Comparison
Propane vs Natural Gas Grills
Natural gas costs less per hour and never runs out mid-cook. Propane works anywhere. The choice usually comes down to whether you have (or want) a plumbed gas line.
Grills.co Editorial · Updated January 14, 2026
TL;DR
Buy natural gas if you have a gas line or are willing to install one. Buy propane if you rent, plan to move, or want a portable cooker.
At a glance
| Dimension | Propane (LP) | Natural gas (NG) |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel cost per hour | ~$1.00 | ~$0.50 |
| Install requirement | None | Gas line |
| Portability | Yes | No |
| BTU energy density | Higher | Lower |
| Runs out mid-cook | Possible | No |
| Setup time | Tank swap (10 min) | None |
| Best for | Renters, mobility | Permanent installs |
Cost
Natural gas is the cheapest common cooking fuel hour-for-hour. A standard 3-burner grill at medium heat costs roughly $0.40–$0.60 per hour on NG and $0.80–$1.20 per hour on propane.
Over a year of regular grilling, the gas-line install can pay back through lower fuel costs — but only over a multi-year horizon.
Convenience
NG never runs out. Once plumbed, you turn the grill on and cook. Propane tanks run dry, sometimes mid-cook. Keep a backup tank.
NG grills are not portable. Once installed, they stay. Propane grills move anywhere.
Install cost
A new NG line run to a patio typically costs $400–$1,200 depending on distance and local labor rates. Always hire a licensed gas plumber. Cities require permits for gas line work.
Conversion
Most modern grills are sold in both LP and NG variants. Some can be field converted with a manufacturer kit (orifices + regulator). Always use the manufacturer’s official conversion kit; aftermarket parts can cause unsafe gas pressure.
Best choice by buyer
- Renters: propane.
- Homeowners with existing gas line: natural gas.
- Anyone planning a built-in install: natural gas.
- Camping or RV use: propane.
- Apartments: usually neither — see apartment grills.
Frequently asked questions
Can I convert a propane grill to natural gas?
Many models can be converted with manufacturer-provided conversion kits. Conversion requires changing the orifices and regulator. Some grills are not field-convertible — verify before buying.
Why does propane produce more BTUs than natural gas in the same grill?
Propane has more energy per cubic foot than natural gas (about 2.5x). Most grills are designed for similar total output across LP and NG by using larger orifices on NG models, but slight differences in peak output are common.