Is a Gas Grill the Same as a Propane Grill?

Despite what you may have heard, there is no performance difference between a gas grill powered by propane and one powered by natural gas, unless you're grilling in the depths of winter. When the temperature plunges, and we're talking about -45˚F cold, are you really outside, grilling? Propane performance is hindered because the liquid cannot vaporize. Otherwise, all gas grills are calibrated to work the same using propane or natural gas.

How? While propane has more power, with more than twice the BTU power of natural gas, gas grills are designed to release less propane into the burner than natural gas. All gas is jetted from small orifices at the entrance of the burner to mix with air to create the perfect flame. The orifice holes for propane are much smaller than those for natural gas. This is why it's important to know what fuel source you plan to use when shopping for a gas grill.

Suppose you change your mind and want to hook up to natural gas after purchasing a propane gas grill. In that case, you will need to buy different burner tubes, change every small orifice fitting by replacing the entire valve manifold, and purchase a longer hose to convert the grill. We don't recommend it, but the change is possible, albeit one of the more complicated grill modifications. When shopping for gas grills, you will see pricing for LP (liquid propane) and NG (natural gas). Gas grills configured for natural gas will be slightly higher in price due to the longer 10-foot hose.