If you're in the market for a new gas grill, you've got a lot of choices to make, one of which is whether you should go for propane or natural gas. Both fuel types have their benefits, and making the right choice will mean weighing a lot of factors about your home, current project and overall needs. To help you choose between a propane grill and a natural gas grill, we've put together this handy guide.
What's the Difference between Propane & Natural Gas?
Both propane and natural gas are flammable gasses that can be used in appliances like grills, ovens, furnaces and more. Essentially any product that needs to create heat can potentially be powered by either propane or natural gas. The difference between them is in their chemical composition.
Natural gas is primarily composed of methane, a simple molecule consisting of one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms. Propane, on the other hand, is composed of three carbon atoms and eight hydrogen atoms. Both are flammable when combined with oxygen and a source of heat. Because of its richer chemical composition, propane needs more oxygen for efficient combustion, and it provides roughly twice as much heat energy for the same volume of gas.
In terms of consumption, natural gas is generally provided by your local energy company or municipal supplier. If you live in a town or city and have gas piped into your home, that is most likely natural gas. Propane is more commonly sold in either small portable tanks or via a service that places a large tank on your property and fills it with propane in liquid form. This is more common in rural areas where it's not feasible to run natural gas lines from a central location.
When Should I Choose a Propane Grill?
Propane grills are popular for many customers for a variety of reasons, including:
- Access - If your home doesn't have access to a natural gas supplier, then a propane grill is your only option when it comes to a gas grill. If you've got a large propane tank on your property you can connect the grill to that system, but if you don't you'll need to purchase a portable propane tank.
- Easier Installation - A natural gas grill will need a gas line run to it if you don't have one in place already. This should be done by a licensed gas plumber. A propane grill can be connected to a portable tank by anyone and be up and running in seconds.
- Mobility - Many freestanding grills are designed to hold a standard 20-pound propane tank in their base. This makes it easy to move your grill around as needed. If you'd like to store your grill in your garage, move it into a shaded area or turn it to keep the wind from messing with your food, you can do so easily with a propane grill.
When Should I Choose a Natural Gas Grill?
A natural gas grill is the way to go if you prioritize:
- Supply - While a propane tank can run out at an inopportune time, that's not a concern with a natural gas grill. If you grill a lot and don't want to be constantly running to the store for more propane, then natural gas is the way to go.
- Price - Natural gas tends to be cheaper than propane, even when you factor in the fact that you need to burn about twice as much natural gas for the same amount of heat output. If you're looking for a budget-friendly choice, natural gas is probably the right choice.
- Safety - Natural gas is lighter than air, while propane is heavier than air. This means that in the event of a leak, natural gas will move upward and escape from the area, while propane has the potential to pool in an enclosed area and create a risk of explosion, however small. If you'd like to eliminate this possibility, then you want natural gas.
Need More Help Picking the Right Grill?
This guide offers just a few helpful tips when it comes to choosing between a propane and natural gas grill. If you're still in need of more assistance, our expert team is ready and waiting to help. Reach out today for personalized advice on selecting the right fuel type for your next grill!