Propane vs. Natural Gas Grills: What's The Difference?

Shopping Abt for a brand new outdoor grill can be overwhelming, especially when there are so many variations. Natural gas, liquid propane, built-in, charcoal, wood pellet, portable, flat top: what does it all mean? While some of these options are named for their design, most are named for their fuel source. To grill delicious dinners outside, your grill needs something to fuel the flames below the grates, but not every grill relies on the same type of fuel. Two of the most popular options are natural gas and liquid propane. But those who are familiar with propane know that it's also a gas. So, what is the real difference between natural gas and propane gas? In this article, we're comparing propane vs. natural gas and providing the information you need to choose the perfect grill for you and your backyard.

Before we dive into the differences between propane vs. natural gas, we must explore the similarities between the grills as well. To begin, both fuel types offer consistent heat output. This makes both natural gas and propane good options for recipes and foods that may require more precise temperature control. Propane and natural gas are also both readily available in most areas around the country, so you never have to worry about running out of your supply. Propane is stored in portable, refillable tanks and it's typically sold at gas stations or grocery stores. Natural gas, on the other hand, is often piped directly to homes and businesses. Lastly, both propane and natural gas are clean-burning, meaning they produce minimal emissions. This makes both fuel types better for the environment than wood pellet and charcoal grills.

There are plenty of differences worth noting when comparing propane vs. natural gas grills and we plan to dive into them all. But before you continue reading, we'll explain the main difference at its most basic (though it does require some science). Propane is what's called a hydrocarbon. Hydrocarbons are a class of gases, and they also include substances like ethane and butane. All of these, including propane, are by-products that result from refining natural gas and petroleum. This is also the reason why you'll occasionally see propane labeled as liquefied petroleum (LP) gas. In contrast, natural gas is just methane that's been pressurized into a liquid form. It's called natural gas because it originally comes from nature as a fossil fuel. This fossil fuel is then subjected to a refining process that both cleans the fuel and makes it more efficient. Natural gas also contains propane and plenty of other gases. Now that you have a better understanding of the chemistry, you're ready to dive deeper and determine which fuel type is best for you and your cooking.

The first difference in our propane vs. natural gas grills comparison is a bit subjective and up to opinion: flavor. Plenty of people believe that natural gas grills offer a less intense flavor than propane, as natural gas is already tasteless and odorless. Because of propane's distinct flavor and odor, food cooked on a propane grill often gets a smoky or charred flavor. Overall, though, the flavor difference between the fuel types may not be notable to most. Plus, how you season your food and what cooking technique you use can often be more powerful factors in how your meal tastes.

In Abt's expert opinion, the greatest difference to mention when comparing propane vs. natural gas grills is the initial installation and the fuel distribution method. We'll begin with propane grills. Upon taking your new grill home, you'll need to acquire a propane tank and attach it to the appliance. This is done with a regulator and a hose, and most propane grill models at Abt already come with these attachments. Because propane tanks are typically small and light, one benefit of a propane grill is its portability. Freestanding propane grills can be moved all around your patio or backyard as needed, making their "installation" much more flexible. That being said, if you're specifically seeking something portable for your future camping trips or tailgates, Abt has a great selection of portable grills for you to browse as well. Natural gas grills are not as simple, as they are typically connected to a fixed gas line through underground utility pipes. This line provides a constant, uninterrupted gas supply for your appliance. While some properties already have a natural gas line installed, some don't. If you already have a gas line, most grills come with a kit that makes connecting your grill quick and easy. But if you plan on investing in a natural gas grill without an existing line, you'll need to get a gas line installed. Unfortunately, this process is often expensive and it may also require the uprooting of your backyard. Once the gas line is installed, you must place your grill near the gas line hookup to ensure a secure connection. This also forces your grill to stay in one spot fairly permanently, contrasting with the mobility of propane grills.

Some customers prioritize energy usage when purchasing new appliances, as it allows homeowners to take better care of the environment and contribute less to climate change. Even if you are not this type of customer, most grill owners care about the efficiency of their machine. This section addresses both, and it all comes down to BTUs. The energy efficiency and heat output of an outdoor grill is measured in BTUs, or British Thermal Units. This measurement represents the total energy needed to increase the temperature of a pound of water by a single degree (Fahrenheit). In the U.S., you'll sometimes see the price of gas quoted in dollars per million BTUs. Because propane and natural gas are two different fuel sources, their grill counterparts usually have different BTU ratings. The higher the BTU rating is, the better your grill may be at producing heat, reaching higher temperatures and cooking faster (this varies based on grill brand and model). For example, one cubic foot of propane has a BTU of 2516, while one cubic foot of natural gas has a BTU of 1030. This means you'll require more than double the amount of natural gas to reach the same energy production as propane. It also means if you opt for propane, you'll likely be using less fuel overall. That being said, the gap in BTU rating does not necessarily mean that propane grills cook faster or get hotter than natural gas. It simply means that natural gas must consume more fuel to reach the same heat output as propane.

