What To Consider Before Buying A Propane Or Natural Gas Grill
Gas grills are considered the cheapest eco-friendly grills because they emit less smoke and burn cleaner than the other types of grills.
The natural gas comes from underground and is composed few other gases such as propane, methane, and propane. It comes in three forms: compressed, uncompressed, and liquid.
The propane gas also called the Liquefied Petroleum Gas , is processed at a facility to separate it from natural gas. It is then stored in a tank that is connected to the grill through a valve and regulator.
Natural gas and propane gas differ in several aspects. To help you understand more, we have summarized their comparison in the table with further explanations below:
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Natural Gas Grills Vs Propane Grills
Youre all ready for an outdoor party and barbecue. Maybe its even a summer pool party. You went to the pool supply store, got the pool cleaner and the pool light set up. You have the mosquito net tent on the patio, the citronella candles and the sun tea getting ready. But when you go to light your outdoor grill
Oops! Forgot to buy the propane!
Thats why we like natural gas grills instead.
In this article youll learn:
- Natural Gas Grills vs. Propane vs. Charcoal
- How to Convert Your Grill from Propane to Natural Gas
- Best Low Cost Gas Grills
- How to Get Smoky Flavor with a Gas Grill
- Costs of Propane vs. Natural Gas
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No Upfront Costs To Install
Unlike natural gas, propane gas can be installed anywhere as it comes in bottles. This means that you do not need to pay for a connection to be installed or procured if you live too far from the mains supply.
So using propane gas might just save you thousands of dollars, and thats plenty of meat and beers to be had!
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Recipes For Cooking On A Propane Grill
There are many different recipes that you can cook on a propane grill. One of the best things about cooking on a propane grill is that you have plenty of options when it comes to recipes. From steak to chicken to fish, theres something for everyone. Plus, with a little experimentation, you can come up with your own recipes that are perfect for grilling.
Here are a few recipes to get you started:
What Are Some Safety Tips For Using A Liquid Propane Grill
Some safety tips for using a liquid propane grill include never leaving the grill unattended while it is lit, and making sure that the grill is turned off completely before leaving it. Additionally, it is important to keep children and pets away from the grill while it is in use. Additionally, it is important to read the manufacturers instructions carefully before using the grill.
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Natural Gas Vs Propane Which Should You Choose
This is a tough one! With so many benefits to both, its hard to decide which is better overall. So, it comes down to personal preference for what suits your style of grilling.
If you like convenience and to spark and char with the least fuss, then a natural gas grill will suit you. With no tanks to worry about purchasing, running out or returning, you just light her up and cook til your hearts content.
However, if you like to move around the garden and chase the sunshine, and love a ridiculously hot grill that will cook and sear a great steak, as well as cook everything else you chuck at it, then an anchor free propane gas grill will allow you to do all this and more.
For cost, natural gas is cheaper, especially if you are already mains supplied.
But on the other hand, propane gas grills are still generally cheaper than the natural gas ones. So, this depends on your circumstances.
Lets dig a little deeper and justify my comments above
Propane Vs Natural Gas Grills
Nothing says “festive” like the idea of throwing a thick juicy steak onto a hot grill. Theres a pure primal pleasure that comes from watching your food cook on an open fire as the aroma of sizzling barbecued sausages, different kinds of delicious meats and veggies fill the air.
For some, this is the best form of aromatherapy there is. Others simply take pleasure in the process. Grilling is an art. It takes a special kind of skillset to get just the right amount of sear while preserving all the juicy tenderness that is synonymous with a flavor-filled meat fest./p>
But, like every artist, you need the best set of tools to get the best outcome. Choosing the right grill is central to the whole process. This begs the question: Propane vs. natural gas grills which is better? This guide explores the answer to this question in depth.
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Is Propane Natural Gas
There is a lot of difference and similarities between propane and natural gas. If we see natural gas vs. propane, both are odorless, colorless, and clean-burning. Propane is more energy-efficient and to be green fuel, while natural gas is not. Natural gas use in pipelines propane is delivered in propane tanks. This gas is heavier than air, while natural gas is lighter. For all these reasons, propane gas is more dangerous.
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Natural Gas Grills Vs Propane Grills Vs Charcoal Grills
Some folks swear by old-school charcoal. Charcoal does have the benefit of easy heat management. By spreading out the coals in your grill, you can have different areas of high or low heat. You can do the same with a gas grill by turning the flame up or down. Charcoal does impart a that traditional flavor though. And were not talking about the flavor of lighter fluid! If you do use charcoal and lighter fluid, make sure that the coals are completely ready and the lighter fluid smell has burnt off before putting food on the grill.
