BajaNomad - Home Depot Mexico...too good to be true??

Home Depot Mexico...too good to be true??

EnsenadaDr - 1-15-2012 at 08:03 AM

I just bought myself my FIRST propane gas grill...and love it...however, I needed a tank of propane so I hurried on over to the Home Depot in Ensenada....I wasn't familiar with the type of cylinder I needed so I asked a few of the workers there with the orange aprons. One said I needed a "minita". I had showed him a dimension of about 8 inches by 4 inches with my arms. So I paid my money and went outside to get the gas. The thing was HUGE!! Went back in, and had the security guy hanging over my shoulder at the customer service desk while I received my refund. Then someone got me a propane tank, price: 155 pesos or about $11 American. The price seemed a little high to me, so yesterday, when I was in the States, I went to Home Depot Chula Vista. The tanks were $3 a piece, the SAME ones!! The lady there mentioned that Home Depot has no control over prices or inventory over Home Depots in other countries. Wow, again, buyers beware!! (yeah, I know what you are thinking, I bought 4 tanks!!)

woody with a view - 1-15-2012 at 08:07 AM

depending on the size of your grill, i'm thinking everyone uses those "HUGE" tanks. the little caguamas are for camping stoves and lanterns.

Gas Grills 101

EnsenadaDr - 1-15-2012 at 08:17 AM

From the research I have been doing, propane is the only way to go for grills...from what I understand they don't sell propane to fill up tanks down here...is that correct? The articles I read said that any other gas like natural gas doesn't burn as hot and you won't get that crispy layer on the steak outside while keeping the inside done medium. Also, under pressure propane liquifies...which the other gases don't..makes for more compact storage. (Yes, I do love facts like these...must be my love of science???0

Quote:

Originally posted by woody with a view
depending on the size of your grill, i'm thinking everyone uses those "HUGE" tanks. the little caguamas are for camping stoves and lanterns.

woody with a view - 1-15-2012 at 08:31 AM

it's called LP GAS. liquid propane gas. ask around for GAS, not gasolina. two different things. and yes, it's everywhere.

DENNIS - 1-15-2012 at 08:32 AM

Without seeing the cylindar of gas, I'm betting it's yellow in color. At Home Depot in Ensenada, they sit on the shelf next to those of a different color [forget which], and are Mapp Gas which is similar to propane, but burns hotter and is more expensive.
That said, it is true....the stuff cost a lot more "here" than "there."

http://plumbing.hardwarestore.com/learning/mapp-gas-vs-propa...

EnsenadaDr - 1-15-2012 at 08:43 AM

That said, it was a blue container which said PROPANA on it.At the home depot in US they had 2 containers, one yellow and one blue...the blue one was actually for welding as the Blue one was in Mexico...but that was the only one they had in Mexico...actually the woman in the US told me both could be used...but the Barbeque one I bought in the US was actually green for barbeque

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
Without seeing the cylindar of gas, I'm betting it's yellow in color. At Home Depot in Ensenada, they sit on the shelf next to those of a different color [forget which], and are Mapp Gas which is similar to propane, but burns hotter and is more expensive.
That said, it is true....the stuff cost a lot more "here" than "there."

http://plumbing.hardwarestore.com/learning/mapp-gas-vs-propa...

DENNIS - 1-15-2012 at 09:02 AM

The color doesn't indicate contents. I looked at them in Ensenada last week and Mapp Gass was in a yellow cylindar. It's not a designation....it's the manufacturers choice of decor. That's all.

Both, Mapp and Propane, are used for soldering.

Bob and Susan - 1-15-2012 at 09:19 AM

you bought propane for a soldering gun...it WILL work

as for the cost of propane

WAY cheaper in mexico

a reg BBQ tank is $10usa to fill in mexico
in the california USA $40 to $60 exchange

huge differance

if you plan to cook with a campstove get an adapter to fit a BIGGER tank
the little ones last about 2 dinners :no:

bajaguy - 1-15-2012 at 09:26 AM

Costs me about $18USD to fill a 5lb propane tank in Nevada.

Instead of buying those small camping tanks, do as Bob suggests and buy a new5LB tank in the states (make sure it has the dual threads - inside and outside the valve), then go find a 6 foot propane hose and adapters for your BBQ or camping stove......check at Wal-Mart or any of the big sporting goods stores or a propane dealer for the hose, regulator and fittings.

Bob and Susan - 1-15-2012 at 09:37 AM

also the little tiny ones freeze up if you use them too long at one time...then no propane comes out till they thaw

DENNIS - 1-15-2012 at 09:56 AM

And...if you need a lot of them:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mr-Heater-F276172-1-Pound-Disposable...

