Propane vs Natural Gas Grill – Which is Better for You?

When you decide to use a gas grill, you have another two options to think about: propane gas and natural gas. Although propane gas seems like the default gas source for many, more manufacturers now are offering excellent natural gas grills. You probably wonder if natural gas is a better alternative to propane.

Is there a difference between propane and natural gas? For those of you who are confused between these two subjects, this article will help draw the line.

Take a look at this clear comparison between the natural gas and propane grills, and their pros and cons. This concise guide aims to help you make an informed decision on which will be better for your cooking needs and activity.

What to Consider Before Buying a Propane or Natural Gas Grill

Gas grills are considered the cheapest eco-friendly grills because they emit less smoke and burn cleaner than the other types of grills.

The natural gas comes from underground and is composed few other gases such as propane, methane, and propane. It comes in three forms: compressed, uncompressed, and liquid.

The propane gas also called the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), is processed at a facility to separate it from natural gas. It is then stored in a tank that is connected to the grill through a valve and regulator.

Natural gas and propane gas differ in several aspects. To help you understand more, we have summarized their comparison in the table with further explanations below:

 Natural GasPropane Gas
Energy amount2,500 BTU1,000 BTU
CostCost-efficient in the long term20-30% more expensive
InstallationHome installationTank
AvailabilityReadily available at home once installedWhen you ran out of propane gas, you buy it at convenience stores and supermarkets
MobilityCannot be transportedPortable

1. Amount of energy

The main reason why most people prefer propane over natural gas is the amount of energy it provides. The propane grills have 2,500 BTUs as compared to the natural gas with only 1,000 BTUs. (BTU stands for British thermal unit that corresponds to the amount of heat)

One BTU is the equivalent energy required to increase the temperature of one pound of water to one degree Fahrenheit. It means that the propane gas emits more amount of heat compared to the natural gas.

Aside from the energy content, the propane gas burns less energy per hour than its natural counterpart. Depending on the area, the propane or natural gas is less expensive than the other.

In some places, the natural gas is more cost-effective, while in other areas, the propane is more expensive than natural gas. Ask the experts or fellow homeowners in your locality about which type of gas source is more efficient and economical.

Natural gas grills perfect if you want to grill with higher heat retention.

2. Installation & Cost

Concerning the above-mentioned criteria, the price also refers to the amount of money you can save in the future. In the long run, natural gas is cheaper than propane. However, there are upfront costs needed for the installation. It is another reason why homeowners are still using propane gas.

The natural gas is available in underground pipes connected to a natural gas main. If you live in an area where these underground pipes run across your house, there is a chance that you will pay less to install natural gas. However, if you live far from the gas main, you might need to spend for the cost of the extension to your home.

Installation services of natural gas are quite expensive, but a lot of homeowners testify that it is worth it in the long run.

The propane gas is stored in tanks. Every time you run out of gas, you need to detach the tank from your grill and run to the nearest convenience store or gas company. Then, you attach the full tank to the grill. This cycle repeats every time the propane tanks become empty.

If you already have a natural gas installation in your house, the natural gas grill is the right option for you. If you don’t, then you need to make sure you do grillings quite often so you can get the benefits in the long run.

3. Availability

Once the natural gas is installed in your home, you will never run out of gas again. For homeowners who grill a lot of food, this option is more convenient. It will always be available whenever you need it. Natural gas grills serve as another option for healthy cooking rather than frying.

When you use propane gas, there will be chances that you will suddenly run out of gas in the middle of your cooking. Therefore, you need to regularly monitor the amount of gas left in the tank to keep you going.

Some homeowners keep a spare LPG tank around so that they can replace the empty unit immediately with a full one. Otherwise, it will be very inconvenient, especially during parties or outdoor picnics.

Natural gas grills guarantee availability. Whenever you want to grill, the gas is ready. Meanwhile, if you are using propane gas, you have to refill or buy every some times.

4. Mobility

One of the most significant drawbacks of the natural gas grill is its inability to be transported anywhere. You can’t move it in your backyard. It should always stay in the gas line where it draws its energy. It is the kind of grill that is not intended for travel or camping.

With a propane grill, you will be able to travel and cook anywhere you wish. You can conveniently bring the tank outdoors and re-connect it to the grill. Moreover, smaller LPG tanks are available. These units are more lightweight and portable, making them an excellent option for camping and backpacking.

Pros and Cons of Propane Gas Grill

As a summary, we have also created a table of the pros and cons of propane gas and natural gas. Check the list which factor is more important or less relevant for you. By doing so, choosing between the two gas sources is easier.

propane gas grill

Pros
  • Portability
  • No upfront installation cost
  • Emits hotter temperature / More BTUs
Cons
  • Empty tank requires replacement
  • More expensive than the natural gas

Pros and Cons of Natural Gas Grill

natural gas grill

Pros
  • More eco-friendly
  • Good investment
  • More economical in the long term
  • Always available
Cons
  • Not transportable
  • Upfront costs for installation

Go for the Greener Grill

With the insurgence to address climate change, one important factor to consider when choosing the gas source is the environmentally friendly factor. Both propane and natural gas have a low carbon footprint. They are both at the end of the carbon dioxide emissions fuel scale.

However, between the propane and natural gas, the latter option is more eco-friendly. Natural gas is the burns cleaner than the propane because it stays in the underground and does not go higher in the air. You should also take this factor into account to help mitigate the effects of global warming.

Conclusion

Now that you know the differences between the propane and electric gas, which one is better? The criteria mentioned above will help you weigh up the pros and cons of each gas source.  The decision entirely depends on your needs and personal preferences.

If you don’t want to run out of gas ever again, the natural gas is the smart investment that you can have. Natural gas also burns cleaner than the propane. If having a cheaper and portable mode of grilling are the critical points for you, then the propane gas is the better choice.

In the end there is no general answer to which is better. The important thing is both gas sources are easier to use and a lot more eco-friendly than the other grills.

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