Outdoor BBQ/Grills
Choosing the Type of Fuel
Gas Grills are normally designed and certified to operate on a single type of gas supply ... liquid propane (LP) or natural gas (NG), and are fitted to accept only one type of fuel.

Both liquid propane and natural gas are safe, efficient fuels that are economic for grilling. You will need to purchase a propane tank for a propane fuelled grill, whereas a natural gas grill requires professional installation of a natural gas connection on the outside of your home.

PROPANE (LP)
Propane is a hydrocarbon (C3H8) and is sometimes referred to as liquefied petroleum gas, LP-gas or LPG. Propane is produced from both natural gas processing and crude oil refining. It is nontoxic, colorless and virtually odorless.

As with natural gas, an identifying odor is added so the gas can be readily detected.

When compressed (put under pressure), propane condenses into a liquid, allowing it to be stored in a tank. When the gas escapes from the tank it becomes uncompressed and changes back into a gas.

61% of gas grills in use are fueled by propane gas.

Propane gas is heavier than air. One gallon of liquid propane weighs approximately 4.24 lbs.

A standard portable tank of liquid propane holds 20 lbs. of fuel.

With the burners on high, a full tank lasts about 9 hours. Cooking at average temperatures should allow 25 to 30 uses per tank.

Propane grills operate at a higher gas pressure than those using natural gas. The operating pressure is determined by the regulator.

Propane tanks can be purchased and refilled, or readily exchanged for another filled tank at a nominal cost.

On those homes using propane as a gas source, a grill set up for propane can generally be supplied directly from a house line as the pressure is regulated at the tank. Check with your propane dealer to assure compatibility.

NATURAL GAS (NG)
When using natural gas as a fuel source there are no tanks to replace and the possibility of running out of gas during cooking is eliminated.

Grill owners with natural gas available should consider a direct hookup to a grill that uses natural gas. Contact a licensed plumbing contractor to install a gas connection to the grill.

The natural gas pressure supplied to your home is regulated by your local gas company. However, some gas grills also incorporate an additional regulator at the grill to assure the maximum gas pressure supplied to the grill.

For safety, a separate external gas shut-off valve must be located near the grill in an accessible location. Be sure to check local building codes and ordinances before installing a natural gas grill.

Gas Conversion
Gas grills, like any other appliance, are designed and engineered to definite specifications with specific components. There is no single or easy way to safely or properly convert your grill from one type of fuel to another.

Natural gas and propane are not interchangeable.
Be sure to choose the correct grill model for your fuel source

Control valves regulate the volume of gas supplied to the burner. Valves have specific maximum BTU ratings and are designed to work with specific size burners.

A cubic foot of natural gas contains roughly 1,000 BTU (British thermal units) of energy. A cubic foot of propane contains approximately 2,500 BTU.

If you are attempt to convert from propane to natural gas, the volume of gas supplied to the burner may not produce a sufficient amount of heat at a HIGH setting even with a correct orifice size.

More importantly, at the LOW setting the volume of gas may be so low as to allow the burner to go out with a small amount of gas still flowing causing the risk of explosion.

Although some premium brand manufacturers offer conversion kits, in the majority of cases if you change the supply type or convert your grill from one type to another you will void all warranties and certifications. Check with your local dealer or the manufacturer.

Next: Gas Burner Systems

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