Gas Grills, Maintenance & Safety, Tips & Techniques
Natural Gas vs Propane Grill: Which Is Right for You?
Natural gas and propane grills cook identically – the difference is the fuel supply. Natural gas connects to your home's mains supply and never runs out; propane comes in a portable tank you refill or exchange. Choose natural gas for a permanent backyard setup where convenience matters. Choose propane if you want portability or don't have access to a gas line.
Natural Gas vs Propane at a Glance
| Factor | Natural gas | Propane |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel supply | Mains supply – never runs out | Tank – requires monitoring and refilling |
| Cost per BTU | Cheaper in most US regions | More expensive per BTU than NG |
| Cooking performance | Identical to propane | Identical to natural gas |
| Portability | Fixed – tethered to gas line | Portable – use anywhere |
| Upfront cost | Higher – NG grill or conversion kit + gas line | Lower – grill only, tank exchange widely available |
| Convenience | No tank management – turn on and grill | Must track tank level and refill |
| Cold weather performance | Unaffected by temperature | Pressure drops in very cold weather (below 20°F) |
| Best for | Permanent backyard setups, outdoor kitchens | Portable cooking, rentals, frequent movers |
Cooking Performance: No Difference
This is the most important thing to understand before choosing: natural gas and propane produce identical cooking results. A properly specified natural gas grill has the same BTU output as its propane equivalent. No flavor difference, no temperature difference, and no functional cooking difference between the two.
The choice is entirely about fuel supply logistics – convenience, cost, and where you can use the grill.
The Case for Natural Gas
Never runs out
The defining advantage. A natural gas grill connects directly to your home's mains gas supply – the same line that supplies your stove and water heater. You turn it on and cook. No need to monitor a tank, check gauges, or make emergency runs to the exchange because the propane ran out mid-cook.
Lower running cost
Natural gas is cheaper per BTU than propane in most US regions. The exact difference varies by location and current energy prices, but frequent grillers typically find the conversion kit cost (or the premium of buying a natural gas model) pays back within one to two seasons of regular use.
Better for permanent setups
If you're building an outdoor kitchen, a built-in grill station, or a permanent backyard cooking area, running a gas line and using a natural gas grill is significantly cleaner than a propane setup. No tank sitting beside the grill, no hose management, no aesthetics compromise. For outdoor kitchens in particular, natural gas is the standard choice.
Cold weather reliability
Propane pressure drops at very low temperatures – below around 20°F (-7°C), the tank pressure may be insufficient to feed the burners at full output. Natural gas is unaffected by temperature. For year-round grilling in cold climates, natural gas is more reliable.
The Case for Propane
Portability
A propane grill goes anywhere. Take it to the campsite, the beach, a vacation rental, or a tailgate. Natural gas grills are tethered to the gas line – they cannot leave the backyard.
No gas line required
Not every property has an outdoor gas line, and running one requires a licensed tradesperson and can be costly depending on the distance from the main supply. Propane needs nothing – connect the regulator, open the tank valve, and cook.
Lower upfront cost
A propane grill costs less to get started than a natural gas setup. No gas line installation, no conversion kit, and no plumber's bill. For occasional grillers, the lower running cost of natural gas never overcomes this upfront difference.
Better for renters
Running a permanent gas line to an outdoor cooking area is impractical or prohibited in most rental properties. Propane is the only realistic option for renters who want a gas grill.
Which Should You Buy?
Choose natural gas if:
- You grill frequently – several times a week during grilling season
- You have an outdoor gas line or are willing to have one installed
- You're building a permanent outdoor kitchen or grill station
- You want zero fuel management and maximum convenience
- You grill year-round in a cold climate
Choose propane if:
- You want to use the grill at multiple locations
- You don't have an outdoor gas line and don't want to install one
- You're renting your property
- You grill occasionally, and the cost difference per cook doesn't add up
- You want flexibility – propane grills can always be converted to natural gas later if circumstances change
Nexgrill Natural Gas Options
Nexgrill offers natural gas grills in select models, and natural gas conversion kits for compatible propane models. Key points:
- Natural gas models: available across several Nexgrill ranges – check the product listings on nexgrill.com or at The Home Depot for current NG availability.
- Conversion kits: available for select Nexgrill propane models. Not all models support conversion – check the product page for your specific model or contact Nexgrill support to confirm compatibility.
- Buying a propane model with conversion capability: if you're unsure whether you'll have a gas line in the future, buying a convertible propane model gives you flexibility. Check that the conversion kit is available before purchasing.
For the full conversion process, see: Natural Gas Grill Conversion: Everything You Need to Know
Related Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a natural gas grill cook differently than propane?
No. Natural gas and propane grills produce identical cooking results when the grill is properly specified for each fuel type. The BTU output is the same, the temperature range is the same, and there is no flavor difference. The choice between the two comes down to fuel-supply logistics.
Is natural gas cheaper than propane for grilling?
Yes, in most US regions. Natural gas costs less per BTU than propane. The exact difference varies by location and current energy prices. Frequent grillers typically find the conversion kit or natural gas grill premium pays back within one to two seasons. For occasional grillers, the lower running cost may not overcome the higher upfront cost.
Can I convert my propane Nexgrill to natural gas?
Only if a conversion kit is available for your specific model. Not all Nexgrill models support conversion – check the product page for your model or contact Nexgrill support at nexgrill.com/support with your model number. Only use a conversion kit designed for your specific model.
What are the disadvantages of natural gas grills?
Natural gas grills are fixed in location – they cannot be moved away from the gas line connection. They also have a higher upfront cost than equivalent propane models (gas line installation plus the NG grill or conversion kit). They are not suitable for renters or anyone who needs a portable cooking option.
Does propane run out faster in cold weather?
Yes. Propane is stored as a liquid under pressure, and that pressure drops at low temperatures. Below around 20°F (-7°C), tank pressure may be insufficient to feed burners at full output. Natural gas is supplied at constant pressure from the mains and is unaffected by ambient temperature – it is the more reliable option for winter grilling.
