Where to Refill CO2 Tanks: 10+ Places (Ranked & Vetted)

A big store like DICK’S Sporting Goods?

A local welding shop?

And what’s the deal with refilling your own tank versus just swapping it for a full one?

It can get a little confusing. It’s a lot like finding local drinking water refill stations, once you know where to look, it’s easy.

That’s why I created this simple guide. I’ll show you all the best places to get a CO2 refill, from the big national chains to the cheap local spots you might not know about.

Plus, I’ll cover how much you should expect to pay and a few super important things to check on your tank before you even leave the house.

Best CO2 Refill Spots at a Glance

Don’t have time to read the whole article?

I get it. You’ve got an empty tank and you just need a quick answer.

Here’s the cheat sheet. Find what you need a refill for below, and I’ll tell you the best place to go.

If you need a refill for a… Kegerator or Homebrewing

• Your Best Bet Is: Airgas or a local welding supply store.
• What to Expect: This is usually the cheapest option. Just make sure you ask them for food-grade CO2!

If you need a refill for a… SodaStream

• Your Best Bet Is: Walmart, Target, or Best Buy.
• What to Expect: This is a super easy tank exchange, not a refill. You’ll swap your empty cylinder for a full one right off the shelf.

If you need a refill for… Paintball

• Your Best Bet Is: DICK’S Sporting Goods or a local paintball field.
• What to Expect: Quick and easy refills for most common paintball tank sizes (usually up to 20 or 24 ounces).

Want more details on these spots or need to know what to check on your tank before you go?

Keep scrolling!

Don’t Waste a Trip! 3 Things to Check on Your Tank First

Alright, before you grab your keys and head out the door, let’s do a quick 30-second check.

Trust me, this can save you a ton of time and a huge headache. There’s nothing worse than driving all the way to a store just to be told, “Sorry, we can’t fill this.”

Here’s what to look for.

1. Is it Food-Grade CO2 or Industrial Grade?

Yep, there are two different kinds of Carbon dioxide, or CO2. And it’s a big deal.

Think of it like the water from your kitchen sink versus the water from the garden hose. You only want to drink from one of them.

• Food-Grade CO2 is for anything you’re going to eat or drink. So if you have a kegerator or a SodaStream, you must get food-grade.
• Industrial Grade CO2 is for things like paintball, filling tires, or welding. It’s not purified to the same level and is not safe to consume.

The golden rule: Never use CO2 from a paintball shop to make your soda.

2. Where is Your Tank’s Hydro-Test Date?

This one gets people all the time.

Your CO2 tank has an “expiration date,” just like a carton of milk. It’s called a hydro-test date, and it’s a safety thing. If your tank is too old, no one will fill it.

Look at the top of your tank, right on the curved shoulder. You’ll see a bunch of numbers stamped into the metal. You’re looking for a date, like 08 • 22. That means it was tested in August 2022.

Most CO2 tanks are good for 5 years after that date. If your tank is expired, you’ll likely have to exchange it instead of refilling it.

3. Refill vs. Tank Exchange: What’s the Difference?

So, should you get a refill or do an exchange?

They sound the same, but they’re not.

A Refill is when:

• You give them your empty tank.
• They fill your exact tank with CO2 while you wait (or you come back later).
• Pro: You get to keep your own tank and it’s usually a few bucks cheaper.
• Con: It can take more time.

An Exchange is when:

• You bring in your empty tank.
• You swap it for a pre-filled tank they already have in stock.
• Pro: It’s super fast. You’re in and out in two minutes.
• Con: You don’t get your original tank back. So if you have a shiny new one, you might get an older, beat-up one in return.

So, if you’re in a hurry, an exchange is your best friend. If you love your tank and want to save a little cash, look for a place that does refills.

National Stores That Offer CO2 Refills & Exchanges

Okay, so you want to go to a store you already know. These big-name retailers are some of the easiest and most reliable places to get your CO2 tank sorted out.

Here’s the breakdown of who does what.

DICK’S Sporting Goods: The Go-To for Paintball Tanks

We all know Dick’s as a sports equipment retailer. But if you’re a paintballer, you can find a DICK’S Sporting Goods store near you to get a refill.

Most locations can refill your personal CO2 tank right there in the store, usually up to 20 or 24 ounces. It’s a quick process, and you’ll walk out with your own tank, full and ready to go.

Pro-Tip: Ask about their “Aim for Five” program. Sometimes you can get your 5th refill for free, which is a nice little bonus.

Airgas: The Professional’s Choice for Kegerators

Now we’re talking about the big boys.

If you have a larger tank (5 lbs or more) for a kegerator or a serious homebrewing setup, you can use the Airgas online branch finder to find a professional gas supplier near you.

Don’t be intimidated by the name. They deal with consumers all the time.

This is often the cheapest way to fill a large tank. Just be very clear and tell them you need food-grade or beverage-grade CO2. This is super important for anything you’re going to drink! They do both refills and exchanges.

Walmart, Target & Best Buy: Easiest for SodaStream Exchanges

If you just want your fizzy water back with zero hassle, this is your answer.

These stores don’t refill your SodaStream cylinder. Instead, they do a super easy exchange.

You just bring your empty cylinder to the customer service desk. They take your empty one and give you a discount on a brand new, full cylinder. You walk in with an empty, walk out with a full one. Simple as that.

You can browse the full line of products on the official SodaStream page at Walmart to see what they carry. It’s the same easy process at Target, where you can see all their SodaStream products online.

Best Buy is another great option, and it’s one of many electronics stores that offer great deals if you know when to look.

ACE Hardware: Great, But Call Your Local Store First

Ace is awesome because they’re everywhere. But here’s the catch: not all of them offer CO2 services.

