One of the loveable sources of a delicious food serving is no doubt grilling and with the latest technological merge, gas grilling is performing a very important role in our life. As it offers a stress-free and mess-free cooking process. But there are two types of grilling along with a gas source installation as
- Propane gas grill
- Natural gas grill
Both of these gas types vary from each other in many ways. Though both are rich sources of gas they have different installation, price, source, and even their availability differ from each other. So now first of all look at their major and key difference that lies in their source. However, you can also find the best gas grills for around $300 on our blog.
Propane VS Natural Gas Grill
When it comes to grilling, there are two types of gas grills available in the market: propane and natural gas. While both have their benefits, there are some key differences that you should take into account before deciding which one to use for your next cookout. Here is a quick rundown of the pros and cons of propane vs natural gas grills.
Propane grills tend to be more portable than their natural gas counterparts, making them a great option for camping or tailgating. They also tend to heat up faster, so you can get your burgers on the grill in no time. However, propane can be more expensive than natural gas, and you will need to replace the tanks more often.
Natural gas grills are a great option if you have access to a gas line. They are typically more powerful than propane grills, so you can cook for larger groups. Plus, you won’t have to worry about running out of fuel mid-cookout. The downside to natural gas grills is that they can be more expensive to purchase, and they can be less portable since they need to be connected to a gas line.
Natural gas
Natural gas has an underground source where man has to find its presence at a place it comes with its other component gases like propane and methane and requires a pipeline installation to get access to it.
So it has an expensive installation process as getting excess through the pipeline is something that requires a relatively high cost but if we put the installation aside then it is really a budget-friendly option.
Along with this, it is also an environment-friendly option too as the name is suggesting that it is actually nature that is its source and it has no harm to nature too. It comes in 3 forms as
- Compressed
- Uncompressed
- Liquid
And it is up to the human being to get the desired form by putting their efforts. It is also energy efficient as it has 1,000 BTUs. Overall if you have a gas pipeline then it is a good option.
Propane gas
Propane gas has an origin in nature and it is the liquefied form of it that is separated by the human being it is also called LPG or liquefied petroleum gas.
Unlike natural gas which has a pipeline installation, it comes in a cylindrical form that is a portable source and with an energy power of up to 2500 BTUs. Like natural gas, it is also environment friendly and the priority of the people due to its consistent and steady flow and availability.
But if we talk about its tank then it gets empty after some time and to have to replace it in this respect, it is known to be a costly option in the longer run. Due to its large BTU amount, it is the commercially preferred source of energy for grilling.
To make a clear and instant view distinction we have shaped a comparison table that will help you to better understand the idea of propane and natural gas distinction.
| Difference | Natural gas | Propane gas |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Underground source | The processed form of natural gas is actually from its liquefied form |
| BTUs | Comprises 1000 BTUs amount of energy power | 2500 BTUs energy power |
| Availability | Only available to us in a pipeline form with a steady flow | Cylindrical form availability and requires replacement |
| Cost | Its installation is somehow costly but in long run, it is a cost-friendly option | Its tank gets empty and requires replacement which is a costly option if we take it into its long-run |
| Portability | Not portable | Portable |
Source
Propane and natural gas have sources that different from each other as that natural gas has an underground source and it is readily available after its installation. While propane gas is actually the processed form of natural gas. As natural gas comes in 3 forms and one of its forms is liquefied which is the origin of the propane gas.
BTUs of energy power
The propane gas and the natural gas also vary in their amount of energy power that is measured in the BTU unit. Being a large pipeline source the natural gas has a relatively small amount of energy as 1000 BTUs as compared to the propane gas which has 2500 BTUs of energy amount. But natural gas has a more steadiness and consistency in its availability as compared to propane gas which needs replacement or refilling.
Propane VS Natural Gas Grill Availability & Installation
When we talk about the availability and installation then both of these gas forms also vary in these facets. As the steadiness of the natural gas with pipe installation and the refilling of the propane gas with a tank replacement.
So both are totally different from each other as one has a difficult look at its first glance but an easy long run convenience and the other has convenience in look but the replacement of the cylinder or the refilling is somehow difficult. So we can also say that both of these also differ in convenience assurance in their long run along with the different first look.
Propane VS Natural Gas Grill Cost
The cost of the natural and the propane gas have two-zone differences from each other. So let’s look at the first zone that is actually our home access to them.
In the first zone, the natural gas is somehow more costly than that of the propane gas as to get an excess to the natural gas we need to invest a considerable amount of money for the pipeline and on the other hand, the propane gas can be easily excessed by getting the cylinder full of it with ease and no extra cost to for this.
In the second zone, the propane gas proves to be the expensive one as it has a tank operation and it needs to be filled again and again in the long run which is a costly and non-convenient option too. While natural gas in the long run is the smoother one and a budget-friendly option with a steady and straight flow.
Propane VS Natural Gas Grill Portability & Convenience
Both of these gas forms vary in their portability too which is actually a major reason for the wide spreading of their one form. The propane gas is portable as you can carry its cylinder anywhere everywhere depending upon its size. There is also a size modification that is up to your choice but in the case of the natural gas, it does not offer such an option as portability and size selection.
Natural Gas VS Propane Grill Taste
In general, however, natural gas grills tend to be less expensive to operate and are more environmentally friendly than propane grills. They also tend to provide a more consistent cooking temperature, which can be beneficial if you’re doing a lot of grilling.
Propane grills, on the other hand, are typically more portable and can be used in areas where natural gas is not available. They also tend to heat up more quickly than natural gas grills, which can be a plus if you’re in a hurry. Ultimately, the best way to decide which type of grill is right for you is to experiment with both and see which one you prefer.
As far as taste is concerned, there is very little difference between propane and natural gas grills. Both will give your food a nice, smoky flavor that is perfect for summer BBQs.
Final Thoughts
There are a few key differences between propane and natural gas grills. For one, propane is a lot more portable since it comes in a canister that can be easily transported. Natural gas, on the other hand, is piped into homes and businesses, so it’s not as easy to take with you on the go. Additionally, propane grills tend to be less expensive than natural gas grills.
So, which is the better option? It really depends on your needs and preferences. If you want a grill that you can take with you anywhere, then a propane grill is probably the way to go. However, if you’re looking for a more permanent solution and price isn’t as much of an issue, then a natural gas grill might be the better option.