Free Calculator

Propane vs Natural Gas Grill — Which Is Better?

Propane and natural gas grills both produce excellent results, but they're different products suited to different needs. Propane is portable (tank attaches to the grill), burns hotter (2,500 BTU/cubic foot vs 1,000 BTU/cubic foot for natural gas), and is available anywhere. Natural gas requires a permanent gas line hookup but costs roughly 1/3 the price of propane and never runs out mid-cook. If you own your home and have a gas line or can run one to the patio, natural gas is typically more economical for regular grilling.

Natural gas grills can't use propane tanks and vice versa — the orifice sizes are different (natural gas has larger orifices because it's less dense than propane). Some grills come with conversion kits; others are sold in both propane and natural gas versions. Confirm compatibility before purchasing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a 20 lb propane tank last for grilling?
A 20 lb propane tank contains about 430,000 BTUs. At 40,000 BTU/hr (typical mid-size grill running at full), that's roughly 10 hours. At 50% output during actual cooking, you can expect 18–20 hours of real grilling time — or about 12–15 typical 90-minute BBQ sessions.
How do I know how much propane is left in my tank?
Weigh the tank — a standard 20 lb tank weighs about 17 lbs when empty, so full weight is 37 lbs. Subtract the tare weight (stamped on the collar) from the current weight to estimate remaining propane. You can also pour warm water down the side — the propane level shows as a cool line.
What BTU rating should I look for in a grill?
For a family of 4, a 30,000–40,000 BTU grill is more than sufficient. BTU rating indicates maximum output — you rarely run at 100%. A high-BTU grill isn't always better; heat distribution and grill design matter more than raw BTU numbers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is propane or natural gas better for grilling?
Propane advantages: hotter flame (25% more BTUs per cubic foot), portable (no gas line needed), works anywhere. Natural gas advantages: lower fuel cost (~1/3 the price of propane), unlimited supply (no tank swaps), always available. For occasional grilling without a gas line: propane. For daily or heavy grilling in a permanent backyard setup: natural gas is typically more economical over a few years.
How much does it cost to run a propane vs natural gas grill?
Cost comparison per grilling session (1 hour, medium heat): Propane: 1 lb propane at $3–4/lb (exchange cost) = $3–4 per session. Natural gas: equivalent energy costs $0.50–1.00 per session (varies by local gas rates). Natural gas is 60–75% cheaper per session. The gas line installation cost ($500–$2,000 depending on distance) pays for itself in 1–3 years for regular grillers.
Can I convert my propane grill to natural gas?
Many gas grills can be converted, but only if the manufacturer sells a conversion kit for your specific model. The conversion changes the orifices (gas jets) to larger sizes appropriate for natural gas's lower pressure and density. DIY propane-to-natural gas conversion without the proper kit is dangerous and can cause gas leaks or fire. Check your grill manufacturer's website for conversion kit availability — most major brands (Weber, Napoleon, Broil King) offer kits for convertible models.

Titan Grillers

Get Perfect Readings Every Time

This tool is powered by the same precision principles behind the Titan Grillers IP67 Meat Thermometer — instant reads in 2–3 seconds, waterproof, and only $7.99.

Get the Thermometer — $7.99 Browse All Free Tools

4.4★ rated · IP67 waterproof · Free returns via Amazon

More Propane Tank Duration Calculator Guides

Propane Burn Time

Related Free Tools

Charcoal Amount Calculator

Calculate the right amount of charcoal based on grill size, cooking temperature, and session length.

Gas vs Charcoal Cost Calculator

Compare the real cost per BBQ session between propane gas and charcoal grilling.

Grill Size Calculator

Find the right grill size in square inches based on your household size and typical cook quantities.
← Back to Propane Tank Duration Calculator · All Free Tools