Because they are independently owned, it’s a bit of a gamble. Some locations will do paintball tank refills, and some might even do SodaStream exchanges. Others don’t do it at all.

Make sure to use the ACE Hardware store locator to find the phone number for your local store and call them first.

Finding Cheaper Local CO2 Refills Near You

Sometimes the best deals aren’t at the big national stores. If you’re willing to check out a local spot, you can often save some serious cash, especially on larger tank refills.

Here are the types of local businesses that are goldmines for CO2.

Welding Supply Stores

This is the number one pro-tip for cheap CO2.

Local welding supply shops are in the business of selling gas. It’s what they do. Because of this, their prices are often the lowest you’ll find. Just walk in and tell them what size tank you have.

The most important thing: You MUST ask for “beverage-grade” or “food-grade” CO2 if you’re using it for a kegerator or SodaStream. They have both, so you have to be specific.

Homebrew Supply Shops

These guys are the experts. They live and breathe homebrewing, so they know everything about CO2 for kegerators.

Most homebrew shops offer CO2 tank exchanges. They are a fantastic resource if you have questions, and you know you’re getting the right kind of gas for your beer. The only downside is they can sometimes be a little more expensive than a welding shop.

You can use the American Homebrewers Association directory to find a homebrew shop near you.

Fire Extinguisher Service Companies

Here’s a little secret most people don’t know about. The companies that service and refill fire extinguishers often have the equipment to refill CO2 tanks, too.

And because they’re not a typical retail store, their prices can be really good. Just give them a call and ask if they can fill a beverage CO2 tank.

You can visit the National Association of Fire Equipment Distributors to find fire protection equipment suppliers near you.

Paintball Fields & Stores

If you’ve got a paintball tank, you can skip all the other options and just go straight to the source. Your local paintball field or pro shop can almost certainly fill your tank while you wait.

Remember the rule: This is for industrial-grade CO2 only. It’s perfect for your marker, but not safe for your drinks.

What About Buying CO2 Tanks Online?

What if you don’t have a tank to refill?

Or maybe you want to upgrade to a bigger size?

That’s when buying online makes sense. You can’t get pre-filled tanks shipped to you (for safety reasons), but you can buy a brand new, empty tank and then take it to one of the local spots we mentioned above to get it filled for the first time.

Here are a few of the best places to buy an empty CO2 tank online.

Amazon

Of course, Amazon is on the list. They sell pretty much everything, including CO2 tanks.

On Amazon, you can find CO2 tanks of all sizes from small 20-ounce paintball tanks to big 20-pounders for a major kegerator setup.

Just double-check that the tank has good reviews and is from a reputable seller.

Keg Outlet & Other Homebrew Sites

If you’re a homebrewer, a specialist retailer that specializes in brewing supplies like Keg Outlet is a great choice for a high-quality new tank.

You can also use MoreBeer.

They sell high-quality, brand-new aluminum tanks that are perfect for beverage use. You know you’re getting the right equipment from people who know what they’re doing.

How Much Does a CO2 Refill Cost in 2025?

Alright, let’s get down to what you really want to know: How much is this going to cost?

The price for a CO2 refill can vary a lot depending on the size of your tank and where you go. But you shouldn’t be flying blind.

Keep in mind that prices can be a little different depending on what state you’re in, but this chart will give you a super solid idea of what you should expect to pay. This way, you’ll know a good deal when you see one.

The takeaway: Refilling your own tank is almost always cheaper than exchanging it, especially for the larger sizes. Calling a local welding supply store is usually your best bet for the lowest price per pound.

Frequently Asked Questions About CO2 Refills

Here are the answers to some of the most common things people ask about getting their CO2 tanks refilled

Is it cheaper to refill or exchange a CO2 tank?

In almost every case, refilling your own tank is cheaper than doing an exchange.

You’re only paying for the gas itself. When you do an exchange, you’re also paying for the convenience and the cost of the company having to handle, inspect, and store all those extra tanks.

But if you’re in a huge hurry and don’t mind spending an extra $5 or $10, an exchange is the fastest way to get back in business.

Can I refill a CO2 tank at Walmart?

No, Walmart doesn’t have the equipment to refill tanks in-store. However, they are one of the best places for a CO2 exchange, especially for SodaStream. You just bring your empty cylinder to customer service and swap it for a full one, paying only for the gas.

Can I use a fire extinguisher CO2 tank for my kegerator?

This is a really bad idea, so please don’t do it. While they both use CO2, the gas in a fire extinguisher is not food-grade and may have additives. More importantly, the tanks and valves are completely different and not designed to be used with beverage equipment. It’s unsafe and won’t work.

Is it dangerous to refill a paintball CO2 tank myself?

Yes, it can be very dangerous if you don’t have the proper training and equipment. You’re dealing with highly pressurized gas, and a mistake can cause serious injury. For your safety, always take your tank to a professional at a place like DICK’S Sporting Goods or your local paintball field.

How do I safely transport a CO2 tank in my car?

It’s easy to do safely. Just make sure the tank is secured upright so it can’t roll around (wedging it on the floor behind a seat works great). Don’t leave it in a hot car for a long time, as heat increases the pressure.

So, Where Will You Get Your CO2 Refill?

And that’s pretty much it!

Finding a CO2 refill near you is actually super easy once you know the inside secrets. No more guessing games or wasted trips to stores that can’t help you.

For a quick and painless SodaStream exchange, you know that a big store like Target or Walmart is your fastest bet.

For the absolute cheapest refill on a bigger kegerator tank, your local welding supply store is almost always the champion.

Just remember the golden rules: check your tank’s date before you leave the house, and always, always ask for food-grade gas if you’re going to be drinking it.

Now you know exactly where to go. Go grab that tank and get it filled!