Gas Grills: Propane Vs Natural Gas
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.
Propane Or Natural Gas Which Is Better
Currently the propane grill is undoubtedly much more popular than the natural gas one. For those of you who have been wondering for a while about the difference between those two types of gas, we invite you to make yourselves familiar with the whole article where we have compared natural gas and propane.
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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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:
What You Need To Know About Natural Gas Grills
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A gas-powered grill burner running off the main gas supply is similar to how a hob and oven are set up in a home. Natural gas contains mainly methane combined with other gas types such as hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and low levels of helium.
Natural gas is extracted from deep underground and produces when animals and plants die. This leaves behind bio-matter as they start to decompose. This bio-matter then was exposed to to high heat that comes from the Earth’s core and extreme pressure from the rock layers. It releases the energy that the decaying organisms gained directly from the heat of the sun. When they turn into a gaseous state, the gas remains trapped until released from under the ground.
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How To Light Propane Grill Automatically
Most propane gas grills have an automatic igniter and separate regulator knobs for each burner. First, open the propane gas canister. Then turn the regulator for the burner nearest the igniter switch to the highest setting and push it in. The igniter should automatically send a spark to the burner. If not, use the igniter switch to start the grill. The other burners can then be turned on as needed and should ignite from the burner that is already alight.
If the automatic igniter fails, you can light the propane grill manually.
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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How Do I Choose The Right Natural Gas Grill For Me
When choosing a natural gas grill, there are several factors to consider, including the following:
Size: Natural gas grills come in a variety of sizes to accommodate different cooking needs. Choose a grill that is large enough to accommodate the amount of food you typically cook.
Features: As mentioned above, many natural gas grills come with built-in features such as side burners and rotisseries. Consider which features would be most useful for your cooking needs.
Budget: Natural gas grills range in price from around $100 to $1,000 or more. Determine how much you are willing to spend on a grill before beginning your search.
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:
Portable |
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Top 20 Best Propane Vs Natural Gas Grill Reviews & Comparison
Which best propane vs natural gas grill 2022 for you? Our site has in-depth comparisons and truth reviews that will help make your decision easy.
The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the house. Its where we cook our food, and its also a gathering place for family and friends. Thats why its important to have the best kitchen tools. And propane vs natural gas grill is one of those essential tools.
Not all propane vs natural gas grill are created equal. Some are essential, while others are just nice to have. We surveyed over 89907 reviews from the most reliable sources to find out what people think about their experience with this product, and here are our top 10 propane vs natural gas grill.
What Is Liquid Propane Grill
Liquid propane grills use gas to cook food. They are easy to use and offer many benefits over traditional grilling methods. Liquid propane grills cook food faster and at a higher temperature than charcoal grills, so they are ideal for cooking large cuts of meat or multiple items at once. Liquid propane grills are also easier to clean than charcoal grills.
Liquid propane is a hydrocarbon gas that is liquefied through pressurization. It is odorless, colorless, and non-toxic. LP is commonly used as a fuel for BBQ grills because it burns hotter and cleaner than other fossil fuels like natural gas or propane.
The main benefit of using an LP grill is that it offers a consistent cooking temperature. This is due to the fact that the gas is under pressure, which prevents it from cooling down too quickly. As a result, you can cook your food evenly without having to worry about flare-ups or hot spots.
LP grills also tend to be more affordable than other types of grills. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option, an LP grill is a good choice.
Another advantage of liquid propane grills is that they are easy to set up and use. Unlike charcoal grills, you dont need to light a fire or wait for the coals to heat up before you start cooking. All you need to do is turn on the gas and start cooking.
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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.
Propane Vs Natural Gas For Grilling: Blow

Theres a few different aspects of our two gases Taste, Price, Safety, Accessibility, & Environmental aspects. Which is most important to you? Below Ive compared each aspect for both gases. Keep in mind what matters most to you, and lets find out which type of gas would suit you personally the best.
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Differences Between Natural Gas And Propane
Many furnaces and other appliances use propane or natural gas as fuel. They can both keep your Charles Town, West Virginia, home warm and comfortable in winter. Natural gas is found underground, and it contains several different gases, including butane, propane, and methane. It can be a liquid or a compressed or uncompressed gas.
Propane, also called liquefied petroleum gas or LPG, is stored as a liquid after its separated from natural gas at a processing facility. Before you decide which fuel source is best for your home, you should consider the differences between natural gas and propane installation techniques, delivery methods, efficiency, compositions, and safety.
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Faq: What Is The Difference Between Low Pressure And High Pressure Propane
Low-pressure propane burners adjust the gas supply to approximately 6 ounces per square inch, while high-pressure burners adjust the gas supply to approximately 6 ounces. between 1 and 60 pounds per square inch. The difference in suction determines the burner application: external or internal.
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.
Also, most 1 lb tanks cannot be refilled .
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Propane Vs Natural Gas Grill: Which Is Better
When you buy a grill for barbecuing, there are a couple of choices to choose from. You can choose between those that are powered by propane and others that will use natural gas. It may seem to be a subtle difference. In reality, there is actually quite a bit of difference in regard to the final results in the performance of each of these units. So, propane vs natural gas grill – which one should you choose?
The high heat potential and convenience of liquid propane is the main reason why many Americans use it as their preferable grill fuel. But natural gas has started to gain popularity once again. Consumer reports indicate that natural gas used for grills now makes up 36% of the overall gas grill use within the U.S.
What Are The Benefits Of Using A Natural Gas Grill
There are many benefits of using a natural gas grill, including the following:
Natural gas is a clean-burning fuel source that produces less emissions than charcoal or propane grills.
Natural gas grills are typically less expensive to operate than their charcoal or propane counterparts.
Natural gas grills offer consistent cooking performance and temperature control.
Many natural gas grills come with built-in features such as side burners and rotisseries that further enhance their cooking capabilities.
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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 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.
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Pros And Cons Of A Natural Gas And Propane Grill:
Natural gas pros:
Allows for easier monitoring of cooking surface
Can be used outdoors or indoors
Saves space since you can attach additional equipment like a smoker to it in the future
Natural gas cons:
Requires professional installation fee
You might have to pay additional fees from the city for venting your homes system every month
Propane pros:
Portable and easy to use which makes it great for beginners
Fuel is available everywhere, so you dont have to worry about refills or running out of gas in the middle of cooking
Doesnt require complicated installations or venting systems because propane tanks are small enough to be placed near your grill or at least somewhere nearby. Propane grills are also more affordable than natural gas models.
Propane cons:
The temperature isnt as controllable since there are no valves that regulate how much gas is being released into the burner. Plus, propane tanks can be heavy and bulky especially if theyre full which makes the unit less portable.
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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