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Natural Gas Vs Propane Grills
From the beginning of barbecue, there’s been the age-old debate about natural gas versus propane. One isn’t universally “better” than the other; the decision usually comes down to cost, availability, and personal preference and they each have certain qualities and limitations that make it the more practical choice in specific situations.
Both clean burning energy sources are easy to use and quickly provide high heat, which is why gas grills are the most popular choice among home cooks today. The most important thing to keep in mind is that you can't use natural gas with a propane grill, and vice versa, because gas orifices are sized differently to accommodate the different pressures of each gas. Though some grill brands sell conversion kits that allow you to change the orifices, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with what separates natural gas from propane. No matter which one you choose, proper ventilation is essential. You can learn more about barbecue island vent panels, why they’re an important safety measure in case of a gas leak, and how to properly place them in our Barbecue Island Ventilation Guide.
Pros & Cons of Natural Gas
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If there's one thing you must know about natural gas, it's that this fuel is run through the home like any other utility. Because of this setup, those who already have a natural gas supply piped in will probably find it to be the best fuel source for their grill. Most natural gas models come with a kit that makes hooking up the grill to the gas line quick and easy, not to mention that natural gas is generally cheaper than propane and will never run out in the middle of cooking.
Getting a new natural gas line installed, however, is often expensive and can result in your backyard being uprooted by professionals laying down the lines. It's a considerable cost up front—especially if you live far from the main distribution line—but using natural gas rather than propane will still save you more money over time if you grill frequently. On average, it costs between $0.15 to $0.75 per hour to run a natural gas grill, but this number will depend on your location and the specific cost for natural gas in your area. Also keep in mind that how much gas you use depends on how many burners you have running at one time, which will impact the cost per hour.
One disadvantage of natural gas is that it will lock you into place wherever your natural gas line is plumbed. This isn’t an issue with built-in grills but does remove the convenience of mobility in freestanding grills.
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Pros & Cons of Liquid Propane
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Liquid propane gas is commonly used in 20 lb tanks that sit beside or inside of your grill cart. Propane tanks can be purchased and refilled at many hardware stores and home improvement stores. A hose and regulator are required to supply and regulate the gas to your grill. Some residences have large, in-ground propane tanks. In this case the grill would be set up for propane, but it may require a special regulator for the gas line. One of the notable advantages of propane is its portability. Freestanding grills can be moved around the patio as needed and portable grills can attach to smaller 1 lb tanks that can be found at several grocery stores and big box stores near the camping supplies. Propane typically provides more British Thermal Units, more commonly known as BTUs, which allow the grill to heat more efficiently. BTUs are the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of liquid water by one degree. The higher BTU output of propane makes it an excellent fuel choice for grilling, offering quick, efficient heating and precise temperature control.
Upfront, it costs less to use propane than natural gas since there is no need for a licensed plumber to run a gas line, though overtime that won’t always be true since propane will need to be refilled, making natural gas the cheaper option in the long run. When cooking with propane gas, it costs an average of $1.25 per hour, but like natural gas, this cost will vary depending on your location, your grill’s BTUs and how many burners you’re using on your grill.
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Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or just starting out, the choice between natural gas and propane is a personal one that hinges on your specific needs and circumstances. Both fuels offer unique benefits that can enhance your grilling experience. If you’re still undecided or have more questions about which option is best for you, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our experts are just a phone call away and ready to assist you with personalized advice to ensure you make the most of your outdoor cooking adventures. Call us today at (877) 743-2269 and take the first step towards your ideal barbecue setup. Happy grilling!