But once you decide to go beyond charcoal to gas grills, its the great gas grill fuel debate natural gas or propane?
About 2/3 of gas grills sold in the US are propane gas grills. Its easy, its portable, its accessible at many grocery and drugstores. Only problem is when you forget to refill it. Nothing better than having a nice filet on the grill when the flame goes out. Even more fun if you have company over.
With a natural gas grill you dont have to worry about when the charcoal will be ready, or whether you have a full tank of propane. Turn it on, and its there. You never run out of the source of heat, because your natural gas supply is continuous.
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Advantages Of Natural Gas Grills
On the flip side of the coin, have gained popularity in recent years. If you have a natural gas line connected to your house to fuel your stove or heater, you can use that convenient fuel source for your outdoor grill. Hook up the natural gas grill to your utility connection, and never worry about replacing tanks of fuel again. You have an endless supply of natural gas that does not need to be monitored.
Using a natural gas grill ends up being less expensive than liquid propane grills in the long term, even though it burns more fuel than an LP grill. The cost of natural gas is much cheaper than the cost of liquid propane.
Natural gas also burns cleaner than liquid propane, resulting in a more environmentally friendly option.
Concerned about the safety issues involved in operating a natural gas grill? You’ll feel more at ease knowing that many natural gas grills come equipped with safety features. For example, Napoleon offers excellent natural gas grills with their NIGHTLIGHT burners with SafetyGlow, which lets you know when a burner is active.
Advantages Of Propane Tank Exchange
If you exchange a tank rather than refilling, the process is fast and convenient. It is easier to find an exchange location that is open at odd hours, during nights, or weekends. There are usually far more exchange locations than refill stations. Many are at convenience stores, gas stations, chain stores like Wal-Mart and Home Depot, and grocery stores. In addition, there are services such as Forklift Propane Exchange and Propane Taxi that will deliver exchange tanks to your home or business.
With an exchange, you are assured that the tank is inspected, cleaned, leak-tested, and has up-to-date safety information and instructions printed on the tank. The tank will also have been requalified on its designated schedule. If you receive a tank in exchange that has a leak or problem, you should be able to take up the issue with the vendor.
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Can I Convert Natural Gas Grill To Propane Everything To Know
Can I convert natural gas grill to propane?
If youre considering converting your natural gas grill to propane, there are a few things youll need to keep in mind. First, propane grills require more frequent cleaning than natural gas grills. Propane is also a less efficient fuel source, so your grill will use more propane than it would if it were running on natural gas. However, propane is often cheaper than natural gas, so the cost savings may offset the increased fuel usage. Finally, be sure to consult with a professional before making any modifications to your grill. With careful planning and execution, converting your grill from natural gas to propane can be a seamless process. Natural gas and propane are both combustible gasses, but they have different characteristics that make them not interchangeable. Can I convert natural gas grill to propane? In this blog post, well go over what you need to consider before converting your natural gas grill to propane.
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Is Natural Gas Cheaper Than Propane
If you can hook up to a local supplier of natural gas then youll pay much lower prices than having to buy separate propane tanks.
This becomes even more cost-effective and convenient if you already have an operational natural gas line installed.
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Propane Gas Vs Natural Gas
Both natural gas and liquid propane are common fuels, and homeowners often confuse the two. Natural gas is the fuel that usually powers home heating systems and gas-powered stoves, ovens, and clothes dryers when the home is supplied by the municipal gas company. Propane is the fuel of choice in rural areas, where a large tank of fuel sits in the yard and is refilled periodically by a traveling fuel truck that pumps it full of liquid propane. In homes served by liquid propane, the furnaces, stoves, and other appliances that have special valves and burners designed to accept propane gas.
For outdoor grills and appliances, liquid propane is the more common fuel. It is sold in smaller portable tanks or bottles that connect directly to the grill, outdoor fire pit, or heater. The vast majority of grills sold in the U.S. burn liquid propane.
Chemically, there are slight differences between these fuels. Natural gas consists mostly of liquid methane, although it also contains other gases, including some amount of propane. Natural gas undergoes little refinement after being pumped from the ground it is very close to the same gas that comes from the earth. Commercial propane gas, on the other hand, is a refined fuel, one of the hydrocarbons that is extracted from natural gas. Because it is refined, propane requires less gas to produce the same BTU output as natural gas. But there are some distinct advantages to burning natural gas in grills and other outdoor appliances:
Natural Gas Grill Cons
Natural gas is not without its disadvantages. Because it requires an existing gas line to work, it can entail a significant time and financial investment if the home is not already set up. Similarly, being tied to a local source or outlet limits the grills portability.