Thanks so much!!!

EnsenadaDr - 1-15-2012 at 09:57 AM

I am not much of a handyman, but I will certainly find those adapters as suggested. What great suggestions you gave me, thanks so much...

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob and Susan
also the little tiny ones freeze up if you use them too long at one time...then no propane comes out till they thaw

Mengano - 1-15-2012 at 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
From the research I have been doing, propane is the only way to go for grills...from what I understand they don't sell propane to fill up tanks down here...is that correct? The articles I read said that any other gas like natural gas doesn't burn as hot and you won't get that crispy layer on the steak outside while keeping the inside done medium.

No, the opposite is true. Natural gas has more calories per pound than propane. About 10% more.

Methane has a gross heat of combustion of 23891 BTU/lb
Propane has a gross heat of combustion of 21653 BTU/lb.

And natural gas is much cheaper. But you cannot just switch from propane to natural gas in a barbeque and you need a pressure regulator to reduce propane down to about 3-4psi and the jetting is different because of the difference in the btu's.

Mengano - 1-15-2012 at 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob and Susan
also the little tiny ones freeze up if you use them too long at one time...then no propane comes out till they thaw

If it freezes up, it is a tank of butane, not propane. Propane will vaporize easily down to around -48F. Butane remains a liquid and stops vaporizing at 31F. The propane you buy is about 10% butane.

Propane burns twice as hot as natural gas...

EnsenadaDr - 1-15-2012 at 10:17 AM

That's not what I read in my gas Barbeque aficionados article. They said that natural gas did not cook as well as propane because it did not get as hot. Propane burns at 2500btu while natural gas burns at only 1012btu. Propane burns over 2 times hotter than natural gas.
Read more: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Does_natural_gas_burn_hotter_than_...

Quote:

Originally posted by Mengano

Quote:

DENNIS - 1-15-2012 at 10:35 AM

Propane vs Butane

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-difference-between-propa...

Mengano - 1-15-2012 at 10:47 AM

"No, propane burns at 2500btu while natural gas burns at only 1012btu. Propane burns over 2 times hotter than natural gas."

That statement is totally nonsensical. Anyone with knowledge in the area could tell you that. A BTU is a measure of energy, about 1055 joules. If Methane has 23,891 BTU/lb and propane has 21,653, then menthane has 10% more energy than propane.

The temperature of your barbeque is a function of HOW MUCH energy you apply to it. Sheesh!

Very much appreciate your comments...

EnsenadaDr - 1-15-2012 at 11:02 AM

I very much appreciate splitting hairs..as I find it entertaining as well..but can we get some reference quotes here??

Quote:

Originally posted by Mengano
"No, propane burns at 2500btu while natural gas burns at only 1012btu. Propane burns over 2 times hotter than natural gas."

That statement is totally nonsensical. Anyone with knowledge in the area could tell you that. A BTU is a measure of energy, about 1055 joules. If Methane has 23,891 BTU/lb and propane has 21,653, then menthane has 10% more energy than propane.

The temperature of your barbeque is a function of HOW MUCH energy you apply to it. Sheesh!

The giver that I am.....

Howard - 1-15-2012 at 12:07 PM

I will be heading North from Loreto in a couple of weeks and prepared to go out of my way and be the official tester of the new grill and propane. I am sure that you would want another opinion on how good the food tastes! :biggrin:

That's me, ready to sacrifice my precious time for a meal!! I'm such a food ****.

[Edited on 1-15-2012 by Howard]

[Edited on 1-15-2012 by Howard]

Oddjob - 1-15-2012 at 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob and Susan
you bought propane for a soldering gun...it WILL work

as for the cost of propane

WAY cheaper in mexico

a reg BBQ tank is $10usa to fill in mexico
in the california USA $40 to $60 exchange

huge differance

if you plan to cook with a campstove get an adapter to fit a BIGGER tank
the little ones last about 2 dinners :no:

I pay $14 for a five gallon refill in San Diego. The exchanges run $20ish, not $40-$60. :?:

Free lunch...

EnsenadaDr - 1-15-2012 at 02:17 PM

OK Howard you're on..however Dennis has got the killer view while I live in the center of town...so if its ok with him I can bring the Barbie to his place and we can roast the Mexican hot dogs with bacon and marinated Hawaiian steaks there!!!

