Propane Gas Vs Natural Gas Grill Fuel
When it comes to grilling, there are a lot of factors that go into picking the right fuel type. The most common choice is between propane gas and natural gas.
Propane grills require tanks that are exchanged or refilled, whereas natural gas grills plug directly into the same line that supplies your home’s other appliances. Which is the best option?
Cost
One of the primary factors that people consider when selecting the fuel for their grill is cost. Propane is cheaper than natural gas, so if you grill frequently, this makes sense for your budget.
A drawback of propane is that it requires a tank, which can be bulky and limit the placement of your grill. Some people prefer the freedom of a portable propane grill, which can be moved to other parts of their backyard.
Natural gas grills are more expensive up front since they require a natural gas hookup or a line installation. However, this can be a smart investment for homeowners who grill often, as the lines will pay off over time. Additionally, natural gas has a lower carbon footprint than propane, which can be helpful for eco-conscious consumers. The gas also safely floats upward in the event of a leak, making it less dangerous than propane. It is also available in many rural areas.
Convenience
Depending on grilling habits and personal preferences, either propane or natural gas can be a good choice. However, assessing the upfront and long-term costs of both fuel sources can help you make an informed decision that best suits your needs.
Propane grills use liquid propane stored in portable tanks that are refilled or exchanged when needed. This type of grill is easy to set up and move around your yard as desired, but it can require vigilance to keep track of propane levels to ensure you don’t run out mid-grill.
Natural gas grills connect to a dedicated natural gas line that supplies your home, which means you’ll never have to worry about running out of fuel. This type of grill can be more expensive to purchase and install, but it’s generally less costly than propane in the long run. Plus, it’s eco-friendly, so it’s a great option for those who care about their carbon footprint.
Environmental Impact
Natural gas grills are connected directly to a home’s gas line, which means you never run out of fuel. However, the initial installation can be costly, and it limits your placement options as well.
Propane grills use portable liquid propane tanks, which require swapping out empty tanks for refills and storing them properly. Propane can also be more expensive per unit than natural gas, although lower long-term fuel costs might offset the initial costs.
Unlike propane, which comes from petroleum and is often sourced by mining or drilling, natural gas is an eco-friendly, nontoxic fuel that does not create harmful greenhouse gases or harm animals or plants. Additionally, it is one of the safest and cheapest fuel sources to burn, and it will safely float away from your grill in the event of a leak. In addition, it is a reliable energy source that will continue to power your appliances even in the event of an outage.
Safety
A natural gas grill uses a gas line that connects to the home’s main gas supply, which your local energy company supplies. However, if you don’t have a gas line installed at your house or would like the flexibility to move your grill around on your property, liquid propane is still an option.
Propane comes in cylinders that you can buy, exchange, or refill at various locations. When a grill is connected to a propane tank, the gas is jetted from small orifices at the burners into the air to create flame and heat food. The burners are lit when you switch the grill on.
Natural gas grills are connected to the same gas line that powers your home appliances, including furnaces, water heaters, and ovens. This means that you never have to worry about running out of fuel or making trips to buy new cylinders. It also costs the same to run a natural gas grill as it does to use your home’s furnace.
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