Abstract: A propane tank vending assembly includes a vending machine an enclosure having closed sides and a hollow interior, and a door opening formed in one of the sides. The vending machine includes at least one door member releasably closing the door opening for accessing a propane tank and an actuator operable to allow an article to be vended from the door member. The assembly also includes a payment control unit connected to the vending machine by a connector. The payment control unit includes a customer interface, a controller and a means for receiving payment. The controller is operable to receive a signal from the customer interface and process a signal from the means for receiving payment and to send a signal to the actuator on the vending machine to allow a propane tank to be vended from the door member.