Natural Gas Grill Vs Propane

Difference #: Storage Space

Natural gas vs propane grills

For a propane grill, you need to place the tank somewhere near the grill. While many grills have a special place designed for the tank , the tank itself takes up space which youll have less for other things such as plates, utensils, condiments, spices, etc.

You dont have to worry about this with natural gas grills because the gas comes from an outlet that itself consists of a small hose.

Barbecue Grills Designed For Natural Gas

If you want to burn natural gas in your barbecue grill, the best strategy is simply to buy a grill that is designed to use this fuel. Such appliances will simply be labeled “natural gas grill” rather than “liquid propane grill.” Virtually all major grill manufacturers offer grills with special valves and burners designed to use natural gas, although you may need to special-order them. Because natural gas burns slightly cooler than propane, natural gas grills have valves and burner orifices that are slightly larger to allow for a larger volume of gas to flow. A grill with propane valves should never be used to burn natural gas unless an approved conversion has been performed.

The Ultimate Gas Grill Buying Guide: Natural Gas Vs Propane Grills

Grill Spot TeamThis is Part 3 of GrillSpots Ultimate Gas Grill Buying Guide

Gas grills can be powered by two different types of gas: natural gas and propane. The grilling experience doesnt differ too much between the two options, but they both offer benefits and drawbacks and you may have questions about grill performance and whether one option is better than the other.

In this section of the Ultimate Gas Grill Buying Guide, we will explore some of the most commonly asked questions about how natural gas and propane gas grills compare when to comes to:

Well also help you decide whether you should choose a natural gas or a propane grill.

Before we get started, lets take a moment to review the key differences between propane and natural gas grills.

  • Propane grills are powered by propane tanks or canisters, which can be purchased, exchanged, or refilled at various locations. If you have an in-ground propane tank, your grill can also be set up to draw from it, but this requires a special regulator.
  • Natural gas grills draw gas from a natural gas line. Youll need to already have a natural gas line installed, but you wont have to worry about replacing tanks or running out of gas during a grilling session.

Lets get cooking.

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What Burns Hotter Propane Vs Natural Gas

Propane burns hotter than natural gas.When natural gas is burnt in an outside air temperature of 21ºC or 68ºF, it is 1958ºC or 3556ºF. Whereas propane burns at a temperature of 1980ºC or 3597ºF. This is a difference of 24ºC or 42ºF.When a smoker or barbecue is built to use natural gas different valves are installed. The valves for natural gas allow more gas to enter the smoker or barbecues burner system.Due to the fact natural gas burn cooler, the larger valves allow more gas though to be burnt, this ensures the heat produced will be identical whether you buy the propane or natural gas model.

I mainly use my Weber Genesis at home. I have found that it defiantly heats and stays hotter than my old natural gas grill.

Gas Grills: Propane Vs Natural Gas

Not Sure if You Should Convert to Natural Gas?

Grills, Outdoor Kitchens

If youre in the market for a new grill, you may be trying to decide which type of grill you should buy. According to the HPBA 2014 State of the Barbecue Industry Report, sixty-one percent of households that own a grill, own a gas grill. The following information will help you with your decision by showing you the pros and cons of gas grills so that you can make an informed decision on whether you want to go with natural gas or liquid propane.

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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:

Natural Gas And Propane Are Both Environmentally Friendlyto A Degree

Both propane and natural gas are classified as environmentally friendly fuels by many experts. They are both clean-burning gases, though propane holds a slight edge as a more environmentally conscious choice because it will not cause any damage to the atmosphere if it is leaked. It is not a greenhouse gas. This is one key difference between propane and natural gas. Natural gas is primarily comprised of methane, which is a greenhouse gas.

While natural gas may technically be a greenhouse gas, it emits much lower levels of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and nitrous oxides than other fuels. Compared to coal, for example, natural gas emits 50 to 60 percent less carbon dioxide.

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Make The Choice That Is Right For You

How are you going to decide between a liquid propane grill or a natural gas grill? You need to evaluate which grill makes the most sense in your situation. If you prefer an outdoor grill that can be moved around your yard, choose one of the many great LP grills sold on Appliances Connection. If you prefer the cleaner burning of natural gas and the convenience of hooking it up to your natural gas utility line, then choose a natural gas grill from our site. Whichever fuel source you go with, has the grill to meet your needs.

