One of the most important decisions to make when choosing a built-in grill is how it will be fueled.
Natural gas and liquid propane can both provide excellent grilling performance, but they differ in convenience, installation requirements, fuel supply and how easily the grill can be incorporated into an outdoor kitchen.
Quick Answer: Natural Gas or Propane?
If your home already has natural gas available near the outdoor kitchen, a natural-gas grill can provide the convenience of a permanent fuel supply.
If natural gas is not available or running a permanent gas line would be difficult, propane may provide more installation flexibility.
NAL TIP: Choose the fuel source before choosing the exact grill. Many grill models are sold in separate natural-gas and propane versions.
Natural Gas vs. Propane at a Glance
| Consideration | Natural Gas | Propane |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel supply | Permanent connection to the home's gas supply | Typically uses a refillable or exchangeable LP tank |
| Convenience | No tank to refill or exchange | Fuel level needs to be monitored |
| Installation | May require a permanent gas line | Can be easier where natural gas is unavailable |
| Best fit | Permanent outdoor kitchens with natural gas available | Outdoor kitchens needing more fuel-source flexibility |
Neither fuel type is automatically better. The right choice depends primarily on the utilities available at your home and how you plan to use the outdoor kitchen.
Natural Gas Grills: The Convenience of a Permanent Fuel Supply
A natural-gas grill connects directly to the home’s natural-gas system, which makes it especially convenient for a permanent outdoor kitchen.
Once installed, there is no propane tank to refill or exchange. For people who grill frequently, that convenience can be a major advantage.
Natural Gas May Be Right for You If:
- Your home already has natural gas
- A gas line can be run to the outdoor kitchen
- You grill frequently
- You want a permanent fuel connection
- You do not want to monitor or replace propane tanks
NAL TIP: If natural gas is already available near the outdoor kitchen, it is worth considering before choosing the exact grill model.
Propane Grills: More Flexibility Where Natural Gas Is Not Available
Propane can be a practical choice when natural gas is not available or when installing a permanent gas line would be difficult or expensive.
Many propane grills use a standard refillable or exchangeable LP tank, making the fuel source relatively easy to obtain.
Propane May Be Right for You If:
- Natural gas is not available
- You want more flexibility in grill placement
- Running a permanent gas line is not practical
- You are comfortable monitoring the fuel supply
- You already use propane for other outdoor appliances
WATCH OUT: Plan a safe, manufacturer-approved location for the propane tank and follow all installation and ventilation requirements.
Can a Natural Gas Grill Be Converted to Propane?
Sometimes—but you should never assume that a grill can be converted from one fuel type to another.
Some manufacturers offer approved conversion kits for certain models, while other grills are designed and certified for only one fuel type.
Burner orifices, regulators and fuel-delivery components can differ between natural gas and propane systems.
WATCH OUT: Never attempt to convert a grill unless the manufacturer specifically allows it and provides the correct conversion components and instructions.
The safest approach is to buy the grill configured for the fuel source you intend to use.
Does Natural Gas or Propane Cook Better?
For most shoppers, fuel type should not be the deciding factor in cooking quality.
A well-designed natural-gas grill and a well-designed propane grill can both provide excellent cooking performance.
Burner design, heat distribution, cooking grates, temperature control and construction usually matter more than whether the grill uses natural gas or propane.
NAL TIP: Choose your fuel based on installation and convenience. Choose your grill based on cooking performance and features.
What About Fuel Cost?
Fuel cost varies by location, utility rates, propane pricing and how often the grill is used.
Natural gas can be convenient because it is supplied continuously through the home’s utility connection. Propane pricing depends on the size of the tank and local refill or exchange costs.
For most homeowners, the installation requirements and convenience of each fuel source are likely to matter more than small differences in fuel cost.
VALUE TIP: Consider the total cost of the setup—not just the price of the grill. A new gas line, propane storage solution or professional installation can affect the overall project budget.
Which Fuel Type Should You Choose?
For most shoppers, the decision comes down to what fuel source is available at the home and how permanent the outdoor kitchen will be.
If natural gas is already available near the installation location, a natural-gas grill can be a very convenient choice. If natural gas is not available or you want more flexibility, propane may make more sense.
Choose Natural Gas If:
- You already have natural gas at the home
- You want a permanent fuel connection
- You grill frequently
- You do not want to refill or exchange tanks
- Running a gas line to the outdoor kitchen is practical
Choose Propane If:
- Natural gas is not available
- You want more flexibility in placement
- Installing a permanent gas line would be difficult or expensive
- You are comfortable monitoring the fuel supply
- Propane is already part of your outdoor setup
NAL TIP: Decide on the fuel source before you shop seriously for a grill. That keeps you from falling in love with a model that is not configured for your installation.
Don’t Forget the Installation Requirements
Whether you choose natural gas or propane, installation requirements matter.
Built-in grills may require specific clearances, ventilation, gas connections and electrical connections. The exact requirements vary by model, so always review the manufacturer’s installation instructions before building the outdoor kitchen around the grill.
WATCH OUT: Do not assume that two grills with the same size or fuel type have the same installation requirements.
Read our complete Built-In Grill Buying Guide →
Natural Gas vs. Propane Grill FAQs
Is natural gas cheaper than propane?
It can be, depending on local utility rates and propane pricing. But installation costs and how often you use the grill can matter just as much as the fuel price itself.
Does propane burn hotter than natural gas?
Propane contains more energy per unit than natural gas, but actual grill performance depends heavily on burner design and how the grill is engineered. A quality natural-gas grill can still deliver excellent high-heat performance.
Can I use a propane grill with natural gas?
Not unless the manufacturer specifically allows conversion and provides the correct approved components. Never connect a propane-configured grill directly to natural gas.
Can I use a natural-gas grill with propane?
Only if the manufacturer specifically allows the conversion. The fuel system components are different and must match the fuel source.
Which is better for an outdoor kitchen?
Natural gas is often convenient for a permanent outdoor kitchen when a gas line is available. Propane can be a better fit where natural gas is unavailable or where more installation flexibility is needed.
Do I need a professional to install the gas connection?
Gas work should follow local codes and manufacturer instructions. In many situations, a licensed professional is the appropriate choice for installing or modifying a gas line.
