You may be thinking, “Where can I find a CO2 refill near me?”. Refilling a CO2 cartridge can be a messy and costly process. And the cost of buying a new CO2 cartridge could be more expensive. Thankfully, numerous gas stations, convenience stores, and even online retailers sell refill kits. These refill stations can save you money in the long run by limiting the number of refills you have to make.
Several CO2 refill stations in the US make it easy to refill your cartridge or tank. From as little as 8 grams to 60 liters, you’ll find CO2 refill stations at Ace Hardware, Airgas, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Blain’s Farm & Fleet, REI, and Walmart. The best online stores include Amazon, Gas Cylinder Source, Rapids, Wholesale Equipment, and Keg Outlet.
The primary difference between these refill stations is the brand name and price attached. Keep reading to find out more about CO2 refills near me.
What is Carbon Dioxide (CO2)?
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a natural gas essential to the survival of all plant life on earth.
But for humans, CO2 can be used as a refrigerant, both as a liquid and gas. It is used in common household appliances like refrigerators and freezers. And it is also used to fill natural gas cylinders.
Firefighters and welders make use of CO2 tanks in the equipment they use. While air conditioning manufacturers incorporate CO2 cylinders within the aircon system to make it work.
We also use CO2 in fish tanks to keep fish healthy and assist with plant growth in greenhouses. CO2 cartridges are also commonly found in inflation devices for bicycle tires, paintball guns, and SodaStream machines. In fact, there are many uses for carbon dioxide.
Everything You Should Know About CO2 Refill Stations
When looking for a place to refill your CO2 cartridge, you generally don’t need to look further than your local hardware store. The CO2 refill stations are more often than not located near the propane gas tanks.
Most refill stations will also sell the necessary CO2 equipment needed to use CO2. They can also refill your CO2 cartridge with a bulk CO2 tank.
Many stores in the United States also offer their customers price comparisons. This can help you save money when looking for a CO2 refill station. If you don’t live near a hardware store, you can always fill your tank by bringing it to a bulk supplier or sending it through the mail.
Where to Find a CO2 Refill Near Me
If you have a CO2 cartridge or tank and have run out of CO2, you can refill it at any of the following locations.
Ace Hardware
Ace Hardware is a home improvement store that offers gas refill kits for as low as $15. You can find these kits in the lawn and garden section of your local Ace Hardware store.
As the largest chain of hardware stores in the United States, Ace Hardware is owned by Walmart. It is often cheaper to buy your CO2 refills at Ace Hardware than at other CO2 refilling stations.
The store also offers its customer’s price comparison pricing. This makes it easy for you to get discounts on CO2 gas cylinders and other DIY products.
Airgas
Airgas is one of the largest distributors of industrial gases, welding supplies, and safety products in the United States. They have locations all over the country, making it easier for you to find a CO2 refill station near you.
The company is known for its extensive CO2 refill station network. In fact, you can refill up to 60lb of CO2 at a time for either cylinders or tanks. Airgas also offers an online refill service where they’ll collect your cartridges and deliver them once filled.
Dick’s Sporting Goods
One of America’s go-to places for CO2 refills is Dick’s Sporting Goods. This service is offered at their more than 850 locations across the US. This store offers both in-store and online refills, and these are for 20 to 24-ounce cartridges and tanks.
Most Dick’s Sporting Goods customers obtain CO2 refills for air guns, paintball guns, etc. However, some of their stores are doing away with shooting equipment. And these locations, therefore, may not offer CO2 refills in the future.
Dick’s Sporting Goods also has an “Aim for Five” discount program for CO2 refills. By signing up for “Aim for Five”, you’ll receive every fifth CO2 tank refill for free.
Blain’s Farm & Fleet
Blain’s Farm & Fleet is one of the top places to buy and refill CO2 tanks in your area. However, this chain of 44 stores is only present in Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan.
They carry a variety of different sizes. These range from small portables of 12-grams to larger gas cylinders for commercial use. They also have a great selection of refill kits that can help you save money on refills in the long run.
