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!
Directions To Convert Weber Bbq Grills To Ng Or Lp Fuel
Weber Barbecue Grills Can Be Converted To Natural Gas or to Liquid Propane Fuel For Cooking.
Although Weber does not permit gas conversions any longer the policy does not make the process any less simple than it has always been.
American Made Weber Models manufactured before 2007 have the ability to stay in use for multiple decades with minimal replacements.
We rescued this old Weber barbecue grill. A client purchased a new Weber barbecue and asked us to dispose of this old model.
Our work ethics are very strict so please note we tried vehemently to dissuade the client from buying a new model instead of repairing this old model. A 20 year old Weber is worth 10 of the new barbecues being sold with the Weber name on them today.
Neither here not there.
We go get requests for assistance with Weber barbecue grill gas conversions. We get these requests because we know gas barbecue repair technology very well with many, many years of experience and because Weber made all their dealers sign a legal contract agreeing not to convert fuel type in any Weber models.
Which is nuts! Even as a Weber warranty service provider we and they are not permitted to perform a process as ridiculously simple as converting to natural gas or converting to propane.
NG or LP connection feeds gas to the manifold but the amount fed into the burner is determined by the size of the hole in the orifice.
Slide off the burner to access the gas orifice.
Obviously right?
Last thing to consider:
Can You Convert A Weber Gas Grill To Propane
Weber Barbecue Grills CanGasPropaneWeber doesgasdoes
Propane offers some advantages over natural gas to certain users because propane canisters make the grill portable. Additionally, propane is readily available for purchase at gas stations and home improvement stores. Converting a natural gas BBQ to use propane can be done at home however, caution should be taken.
Subsequently, question is, how do you tell if a grill is propane or natural gas? The serial tag and rating plate contain the gas type information, either natural gas or liquid propane . If a gas product is converted to the other type of gas, a sticker is placed near the original serial tag and rating plate to indicate the gas type change.
Likewise, people ask, can you convert a Weber natural gas grill to propane?
Like converting the type of fuel used in any barbecue grill, converting Weber barbecue grills is not difficult. Fuel conversion means changing the in-coming gas connection, changing the regulator for liquid propane or natural gas and then changing each orifice for the type of fuel being regulated.
Can I use natural gas orifice for propane?
Natural gas is fed at a smaller pressure than propane, so to get the same heating value , a natural gas orifice has to be smaller than a propane one. This suggests that you can convert a natural gas appliance to a propane one and vice versa by changing the orifice on the gas valve.
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Convert A Propane Grill To Natural Gas In 3 Easy Steps
There is a question we see frequently: can you hook a propane grill to natural gas? Although propane is still the most popular gas grill choice, natural gas has become increasingly more popular in recent years. Once a natural gas line is installed, you will no longer have to worry about running out of gas mid-cook or frequently replacing propane tanks.
While you should never hook a propane gas grill to a natural gas line without first converting it for natural gas, it is a relatively easy process. Follow these simple steps below.
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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Turn Off Your Gas At The Main And At The Canister
Were changing two gas sources here, so before we do anything we need to turn off both before we proceed. Its important to take strict safety precautions, and halting all gas flow is the best way to do this.
Firstly, switch off your natural gas at the main. Next, disconnect your propane bottle or canister, and store it away. As an added measure, open a valve to allow any residual gas from the manifold to escape, before then setting every valve to off. This should ensure that all gas has left the grill.
How To Convert Your Weber Grill To Natural Gas
August 31, 2017 By David
If your Weber grill is designed to run on propane and you want to convert it over to natural gas then this article will show you what you need to do. Please keep in mind that although Weber used to routinely supply conversion kits they now state that performing the conversion is dangerous and will void your warranty.
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Convert Weber Summit Models To Natural Gas Or Propane
Converting a barbecue grill is generally a very simple thing. The parts are simple, simply installed and not confusing. All this is true for those who allow simplicity. We have clients who make the process confusing by trying to change parts that should not be changed and the damage they cause themselves is the primary reason so many barbecue manufacturers do not want to sell conversion parts. Of the BBQ manufacturers who do still sell conversion kits, the kits often include the regulator, gas hose, adaptors, manifold, all the control valves, orifices and all these parts are already assembled. This is convenient because all we have to do is uninstall the entire gas assembly and reinstall the entire assembly. There is nothing for the installer to touch that also touches gas. Unfortunately this solution also involves purchasing a lot of parts that are not essential to the conversion so a bill ends up being two-hundred dollars instead of thirty dollars. Weber Conversion Grill Parts.
