Natural Gas vs Liquid Propane for Outdoor Grills: Which Should You Buy?

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    You're shopping for an outdoor grill or BBQ island and the configuration page asks: Natural Gas or Liquid Propane?

    This is the decision that trips up the most buyers. Pick wrong and you'll either be hauling propane tanks every two weeks for the next ten years, or you'll have a beautiful permanent gas line that doesn't reach where you actually want to grill.

    Here's the honest breakdown.

    The short answer

    If you have a natural gas line in your home and your patio is anywhere reasonably accessible to it: get natural gas. You'll never refill a tank, you'll save money long-term, and you'll get more consistent heat.

    If you don't have a gas line, or your patio is far from one, or you're renting, or you want flexibility: get liquid propane. Cheaper to install, fully portable, and convertible to natural gas later if you change your mind.

    Cost comparison: actual numbers

    Liquid Propane (LP)

    • Upfront install cost: $0. The grill ships ready to use with a 20-lb tank you buy at any hardware store ($25-$45)
    • Refill cost: $20-$30 per tank exchange, or $15-$25 per refill
    • Tank lasts: 18-20 hours of grilling (typical 4-burner, medium heat)
    • Annual cost (typical user): $150-$300

    Natural Gas (NG)

    • Upfront install cost: $300-$1,500 (gas line run from house to grill location, plus permits)
    • Per-use cost: Roughly half the cost of LP. NG is one of the cheapest fuels per BTU.
    • Annual cost (typical user): $40-$120
    • Tank refills required: Zero. Ever.

    The math

    Natural gas pays back the install cost in 3-7 years for typical use. After that, you're saving money every year. If you plan to stay in the house 5+ years, NG is the financial winner.

    Performance differences (small but real)

    Heat output

    Both fuels produce similar BTU output and heat. The differences are marginal — you won't notice on burgers or steaks.

    Heat consistency

    Natural gas wins slightly. Liquid propane tanks lose pressure as they empty, which can cause minor temperature drops near the end of a tank. Natural gas pressure is constant.

    Cold weather

    This is where NG dominates. Liquid propane vaporization slows dramatically in temperatures below 30°F. If you grill in winter, NG is significantly more reliable.

    Convenience

    Natural Gas

    • Turn knob, push igniter. Done. Forever.
    • Never run out mid-cookout
    • No tanks to store, exchange, or transport

    Liquid Propane

    • Carry a 20-lb tank from your truck to the patio
    • Remember to refill before parties
    • Run out at the worst possible moment (it's a law of physics)
    • Store extra tanks safely (which means outside, not in a garage)

    Flexibility — where LP wins

    Liquid propane is portable. You can move the grill anywhere on your property. You can take it camping. You can sell it later without removing fixed gas lines.

    Natural gas commits you to one location. Once that line is run, the grill stays where the line ends.

    The Cal Flame and Summerset advantage: convertibility

    Almost every grill, fire pit, and fireplace we sell from Cal Flame and Summerset is natural gas convertible from liquid propane. That means you can:

    1. Buy the LP version today (cheap, no install needed)
    2. Use it for 1-3 years on propane while you settle in
    3. Run a gas line and convert later when it makes sense

    The conversion kit costs $50-$150 and must be installed by a certified technician (typically $150-$300 labor). Total switchover: about $200-$450.

    This is the smart play if you're not 100% sure where you want the grill long-term.

    Decision framework

    Choose Natural Gas if you:

    • Already have a NG line on or near your patio
    • Plan to stay in your home 5+ years
    • Grill year-round (especially in cold climates)
    • Hate the propane refill chore

    Choose Liquid Propane if you:

    • Don't have a gas line and don't want to install one
    • Rent or might move soon
    • Want flexibility to relocate the grill
    • Are buying convertible models so you can switch later

    One last thing on safety

    Both fuels are safe when properly installed. Conversion between them must always be done by a certified gas technician. Don't DIY this — it's the one job where mistakes have serious consequences.

    Every Cal Flame and Summerset product we sell ships with full safety documentation and is ETL or CSA certified.

    Need help deciding? Email support@upscalehome.com with your patio setup and we'll help you make the call.

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