Cooking Only Propane Usage
About This Setup
Propane used exclusively for a kitchen range and oven. Common in homes where a gas cooking experience is preferred but all other utilities are electric.
This configuration includes 1 propane appliance with a combined consumption of 259.5 gal per year at the national average baseline. Since this setup does not include heating appliances, consumption is relatively consistent across states. Only the price per gallon varies by location. The recommended 250-gallon tank requires approximately 2 delivery fills per year.
Per-Appliance Breakdown
The table below shows how each appliance in the Cooking Only setup contributes to the total annual propane consumption. Appliances are listed from highest to lowest annual gallon usage.
| Appliance | Category | BTU/hr | Hrs/Day | Months | Gal/Year | Cost/Year | % of Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Propane Stove/Range | Cooking | 65,000 | 1.0 | 12 | 259.5 gal | $648.72 | 100.0% |
| Total | 259.5 gal | $648.72 | 100% | ||||
Cooking Only Cost Across States
The table below shows how the total cost of the Cooking Only setup varies across representative states. Since this setup has no heating appliances, differences reflect local propane pricing only.
| State | HDD | Price/Gal | Gal/Year | Cost/Year | Tank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | 10,460 | $3.85 | 259.5 gal | $999.03 | 250-gallon |
| Minnesota | 7,981 | $1.85 | 259.5 gal | $480.05 | 250-gallon |
| New York | 5,882 | $3.40 | 259.5 gal | $882.26 | 250-gallon |
| Colorado | 6,128 | $2.55 | 259.5 gal | $661.70 | 250-gallon |
| Virginia | 3,960 | $2.75 | 259.5 gal | $713.59 | 250-gallon |
| North Carolina | 3,320 | $2.65 | 259.5 gal | $687.64 | 250-gallon |
| Texas | 1,711 | $2.30 | 259.5 gal | $596.82 | 250-gallon |
| Florida | 683 | $2.95 | 259.5 gal | $765.49 | 250-gallon |
Similar Setups to Compare
The following setups have similar annual propane consumption to the Cooking Only configuration and may represent alternative appliance combinations worth considering.
| Setup | Appliances | Gal/Year | Cost/Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cooking Only (this setup) | 1 | 259.5 gal | $648.72 |
| Portable Generator Only | 1 | 273.5 gal | $683.65 |
| Full Outdoor Kitchen | 4 | 241.2 gal | $602.98 |
| Food Truck / Outdoor Cooking | 4 | 241.2 gal | $602.98 |
| Water Heating Only | 1 | 239.5 gal | $598.82 |
| Fireplace Insert Only | 1 | 239.5 gal | $598.82 |
Optimizing This Setup
To reduce propane consumption for the Cooking Only configuration, focus on the appliance that uses the most propane first, as that yields the greatest savings per unit of effort. In this setup, the propane stove/range is the largest consumer at 259.5 gal per year.
For non-heating appliances, the primary optimization strategy is efficient usage habits. For water heaters, lowering the thermostat to 120 degrees and installing low-flow fixtures reduces consumption. For cooking, matching pot sizes to burners and using lids conserves propane. For outdoor appliances, running equipment only when actively needed rather than leaving burners on standby prevents waste.
On the purchasing side, shopping among multiple propane dealers can reveal price differences of $0.30-0.50 per gallon in the same area. At 259.5 gal per year, a $0.30 per gallon savings translates to $77.85 in annual savings. Pre-buy contracts, cooperative buying groups, and larger tank installations that qualify for bulk pricing are all effective strategies for reducing your per-gallon cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much propane does the "Cooking Only" setup use per year?
The Cooking Only configuration uses approximately 259.5 gal of propane per year at the national average baseline. This includes propane stove/range. The estimated annual cost at $2.50 per gallon is $648.72. Monthly usage averages 21.6 gal but varies seasonally, with winter months consuming 21.6 gal and summer months consuming 21.6 gal.
What tank size do I need for the "Cooking Only" setup?
For the Cooking Only configuration consuming approximately 259.5 gal per year, we recommend a 250-gallon tank. This requires approximately 2 fills per year. A larger tank reduces delivery frequency and provides a better buffer during winter peak demand, so consider going one size up if you are near the boundary between sizes.
How does climate affect propane usage for this setup?
Climate has minimal impact on the Cooking Only setup because it does not include heating appliances. The propane consumption shown is consistent across all climates. The only state-level variation is the price per gallon, which affects the annual cost but not the gallons consumed.
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