Are burners the same for propane and natural gas?

Answered by John Watkins

When it comes to grilling, the choice between propane and natural gas can have a significant impact on your overall grilling experience. While propane grills are more commonly used and readily available, some individuals may decide to switch to natural gas for various reasons. However, it's important to note that there are some key differences between burners designed for propane and those designed for natural gas.

First and foremost, it is crucial to understand that burners for propane and natural gas are not the same and cannot be used interchangeably. This is primarily due to the difference in the fuel sources and the specific requirements of each.

Propane burners are designed to accommodate the higher pressure and different characteristics of propane gas. Propane is typically stored in a pressurized tank and is delivered to the grill through a regulator. The burners for propane grills are designed to handle this higher pressure and are equipped with orifices that are specifically sized for propane gas flow.

On the other hand, natural gas burners are designed to work with the lower pressure and different composition of natural gas. Natural gas is delivered to the grill through a dedicated gas line in your home, which typically operates at a lower pressure than propane tanks. Therefore, the burners for natural gas grills are designed to accommodate this lower pressure and have larger orifices to allow for the proper gas flow.

So, if you initially purchased a propane grill and later decide to switch to natural gas, you would need to make some modifications to the grill to ensure safe and efficient operation. These modifications may include purchasing different burner tubes that are specifically designed for natural gas. These burner tubes would have larger orifices to allow for the proper gas flow at the lower pressure of natural gas.

Additionally, you would need to change every small orifice fitting by replacing the entire valve manifold to ensure compatibility with natural gas. This is because the orifices in propane grills are generally smaller than those in natural gas grills due to the differences in gas flow requirements.

Furthermore, since the natural gas grill would now be connected to a gas line in your home, you would need to purchase a longer hose to convert the grill. This longer hose would allow for the proper connection between the grill and the gas line, ensuring a safe and secure connection.

It's worth mentioning that these modifications should ideally be performed by a professional or someone with experience in working with gas appliances. Safety is of utmost importance when dealing with gas, and it's crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines for converting your grill from propane to natural gas.

Burners for propane and natural gas grills are not the same and cannot be used interchangeably. If you decide to switch from propane to natural gas, you will need to make several modifications to your grill, including purchasing different burner tubes, changing every small orifice fitting by replacing the entire valve manifold, and purchasing a longer hose for the gas connection. It's important to prioritize safety and consult a professional or someone experienced in gas appliance conversions to ensure the proper and safe operation of your grill.