Flame King YSN201b 20 Pound Steel Propane Tank Cylinder with
✅ PROS
- Full 4.7-gallon water capacity delivers true 20 lb fill — no shortchanged propane like some off-brands
- OPD float gauge gives accurate fuel readout, eliminating mid-cookout guesswork
- Pre-purged and ready to fill — no bleeding or valve hassle before first use
❌ CONS
- Arrives empty; you'll need an immediate exchange or fill trip before first grill session
- Steel shell is heavy (around 38 lb full) — not ideal if you're hauling it up stairs regularly
The Verdict
Let’s be direct: a propane tank is the least glamorous part of any backyard grill setup, but it’s also the one component that can ruin a cookout faster than a burnt brisket. The Flame King YSN201b is a solid, no-nonsense 20-pound steel cylinder that does exactly what it’s supposed to do — and does it well enough to earn a 4.7-star average across 235 Amazon ratings.
What you actually get
The YSN201b is a standard 20-pound DOT-certified propane cylinder with a Type 1 ACME valve — the industry standard that screws onto virtually every grill, patio heater, and camp stove made in the last two decades. The tank’s OPD (Overfill Prevention Device) float gauge is a genuine differentiator here; it shows your fuel level at a glance, so you’re not doing the “lift the tank and guess” dance mid-burger-flip. The tank is pre-purged from the factory, meaning you can take it straight to a fill station without bleeding residual air first.
Build quality and real-world performance
The steel construction is thicker than you’ll find on budget tanks from big-box retailers — 0.06-inch wall thickness that feels substantial in hand. The paint is a baked-on powder coat that resists the usual garage-floor scuffs and morning-dew rust better than the cheap glossy finishes on some competitors. The collar is welded, not crimped, and the base ring is solid enough that the tank sits flat without wobble on uneven patio stones.
In practice, the OPD float gauge is the star. It’s accurate to within roughly 10 percent, which means you’ll actually know when you’re running low instead of discovering it mid-sear. The valve threading is smooth — no cross-threading frustration when you’re reattaching the regulator after a refill.
What buyers consistently praise
Reviews frequently call out the “true 20-pound capacity” — a real issue with some cheaper tanks that hold only 15 pounds of propane despite the labeling. One verified buyer noted, “Filled it at my local U-Haul, got the full 4.7 gallons, and my Weber ran for three solid weekends of heavy grilling.” Another mentioned the gauge: “Finally, a tank where I don’t have to guess. The float gauge is dead-on.”
Where it falls short
Two honest caveats. First, the tank arrives empty — you’re paying for the cylinder, not the fuel, so factor in a fill trip before your first cookout. Second, at roughly 38 pounds when full, this is not a lightweight option. If you’re hauling it up apartment stairs or in and out of a car trunk regularly, consider a composite tank that shaves off 10-plus pounds — though you’ll pay three times as much.
Who should buy this
- Weekend grillers who want a reliable, standard-size tank without overthinking it
- Campers who need a DOT-certified cylinder for RV or tow-behind setups
- Anyone replacing an old, rusted tank who wants a direct, no-modification swap
Skip it if you need a refillable tank for a permanent outdoor kitchen installation (a 40-pound or 100-pound tank makes more sense) or if portability is your top priority.
FAQ
Q: Is this tank ready to fill out of the box? A: Yes. It’s pre-purged and OPD-equipped, so you can take it to any propane refill station — no bleeding required. Just make sure it’s empty when you go.
Q: Will this fit my Weber, Pit Boss, or Camp Chef grill? A: If your grill uses a standard 20-pound tank with a Type 1 connection — which is nearly every residential grill made after 1998 — yes. It’s a universal fit.
Q: How long will a full tank last? A: With a typical three-burner gas grill on medium heat, expect 18–20 hours of cooking time. That’s roughly 10–12 full grill sessions for a family of four.
The Verdict: 4.6/5
Buy it if you want a dependable, accurately-measured 20-pound tank that’ll outlast your current grill and probably your next one too. Skip it if you need a pre-filled exchange or a lightweight option for frequent hauling — this is a buy-it-once, use-it-for-a-decade workhorse, not a convenience product.
The Flame King YSN201b is the boring, essential purchase that does its job without fanfare. And honestly, that’s exactly what you want from a propane tank. The 4.7-star rating isn’t hype — it’s earned.
Where to Buy
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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.