While most fuel is flammable, the level of flammability differs depending on the type of fuel. Propane is highly flammable, and that's why handling and storing propane grills must be done carefully to avoid any accidents. Natural gas, in comparison, is not as explosive, but just like any other kind of fuel, you should always handle the grill with care in case there's ever a malfunction or leak in the gas line. Whether you own a propane, natural gas, charcoal or wood pellet grill, we recommend following all grill safety guidelines and manufacturer instructions to prevent injury or property damage.

When it comes to outdoor grill fuel, price refers to two things. First is the initial price of purchasing the fuel. Second is the fuel's future cost. But once we dive further into the financing, the different aspects of each fuel price will make much more sense. We'll begin with the initial price. Initially, propane gas is cheaper than natural gas, as it does not require a licensed plumber to run a gas line. But to consider the second aspect of fuel price, we must look at the amount of heat produced by both fuels. Natural gas tends to burn much faster than propane, meaning you will use more natural gas to cook at a faster rate. Propane gas, on the other hand, must be twice as hot as natural gas to burn, meaning you'll end up losing less of it to cook. If you're interested in concrete numbers, it costs an average of $1.25 per hour to use propane gas. The concrete price for natural gas varies, as the number relies on how many burners you're using, your grill's BTUs, your location and more. But even if the cost per hour for natural gas were lower than $1.25, natural gas would still be the cheaper option long term. Why? Propane tanks need consistent refilling, while natural gas lines are always there and ready to fuel your grill as needed. You'll never have to worry about natural gas running out in the middle of cooking either, a frustrating possibility one might experience now and then with propane.

If you're interested in reducing your carbon footprint (and possibly saving money depending on your gas line situation), natural gas may be a better choice for you. This fuel type is often chosen by those who desire a more permanent grill installation or those looking to build their dream outdoor kitchen. If you're interested in a more flexible, portable cooking solution, propane may be the way to go. These grills are beginner-friendly as they're easy to use and operate, and they can also be more cost-effective if you don't have an existing gas line. While there are definitely some notable differences between both the operation and design of natural gas and propane grills, the truth is that both fuel sources will provide you with fairly similar cooking results. It all comes down to efficiency, cost, convenience and most of all, your personal preferences. If you're a newbie to outdoor grills, we recommend reading through our outdoor grill buying guide before choosing a fuel source. Once you've attained pro-level grill knowledge, take a closer look at our best grills of 2025, a collection of our favorite models that are changing the outdoor cooking game. All other questions about propane vs. natural gas grills can be directed to our backyard experts at 800-860-3577.

We're tackling the most asked questions about propane and natural gas grills, so you can have a better understanding of these appliances and their fuel sources.

To convert a propane grill to natural gas, or vice versa, you'll need a grill conversion kit that's compatible with your specific grill model. This match is necessary for both safety and functionality; feel free to browse Abt's conversion kits to see if we carry the one you need. These conversion kits typically include a burner, a valve and a regulator. The kits will also come with manufacturer instructions, but if you're unsure or not confident about your own installation skills, we recommend contacting a professional or scheduling appliance service through Abt. Note: Weber and Napoleon grills cannot be converted by Abt, but other high end grill brands carried at our store are available for servicing.

Before starting your grill, propane or natural gas, first open the lid to prevent gas buildup. Then, open the valve on the propane tank by turning the knob counterclockwise until it reaches the "on" position or stops moving altogether. After this, turn the ignition burner knob on your grill to high. If the grill does not light instantly, your model may have an electric starter. For propane grills with electric starters, press and hold the ignition button to light the grill. Typically, you'll hear a few clicks before the appliance ignites. Once that one section is lit, you can turn the other knobs on and light up the whole cooking surface. For more information on operating these appliances, check out our guide to using gas grills.

First, make sure the knob on the propane tank is turned to the off position. You'll notice that on top of the propane tank nozzle is a plastic safety cap. Remove this by pulling on the tab. Connect the end of the grill's gas line/hose to this nozzle/valve until it's snug or until it clicks into place. The grill's gas line/hose will have its own knob or coupler; turn this knob to the right to tighten it until it's fully screwed in. Keep in mind, though, that you also need to be able to unscrew it when the time comes for a new propane tank. Then, turn the gas on as directed in the question above.

The lifespan of a propane tank varies based on several factors, including what you're using it for, the size of the tank itself, ambient temperature, burner size and more. But there are some ways to gauge your expectations. Standard 20-pound propane tanks that typically run on high when grilling can offer an average of 18-20 hours of use. Smaller tanks like disposable 14.1-ounce cylinders offer a shorter burn time, averaging around a few hours.

To connect your grill to your natural gas line, first remove the cap from the hose connected to the appliance. Before connecting the grill hose to the natural gas line, inspect the hose to ensure there's no debris or blockages. Once you've checked the hose, connect it to the gas valve. The grill hose will have a connector, and this connector should be slid onto the gas valve until you hear a click. Make sure the hose is secure, and then turn the gas valve on.