Home Depot vs Lowe's Propane: 2026 Price Comparison
Both stores only offer Blue Rhino or AmeriGas tank exchange - you swap your empty tank for a pre-filled one. Exchange tanks are filled to 15lb (not the full 20lb). If you want a true by-the-gallon refill, use Tractor Supply, U-Haul, or Costco instead.
Side-by-Side: Home Depot vs Lowe's
| Metric | Home Depot | Lowe's |
|---|---|---|
| Service type | Exchange (Blue Rhino) | Exchange (Blue Rhino/AmeriGas) |
| Price | ~$19.98 | ~$20 |
| Propane delivered | 15lb (3.53 gal) | 15lb (3.53 gal) |
| Effective per gallon | ~$5.66 | ~$5.66 |
| Refill option? | No | No |
| Store locations | 2,000+ US | 1,700+ US |
When Exchange at Home Depot or Lowe's Makes Sense
If you're at Home Depot or Lowe's for a project and realize you need propane, the exchange is a convenient one-stop. The $3-5 premium vs refill is the price of not making a separate trip.
Exchange gives you a tank to keep. Once you have it, switch to refill stations (Tractor Supply, U-Haul) and save $5-10 on every future fill.
If your tank is over 12 years old (DOT recertification required), exchange is a way to get a newer tank without paying $40-60 for recertification. Provided the exchange cost is less than recertification.