Why Should You Convert A Grill From Natural Gas To Propane
As we talk about natural gas and propane gas grill, both come with unique advantages. However, using a natural gas grill will limit portability.
It happens because these grills are connected with the natural gas supply line at home, and you cant move it after installation without professional help. On the contrary, propane run barbecue grills come with a portable propane tank.
These tanks are around 20 lbs weight and can be easily moved from one place to another. Also, propane is readily available in the nearest CNG or LPG stations. So, you can take the grill anywhere for a lovely weekend party or even a beach party.
However, getting a brand new propane grill can be a bit expensive. Thus, converting your existing natural gas grill to a propane base is an easy and cost-cutting alternative.
Also, the converting natural gas grill to propane is pretty straightforward. So, why not opt for convenience?
Convert Propane Fire Pit To Natural Gas
While it isn’t difficult, you need to take care and use proper safety precautions whenever dealing with prop. You may be considering changing over from oil to natural gas because of the cost savings. There is no conversion kit. I have a propane grill that i would like to convert to use natural gas. Converting from propane to natural gas for your grill and other outdoor appliances might be the best strategy.
How To Convert A Propane Grill To Natural Gas
For this entry, well walk you through how to convert a propane grill to natural gas and the other way around. That way, youll have the option and know-how to make all the necessary changes for your BBQ cook fest.
Depending on the factory-default design & features, a gas grill runs on either propane or natural gas. And more often than not, a gas grill is compatible with only one type of gas determined by manufacturers.
Things dont have to be that rigid though: contrary to popular belief, you can alternate between the two gases when certain needs arise. Converting a gas grill is a tricky process, but if done properly, you can save a considerable sum from unnecessary purchases.
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Comparisons Between Natural Gas And Liquid Propane
Most people have no idea that the natural gas they use is actually composed of various types of gases such as ethane, butane, methane, and propane. Propane is the raw part of natural gas that is separated from the other gasses during the processing stage at most facilities. In the past few years, natural gas has emerged as the new alternative fuel for liquid propane.
While a natural gas installation costs a lot initially, the fuel costs much less in the long run. Natural gas tends to taste much cleaner but it is less effective than propane. You may consider natural gas for your outdoor kitchen or to create an in-built grill. However, if you are a beginner or occasional griller, we suggest that you stick with propane.
Use of energy
Liquid propane contains about twice the energy as compared to natural gas, hence it is much more efficient than the latter. In an hour, a natural gas burner burns up about 97 cubic feet, while a propane furnace burns only about 40 cubic feet.
One cubic foot of propane is 2,516 BTUs, and one cubic foot of natural gas is 1,030 BTUs. So, given the fact that liquid propane contains more than double the energy available in natural gas, its much more efficient than the latter
Cost factor
Effect on the environment
Propane is known to be one of the cleanest fossil fuels. Several tests by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency indicate that propane-fueled vehicles emit up to 90% less percentage of carbon monoxide.
Safety measures
If Unsure Please Speak To An Expert
If youre not confident of the laws surrounding the fitting of an NG grill or arent confident of following the process yourself, please stop here and consult a professional.
Its illegal to run flexible hosing for NG in some areas, so you will need to fit a fixed permanent supply. You must check on this before beginning.
And of course, if you improperly fit the natural gas supply, it could leak and be a fire hazard, so you need at least some competence with hand tools.
With that out the way, lets get to the meat of the article.
But before we detail our step-by-step guide to help you complete your mission, we feel you should familiarize yourself with the process via video. Here are two of the most popular grill brands being converted on film.
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Remove The Lp Regulator
Using a wrench, remove the LP regulator hose assembly from the manifold connection. Save this part in case you want to convert back to propane.
Your LP regulator hose will be located in either the cart or under the side burner shelf.
If the manifold connection is located inside the cart, insert your converter kits natural gas hose through the back panel and into the cart. Guide the hose to the manifold connection.
If its in the side burner, you can also guide the hose through the panel and towards the connection in the side burner area of the grill.
Secure the natural gas hose to the connection securely using a wrench.
Are You Sure You Want To Convert To Natural Gas A Recap Of The Benefits
Aside from never running out of fuel mid grill, natural gas grills come with many other benefits over propane:
- Lower energy costs NG is more economical.
