BBQ's - Natural Gas vs. Propane - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

4X4 · 06-20-2007, 05:11 PM

Can I get some opinions, please? Hopefully from people that have had both...

The place I'm moving to has a gas line for the bbq, but I'm wondering whether it is more expensive to use natural gas or propane.

Obviously, natural gas has the advantage of never running out mid meal, so I'm leaning towards it.

Also, can a bbq be converted? Is there some kind of adaptor that I buy for my propane rig, or am I looking at buying a new bbq?

Bring_Back_Shantz · 06-20-2007, 05:14 PM

Yes, you most certainly can convert most BBQs but it usually means replacing the burner.

As for making the change, I'm not sure which is cheaper but I'll tell you this, Propane will do a better job when it is cold/windy as it will put out more heat than natural gas. I think that is part of the conversion (they put through more gas to make up for the lower heating value of methane vs propane), but I've found that on days where it is particuarily cold or windy you may have some problems where has with a propane rig you'd probalby be okay. Of course if it's too cold you'll never get the propane to light, but you probably won't be BBQing in those temeratures anyway.

My two cents.

4X4 · 06-20-2007, 05:17 PM

TTYTT, I bbq year round. So maybe propane is the better way to go for me.

Bill Bumface · 06-20-2007, 05:32 PM

I use gas, but I really have never tried when it's been below 10. It's a different jet/regulator assembly that goes into your burner. It would be nice if there was a way to rig it for both, that way making your propane last forever.

redforever · 06-20-2007, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hulkrogan

I use gas, but I really have never tried when it's been below 10. It's a different jet/regulator assembly that goes into your burner. It would be nice if there was a way to rig it for both, that way making your propane last forever.

Once you have the convenience of natural gas, you will never go back to propane. And we barbecue to -20, no problem.

ken0042 · 06-20-2007, 05:59 PM

Just switched to gas. Now at first I thought I had a billing spike, but was a different matter. (I only mention that to tell you the next part.)

My BBQ uses 75¢ per hour with one burner going, and $1.40 per hour with two burners. These prices are at $7 per GJ.

I have found the cooking temp is indeed lower, so factor that into the equation. What that also means is for me as a single guy with a monster sized BBQ, I have to have 2 burners going to create enough heat in the BBQ. Another downside is if you are the type who might accidentally leave it on- with propane there is a finite amount of fuel you will waste.

All that being said, so far I really enjoy the new BBQ, and the never having to go fill up and change tanks is worth every penny.

prarieboy · 06-20-2007, 06:02 PM

I second Red's comments. I will only buy a propane BBQ in the future if Natural Gas is not available. I've heard that Propane burns hotter but BBQ's are rated by BTU's, No?

Draug · 06-20-2007, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4X4

TTYTT, I bbq year round. So maybe propane is the better way to go for me.

Ive had both.

The natural gas was nice for the convienence factor of having the BBQ connected directly to a gas source.

But, the propane gets way hotter. That is what I use now, even though I have a gasline right on the deck. I have two propane bottles, so running out mid-use doesnt happen.

I BBQ year round also; I love my propane Broil King. 54,000 BTU is enough to to get 600 degrees as long as it is above -10 degrees celsius and not windy.

BlackArcher101 · 06-20-2007, 06:21 PM

Having tried both Natural Gas and Propane, I will stick with Propane. The main reason is cooking temperature. It is quite noticeable and I have to leave the NG on for a long time in order to sear a steak.

Besides, I only fill up my propane bottle twice a year. It isn't that much of a hassle.

jam26 · 06-20-2007, 07:20 PM

I've had both and definitely prefer NG. My NG BBQ has more BTUs than the propane BBQ I had before, so in my case it burns a lot hotter than the propane one I used. I like the convenience and the additional storage underneath.

redforever · 06-20-2007, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Draug

Ive had both.

The natural gas was nice for the convienence factor of having the BBQ connected directly to a gas source.

But, the propane gets way hotter. That is what I use now, even though I have a gasline right on the deck. I have two propane bottles, so running out mid-use doesnt happen.

I BBQ year round also; I love my propane Broil King. 54,000 BTU is enough to to get 600 degrees as long as it is above -10 degrees celsius and not windy.

What are you cooking at 600 degrees?

I-Hate-Hulse · 06-20-2007, 09:46 PM

I had a NG BBQ at my old condo - loved the convienience of never running out of propane, and didn't find the difference in temperature noticable as I like cooking at lower temps to avoid burning. I did however, decide to "burn" the grase off after one usage and promptly left it running at max burner for 7 day continiously

Thankfully, gas was in the condo fees.

At my new place I couldn't get a run in to the deck, so NG was out. With the Propane I eliminated the risk of running out of propane mid BBQ by getting two tanks, and always having a full one handy.

GreenTeaFrapp · 06-20-2007, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redforever

What are you cooking at 600 degrees?

Charcoal.

GreenTeaFrapp · 06-20-2007, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jam26

I've had both and definitely prefer NG. My NG BBQ has more BTUs than the propane BBQ I had before, so in my case it burns a lot hotter than the propane one I used.

That just because your grills are different.

I have identical Weber grills at home and the cottage except one if NG and one is propane. Unless I've got some problem with the burners on the NG one, the propane one burns WAY hotter. Ten minutes on NG and I'm just over 400. Ten minutes on propane and I'm way past 500.

Frequitude · 06-20-2007, 10:41 PM

lol, I'm in the opposite boat: A gas bbq and a propane tank. (a nice weber though, so I'm not willing to trade)

The bbq place over on 58th ave by 11th st SE is a great help. Prepare to take photos and measurements of the underneath burner system before you go in there...that cost me a trip.

Five-hole · 06-20-2007, 10:59 PM

I use a natural gas Weber BBQ and would never switch. The convenience factor, as many have stated, is one of the big ones. I've only ever had a problem with temperatures when it's REALLY windy out; I BBQ in -15 or -20 quite frequently with no problems. If it's windy though food near the back (where the vent is) can be undercooked.

Honestly though, there's very little you need to cook on "high" that I can think of. If you one of those people that does your meat on high try it on medium for a while, you won't switch back.

4X4 · 06-21-2007, 12:05 AM

Well, I gotta say that the NG crowd is really starting to sway me... Any comments on the price? Someone mentioned that the only price variance coincided with a temperature change... No horror stories, though?

MacDougalbry · 06-21-2007, 12:11 AM

FYI, a basic NG line install costs $300 plus $11/foot through the BBQ store.

By comparison, the builder would have charged us a flat $300, had we had the foresight to get the NG line in the 1st place.

GrrlGoalie33 · 06-21-2007, 08:21 AM

One thing to consider if you're in an apartment...

It is illegal to transport a propane bottle through your building. I know lots of people do it, but it's still against the law.

If you're moving into an apartment or condo, NG would be the way to go.

I-Hate-Hulse · 06-21-2007, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frankster

One thing to consider if you're in an apartment...

It is illegal to transport a propane bottle through your building. I know lots of people do it, but it's still against the law.

If you're moving into an apartment or condo, NG would be the way to go.

Actually it's only illegal to transport it in the elevators or store the tank in a confined space - ie use the stairs. Not that it stops anyone, including myself. Fire Departments love NG as if there's a fire they just kill the source and they don't have to worry about exploding tanks.