Quote:

Originally posted by Howard
I will be heading North from Loreto in a couple of weeks and prepared to go out of my way and be the official tester of the new grill and propane. I am sure that you would want another opinion on how good the food tastes! :biggrin:

That's me, ready to sacrifice my precious time for a meal!! I'm such a food ****.

[Edited on 1-15-2012 by Howard]

[Edited on 1-15-2012 by Howard]

Bob and Susan - 1-15-2012 at 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Oddjob

Quote:

I pay $14 for a five gallon refill in San Diego. The exchanges run $20ish, not $40-$60. :?:

i guess you havent been to lowes lately...
propane has gone WAY up when you exchange

i'll have a picture next trip to the border :lol:

Woooosh - 1-15-2012 at 02:35 PM

Why make it so hard? My house has a huge propane tank but I also have a 20lb tank for a space heater. Same size propane tank you would find under a standard USA BBQ. The Star Gas guy in the big truck uses the same hose to fill both tanks. No extra trip needed.

BTW: Home Depot in Mexico prices include the VAT. There really aren't many bargains at the Home Depots in Mexico, even with the 13:1 peso rate. The HD Rosarito roof materials are double the price as HD in Chula Vista. Even so, it's still your best chance at finding something "familiar" to finish a project or make a repair.

[Edited on 1-15-2012 by Woooosh]

wessongroup - 1-15-2012 at 04:31 PM

That is just so insane... for the people of Mexico .. :mad:

Like they can afford it... to start with...

Oddjob - 1-15-2012 at 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob and Susan

Quote:

Originally posted by Oddjob

Quote:

I pay $14 for a five gallon refill in San Diego. The exchanges run $20ish, not $40-$60. :?:

i guess you havent been to lowes lately...
propane has gone WAY up when you exchange

i'll have a picture next trip to the border :lol:

Why exchange your tank when you can just get it refilled? I can refill mine at 4 different places within one mile of my house. :?:

where to buy gas

joerover - 1-15-2012 at 06:38 PM

Between ave Riveroll and the dry creek bed is the place to buy gas for a stove or grill.
It is on Alisos (16th). North side of street. White building set back from the road. It costs 40 pesos to fill a small tank about the size of a basket ball.
That is enough to two meals a day for a month. The metal tank seems to cost more in Mexico.
The gas to fill it costs less.

For hoses and adapters, there is a flea market near Miramar and Octava (8th and Miramar).
Open on weekends only.

DavidE - 1-16-2012 at 04:40 AM

Using a digital scale, an adapter hose and a freezer I refill my disposable cylinders. I freeze the empty cylinders, screw in the adapter hose into the 20 lb pot, then turn it upside down. Connect the chilled cylinder open the valve then fill to 16 oz. 4 lbs per gallon around eighty cents a fill. Thirty years ago I filled thirty or so disposable cylinders for folks on a beach in Mexico and started a tiny business that managed to pay for the tortillas.

fish101 - 1-16-2012 at 07:09 AM

You can purchase the hoses and adapters at most RV Supply or Camping World if your near one. If your in Loreto, stop by my place, as I still have several extra hoses and fittings that I bring down for guests in the RV Park that have forgotten their hoses or adapters and you know!! You can't buy them in any local hardward stores here.. WAHOO RV Supply in San Jose will also have what you need to convert to the larger propane tanks, so you can get rid of those "small" containers of propane..

Camping World...

EnsenadaDr - 1-16-2012 at 07:19 AM

Thanks...there is a Camping World in San Diego..I never had an occasion to go there but I will now..from what I am reading charcoal gives a better flavor but for the difference I find the gas grill so much more convenient and time efficient, and the flavor was pretty good!!!

Quote:

Originally posted by fish101
You can purchase the hoses and adapters at most RV Supply or Camping World if your near one. If your in Loreto, stop by my place, as I still have several extra hoses and fittings that I bring down for guests in the RV Park that have forgotten their hoses or adapters and you know!! You can't buy them in any local hardward stores here.. WAHOO RV Supply in San Jose will also have what you need to convert to the larger propane tanks, so you can get rid of those "small" containers of propane..

Islandbuilder - 1-16-2012 at 10:29 AM

Good point lencho,

You need to confirm which gas your appliance is configured to burn. The jets differ between the two.

Bajatripper - 1-16-2012 at 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by lencho

Quote:

Originally posted by Mengano
The propane you buy is about 10% butane.

Are you talking about Mexican LPG? I don't have any backup info, but I've gotten the impression that's primarily butane (in most of Mexico, the higher vaporization temperature is not a problem).

