What Should You Choose for Your Grill?

Choosing between natural gas and propane for your outdoor grill is one of the most consequential decisions you'll make as a homeowner who cooks outdoors. It affects how much you spend over time, how convenient your setup is, how your grill performs in cold weather, and whether you can move your equipment if your life circumstances change.

This guide covers every dimension of that decision — costs, installation, fuel availability, performance, safety, and common misconceptions — so you can make a confident, informed choice based on your actual situation rather than general advice that may not apply to you.

What's the Actual Difference Between Natural Gas and Propane?

Before comparing them, it helps to understand what you're actually comparing.

Natural gas is a fossil fuel delivered to your home through underground utility pipelines, the same supply that powers your furnace, water heater, and kitchen range. When used in a grill, it flows from your home's gas meter through a dedicated line to a fixed outdoor connection. You pay for it on your monthly utility bill, measured in therms. One therm equals 100,000 BTU of energy.

Propane is a liquefied petroleum gas stored under pressure in portable tanks — typically the familiar 20-pound cylinder you exchange at a hardware store or grocery checkout. It contains more energy per cubic foot than natural gas, but it is sold in finite quantities. When the tank is empty, the grill stops. Propane is also used in heating systems, generators, and agricultural equipment, which is why it is widely available even in areas without utility gas service.

Both fuels burn cleanly, reach the same cooking temperatures, and work in grills that are designed for them. The differences between the two are practical, financial, and situational — not a matter of one being fundamentally superior to the other.

Cost Comparison: Fuel, Installation, and Long-Term Totals

Fuel Cost Per Session

The most significant financial difference between natural gas and propane is the ongoing cost of fuel. In most U.S. markets, natural gas is substantially cheaper per unit of energy.

• Natural gas costs approximately $0.60–$1.00 per therm, or 100,000 BTU. A typical 45-minute grilling session on a mid-size 40,000 BTU grill costs roughly $0.20–$0.50.
• Propane costs approximately $3.50–$5.00 per gallon, or about 91,500 BTU. The same grilling session costs roughly $0.80–$1.50.

Across most U.S. regions, natural gas runs 40–60% cheaper per BTU than propane. That difference compounds significantly over a grilling season or a decade of use.

One important caveat: propane prices fluctuate with crude oil markets and seasonal demand. Natural gas utility rates are regulated and generally more stable, but they also vary by region. Always compare your local rates. The national averages above are a useful baseline, not a guarantee.

Upfront Investment

Natural gas requires a one-time infrastructure investment that propane does not. The cost depends on how far your gas meter is from your grilling area and your local labor rates.

Item	Natural Gas	Propane
Dedicated grill	$400–$3,000+	$200–$2,500
Conversion kit, if converting an existing grill	$30–$80	N/A
Gas line installation by licensed plumber	$200–$700	$0
Municipal permit and inspection	$50–$200	$0
Estimated total startup cost	$700–$4,000+	$200–$2,500

Propane requires no installation. You buy a grill, attach a standard 20-pound cylinder, and you are ready. That simplicity makes it genuinely attractive for renters, first-time homeowners, or anyone who does not want to commit to a fixed outdoor cooking station.

Long-Term Operating Costs

For a family grilling three times per week — roughly 150 sessions per year — on a 40,000 BTU grill running about 45 minutes per session, here is how costs can accumulate over five years:

Year	Natural Gas Cumulative Cost	Propane Cumulative Cost
Year 1	~$900, including installation and fuel	~$400, including grill and fuel
Year 2	~$960	~$650
Year 3	~$1,020	~$900
Year 4	~$1,080	~$1,150
Year 5	~$1,140	~$1,400

Natural gas reaches break-even around Year 3 to 4, depending on installation costs and how frequently you grill. After that crossover point, the savings are often $200–$300 per year. Over a ten-year period, a natural gas setup typically saves $1,000–$2,000 compared to propane — a meaningful return on the upfront investment for a committed outdoor cook.

For occasional grillers — say, once a week or less — the break-even timeline extends considerably and may never justify the installation expense.