Natural Gas Vs Propane Grills: Taste

Outdoor Kitchen Ideas (Propane vs Natural Gas…Crash Course)

Natural gas and propane are both odorless gases, but for safety reasons, both natural gas and propane gas providers add a smell so you can quickly tell if there is a gas leak. The smell dissipates when it is burned off, so both natural gas and propane are completely tasteless and will add no flavor to whatever they cook. You will not find a flavor difference between a hamburger cooked on a natural gas grill and an identical hamburger cooked on a propane gas grill.

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How To Convert Your Gas Grill To Natural Gas

There are a couple steps to converting and then installing a natural gas grill.

First, purchase a gas grill natural gas conversion kit from the manufacturer of your grill. Install the new parts by closely following the instructions.

Then, contact a local plumbing company to get a natural gas line run from your meter to your grill location, also known as a gas grill natural gas hookup. Your plumber will know this, but make sure the gas line is buried deep enough to meet local requirements, and not somewhere that you plan to plant a garden!

Propane Vs Natural Gas

Despite a growing number of people gradually choosing natural gas, propane is still the uncontested winner. It is becoming more common for manufacturers to offer both versions of grills to choose from in order to adapt to the clients needs. What to choose ? Both options come with their pros and cons, take a look at our stance on the topic and make your own decision on what will be better for you.

Remember that you cant run a natural gas grill on propane or the other way round.

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Difference #: Environmental Concerns

The Environmental Cost of Extracting Natural Gas vs Propane Gas

Which Is Better for the Environment: Propane or Natural Gas?

Its too difficult to say how much of an environmental impact extracting natural gas is on the environment. Because of the difficulty of measuring this, some say more while others say less. As of today, there isnt a standard or way to measure this.

But propane gas is a byproduct of processing crude oil, so it will be produced as long as oil and gasoline products are in use. Experts have tried to separate out the cost of it, but propane is too closely intertwined with the crude oil processing methods to be able to measure out separately.

The Environmental Cost of Delivering

Natural gas is delivered through the utility pipes beneath the urban center , so the environmental cost of using this type of grill when it comes to delivery has no environmental impact or cost at all.

Some common appliances that also use natural gas are ovens and hot water heaters.

Propane, on the other hand, poses a bit of a problem. Because propane is used and ported around in propane tanks, those tanks tend to end up in the landfill.

This can happen because the tank has some sort of defect or problem and it was cheaper or more convenient to simply toss out the old, empty tank rather than exchange or refill it.

Also, most 1 lb tanks cannot be refilled .

The tanks themselves are made of steel and aluminum, so theyre never going to break down in the landfill.

Propane Vs Natural Gas: How To Choose The Right Fuel For Grilling

Weber Master Touch Vs Premium Grill Comparison 2022

Natural gas grills are growing in popularity.

On the back of its convenience and high-heat potential, gas is Americas preferred grill fuel, and it has been for decades. Liquid propane is the leading force here, but natural gas has turned a corner, with consumer surveys reporting natural gas grill use is at an all-time high, making up 36 percent of total gas grill usage in the U.S. So, whats the difference between propane and natural gas, and which is better? There are three things you need to know.

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Natural Gas Vs Propane Grills: An Overview

So, is there a difference between a natural gas grill and a propane grill?

In short – yes.

You may have heard the two terms being used interchangeably, however, there are a few distinct differences between both.

They may look quite similar, both use gas and do the same job, but they are two grills in a class of their own.

Like many things in life, the choice between natural gas and propane grills comes down to personal preference and how you like your cook.

If convenience is the key to your grilling life, natural gas is the way to go.

Youre getting rid of the middle man and going right to the source. All you have to do is hook her up, strike a match, and cook until the sun comes up.

However, if you like to grill on the go, propane grills may be more up your alley. Not only can you go where the sun goes, but propane grills also cook up a mean sear as well as anything else you throw its way.

When it comes to pricing, natural gas is much cheaper in the long run. This is especially true if you already have a natural gas line at home.

However, the initial purchase of a propane grill is generally cheaper than a natural gas grill, so it depends on which area youre looking to save money.

Natural Gas Vs Propane

There are several things that you need to consider before you decide on the right type of gas for your home. These include the cost, maintenance, and eco-friendliness of the unit. You will also want to find out how long it will take to get the gas installed, and how it compares to oil and electricity.

