The difference between natural gas and propane grills comes down to personal preference. Both styles will deliver very similar results at the end of the day, but there are some key factors to keep in mind as you plan your purchase.
Here’s everything you need to know to choose the grill that perfectly fits your needs.
The Basics
Before we highlight the pros and cons of both types of grills, let’s start by clarifying what makes them unique.
- A propane grill uses a tank of propane as the fuel source. When you run out of propane, you buy a new tank.
- A natural gas grill connects directly to your home’s permanent gas line, just like indoor appliances.
Heat Levels
When comparing propane gas vs. natural gas grills, it’s a common misconception that propane burns hotter than natural gas. While it’s true that propane burns hotter unit-for-unit, in practice, both grills will deliver similar performance levels, regardless of the fuel source.
The reason behind this comes down to the calibration of all gas grills. Propane grills have smaller burner holes than natural gas grills. In other words, although propane is technically capable of producing more heat, the design of propane grills prevents it.
The only time you might experience better performance (with natural gas) is during winter. Propane doesn’t vaporize below -43.6°F, so natural gas would be a better choice. Of course, nobody’s grilling in those frigid temperatures!
If heat is a high priority when comparing propane gas vs. natural gas grill options, the FlavrQ Grilling System will provide a simple solution. Our proprietary grilling accessories increase radiant heat significantly, searing and sealing food 50% faster than gas alone.
Convenience
Convenience is a major difference between natural gas and propane grills. However, one isn’t necessarily more convenient than the other.
Some people prefer natural gas because it’s basically an endless fuel source. You never have to worry about refilling or replacing propane tanks. You simply use your grill just like you would use a gas stove or any other gas-fueled appliance in your home.
On the other hand, some people who compare propane gas vs. natural gas grill setups end up preferring the convenience of using independent tanks. You know exactly how much gas you have on hand, so there are no gas bill surprises at the end of the month.
Installation
Installing a natural gas grill can be a major project. Here’s what the process typically looks like.
- Assess your home to make sure it’s capable of running a gas grill and your other appliances. This involves checking the meter’s capacity and comparing it to your current gas usage.
- Map a route from your natural gas line to the location of the grill.
- Connect the gas line to the grill. This usually involves drilling through walls or trenching the yard and measuring, cutting, and attaching new pipes.
The installation of a propane gas vs. natural gas grill should only be attempted by experienced DIY enthusiasts or professionals.
For many grillers, the installation difference between natural gas and propane grills is the deciding factor. It’s up to you to determine if the in-depth installation process is worth the other benefits of natural gas.
Mobility
Once your natural gas grill is connected to your home’s gas line, you’re probably not going to want to move it again. While reinstalling it somewhere else should be easier than the initial setup, it’s still a project.
Propane grills, on the other hand, can be moved relatively easily. If you want to be able to transport your grill from point A to B, choosing between a propane gas vs. natural gas grill is straightforward—go for propane.
Cost
Installing a natural gas grill is undoubtedly more expensive than setting up a propane grill. That said, natural gas tends to be cheaper per unit of energy.
With a natural gas grill, you end up paying for your grilling fuel when you pay your gas utility bill. Propane tanks are purchased individually, as needed. It’s up to you to determine which expense better fits your budget.
Using natural gas can pay for itself eventually, but it might be a long time before you recoup what you paid for the installation. As you compare the cost of a propane gas vs. natural gas grill, decide if you’d prefer short- or long-term savings.
Environmental Impact
Another difference between natural gas and propane grills is how they affect the environment. Propane burns cleaner, producing fewer emissions of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and nitrous oxide.
If you’re concerned about the impact grilling has on the environment, use FlavrQ. Our patented FlavrQ Charcoal Chips™ are 100% natural, chemical-free, sustainable, efficient, and burn much cleaner than conventional fuels.
Explore Our Patented Grilling System Now
Whether you choose propane or natural gas, FlavrQ will instantly elevate your grilling game to the next level. FlavrQ grilling accessories deliver charcoal-grilled flavor and higher heat levels while still letting you enjoy gas grill convenience.
As you choose between a propane gas vs. a natural gas grill, keep FlavrQ in mind as part of your new setup. FlavrQ is compatible with both types of grills, installs in seconds with no special tools or skills needed, and doesn’t permanently modify your grill. Here’s how FlavrQ works:
- Measure your grill to make sure it’s compatible (most old and new gas grills are).
- Place the FlavrQ Grid on top of your grill’s radiant bars.
- Add FlavrQ Charcoal Chips™.
- Grill like a pro!
Ready to start enjoying the juiciest and tastiest food at home? Order the FlavrQ Starter Kit, and unleash the ultimate grill master in you!