Price comparison pricing is also offered at Blain’s Farm & Fleet when refilling your CO2 tanks and cylinders. Here you can refill CO2 tanks up to 125 cubic feet in size at any of their locations.
REI
Recreational Equipment (REI) is a popular place to refill your CO2 cylinder. This is a membership-based retail store where membership will cost you $55 a year. Members enjoy many perks, including unlimited access to their climbing wall, fitness classes, and more.
Members can also refill their cylinders for free. Membership does not include the ability to refill your own cylinders. But members can refill up to 38-grams at the outdoor equipment store.
This popular equipment chain has stores present in 39 states in the US with over 165 locations. So, if you’re looking for a C)2 refill station near you, REI may be your next stop.
Walmart
The largest retailer in the US, Walmart, can be found in almost every corner of the country. While the store is well known for groceries, a CO2 refill station is also located on the premises.
If you’re looking for CO2 at Walmart, the refill station is usually located near the garden center. Regarding price comparison, Walmart regularly offers customers discounts on various outdoor and sporting goods. Your CO2 refill will likely fall into one of these categories.
Walmart offers the option to easily purchase empty canisters or refills online from the comfort of your home.
Online Stores to Buy Pre-Filled CO2
Online stores like Amazon, Gas Cylinder Source, Rapids, and Wholesale Equipment offer a convenient way to obtain CO2 tanks, cartridges, and cylinders.
You’ll save money and have complete control over the quality and safety of your product. These online stores also offer empty cartridges and cylinders.
Amazon
Amazon is one of the best places to buy pre-filled CO2 tanks online. They carry a wide selection, including heavy-duty industrial CO2 tanks and mini CO2 cartridges used for air guns.
They offer free shipping on orders over $25 and can often deliver within 24 hours in some areas. And you’ll find all of your favorite CO2 gear in one place on Amazon.
Customers can enjoy free 2-day shipping with Amazon Prime.
Gas Cylinder Source
Gas Cylinder Source is one of the few online retailers that sell pre-filled CO2 cartridges and tanks. They offer an assortment of different-sized tanks and CO2 cartridges. And these range from 2.5-pound cartridges to 50-pound tanks. This retailer also offers valves and parts for CO2 cylinders.
The website is easy to navigate with helpful descriptions and pictures. You can find everything you need from their selection at competitive prices.
Additionally, Gas Cylinder Source offers free shipping on all orders over $150. Their shipping can take anywhere from 3 to 5 days, depending on where you live in the United States.
Rapids Wholesale Equipment
Rapids Wholesale Equipment is an online retailer that sells pre-filled and empty CO2 cylinders and kits to refill your CO2 tanks. They have a wide variety of products, most of which are geared toward the industrial and commercial sectors. This includes cylinders and tanks for brewing, refrigeration, and kitchen equipment.
CO2 product sizes range from 2.5-pound cartridges to 20-pound tanks. And you can expect to pay anywhere from $70 to $140 for a pre-filled CO2 cartridge, cylinder, or tank.
Keg Outlet
If brewing beer is your thing, you may want to check out Keg Outlet’s online store for your CO2 products. This online retailer specializes in brewing and keg equipment and accessories. And it’s a great place to find that perfect CO2 tank for your homebrewing needs.
Keg Outlet provides pre-filled tanks in cylinders from 8 grams to 50 pounds in size. And their cylinders and tanks are priced from as little as $10, going up to $450 for larger tanks.
So, if you’re looking for a CO2 tank for your kegerator, Keg Outlet has what you need.
Conclusion
CO2 refilling is an easy way to save money and get prolonged use out of your CO2 cartridge, cylinder, or tank. You’ll find a CO2 refill station in most hardware stores. And they’re sometimes also present at sporting goods stores and gas stations.
Chances are that you’ll find a CO2 refill near you through one of the retailers mentioned above. But what if none of these stores are in your area, and you’re in a bind? In that case, you could always opt to purchase a pre-filled cartridge, cylinder, or tank online. Some online stores may even offer next-day delivery.