periodically (a bathroom scale works — subtract the empty weight) or install an inline gauge. Not a dealbreaker, but budget for it.

What buyers consistently praise

The overwhelming theme in the reviews is capacity and convenience. Over and over, buyers mention how nice it is to stop swapping tanks. One reviewer with a whole-house generator wrote: “Ran my generator for 72 hours straight during a blackout and never even came close to running out.” Another with a large outdoor kitchen said: “I cook for 40+ people every weekend and I fill this thing twice a year. Game changer.”

The build quality gets consistent props too. “This is a professional-grade tank, not the flimsy ones you see at big-box stores,” noted one buyer. The DOT approval was specifically called out as a reason for confidence — people liked knowing they could get it refilled at any propane dealer without a hassle.

Where it falls short

Let’s be honest about the downsides. First, the weight — this is not a portable tank. If you’re not setting it up in a permanent location, skip it. Second, no gauge. For a tank this size, flying blind on fuel level is annoying. Third, the valve O-ring issue, while minor, was reported by enough buyers to be worth mentioning. And finally, shipping: this thing arrives via freight, so you need to be home to receive it, and it’s not cheap to ship.

Who should buy this

• Homeowners with standby generators — this tank gives you days of runtime, not hours.
• Serious grillers and outdoor kitchen owners — fill twice a year instead of every weekend.
• RV owners or off-grid setups — one tank handles multiple appliances.
• Workshop or garage heater users — no more mid-winter propane runs.

Skip it if you need portability, you’re a casual griller, or you don’t have a way to move 170 lb around.

FAQ

Q: Can I transport this tank lying down in my truck? A: DOT regulations say you should transport propane cylinders upright and secured. Lying down is not recommended — the liquid propane can reach the relief valve. Get a tank rack or secure it upright.

Q: How long will a 100 lb tank actually last? A: Depends on usage. A 30,000 BTU heater will run roughly 40–50 hours on a full tank. A 400 sq ft grill at high heat? You’re looking at 15–20 hours per tank. It’s roughly 23.6 gallons of propane in there.

Q: Does this tank need to be recertified? A: Yes, standard DOT hydrostatic testing is required every 12 years after the manufacture date stamped on the collar. Plan for that cost down the road.

The Verdict

Buy it if you’re tired of small-tank hassle and have a permanent spot for a heavy cylinder. Skip it if you need portability or casual use.

Rating: 4.6/5 — A solid, well-built tank that does exactly what it promises. The weight and missing gauge cost it a half-star, but for the money, this is the right call for heavy-duty propane users.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.