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More Efficient Than Oil Or Electricity

Natural gas is a more efficient way to heat your home than electricity or oil. However, which is the better choice depends on your needs and budget. It can be helpful to compare the various options available.

Natural gas is an environmentally friendly alternative to oil and electricity. It’s also cost effective. Although you’ll pay a little more than you would with electricity or oil, it’s generally the more cost-effective option in most areas.

You can use natural gas for more than just heating. For example, you can use it for cooking, laundry, and water heaters. Using gas for these purposes can make a big difference in your overall energy usage.

Whats The Best Fuel For Your Summer Barbecue

Convert Weber BBQ Grill To Natural Gas or Propane

As cookout season heats up, would-be grillers are often left at a crossroads is natural gas the better fuel choice or is propane?

Each setup offers its own advantages, but there are also downsides to both options. Natural gas setups tend to cost more upfront, for example, but they can potentially save money and add serious convenience in the long run. In reality, theres far more nuance to the decision. Heres a breakdown of the finer details to help you make the best choice.

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Natural Gas Vs Propane Grill Direct Comparison

CONTENTSJayden Lawson

Nothing quite says summer like throwing a few burgers on the barbecue, grilling up some delicious grub for friends and family. If youre new to the grilling world, you may be wondering which is better – propane gas or natural gas grills?

Theres been a big debate among pitmasters for years, with natural gas grills slowly overtaking the market. But, why the sudden population growth?

Well, in this article were going to cover all you need to know about propane vs natural gas. The similarities, the differences, and which one we personally choose to cook our juicy steaks on.

Converting From Propane To Natural Gas For Outdoor Grilling

Andy Arthur / Flickr / CC BY-3.0

Gas-burning appliances, including outdoor barbecue grills, gas fireplaces, and patio space heaters, are designed to burn one of two different types of fuel. The majority of grills and outdoor appliances are designed to burn liquid propane fuelthe fuel that comes in tanks or bottles that you periodically must refill or replace. But homeowners increasingly are turning to outdoor appliances that burn the same natural gas that serves the indoor gas appliancesmostly because natural gas is a more plentiful, cheaper fuel. For a family that grills frequently, the cost savings can total hundreds of dollars each year. And because natural gas appliances can usually be tapped into the home’s natural gas lines, it eliminates the need for cumbersome tanks that always seem to run empty just when you’re grilling a big meal.

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Propane Grill Vs Natural Gas Grill: Whats Better

A good grill can take your cooking experience to a whole new level with a juicy splash and smokey flavor in the food. Choosing between a natural gas grill and propane grill can be a daunting job because both have their pros and cons. The best thing to consider to get your grill is the taste of the food, cooking convenience, and grilling cost.

In terms of taste, with variable cooking time, youll get the same flavor to the food. However, some people also reported that their food smell like propane after cooking them with propane, which is because of the wrong cooking method. For convenience, the propane will get you a much convenient cooking experience with mobility and higher heat, especially if you have to move around. The cost with natural gas is almost rd of the propane tanks to help you cut the cost for regular grilling.

Final Thought

Getting your first grill can be confusing instead, its a daunting job to get it right if you dont know which fuel you should get. If you have to choose between a propane grill vs natural gas grill for your next shopping, you must know their pros and cons. The bottom line is, you have to get the one that can get you the output you need depending on your situation.

You May Have To Buy New Fittings For Your Appliances

Natural Gas Vs. Propane

Many appliances can work with either propane or natural gas . They will, however, require special gas utilization fittings for each fuel source, because propane and natural gas operate with different levels of pressure.

Some appliances come with conversion kits when you buy them. If not, you should be able to order a kit from the manufacturer. There is more to a conversion, though, than simply replacing a fitting: Since regulators and burners will most likely need to be adjusted, a licensed professional should perform this conversion. If your appliances arent convertible, you will need to buy new ones that can accept natural gas.

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Propane Vs Natural Gas Grills: Temperature

While propane does have more than twice the BTUs of natural gas, propane fittings are smaller than natural gas fittings and release less gas. This means that the burners on a propane grill will ultimately produce the same sized flame as a natural gas grill, with similar temperatures.

If you are noticing issues with the temperature of your grill or you are seeing a low flame, you may need to clean your grill or perform some simple maintenance.

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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