And while the running cost of a natural gas barbecue is relatively low, the grills themselves are often sold at higher MSRPs than propane equivalents.
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No Upfront Cost For Installation
Propane gas, unlike natural gas, can easily be installed in any location since it comes in a bottle. This also means that you won’t have to pay any connection fees to install the product if your property is far away from the closest mains supply. So the decision to use propane gas may even up saving you hundreds of dollars, which means more beers and meat to go around.
Are There Any Dangers Associated With Gas Grills
Gas grills are actually very safe as long as you use them according to the specifications of the manufacturers. Some key things to remember about propane grills in particular:
- Store your cylinders outdoors or in a shed or well-ventilated space
- Dont smoke while working with your cylinder
- Never check for potential leaks using a lighter or matches
- Dont store your tanks in your garage
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Tips For Refilling Propane Tanks
- Note tank expiration dates. Some refill stations refuse to refill tanks that are over a specified age limit, some older than five years. Be sure to note when your tank will expire.
- You can get an older tank recertified to extend its lifespan if it is in good condition, but you will have to search for a recertification site in your area. You may also be able to exchange it for a newer one at some home improvement stores or other locations, though there may be a fee for this service.
How Does A Natural Gas Grill Work
A natural gas grill is a great way to cook outdoors. Natural gas is clean burning and easy to use. Heres how a natural gas grill works.
A natural gas grill has a small tank that connects to your homes natural gas line. The tank stores the gas until it is needed for cooking. When you turn on the grill, the gas flows from the tank to the burners. The heat from the burner ignites the gas, which cooks your food.
Natural gas grills are very efficient and easy to use. They produce less smoke than charcoal grills, so they are better for the environment. And, because they use a clean-burning fuel, they dont create as much soot and debris. This means that your food will taste better and be healthier for you.
If youre thinking about buying a natural gas grill, be sure to do your research. There are many different models on the market, and they vary in price and features. But, with a little bit of shopping around, you should be able to find the perfect grill for your needs.
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Features Of A Propane Grill:
Environmental impact: The environmental impact of using a propane grill is very low when compared to other cooking appliances. They do not require any kind of electrical power source to operate, which means that they are completely free from the negative impacts caused by electricity generation in regard to global warming or any other harmful effects on the environment.
Convenience: Using an LPG grill is much more convenient compared to other types because you do not need to spend time acquiring the fuel like you would with charcoal. It is also very easy to control the temperature on a propane grill, allowing you to cook at various levels of spiciness. They are good for both cold and hot days because they can easily dissipate heat while still providing enough warmth during cold weather.
Dry Heat: Propane grills produce dry heat rather than moist heat like charcoal-fired grills. This has its own repercussions, with some people preferring moist flavors while others enjoy dryness. Dry heat also produces searing which cooks food quickly because water evaporates fast when it meets high temperatures.
Energy efficiency: Convenient Propane grills use small amounts of fuel to cook, making them more energy efficient than other types of outdoor cooking appliances. They are very useful for times when you want to cook in places where electricity is not available, such as during camping trips or even fishing trips to remote areas.
The similarities of natural gas and propane grill:
Propane Grill Cylinder Exchange And Refill Program For Businesses
Propane grilling can benefit businesses and residential customers alike. Lakes Gas partners with businesses so they can offer on-site propane cylinder refills. Heres an overview of how we can help:
- Get your customers grilling and RVing. Youll find frame-mounted tanks and pumps at convenience stores and gas stations. Theyre ideal for filling grill tanks and tanks for recreational vehicles .
- Swap and Go Program for 20-lb. BBQ Cylinders. Commercial and residential customers can bring empty 20-lb. BBQ Cylinders to your business and swap them out for full cylinders there.
To become part of the Lakes Gas Cylinder Exchange and Refill Program for your Michigan, Minnesota or Wisconsin business, get in touch with us today.
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The Best Propane And Natural Gas Grills
Browsing for grills can be overwhelming, but there are a few serious contenders online for both natural gas and propane grills.
If you ask us, the highly rated Weber Genesis II Gas Grill is worth the investment. The model comes with three stainless-steel high-performance burners, a side burner and a sear station burner. The open cart design includes shelving for easy access and storage, and its iGrill3 compatiblewhich means you can use a wireless meat probe that can be monitored from your smartphone.
As far as propane grills go, the Master Cook Classic Liquid Propane Gas Grill is a top choice. The grill is equipped with 473 square inches of cooking space over porcelain-coated grates, and three stainless steel-inline burners for top cooking performance. The Piezo ignition system provides fast burner start-ups with just a simple button push. The grills foldable shelves are a nice touch, too.