Weber no longer sells conversion kits to convert any of their models although until they changed the manufacturing they were the type of company who sold the entire assembled manifold as a conversion. With Weber no longer permitting the fuel conversions even among licensed gas technicians who are authorized Weber warranty services there in no longer a list of which replacement parts fit which models from what years of production.
Propane Vs Natural Gas Grills
Gas grills are available in two options: natural gas andpropane models. Both gases are common fossil fuels and commercially used across the majority of North American households for cooking and heating.
Strictly speaking, the grills themselves arent that different regarding outer appearance. Major components i.e. burners, grates, lid, grease tray, and whatnot are virtually the same, while the grills overall performance isnt that distinguishable either. In fact, you wouldnt be able to tell the differences once the grills are up and ready for action. So, what gives?
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Can You Convert A Propane Weber Grill To Natural Gas
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In order to convert a Weber barbecue grill to use Natural Gas or to use Propane we will need to change all the orifices in the barbecue. Remove the orifice in the tip of the control valve. The orifice hex-head should measure 3/8 inch across ther diameter from flat-to-flat.
Also, can you convert any BBQ to natural gas? Make sure your grill is designed for dual fuel and able to run off of natural gas. Not every propane grill can use natural gas, so be sure to consult your owner’s manual. Buy a conversion kit. A conversion kit enables you to turn a propane gas grill into a natural gas grill.
Considering this, can I use propane on a natural gas grill?
Unfortunately, you cannot take a liquid propane grill, buy the necessary fittings and simply attach it to the natural gas line. Liquid propane gas burns hotter than natural gas and therefore, the valves and orifices are designed for a lower gas flow than a natural gas grill.
Why are natural gas grills more expensive than propane?
Natural gas is also cheaper than propane and is considered to be a greener gas because it burns cleaner. You’ll also need a professional to install the line and to hook up your grill, so your up-front costs could be high, particularly if you live some distance from a natural gas main.
Convert Propane Grill To Natural Gas Orifice Size
The volume of gas entering the cook box is determined by gas pressure, control valve, and orifice size. Among the trio, the orifice is arguably the most critical factor, given its diversity and the number of BBQ-lovers around the country.
When converting from one gas to the other, youll notice that any conversion kit will include something that looks like a nozzle whose end has a hole called orifice. Small as the orifice is, it makes all the difference in the world for a grill to be a functional appliance or a death trap.
The valve orifice fitting has a hole bored at the center whose aperture diameter varies depending on the grills input BTU, but the gist usually goes as follows:
| BTU > Orifice Size Conversion Chart |
|---|
| BTU per Hour Input |
| Natural Gas: 1,050 BTU 0.65 SP GRPropane: 2,500 BTU 1.53 SP GR |
Be advised that our table covers only the most common orifice sizes and BTU inputs found in the majority of gas grills, so theres a chance that your grill may not be in here. If such is the case, please contact the official manufacturer for further details.
The BTU figure is usually printed on the grills label or the users instruction manual, while the orifices diameter can be found on the top or side of the nozzle. For example: a #56 orifice indicates that the hole is bored using a #56 drill bit. If your grill has a BTU input of, say, roughly 14,000, a natural gas grill needs a #49 orifice while a propane-fueled grill needs a #57 orifice.
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How To Convert A Propane Grill To Natural Gas Step By Step With Video
This is the guide you need for liquid propane to natural gas grill conversion. Learn what to consider before you start, two videos showing how to convert the most popular grill brands, and a step by step written guide to help make the conversion easy and seamless.
Today Im going to show you exactly how to convert a propane grill to natural gas. Ill be covering the same process the professionals use and include two videos showing step-by-step propane to natural gas grill conversions for two major brands of grills.
Although it may seem daunting, converting from propane to natural gas is actually a straightforward process. But there are some things you need to be aware of and consider to make sure it goes smoothly and safely. We cover it all in this guide.