By the way folks, an interesting trivia is that Propane and Butane are heavier than air, while your US piped-in natural gas (methane) is lighter. Why care? Well, in a boat, say, leaking LPG will tend to "pool" down in the hull and other low spots rather than floating off into the atmosphere as methane would. More dangerous in certain situations.

While I have no idea what the differences are between propane and butane, one thing I did notice on my recent trip to California is that my sister's gas stove will boil water much quicker than does our gas stove here in La Paz. I'm attributing that to the difference in energy between the two fuels we use rather than a difference in stoves.

aguachico - 1-16-2012 at 01:26 PM

Got 18 liters of propane for 90 pesos at Zeta yesterday. Not sure what the exchange at Home depot would be, but last time I did that it was arouund $20-$25.

DENNIS - 1-16-2012 at 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajatripper
While I have no idea what the differences are between propane and butane,

I guess you weren't in a reading mood yesterday. I'll try again.

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-difference-between-propa...

too good to be true??

Dave - 1-16-2012 at 01:58 PM

It's true.

The crap you buy at COSTCO in Mexico is crappier than the crap you buy at COSTCO in the U.S.

Especially the crappy TP and paper towels used to wipe up your crap.

DENNIS - 1-16-2012 at 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dave
It's true.

The crap you buy at COSTCO in Mexico is crappier than the crap you buy at COSTCO in the U.S.

Especially the crappy TP and paper towels used to wipe up your crap.

true story.
If you really want to be mystified, buy some of the frozen food national products that have a picture of the ingredients on the package. If there is any final resemblence between product and picture, send me your receipts and I'll reimburse you.
They haven't quite approached that "truth in advertising" thing as of yet.

BTW

MrBillM - 1-16-2012 at 02:08 PM

Not that it's really important and may have already been mentioned here somewhere, But:

LP stands for "Liquefied Petroleum", rather than Liquid Propane. BOTH Butane and Propane are LP gases.

mtgoat666 - 1-16-2012 at 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MrBillM
BOTH Butane and Propane are LP gases.

bile:
"are?" Perhaps the correct verb is "may be." it's a matter of temperature and pressure. i will leave it to mengano/fulano to draw the TP diagram for each gas.

Mengano - 1-16-2012 at 02:45 PM

Just a little bit of trivia. Propane and butane are commonly used as the aerosol propellants in spray cans. They are even used in spray cans of food products, like PAM. Although they are very flammable gases, they are non-toxic and not considered greenhouse gases.

DENNIS - 1-16-2012 at 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MrBillM
Not that it's really important and may have already been mentioned here somewhere, But:

LP stands for "Liquefied Petroleum", rather than Liquid Propane. BOTH Butane and Propane are LP gases.

It's been mentioned.

Quote:

Originally posted by lencho

Quote:

Originally posted by woody with a view
it's called LP GAS. liquid propane gas.

Actually, that's "liquified petroleum gas," term which includes propane, butane and others. Given the different characteristics of those gasses, the distinction could be important.

msteve1014 - 1-16-2012 at 04:58 PM

For what it's worth, (not much), I work in a plant that separates the light hydrocarbons from the heavy ones in the gas that comes out of oil wells. We sell methane as natural gas to So. Cal Gas. The real heavies are called gaso, are liquid at room temp. and pressure, and real nasty stuff. The propane/butane we make is about 70/30...P/B. It gets blended with 99% propane to sell as the propane the public buys. I believe that must be at least 90% to be called propane in the states. We fill our own tanks with the 70/30, and I have seen no difference from the 90% you buy. I have used it in BBQs, stoves and the refer. in my camper. No problem.

[Edited on 1-16-2012 by msteve1014]

msteve1014 - 1-16-2012 at 06:33 PM

They are used as solvent, or to cut crude oil that is too "thick" to pump easily out of a well, or down a pipeline.

805gregg - 1-16-2012 at 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
The color doesn't indicate contents. I looked at them in Ensenada last week and Mapp Gass was in a yellow cylindar. It's not a designation....it's the manufacturers choice of decor. That's all.

Both, Mapp and Propane, are used for soldering.

Mapp gas is yellow. propane different.

Very nice Mengano..

EnsenadaDr - 1-16-2012 at 08:33 PM

I LIKE it when you make a positive comment!!!! Keep 'em coming!!!

Quote:

Originally posted by Mengano
Just a little bit of trivia. Propane and butane are commonly used as the aerosol propellants in spray cans. They are even used in spray cans of food products, like PAM. Although they are very flammable gases, they are non-toxic and not considered greenhouse gases.

mcfez - 1-17-2012 at 08:21 AM

Those color little containers are the ones in the welding isle.....I believe is what those were. I see them all the time at HD (we go there a lot for the contracting business)

Propane is usually in steel cages...outdoors.

