Should I rent a helium tank or buy disposable kits?

Disposable kits can work for small home parties with around 20 to 30 balloons. For larger events or multiple rooms of decor, rental or industrial cylinders are usually more economical and reliable. If you expect to use helium regularly, an ongoing rental or refill program from an industrial gas supplier may be the best fit.

When should I hire a balloon decor company instead of doing it myself?

Hiring a balloon decor company makes sense for high stakes events such as weddings, corporate events, school shows, or very large venues. Decorators handle design, helium, and installation, which reduces stress and the risk of miscalculating how much helium or time you need.

Is owning a helium tank better than renting?

Owning a helium tank can be useful for schools, churches, small businesses, or decorators who run recurring events and need flexibility. However, ownership also means managing hydro testing, storage, and supplier rules. Many people find rental or exchange programs simpler unless they use helium frequently.

Helium 101 – Rent, Refill, DIY or Decor?

First time dealing with helium for an event or business? This page gives you the big picture so you can choose the right path – disposable kit, rental cylinder, refill program, or hiring a balloon decor company.

Use this as your map. Once you know which route fits, you can dive into our detailed guides and the live directory without guessing.

Quick jumps: DIY helium guide Tank size guide How to rent a tank DIY vs decor Helium directory

Open Helium Locator → Tank sizes & balloon counts DIY helium setup tips DIY vs balloon decor

Your helium decision snapshot

This guide helps you decide whether to stick with disposable kits, rent a cylinder, set up a refill / exchange account, or skip DIY and hire a balloon decor company. Skim the sections, pick your lane, then jump into the directory or map to find real suppliers.

Simple overview illustration of different helium options: party kit, rental tank, refill program, and balloon decor.

Disposable vs refillable helium tanks

Not sure if a party kit is “enough,” or whether your tank can be refilled? This guide breaks down disposable kits vs real cylinders, plus the fastest path for your event.

Open disposable vs refillable guide Open the live directory

Quick rule: if you’re doing more than “a few balloons,” rental/exchange usually wins.

Who this page is for

You’re planning an event and don’t want to run out of helium halfway through.
You’re not a pro decorator, just the person who got volunteered to handle balloons.
You run a small business and want to know if owning a tank makes sense.
You’re tired of guessing between party kits, rentals, and “call a balloon person”.

The four main helium paths

1. Disposable party helium kits

Sold at big box / party stores.
Good for small home parties and low balloon counts.
Simple but easy to underestimate how many you need.

If kits aren’t available or don’t pencil out, see No helium options for backup decor ideas that don’t require tanks at all.

2. Rental helium cylinders

Short term – weekend or event rental.
Best for medium to large events without long term commitment.
Usually includes a basic inflator or nozzle.

For deposits, pickup vs delivery, and questions to ask, read How to rent a helium tank.

3. Refill / exchange programs

From welding and industrial gas suppliers.
Ideal for repeated use across the year.
Exchange is usually faster than refill of your same tank.

Use the Helium Locator directory or helium map to find suppliers, and check Helium accessories if you’ll be moving or storing tanks often.

4. Balloon decor companies (no DIY)

You pay for design, setup, and teardown, not just helium.
Best for weddings, corporate events, big gyms, and “no stress” jobs.
Costs more but saves time and headache.

To compare DIY vs hiring a pro, start with DIY vs decor guide.

Our directory focuses on rental, refill, and exchange from real suppliers. For balloon decor companies, see DIY vs decor for how to hire the right pro.

How to choose your path

Choose DIY (kits or tanks) if…

You’re comfortable doing some setup and cleanup yourself.
Your event is small to medium or you have helpers.
You want to control costs and reuse some gear later.

If this sounds like you, start with the DIY helium guide and Tank size chart, then use the Helium directory or Helium map to find a supplier.

Lean decor company if…

The event is high-stakes (wedding, corporate, school show).
You care more about design, arches, and photo spots than just “balloons in the air.”
You don’t have time or capacity to experiment and redo things.

See DIY vs decor for questions to ask balloon companies and how to decide.

Disposable kits vs rental / industrial cylinders

Disposable party kits

Easy to buy at big box stores.
Good for 20–30 balloons if used carefully.
Helium cost per balloon can be relatively high.
Not refillable – one and done.

Rental / industrial cylinders

Better for 75+ balloons or recurring use.
More economical per balloon, especially at larger sizes.
Requires proper Regulator, cart, and storage gear.
You may need to secure a deposit and sign paperwork.

Rule of thumb: if you are filling more than one small room of balloons, it is usually worth talking to a rental or gas supplier instead of stacking disposable kits.

When owning a helium tank makes sense

Owning a cylinder is not for everyone. It can be great if:

You do recurring events (school, church, sports, recurring promos).
You want flexibility to top up decor whenever you like.
You’re comfortable handling hydro testing and supplier rules.

Many suppliers prefer an exchange model – you bring an empty and swap for a full one. If you own a cylinder, ask each shop in our directory whether they accept customer-owned tanks, and what stamp / test dates they require.

For owned cylinders, make sure you have:

A compatible regulator or balloon inflator.
Proper storage and securing (wall bracket, stand, or straps).
Clear notes on when hydro testing is due so you are not surprised later.

If you’ll be moving tanks often, the Helium accessories & safety gear page covers carts, straps, caps, and other basics.

What about balloon decor companies?

Balloon decor companies generally provide design, helium, installation, and teardown as a complete package. You pay more, but you also get:

Professional arches, columns, and backdrops.
Better planning for float time and layout.
Less stress on event day – fewer “we misjudged the tank size” moments.

Helium Locator focuses on suppliers and DIY. To decide between DIY and decor, or to hire the right pro, start at DIY vs decor.

Safety in one glance

Keep cylinders upright and secured – no loose tanks in cars or gyms.
Keep out of heat and direct sun, especially in vehicles.
Do not refill disposable helium kits – they are not built for it.
Do not inhale helium from tanks or balloons. It can displace oxygen and cause injury.
Follow venue rules for schools, churches, and public buildings.

For gear that helps you do this right, see Helium accessories & safety gear.

Next steps

Still deciding between DIY and decor? Read DIY vs decor.
Ready to DIY? Start with the DIY helium guide.
Need to pick a tank size? Use the Tank size & balloon count guide.
Planning to rent? Go deeper with How to rent a helium tank.
Can’t get helium at all? Check No helium options for backup decor ideas.
Want to handle gear safely? See Helium accessories & safety gear.
Know your path and just need a supplier? Use the Helium directory, Helium map, State list, or City guides.

Find helium near you → Open helium map Browse by state