How long will one small propane tank last ?

[newtothis]

Hi, im heading out for a weekend. Can 3 tanks last 12 meals, boiling water for tea, and doing dishes. Thanks

 

[VanTrekker]

<p style="margin: 0px;">What size tanks?&nbsp; 1 pound cans?&nbsp; A one pound spin-on contains about 21,500&nbsp;BTU.&nbsp;&nbsp; A 10000 btu&nbsp;burner (wide open) willl run continuously for about&nbsp;2.1 hours&nbsp;hours...&nbsp;&nbsp;6.3 hours for&nbsp;three&nbsp;spin-on tanks at&nbsp;full flame...</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">Let's see...&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;380 minutes&nbsp;/ 12 meals&nbsp;=&nbsp;32 minutes per meal for cooking, boiling water, etc.&nbsp; If you run at lower flame, you will get more time yet...&nbsp; 3 might do it... Be frugal...</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">V.T.&nbsp;</p>

 

[newtothis]

Ok thanks, you sure know your stuff.

 

[SoulRaven]

hmm I have used one of those green bottles for two weeks cooking maybe 2 times a day, once for coffee, and to heat water for dishes... I bought two 5lb/one gallon bulk tanks and one will last over a month of use to include heat on occasional... bulk tanks in the end is all around better than green tanks, especially for the cost and keeping those green bottles out of the garbage chain...<br><br>But it is best to have more, than to run out... Taking these small trips will give you a very good idea of things like this... Have fun above all other things...<br><br><br><br>

 

[Wild_E]

I am with SoulRaven on this one;<div>the little one pound tanks have lasted up to 2 weeks, cooking/creating kettle water twice a day.</div><div>Now my Coleman is run off a 20lb tank with a hose running into the vehicle, it runs my small propane heater, and Coleman Stove. The last tank lasted about 3 weeks now, as I did not need it for heating the vehicle overnight more than 5 times as it is getting warmer now.</div><div><br></div><div>edit; not true cooking, more heating up things or boiling water.</div>

 

[maritimecamper]

When I use a portable stove, I calculated 3.5 to 4 hrs per tank. This is on full, a small twist on tank. I use these tanks outside, on a picnic table.