Gas Grills

[Garett]

I currently have a propane powered gas grill. Our new house can easily accommodate the grill being converted over to natural gas. The grill's conversion kit is worth $200, I can do all the rest at no cost, is it worth the $200? What's the difference in cooking time, if any?

[Kern O]

You'll find the natural gas cooks quite a bit more slowly because it is not nearly as ht as propane. I admit it is a pain getting the tanks filled, but it off set by the longer cooking times for everything.

[Snapper Head]

Garret,

Kern is correct about the lower heat with Natural Gas. Used to have NG years ago, and to me it is not a huge downside, though. I enjoy the whole process of sitting around the grill enjoying the company, weather, and libations.


Big Al

[Garett]

Ok here's where I get confused....if my propane burner is rated for 50,000 btu's and I replace that burner assembly for a natural gas burner assembly which also is rated at 50,000 btu's, how can the cooking time be different?

[bluffman2]

garett this should sum it up for you ...read the 4th paragraph...there are more btu,s per cubic ft in propane than n/gas

http://wardburner.com/gaspressure.html

[Garett]

Now I've got all the ducks in a row......thanks Stephen.

[bluffman2]

glad i could help garett!

[Grunt]

With all due respect - Actually that doesn't explain it. If he had the same burner designed for the same flow rate (cubic feet) that would explain it; but if he has a burner rated for the same BTU's (more or larger ports to make up for the lower btu's per cubic feet) it will give the same heat output. A BTU is a BTU whether its from gasoline, propane or methane. His new burner should flow enough extra gas (two and a half times more) volume to make up for the lost BTUs per foot.

I suspect most people try to use the same burner and that is why they get less heat. Like the guy in the link says....

"They buy a used kiln that had been fired on propane and they now want to convert it to natural gas. That's fine, but they may not be able to use the same burner system. If that kiln had four burners that had been fired on propane at 10 PSI, they're in trouble."

Looks like Garett is doing it the right way, by getting the tailored extra capacity burner.

[bluffman2]

Grunt you are exactly right.......i mis interpeted what Garett had said......

[Daddy'O]

I knew about the difference in BTUs for propane as compared to natural gas. However, I thought it was a simple conversion from one sized orifice (jet) to another.

Garett, what does the conversion kit you're looking at consist of?

Wayne