Choosing The Right Grill Gas is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your outdoor cooking setup. The type of gas you select directly affects your grill’s performance, flavor output, and operating costs over time.
Most gas grills run on either propane or natural gas, each offering distinct advantages depending on your grilling style and setup. Understanding the differences between these fuel types will help you make the best choice for your backyard cooking needs.
TL;DR
- Propane tanks provide 2,500 BTUs per cubic foot compared to natural gas at 1,000 BTUs per cubic foot.
- Natural gas costs about $1.30 per therm while propane averages $2.50 per gallon for equivalent cooking power.
- Propane grills reach cooking temperature 15-20% faster than natural gas models.
- Natural gas requires a permanent gas line installation costing $200-800 but eliminates tank refills.
Choosing The Right Grill Gas
The two main gas options for grilling are propane (LP) and natural gas, each with specific benefits that make them suitable for different situations. Propane comes in portable tanks that you can refill or exchange, while natural gas connects directly to your home’s gas line through a permanent hookup.
Your choice depends on several factors including convenience, cost, performance requirements, and your grilling location. Let’s break down each option so you can decide which gas type works best for your setup.
Propane Gas Advantages
Propane offers superior portability and higher heat output, making it the go-to choice for many grill enthusiasts. You can take propane grills anywhere – from your backyard to camping trips and tailgating events.
The higher BTU output of propane means faster preheating and better searing capabilities. This makes propane ideal if you frequently cook steaks, burgers, or other foods that benefit from high-heat cooking methods.
Key Propane Benefits
- Portability – Take your grill anywhere without gas line restrictions.
- Higher heat output – Burns hotter for better searing and faster cooking.
- No installation required – Simply connect a tank and start grilling.
- Consistent pressure – Maintains steady flame throughout the tank’s life.
- Works during power outages – Independent of electrical systems.
Propane Drawbacks
- Tank refills – Need to monitor fuel levels and refill regularly.
- Higher fuel costs – More expensive per BTU than natural gas.
- Storage requirements – Must store tanks safely outdoors.
- Limited cooking time – Standard 20-lb tank provides 18-20 hours of cooking.
Natural Gas Benefits
Natural gas provides unlimited fuel supply and lower operating costs once you install the gas line connection. You’ll never run out of gas mid-cookout or need to haul heavy tanks around.
The convenience factor is huge – just turn on your grill and start cooking without checking tank levels or planning refill trips. Natural gas works especially well for frequent grillers who use their equipment several times per week.
Natural Gas Advantages
- Unlimited supply – Never run out of gas during cooking.
- Lower operating costs – Typically 50% cheaper than propane per BTU.
- No tank management – No refilling, exchanging, or storing tanks.
- Environmental benefits – Burns cleaner with fewer emissions.
- Consistent supply – Steady gas pressure for even cooking.
Natural Gas Limitations
- Installation costs – Requires professional gas line installation.
- Fixed location – Grill must stay near the gas line connection.
- Lower heat output – Burns cooler than propane, affecting searing ability.
- Availability – Not available in all areas, especially rural locations.
Calculate Your Fuel Costs
Track your grilling frequency for one month to estimate annual gas usage. Multiply your cooking hours by fuel costs to compare propane versus natural gas expenses for your specific situation.
Performance Differences
The heat output difference between propane and natural gas affects your cooking results, especially for high-temperature techniques. Propane’s higher BTU rating means it reaches cooking temperature faster and maintains higher heat levels.
Natural gas requires larger burner orifices to deliver equivalent heat output, but most manufacturers design their grills to compensate for this difference. The performance gap is noticeable but not necessarily a deal-breaker for most home grillers.
Heat Output Comparison
- Propane – 2,500 BTUs per cubic foot of gas.
- Natural gas – 1,000 BTUs per cubic foot of gas.
- Preheating – Propane grills heat up 15-20% faster.
- Maximum temperature – Propane reaches higher peak temperatures.
Installation and Setup
Propane setup involves connecting a tank to your grill’s regulator system – a process that takes minutes. Most best gas grills include detailed instructions for safe propane tank connection.
Natural gas installation requires hiring a licensed professional to run a gas line from your home’s meter to your grilling area. This permanent installation costs more upfront but provides long-term convenience and savings.
Installation Steps for Natural Gas
- Permit acquisition. Check local codes and obtain required permits for gas line work.
- Professional assessment. Have a licensed technician evaluate your gas system capacity.
- Line installation. Run new gas line from meter to your preferred grilling location.
- Pressure testing. Technician tests all connections for leaks and proper pressure.
- Grill conversion. Convert your grill or purchase natural gas model.
Cost Analysis
Initial setup costs favor propane since you only need to buy a tank, while natural gas requires professional installation. However, natural gas becomes more economical over time for frequent grillers due to lower fuel costs.
Calculate your break-even point by comparing installation costs against annual fuel savings. Most households that grill twice weekly or more will save money with natural gas within 2-3 years.
Cost Breakdown
- Propane tank (20 lb) – $15-20 to refill, $40-60 to purchase.
- Natural gas line – $200-800 installation depending on distance and complexity.
- Fuel costs per therm – Natural gas $1.30, propane equivalent $2.50.
- Annual savings – $100-200 for typical household switching to natural gas.
Safety Considerations
Both gas types require proper handling and safety measures, but each presents different risks. Propane is heavier than air and can accumulate in low areas if leaked, while natural gas is lighter and dissipates quickly.
Regular maintenance and leak checking apply to both systems. Use soapy water to check all connections before each grilling session, and replace worn hoses or regulators immediately.
Safety Best Practices
- Leak detection – Check all connections with soapy water solution.
- Proper storage – Store propane tanks upright in ventilated outdoor areas.
- Professional service – Have natural gas lines inspected annually.
- Ventilation – Always grill in well-ventilated outdoor spaces.
- Emergency procedures – Know how to quickly shut off gas supply.
Making Your Decision
Choose propane if you want portability, plan to use portable grills for tailgating and camping, or grill infrequently. The convenience of taking your grill anywhere outweighs the higher fuel costs for occasional use.
Select natural gas if you grill regularly at home, want unlimited fuel supply, and don’t mind the upfront installation cost. The long-term savings and convenience make natural gas ideal for dedicated backyard grill masters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I convert my propane grill to natural gas?
Yes, most grills can be converted using a natural gas conversion kit that includes new orifices and a different regulator. Check with your grill manufacturer for compatible conversion kits.
How long does a 20-pound propane tank last?
A standard 20-pound propane tank provides approximately 18-20 hours of cooking time on medium heat. Actual duration depends on your grill’s BTU rating and cooking temperature.
Is natural gas safer than propane for grilling?
Both gases are equally safe when handled properly, but they have different properties. Natural gas disperses quickly if leaked since it’s lighter than air, while propane can accumulate in low areas.
What’s the cost difference between propane and natural gas?
Natural gas typically costs about half as much as propane per BTU. A household that grills regularly can save $100-200 annually by switching from propane to natural gas.
Final Thoughts
Choosing The Right Grill Gas comes down to balancing convenience, cost, and your specific grilling habits. Propane offers flexibility and higher heat output, while natural gas provides unlimited supply and lower operating costs.
Consider how often you grill, whether you need portability, and your long-term budget when making this decision. Either choice will serve you well with proper setup and maintenance.
Ryan Conlon is a BBQ enthusiast and inspired chef on a journey through the smoky, savory world of outdoor cooking. Hailing from the heart of the Midwest, Ryan’s passion for grilling ignited during his early years, where family gatherings often revolved around the sizzle of the grill and the aroma of seasoned meats.