Lets dive right in.
Key Takeaways for Converting from Propane to Natural Gas
- You must make sure you have a mains gas supply, or can get one, before you start.
- Make sure your grill is convertible not all are!
- An official kit from your grills manufacturer is recommended to convert from propane to natural gas.
- The work itself is easy to follow. You should be capable, just follow the videos below.
- If youre not confident, many plumbers and gas companies can make the conversion for you.
Contents
How Do I Convert My Weber Grill From Natural Gas To Propane
Some still utilize charcoal, while others run on propane or natural gas. Additionally, propane is readily available for purchase at gas stations and home improvement stores. Converting a natural gas BBQ to use propane can be done at home however, caution should be taken.
Secondly, why are natural gas grills more expensive? Natural gas is also cheaper than propane and is considered to be a greener gas because it burns cleaner. You’ll also need a professional to install the line and to hook up your grill, so your up-front costs could be high, particularly if you live some distance from a natural gas main.
Consequently, can a Weber Spirit grill be converted to natural gas?
In order to convert a Weber barbecue grill to use Natural Gas or to use Propane we will need to change all the orifices in the barbecue. This 88832 orifice was used in Weber Spirit and Genesis models with side-mounted control valves Only when the original orifice is three-eighths hex-head diameter.
Can you convert a Napoleon BBQ from propane to natural gas?
Napoleon N370-0956 Propane to Natural Gas Conversion Kit for Prestige P500RB. This kit is to convert your Prestige 500 from Propane to Natural Gas.
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What Is Involved In Converting The Grill
To switch fuel sources you are going to need to change the regulator and install new orifices for each burner tube.
Something to keep in mind is that you will need to change the orifice for EVERY burner on the grill including any side burners and, if you have a Summit, rotisserie burners.
Actually changing out the orifice for each burner is pretty easy. Here is how you perform the swap in older grills which have side mounted burner controls:
Here is how you perform the swap in newer grills with front mounted burner controls.
The conversion is inexpensive with each orifice costing around $6 and regulators costing about $40.
Where Do You Find Gas To Propane Conversion Kits
Weber no longer sells these kits. You may have to go to sites like eBay to find them. Do not use conversion kits that have visible wear and tear, or worse, breaks. Remember, you are doing something that is not considered to be advisable by the manufacturer. So, you are taking your safety into your own hands.
Its worth noting that some grills will not have compatible conversion kits out there. If this is the case, then you should not try to convert the grill at all. Sure, there may be universal conversion kits sold by shady third parties, but do you really want to take that risk? We think not.
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How To: Gas Conversion
Today, Weber is very clear that they don’t want customers doing gas conversionsOften times these conversion kits fail.roaring burnersReplace the entire manifold assembly with one designed for the desired fuel type.Replacing Your ManifoldUse Pipe Dope To Seal Gas ConnectionsConverting To Natural Gas? Check Your Gas Pressure & Install Correct Piping“This barbecue is designed to operate at 7 inches of water column pressure .”If you’re converting from natural gas to propane,Connect Propane Grill To House Propane Tank
Liquid Propane and Natural Gas Are Not InterchangeableHow Does Fuel Type Affect Grill Parts?Fixed vs. Continuous Valve Spoolsfixed valve spoolscontinuous valve spool
Converting Weber Genesis Grill To Natural Gas
Converting Weber Genesis Grill To Natural Gas – Weber Spirit E-310 Black Review – Natural Gas Grill | Meet / If you’re interested in converting to gas, the following tips can help yo.. Learn the advantages of natural gas. Camryn rabideau is a freelance writer and product reviewer. If you’re looking to get a lower rate on natural gas, you’ll want to compare your local rates from different companies. You might be tempted to trade it in for a new one, but with. Whether you’re setting up a welding business or outfitting your home garage, it’s important to know how to buy a gas cylinder.
You can typically find it for around $950. After a few years, your gas grill can start looking worse for the wear. Some still utilize charcoal, while others run on propane or natural gas. Camryn rabideau is a freelance writer and product reviewer. Make sure you know local requirements for where you live before you begin your project, though, to make sure that you don’t break laws.
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