Installation Requirements: What Each Option Actually Involves

Setting Up a Natural Gas Grill

Installing a natural gas grill connection is not a DIY project. It requires a licensed plumber or certified gas fitter to run a dedicated supply line from your home's gas meter to the grill location. This typically involves:

• ✔ Confirming your home has active natural gas utility service
• ✔ Running a gas line, often 20 to 50 feet, through or under your patio or yard
• ✔ Installing a code-compliant shutoff valve at the grill connection point
• ✔ Obtaining a permit in jurisdictions that require one, followed by an inspection

The grill itself must be rated for natural gas. Natural gas and propane operate at different pressures and require different burner orifice sizes, which are the small openings that control gas flow to the burner. Many grill manufacturers offer the same models in both natural gas and propane versions. Some grills also support conversion via an OEM conversion kit, but not all models support this. Always verify before purchasing.

Once installed, the gas line is permanent infrastructure. The grill must stay in that location. This is the right setup for a fixed outdoor kitchen, a built-in island, or a dedicated grilling station on a permanent patio. Homeowners planning a well-equipped outdoor entertaining space — the kind covered extensively at Prime Living Outdoors — typically find that running a gas line during patio construction is the most cost-effective timing, since the work is already underway.

Setting Up a Propane Grill

Propane requires no installation in the traditional sense. The standard 20-pound cylinder, approximately 4.7 gallons, is the universal format. It connects to virtually any consumer propane grill via a standard regulator and hose. For higher-demand households, a 100-pound tank can be permanently mounted on a side pad, reducing how often you need refills.

There are no permits, no contractors, and no inspections for a standard residential propane grill setup. Buy the grill, connect the tank, open the valve, ignite — that is the entire process.

Fuel Availability: Can You Actually Get the Fuel You Need?

Natural Gas Availability

Natural gas is only available where utility infrastructure exists. It is common in cities, suburbs, and many established residential neighborhoods, but it is largely unavailable in rural areas, exurban communities, and many parts of the Mountain West and rural South. If your home does not already have natural gas service, adding it requires coordination with your utility provider and potentially significant infrastructure costs, often making it impractical.

The major advantage is that once connected, your supply is effectively unlimited. The gas flows continuously from the utility system. You will never run out mid-cookout, and you are not dependent on remembering to buy fuel in advance.

Propane Availability

Propane is available virtually everywhere in the United States. It can be purchased at hardware stores, grocery stores, gas stations, warehouse clubs, and dedicated propane dealers. Exchange programs like Blue Rhino and AmeriGas make it available at thousands of retail locations.

However, it is worth knowing that tank exchange programs typically return 15–17 pounds of gas in what is labeled a 20-pound tank. For full value, have your tank refilled at a propane dealer rather than exchanged. You will often pay $15–$20 for a complete fill versus $20–$25 for a partially filled exchange.

The fundamental limitation of propane is that it is finite. Running out mid-cook — especially during a large gathering — is a real and common frustration. Experienced propane users keep a spare tank on hand, which adds a modest ongoing cost and storage consideration.

Performance: How Each Fuel Actually Behaves at the Grill

Heat Output and BTU Ratings

Propane contains approximately 2,500 BTU per cubic foot, compared to natural gas at roughly 1,000 BTU per cubic foot. This sounds like a major performance gap, but it is not, because it does not translate into a real-world cooking difference when the grill is properly designed for its fuel type.

Grill manufacturers design natural gas models with larger burner orifices that allow more gas volume to flow, compensating for natural gas's lower energy density. A 40,000 BTU natural gas grill and a 40,000 BTU propane grill deliver the same cooking performance. The BTU rating on a grill's specification sheet already accounts for which fuel type it uses.

Both fuels can reach searing temperatures of 500–700°F or higher in properly designed grills. Neither fuel has a meaningful advantage in everyday cooking performance.

Cold Weather Performance

This is where natural gas holds a genuine, underappreciated advantage for homeowners in cold climates.

Propane is stored as a liquid under pressure and must vaporize into gas before it can be burned. Below approximately 32°F, or 0°C, propane vaporizes less efficiently. The result is reduced tank pressure, weaker flame output, and inconsistent heat — a real problem for year-round grillers in northern climates.

Natural gas is delivered by pipeline as a gas at consistent pressure, regardless of outdoor temperature. It performs consistently in January and July. For homeowners who grill through winter — and serious outdoor cooks often do — this is a meaningful practical advantage.

Startup and Consistency

Natural gas grills light reliably because pipeline pressure is constant. There is no variability based on how full your tank is. Propane pressure does drop slightly as a tank empties, though modern regulators minimize this effect under normal conditions.

Convenience: Day-to-Day Experience With Each Fuel

The convenience gap between natural gas and propane is often the deciding factor for homeowners who grill frequently.