- Better for the environment NG is the cleanest-burning fossil fuel.
- Convenience no need to schedule deliveries or pick up new and return empty canisters.
- Natural gas piped straight to the grill is safer and easier with no more canisters.
- Some would say the taste is better too.
Need more details and persuasion? Be sure to check out our Propane Vs. Natural Gas Grill comparison guide.Are you already decided?
Well, read on to find out the main things to consider before you start the conversion work, and more importantly, exactly how to do it!
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Can I Convert My Gas Grill
Here in North America, gas grills run off of two basic types of fuel propane , and natural gas, which is usually made up mostly of methane.
Each Weber gas grill sold in North America is designed to be used with one of those two types of fuel.
Propane gas grills usually use a standard 20 lb. tank, which are available at most hardware stores, specialty propane dealers, and also at convenience store/gas station exchanges. Propane grills are sometimes also run off of bulk propane tank systems, but they have to be connected using a Weber bulk LP installation kit .
Natural gas grills are connected to a home natural gas system, and the gas is typically provided by a utility company or municipal government.
Both versions of gas grills have their benefits and drawbacks. A propane model can be taken virtually anywhere, but will need to have the tank refilled or exchanged as needed. A natural gas grill will never need to have a tank refilled, but natural gas is not available everywhere.
The benefits and drawbacks I just outlined are the main reason why grill owners sometimes want to convert their grill. They may have a natural gas grill and have now moved to an area where natural gas isnt available. Or, they may have a propane grill and dont want to deal with refilling or exchanging tanks anymore.
How Long Does A Liquid Propane Tank Last
Most of the mid-size barbecues use a regular 20-pound propane tank that can give you about 18-20 hours of grilling time. The larger grills can use a tank in as less as 10 hours. As you get more experienced with how your grill performs when the tank is full, you will be able to sense it when the fuel runs low.
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How Do You Convert A Propane Grill To A Natural Gas Grill
To convert a propane grill to natural gas, find out whether or not you can do it by using the ways listed above and see if the conversion is even possible. If not, theres no reason to take any further steps.
If you can convert the grill, the next step is to run a new gas line. Without a new gas line thats dedicated to the grill, theres no reason to go through all the hassle of converting the grill because a natural gas grill is utterly useless without a gas line.
Youll want to purchase a conversion kit thats specific to the grill being converted. Not just any conversion kit will do!
For example, if someone is converting a Char-Broil model 8216842R04 grill bought in 2020 or later, the Char-Broil 8216842R04 Natural Gas Conversion Kit is the one he would need.
Youll need to gather any tools youll need to perform the conversion, which could include pipe wrenches, adjustable wrenches, socket, drills, and more.
Once you have all that stuff together, youre ready to make the conversion.
Here is a video that shows you the complete propane to natural gas grill conversion using a conversion kit for people who are looking for pointers:
While It Isn’t Difficult You Need To Take Care And Use Proper Safety Precautions Whenever Dealing With Prop
Converting to gas can make financial sense, but there’s more to be aware of. If you’re interested in converting to gas, the following tips can help yo. Converting from propane to natural gas for your grill and other outdoor appliances might be the best strategy. Whether your fire pit is a means of cooking outdoors or simply provides diversion, many people enjoy passing an evening sitting around a crackling fire in a fire pit. While it isn’t difficult, you need to take care and use proper safety precautions whenever dealing with prop. There is no conversion kit. There is no conversion kit i can find on the internet or at stores. You’re just one saturday away from spending dreamy su. In fact, you can make a fully functional and safe fire pit in a single afternoon without any knowledge of masonry. Learn all you need to know about outdoor natural gas fire pits, from design options to safety tips. Just when you think you can relax in front of your fire pit, it doesn’t light. Converting a propane gas log to one that operates on natural gas can be accomplished with a suitable conversion kit. Although propane barbecue grills are familiar, you can also buy natural gas sets.
Keep safety precautions a priority as you build your fire to avoid unnece. There is no conversion kit. In fact, you can make a fully functional and safe fire pit in a single afternoon without any knowledge of masonry.