Dave - 1-17-2012 at 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mcfez
Those color little containers are the ones in the welding isle.....I believe is what those were. I see them all the time at HD (we go there a lot for the contracting business)

Propane is usually in steel cages...outdoors.

I gas weld and have never seen welding gas sold in HD either in Mexico or the States. Only seen propane brazing kits.

Hook - 1-17-2012 at 07:42 PM

Just purchased Gaz from a mobile truck that cruises our neighborhood. The posted rate for Enero was 5.83 pesos per liter. The basic 5 gallon/20/lb tank holds 18 liters, SAFELY.

At a 13.5/1 exchange rate, that's 7.77 for a fillup.

Four years ago when I last filled in SoCal, I remember getting 3.95/gallon from an Amerigas outlet at a gas station. So, that's about 20 bucks, US.

Propane is a bargain down here. Believe the cost is either subsidized or controlled by the Mex govt.

wessongroup - 1-17-2012 at 08:49 PM

Think you are right Hook... as so many use for living...

[Edited on 1-18-2012 by wessongroup]

EnsenadaDr - 1-17-2012 at 08:55 PM

so then what IS better for barbequeing steaks, propane or natural gas??? and what do most people use propane for down here??

Quote:

Originally posted by Hook
Just purchased Gaz from a mobile truck that cruises our neighborhood. The posted rate for Enero was 5.83 pesos per liter. The basic 5 gallon/20/lb tank holds 18 liters, SAFELY.

At a 13.5/1 exchange rate, that's 7.77 for a fillup.

Four years ago when I last filled in SoCal, I remember getting 3.95/gallon from an Amerigas outlet at a gas station. So, that's about 20 bucks, US.

Propane is a bargain down here. Believe the cost is either subsidized or controlled by the Mex govt.

woody with a view - 1-17-2012 at 08:58 PM

propane is for cooking. natural gas is for home heating, water heaters, etc....

Better???

bajaguy - 1-17-2012 at 09:07 PM

I use charcoal or propane.........sometimes I add flavored wood chips for a different taste and sometimes I marinate. Just depends on the type/cut of meat

DENNIS - 1-17-2012 at 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by woody with a view
propane is for cooking. natural gas is for home heating, water heaters, etc....

That's on your side of the border, Woody. Down here, it's propane for everything.

woody with a view - 1-17-2012 at 09:20 PM

oh. i thought the Dr was asking because there was a choice on that side....

EnsenadaDr - 1-17-2012 at 09:22 PM

I didn't think they used propane down in Mex for heating..I thought it was natural gas...it sure smells like natural gas...I have been reading that people are using natural gas for barbequeing as well..of course I absolutely love my propane barbeque...much easier than Charcoal...

Quote:

Originally posted by woody with a view
oh. i thought the Dr was asking because there was a choice on that side....

DENNIS - 1-17-2012 at 09:37 PM

I don't know what's happening on the mainland, but there's no natural gas in Baja that isn't emitted from a carbon based creature. It's all propane and I believe it all comes from the states in trucks.
The irony is that I can see the Sempra LNG terminal from my house, but it all goes north.

Best BBQ Gas ?

MrBillM - 1-17-2012 at 09:51 PM

I've read its Hydrogen.

At one time, there was a website for Hydrogen BBQs extolling the virtues and selling the necessary equipment, including fuel production.

Admittedly, not very economical.

or, convenient.

But, the Best.

joerover - 1-18-2012 at 01:07 PM

smoked meat tastes best
use oak wood
not pine
cook in smoker until very well done
simmer in oven for 12 hour minimum over night is better
while in oven meat should be in pan with much bacon (or other ) grease

use this method for best tasting and most tender ribs ( and other meat ).

note
a smoker looks like a large barrel tipped on its side, with a fire box, (place to put burning wood ) on one end, and a chimney on the other end. Good ones have a thermometer so you can keep the temperature between 350 and 375 Fahrenheit.

Flies LOVE getting Gassed

MrBillM - 1-19-2012 at 11:23 AM

YEAH.

UNBELIEVABLE.

Although I've seen that Phenomena many times since, the FIRST time was years ago when I needed to change out a Valve.

Set the Tank out in an open area (thankfully) and bled it of slowly.

A ZILLION flies showed up from (apparently) Nowhere.

Must be something really good there.

IF you're a Fugly Fly.