Natural Gas Convenience Advantages

• ✔ No tank management. No hauling cylinders, no refill trips, and no wondering how much fuel is left.
• ✔ Continuous supply. As long as your gas utility is active, your grill has fuel.
• ✔ Cleaner setup. No cylinder sitting next to the grill and no external hose connecting to a separate tank.
• ✔ Consistent performance. Constant line pressure means reliable startup and steady heat every session.

For regular outdoor entertainers — families who host cookouts, backyard gatherings, or weekend parties — the zero-logistics nature of natural gas is genuinely valuable. The kind of outdoor living that pairs grilling with a well-planned environment, including outdoor bars, entertainment setups, and ambient design ideas covered at Prime Living Outdoors, is best served by fuel infrastructure that requires very little thought once installed.

Propane Convenience Advantages

• ✔ Complete portability. Disconnect the tank, move the grill, and reconnect at the new location. It works at a vacation home, a tailgate, or a campsite.
• ✔ No professional installation. Set up in minutes with no permits or contractors.
• ✔ Works almost anywhere. Propane is not dependent on utility infrastructure.
• ✔ Independent fuel source. If your home's gas line has a problem — a leak, a shutoff, or a utility outage — your propane grill still works independently.

When Natural Gas Is the Right Choice

Natural gas is the better long-term decision when the following conditions are true:

• ✔ Your home already has natural gas service. This is the baseline requirement. Without an existing gas line to the house, the cost of adding service typically negates the savings.
• ✔ You grill frequently. The break-even math only works if you generate enough fuel savings to offset installation costs. Two or more sessions per week is the threshold where natural gas becomes clearly favorable within a reasonable timeline.
• ✔ You plan to stay in the home long-term. The investment makes the most sense if you will be there to capture five or more years of fuel savings.
• ✔ You have or are building a fixed outdoor setup. A permanent patio, outdoor kitchen island, or built-in grill station is the natural pairing for a gas line connection.
• ✔ You live in a cold climate and grill year-round. Natural gas performs consistently in freezing temperatures; propane does not.
• ✔ You value a low-maintenance setup. No tank tracking, no refill errands, and no logistical overhead.

When Propane Is the Right Choice

Propane is the more practical, sensible choice when:

• ✔ You rent your home or may move within a few years. Installing gas line infrastructure in a home you do not own — or may leave before recovering the investment — is rarely worth it.
• ✔ Natural gas is not available at your property. Rural areas, many exurban communities, and some newer developments simply do not have utility gas access.
• ✔ You grill occasionally. If you fire up the grill once a week or less, the fuel savings from natural gas may never offset the installation cost within your time horizon.
• ✔ You want flexibility in where you grill. Propane grills can move to a deck, a side yard, a tailgate, or a friend's property. Natural gas grills cannot.
• ✔ You prefer a lower upfront cost. The entry barrier for propane is a grill and a tank fill. Nothing more.
• ✔ You cook outdoors in multiple locations. Many outdoor enthusiasts grill at home, at campsites, and at events. A propane grill supports all of those scenarios. Those who also enjoy outdoor brewing — the kind of temperature-sensitive, process-driven cooking covered at Prime Brewing Co. — may already own and manage propane tanks as part of their brewing setup, making propane grilling a natural extension of existing fuel habits.

Clearing Up Common Misconceptions

"Propane Grills Are Hotter Than Natural Gas Grills."

This is partly true at the fuel chemistry level but false in practice. Propane does have a higher energy density per cubic foot, about 2,500 BTU per cubic foot versus roughly 1,000 BTU per cubic foot for natural gas. However, natural gas grill manufacturers account for this by increasing the diameter of the burner orifices, allowing more gas volume to flow through. The result is equivalent BTU output and equivalent cooking performance. A 40,000 BTU natural gas grill cooks like a 40,000 BTU propane grill when both are properly designed for their fuel type. The energy density difference only becomes a problem if someone attempts to run a propane-rated grill on a natural gas line without converting it.

"You Can Just Connect a Natural Gas Line to a Propane Grill."

This is incorrect and potentially dangerous. Natural gas and propane operate at different supply pressures and require different orifice sizes to achieve the right fuel-to-air mixture for safe, complete combustion. Running natural gas through a propane grill's regulator and orifices can produce incomplete combustion, dangerously low heat output, and carbon monoxide risk. The reverse — running propane through a natural gas orifice — can over-fuel the burner and create flame instability. Always use a grill rated for your fuel type, or use an OEM-approved conversion kit with professional installation.

"Natural Gas Is Always the Cheaper Option."

