Co2 101

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CO2 101: Refill, Exchange, or Paintball Fill?

The hardest part isn’t CO2 itself. It’s choosing the right lane and asking suppliers in language they understand. This page gives you the quick path, then sends you into the directory with filters applied.

Open CO2 Directory Map Tools Guides Claim / Update
New to CO2? Start with Cylinder Picker then jump into the directory using exchange or refill.

Quick path (lowest drama route)

If you want the simplest option

  1. Start with exchange (fastest, most common).
  2. Pick a sane tank size: 10 lb (space-friendly) or 20 lb (fewer trips).
  3. Open the directory and filter by service.
Find exchange Pick tank size

If you want cheapest long-term

  1. Try refill (but call ahead).
  2. Ask if they fill customer-owned cylinders and whether yours must be in-date.
  3. Compare costs so you don’t “save money” by wasting time.
Find refill Compare cost

Choose your lane

These three services are not the same thing. Picking the wrong one causes 80% of the confusion.

Exchange

You swap your empty cylinder for a full one from the supplier’s pool. Usually fastest, usually easiest.

Find exchange Learn the difference
Refill

They fill your exact cylinder. Often cheaper, sometimes slower. Policies vary wildly. Call ahead.

Find refill Call checklist
Paintball fill

Often for small CO2 bottles. Some shops won’t touch standard cylinders. Always ask specifically.

Find paintball fills Supplier wizard

Refill vs exchange: the real difference

Exchange (swap)

  • Fast, common, low friction
  • You may not get “your” exact cylinder back
  • Great default if you’re new
Find exchange Cost comparison

Refill (your cylinder)

  • You keep your cylinder (nice if it’s special or new)
  • May require in-date cylinders
  • May be drop-off, not while-you-wait
Find refill Call checklist
If a supplier says “we don’t refill,” it often means “we only exchange” or “we don’t fill customer-owned.” Use Supplier Wizard to ask cleanly.

Pick a tank size that won’t annoy you

5 lb

Compact starter size. Great for tight spaces. More frequent swaps.

10 lb

The “manageable and reasonable” choice. Often the best first upgrade.

20 lb

Best value for many setups if you have space. Fewer trips. Heavier to move.

Use Cylinder Picker Tank sizes guide CO2 remaining

What to ask suppliers (copy/paste version)

Most “no” answers are translation errors. Ask the question in their language:

  • Do you exchange CO2 cylinders? (5 lb / 10 lb / 20 lb / 50 lb)
  • Do you refill customer-owned CO2 cylinders? If yes: while-you-wait or drop-off?
  • Does the cylinder need to be in-date/hydro-tested?
  • Any restrictions for aquarium/homebrew/soda use? (sometimes the staff gets weird)
  • What’s the typical cost for exchange/refill?
Full call checklist Supplier Wizard Open directory

Safety basics (short version)

Do

  • Keep cylinders upright and secured (strap/mount is cheap insurance)
  • Store away from heat sources
  • Use the correct regulator/adapter for your valve
  • Check for leaks after hookups

Don’t

  • Transport loose cylinders rolling around your car
  • Overtighten fittings like you’re wrestling a bear
  • Use mystery adapters without knowing what they do
  • Ignore obvious leaks (you’re literally burning money)
Valve fit check Safety page

CO2 101 FAQ

What should I choose if I’m totally new?
Start with exchange. It’s the lowest-friction path, and you can switch to refill later if it’s available and worth it. Use Cylinder Picker to pick a size you can live with.
Why do some places refuse to refill my cylinder?
Common reasons: they only do exchange, they don’t fill customer-owned, your cylinder isn’t in-date, or the person answering the phone doesn’t understand what you’re asking. Use the call checklist to ask cleanly.
Is paintball fill the same as refill?
Not really. “Paintball fill” usually means filling smaller bottles with specialized gear and policies. Some paintball places won’t fill standard cylinders at all. Always ask specifically.
Do I need food-grade CO2?
Most people use standard CO2 sources without issues. If you want maximum peace of mind for beverages, ask about beverage-grade options. The bigger real-world difference is leak-free hardware and stable pressure.
What size tank should I start with?
Tight space: 5–10 lb. Most people: 10–20 lb. Heavy use/shop: 50 lb. Use Cylinder Picker.

Ready to find a CO2 supplier?

Filter the directory by the service you want. If you’re unsure, start with exchange.

Open directory Exchange Refill Paintball Map
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