Ignik Outdoors is a purveyor of high-quality, environmentally thoughtful outdoor heating products, and their Gas Growler Deluxe is their way of eradicating one pound disposable propane bottles.
The Gas Growler Deluxe combines a refillable five-pound propane tank, a matching hose with a connector that is compatible with any outdoor appliance that uses a one-pound canister, and a padded carrying case. The system works as designed, keeping metal waste out of landfills, and the case protects both the tank and vehicle.
The Parts
The five-pound, made in the USA refillable propane bottle carries various DOT specifications and is certified to carry propane safely in a car, SUV, RV, or boat for 12 years. The four-foot-long connection hose has the proper fittings to attach the canister to any propane appliance that uses a one-pound cartridge.
The case fabric felt like a heavy cotton duck, and seemed very durable, as did the molded zippered top and bottom tank cradle. A dense, thin foam layer pads the sides while a much thicker foam protects the top and bottom. Two Molle stitched webbing overlays run the circumference, and a webbing handle completes the setup.
There is nothing proprietary about the propane tank or hose. The case, however, is custom made for the Gas Growler and fit the tank and hose perfectly.
The entire system weighs 10.5 pounds without propane.
The Gas Growler Deluxe at Camp
I have had several bulk propane setups, so nothing about the Ignik Gas Growler Deluxe excited me other than the case. I knew the tank and hose would work well, but my home-built systems never had a custom-built case. And this made all the difference.
Every vehicle I’ve had as an adult has been damaged in some way by a bulk propane tank. I’m not kidding. Five and 11-pound propane tanks have gouged plastic in every corner of my vehicles other than the driver’s compartment. They have dented and scratched truck beds, truck bed slides, and van interiors despite valiant efforts to securely store the awkward dimensions of these tanks. I’ve also damaged the tanks throughout my outdoor life.
The Gas Growler Deluxe case quelled all fears of damage to the vehicle and tank. The padded case protected my van and wagon interiors regardless of how careless I got while packing. I didn’t have to worry about my six-year-old daughter hurting herself running into it, or the tank damaging any other gear.
The Molle stitched webbing came in handy to secure it in the interior of my van, and the case had enough spare space to store a wrench for the stove and other items, like fire starters and a sparker.
The tank worked as I expected, nothing new, no surprises: I unzipped the lid, attached both ends of the hose, and lit the stove. I didn’t have to worry about running out of propane during multiple-day outings.
But Why So Much?
A quick online search reveals that a five-pound tank and an appropriate hose list for roughly $65. The Ignik Gas Growler Deluxe as an MSRP of $150. Is the case worth $85?
The case is specific to the tank, and is very protective and built well. And it’s just nice. It looks nice. Think of it as an upscale accessory, as if it would come as an option on a Land Rover. It even has a leatherette handle tag.
I have never found a padded case that works well with a five or 11-pound tank. If I could go back and recoup the time and money spent trying to come up with a solution, and account for the damage to my vehicles, the case starts looking affordable, if it were available.
I was never a fan of putting the tank inside a plastic storage container, ready to roll around and crush other items. I also wanted to be able to see the tank or smell gas immediately should an issue arise. I’ve also avoided mounted tanks because I’ve always wanted the flexibility of quickly moving the cooking system to park tables and such.
Sustainability
One-pound disposable propane canisters only hold enough fuel for about an hour of heating and are essentially single-use items. Forty-eight million of these end up in landfills every year. 48 million.
A five-pound refillable tank (any tank, not just from Ignik) can save 480 canisters from landfills (based on 40 hours of heating per year) across its 12-year certification – and recertifications are possible.
Filling a five-pound tank costs roughly the same as purchasing a one-pound disposable canister, so over time, this can save money. My local propane dealer filled my Gas Growler Deluxe for a dollar!
Conclusions
Yes, you can build your own five-pound refillable propane system. But Ignik offers the system in a convenient package, with a proper custom case designed for the job.
Regardless of your opinion on the Ignik Gas Growler Deluxe, please consider using refillable systems to conserve resources and keep trash out of landfills.
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