Natural gas is cheaper per BTU in most U.S. markets, but not universally. In certain regions — including parts of the rural Midwest, the Southwest, and states with deregulated natural gas markets — utility natural gas rates can narrow the cost advantage considerably. Before assuming natural gas will save you money, check your local utility rate expressed as dollars per therm against your local propane price expressed as dollars per gallon. The math changes region by region.

"Propane Is More Dangerous Than Natural Gas."

Both fuels are safe when used correctly and with code-compliant equipment. The key physical difference is in how each gas behaves in the event of a leak: propane is heavier than air and can pool at ground level, while natural gas is lighter than air and dissipates upward. For outdoor grills, this distinction is usually less significant because both gases disperse quickly in open air. Modern regulators, safety shutoffs, and hose assemblies make both safe for residential outdoor use when installed and operated correctly. Neither should be used indoors or in enclosed spaces.

"Converting a Propane Grill to Natural Gas Is Simple."

It can be, but it is not always simple. Conversion kits exist for many popular grill models and typically cost $30–$80. However, not all manufacturers offer or support conversion, and some explicitly void the grill's warranty if a conversion is performed. An improperly converted grill — using mismatched orifice sizes or incompatible regulators — creates real safety risks. Before attempting any conversion, confirm that your grill manufacturer offers an approved kit and that the conversion complies with local code.

"A Natural Gas Grill Is Harder to Resell."

This is true, but it is usually a secondary consideration. Because a natural gas grill requires a compatible gas line connection, its potential buyers are limited to homeowners with that infrastructure in place. This can reduce resale value and make the grill harder to sell. If you frequently move, buy used equipment, or sell grills after a few seasons, propane is the more flexible asset.

How to Decide: A Practical Framework

The right choice between natural gas and propane is not universal. It depends on your specific circumstances. Use the following framework to identify which option fits your situation:

Start with availability. If your home does not have natural gas service, propane is your only practical option unless you are willing to pay to add utility gas to the property, which is rarely cost-effective for grilling alone.

Consider your grilling frequency. If you grill twice a week or more, the annual fuel savings from natural gas become significant enough to justify installation costs within a few years. If you grill once a week or less, the break-even timeline extends considerably.

Factor in your time horizon. If you plan to stay in your home for five or more years, natural gas pays for itself and then continues generating savings. If you rent, plan to move, or are uncertain about your living situation, the upfront investment in a gas line may never be recovered.

Think about your outdoor setup. A permanent patio, outdoor kitchen, or built-in grill station pairs naturally with a gas line connection. A portable, flexible grilling setup pairs naturally with propane.

Account for your climate. If you grill through cold winters, natural gas's performance consistency below freezing is a practical advantage worth considering, especially for those who host outdoor events year-round. Outdoor entertaining enthusiasts who have invested in permanent outdoor cooking spaces, like those documented and reviewed at Prime Living Outdoors, frequently cite this cold-weather reliability as a key reason for choosing natural gas.

Quick Decision Guide

• Do you have natural gas at your home?
  • No: Choose propane, unless adding gas service is cost-justified by other household needs.
  • Yes: Do you grill more than once a week?
    • Yes: Natural gas is the better long-term investment.
    • No: Do you plan to stay in this home for four or more years?
      • Yes: Natural gas may still reach break-even; consider it.
      • No: Propane offers lower commitment and greater flexibility.

The bottom line: For homeowners with existing natural gas service who grill regularly and plan to stay put, natural gas is the financially superior and more convenient choice over any multi-year period. For renters, occasional grillers, rural homeowners, and anyone who values portability and low upfront cost, propane remains the clear and practical answer.

Natural Gas vs. Propane: Summary of Pros and Cons

Natural Gas

Pros:

• ✔ 40–60% cheaper per BTU than propane in most markets
• ✔ Continuous supply with no tank management or refill logistics
• ✔ Consistent pressure and reliable startup in all weather conditions
• ✔ Strong performance in freezing temperatures
• ✔ Ideal for permanent outdoor kitchens and fixed grilling stations
• ✔ Long-term savings of $1,000–$2,000+ over ten years versus propane

Cons:

• Requires a licensed gas line installation, often $200–$700+
• Only available where utility gas service exists
• Grill is fixed in one location
• Requires a natural gas-rated grill or approved conversion kit
• May require a permit and inspection
• Harder to resell the grill due to infrastructure dependency

Propane

Pros:

