BBQ's - Natural Gas vs. Propane

[I-Hate-Hulse]

Originally Posted by MacDougalbry

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.

I wouldn't recommend the guy we were sent via BBQ Galore. Was a bit lazy - he took 5 minutes, proclaimed it impossible to get a run in, but another plumber we had in said it was definately possible, it just would take a bit more work.

[Bill Bumface]

Originally Posted by I-Hate-Hulse

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.

Funny this get's mentioned as we just got a notice in our complex yesterday that our condo by-laws don't allow propane tanks in units or on patios/decks. It's a little odd considering that almost half of the units have outdoor patios that are accessed from the outdoors (there is no inside hallways in the complex, only outdoor catwalks/sidewalks).

Gas is run to every deck or patio, so it's not all that unfair.

[I-Hate-Hulse]

Originally Posted by hulkrogan

Funny this get's mentioned as we just got a notice in our complex yesterday that our condo by-laws don't allow propane tanks in units or on patios/decks. It's a little odd considering that almost half of the units have outdoor patios that are accessed from the outdoors (there is no inside hallways in the complex, only outdoor catwalks/sidewalks).

Gas is run to every deck or patio, so it's not all that unfair.

That's a bit odd, but easily confirmed by looking at the bylaws. I know some wood frame building specifically ban tanks for flammability reasons. We had a neurotic board member who tried to get propane banned at our condo, but a call to the Calgary Fire Dept confirmed that there is no municipal bylaw banning propane tanks in condos.

From my experience it's a nightmare to enforce compliance around tanks. Most people don't want to shell out for a new NG BBQ if they already have a propane one. And then you run into the problem of people storing tanks INSIDE the unit to skirt the bylaw which is an INFINITELY worse problem.

(3 years as Board President really destroys your faith in humanity)

[Draug]

Originally Posted by redforever

What are you cooking at 600 degrees?

HAHA!

Nothing. That is just how warm the BBQ gets while warming it up.

I like to heat the BBQ very hot, and throw the steak on. 4 minutes (depending on thickness) on each side makes a nice medium on my BBQ.

The high intense heat for a short period, and single flip, seal in the moisture.

[Barnes]

Originally Posted by Draug

HAHA!

Nothing. That is just how warm the BBQ gets while warming it up.

I like to heat the BBQ very hot, and throw the steak on. 4 minutes (depending on thickness) on each side makes a nice medium on my BBQ.

The high intense heat for a short period, and single flip, seal in the moisture.

Mmmmm

is there any other way?

[Five-hole]

Originally Posted by Barnes

Mmmmm

is there any other way?

Yeah.

Unless the steak is more than an inch and a half thick, brush it with olive oil and cook on direct medium. Of course, I like my steak pretty rare so adjust your times accordingly, but here's a a chart for you.

1/2 inch thick - 2.5 mins per side
3/4 inch thick - 3 mins per side
1 inch thick - 4 mins per side

For medium, go 5-6 minutes per side for a 1" steak.

When you get thicker, you can sear on high and finish cooking on medium. Most steaks aren't that thick, though.