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How To Convert A Gas Bbq To Propane
- Written by Elizabeth Pflaum on Dec 28, 2009To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience.Reviewed by
Many gas BBQ grill owners find propane tanks to be more cost-effective and convenient than natural gas tanks. Propane tanks can be delivered right to your door and are also easily refillable. Unless natural gas is piped directly into your home, propane is probably the way for you to go. Expect the conversion process to take a good three hours.
Because natural gas has less energy than propane gas, the orifice on the valve must be larger for propane to allow more gas to mix with air. Therefore, you may have to drill a hole or purchase a new orifice. This job takes a fair amount of experience. There are some manufacturers who take the position that drilling a hole in the orifice violates the warranty. Therefore, any questions or concerns that arise should be addressed by a professional.
Step 1 – Remove the Cap on the Pressure Regulator
Using a flat-head screwdriver, turn the cap on your pressure regulator and remove it. Tighten the cap underneath and make sure it reads LP.
Step 2 – Snap the Plunger Into Place
Turn the plunger over, remove it, and then snap the plunger back into its original place. Be sure to re-insert the cap into the regulator and tighten it.
Step 3 – Turn the Top Burner Valves
Key Differences Between Natural Gas And Propane
The most prominent difference between these two fuels is the method by which they are delivered at your home. Not every state or city has the option of natural gas or propane. So, this may be varied depending on the city you live in. You may be restricted to a single option or need to convert if you have moved recently.
The method in which the fuel is stored and refilled is also important differentiating factors. While the natural gas stays in a gaseous state and is delivered to homes using a pipeline, additional deliveries are not needed, but the infrastructure needs to be developed.
Building an infrastructure form the scratch includes digging up the yard to receive the pipeline. The cost involves converting all the home appliances to be compatible with natural gas, and hiring contractors to help you with the upgrade. For complete conversion, it may cost over $10,000.
Switching to propane due to a move or any other reason is comparatively easier as this type of fuel comes in portable canisters or storage tanks. The tanks are refillable and you need to go to a nearby retail location or request the service provider for delivery.
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Keep Your Outdoor Kitchen Clean With A Durable Vent Hood
Once you install your natural gas grill, be sure to install an outdoor range hood as well. It will keep the smoke and fumes produced from your grill outside of your patio. At Proline, our outdoor vent hoods are manufactured with a sleek outdoor-rated 304 stainless steel that is stain and scratch-resistant. Take a look at our professional outdoor hoods below.
Thats it for our article on how to connect a gas grill to your house. Its not something we recommend that you DIY, but if you want to tackle the project, have a professional plumber or gas fitter inspect your work.
For more home improvement ideas, check out our articles below.
Does A Natural Gas Grill Need A Regulator
For safety reasons, invest in a regulator for your natural gas grill. Natural gas grills require a pressure rating of 4 WC .
When you run the gas to different appliances like your water heater, furnace, or gas grill, pressure regulators decrease the PSI so that your gas lines remain intact. This is why its important to regulate the pressure running to your gas grill. Natural gas is supplied by your city or county at a specific pressure. Consult your contractor to determine this pressure.
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Propane To Natural Gas
The most common reason for people making this conversion is that theyre tired of constantly buying propane tanks when theirs are empty, and its a huge hassle to be in the middle of grilling and suddenly run out of gas. Because these two things are regular occurrences with propane gas grills, many people prefer switching to natural gas.
Natural Gas To Propane
This conversion is more challenging, so not as many people undertake it. However, those that do usually want a way to have a more portable grill. Natural gas grills limit the number of places where people can grill to areas with natural gas hookups, which means they cant just pack up the grill and travel with it wherever they want to go.
All people need to make a propane grill function is a tank of propane, which they can easily carry anywhere they want to go, giving them more freedom in where they can grill.
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Can You Convert Any Propane Grill To Natural Gas
Basically, no. Many grills are capable, and you can purchase kits to make the change. Also, many forums and YouTube videos show how to convert grills that supposedly cannot be. However, these are unofficial hacks, void any warranty you have, and in case of a fire would almost definitely invalidate any insurance you have.
If you have a grill that cannot be converted but are sure you want to cook with natural gas, check out our guide to the best NG grills.
Fitting The Kit And Connecting The Grill
Mark Jenner
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