• ✔ No installation required; ready to use immediately
• ✔ Works almost anywhere, including rural areas and locations without utility gas
• ✔ Fully portable; move the grill or take it with you
• ✔ Lower upfront cost
• ✔ Tank can serve as backup fuel independent of home utility systems
• ✔ Easy to switch grills or upgrade without infrastructure changes

Cons:

• 40–60% more expensive per BTU than natural gas in many markets
• Tank can run out, often at the worst possible moment
• Requires regular tank management, refills, or exchanges
• Performance degrades below freezing as vaporization efficiency drops
• Exchange programs often short-fill tanks; refilling at a dealer is usually better value
• Ongoing fuel costs accumulate significantly over years

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I convert my existing propane grill to natural gas?

In many cases, yes — but not universally. Some grill manufacturers offer OEM conversion kits that replace the orifices, regulator, and hose with natural gas-compatible components. However, not all models support conversion, and some manufacturers void the warranty if a conversion is performed. Before purchasing a conversion kit, confirm that your grill's manufacturer explicitly supports it. An improperly converted grill poses a combustion safety risk and should always be inspected by a qualified gas professional after conversion.

How long does it take for natural gas to pay off versus propane?

For a household grilling approximately three times per week, the typical break-even point is three to four years, depending on installation costs and local fuel rates. After break-even, natural gas can save $200–$300 per year in fuel costs. Over a ten-year period, the cumulative savings typically range from $1,000 to $2,000 compared to propane. For less frequent grillers, the break-even timeline is longer and may not be financially justified.

Does natural gas burn as hot as propane?

Yes, when the grill is properly designed for the fuel type. Propane has a higher energy density per cubic foot than natural gas, but manufacturers compensate by sizing natural gas burner orifices to deliver equivalent BTU output. A 40,000 BTU natural gas grill and a 40,000 BTU propane grill perform similarly in normal cooking conditions. Both fuels can reach searing temperatures of 500–700°F or higher.

Why does my propane grill lose heat in cold weather?

Propane is stored as a liquid under pressure and must vaporize into gas before it burns. Below approximately 32°F, this vaporization process becomes less efficient, reducing the pressure inside the tank and limiting gas flow to the burners. The result is weaker flames and reduced cooking temperatures. This effect becomes more pronounced as the tank empties and pressure decreases further. Natural gas, delivered by pipeline at consistent pressure, does not have this limitation and performs reliably in cold temperatures.

Is it safe to leave a natural gas grill connected when not in use?

Yes, with the shutoff valve closed. Code-compliant natural gas grill installations include a dedicated shutoff valve at the connection point. When you are done grilling, close this valve as part of your standard shutdown procedure. The line itself is not actively feeding the grill when the valve is closed. This is similar to how other properly installed gas appliances remain connected without safety concern.

What is the best way to tell how much propane is left in a tank?

The most reliable method is a propane tank scale, which reads remaining weight. A standard 20-pound cylinder weighs approximately 17–18 pounds when empty, and the tare weight is stamped on the collar. If the total weight is 27 pounds and the tare weight is 17 pounds, there are about 10 pounds of propane remaining. Pour-over methods, such as running warm water down the side of the tank and feeling for the temperature change where the liquid propane level is, also work in a pinch. Aftermarket inline gauges that connect between the tank valve and regulator are an inexpensive permanent solution.

Can I use a larger propane tank to reduce how often I refill?

Yes. Many homeowners step up from a standard 20-pound cylinder to a 100-pound tank, which holds roughly five times the fuel and reduces refill frequency significantly. Some propane suppliers will also rent or install larger tanks for households that use propane for multiple appliances, though that scale is usually more relevant for heating systems than grilling alone. Outdoor cooking enthusiasts who use propane for high-output cooking — including homebrewers and outdoor fryers, a community well-represented at Prime Brewing Co. — often find a 100-pound tank to be the most practical middle ground between portability and capacity.

Does the type of fuel affect the flavor of grilled food?

No. Both natural gas and propane are clean-burning fuels that primarily produce water vapor and carbon dioxide as combustion byproducts. Neither fuel source is what gives grilled food its flavor. Grilling flavor comes from surface browning, fat dripping onto burner shields or heat plates and vaporizing back up, and any wood chips or smoking elements added to the setup.

This guide is intended to help homeowners make an informed decision about outdoor grill fuel based on their specific situation, budget, and grilling habits. Fuel costs cited reflect typical U.S. market conditions and will vary by region and season. Always consult a licensed professional for gas line installation and adhere to local code requirements.