Propane vs. Natural Gas Grills

Propane carries more energy per cubic foot, which is where the myth that propane grills get hotter comes from. Grill makers compensate by using larger orifices on natural gas models so the grill delivers the same rated BTUs. A properly set-up NG grill and its LP twin cook the same. Where natural gas grills fall short is when the supply line is undersized or too long, or the grill shares a line with a pool heater or other big appliances. That shows up as weak flames, especially when everything is running at once. See low flame and weak heat.

• Freestanding grills you want to move around the patio or take to a different spot.
• No gas line nearby. Running a new line across a yard, under hardscape or up a hillside can be a significant project.
• Renters or anyone who might take the grill with them.
• Condos and apartments, though many buildings restrict propane tanks on balconies. Check your HOA rules and local fire code first. Some buildings allow only electric grills.

• Built-in grills in an outdoor kitchen. A permanent appliance deserves a permanent fuel supply.
• Multiple appliances. A grill, side burner, pizza oven, fire pit and patio heater on one line beats a collection of tanks.
• Heavy use. If you grill several times a week year-round, as many LA households do, tank swaps get old fast.
• Safety around enclosed islands. Natural gas rises and disperses, while propane sinks. Island cabinets housing a propane tank need proper vents near the bottom. Many outdoor kitchen designers prefer NG for that reason.

Many premium built-in grills can be converted using a manufacturer conversion kit. A conversion typically involves:

• Replacing the burner orifices (and sometimes side burner and rotisserie orifices) with the correct size for the new gas.
• Adjusting or replacing the valves' low-flame settings.
• Removing the propane regulator and installing the correct natural gas regulator if the grill uses one.
• Connecting to a natural gas line with a proper shutoff valve and an approved connector.
• Adjusting air shutters so the flame burns blue, then leak-testing everything.

Not every grill can be converted, and some manufacturers void the warranty if anyone other than an authorized party does it. Running the gas line itself typically needs a permit and a qualified plumber or gas contractor. Our propane to natural gas conversion service handles the grill side of the job and can tell you whether your model is convertible.

• Store tanks upright and outdoors, never in a garage, house, or closed island cabinet without proper low venting.
• Keep spares away from the grill and out of direct sun.
• Transport tanks upright and secured, with windows cracked, and don't leave them in a hot car.
• Check the date stamp. Standard cylinders need requalification 12 years after manufacture.
• Soap-test the connection every time you swap a tank. See our soap test guide.