How Do I Determine How Much Propane Is Left in a Canister?

Propane-canister stoves use small, self-contained canisters to provide fuel for the flames. The stoves and canisters are lightweight -- and pack down easily -- but the canisters lack any type of gauges to indicate the fuel level. Two methods are suitable to determine how much fuel is left in the canisters.

Instructions

    • 1

      PIck up a full canister of propane at a sports shop. Take note of the approximate weight; shake the canister and hear how it sounds when full. Remember this feeling and sound.

    • 2

      PIck up the canister you are using. Shake it, and listen for a sloshing sound louder than the full canister. The louder the slosh, the less fuel the canister holds.

    • 3

      Screw the canister onto your stove, and turn on the flames. Watch for a condensation-level line on the outside of the canister; the condensation line occurs at the fuel level in the canister. Use this line as the gauge for remaining fuel levels.