Natural Gas Vs. Propane Grill: Choosing the Right Fuel Source

When it comes to gas grills, the great debate of natural gas vs propane has sparked more backyard conversations than charcoal ever could. Each fuel type brings its own advantages — and a few tradeoffs — that can shape the way you cook, clean, and entertain.

Propane offers freedom. With a portable propane tank, you can roll your grill anywhere — from the outdoor kitchen to the campsite — without being tied to a fixed gas line. It burns hot, lights fast, and delivers that unmistakable sizzle that makes weeknight grilling feel like a Saturday barbecue.

Natural gas, on the other hand, is all about consistency and convenience. Hooked directly to your home’s supply, it gives you endless fuel and steady heat without ever having to swap a tank. Once you’ve got that gas line in place, you’ll never worry about running out halfway through the ribs.

So which one’s the right choice for your backyard setup? That depends on what kind of cook you are — the weekend warrior who loves mobility, or the pitmaster who values reliability above all else.

In this guide, we’ll break down the pros, cost, and performance differences between natural gas and propane grills, giving you the facts — minus the fluff — so you can make an informed decision before lighting your next flame.

Choosing between natural gas vs propane grills is a bit like choosing between two schools of barbecue philosophy. Both fuels will light a fire under your ribs — it just depends on how you like to grill.

Natural gas is the quiet workhorse of the outdoor cooking world. Once connected to your home’s gas line, you’ve got a near-endless supply of clean-burning fuel. It’s efficient, steady, and cost-effective, making it a favorite for serious grillers who cook often. 

The downside? You’ll need a professional to install the line, and once it’s in, your gas grill is staying put. It’s perfect for built-in outdoor kitchens, less ideal if you love rearranging your backyard setup.

Propane, on the other hand, offers pure freedom. A portable propane tank means you can take your grill anywhere — the patio, the beach, or the tailgate. It burns hotter than natural gas, which means faster preheating, better searing, and responsive temperature control. 

The catch is that propane tanks eventually run dry, and refill costs can add up if you grill several nights a week. Still, for most backyard cooks, the convenience and heat performance make it worth it.

In short, natural gas offers unbeatable reliability and lower costs over time, while propane delivers raw power and unmatched versatility. No matter which fuel you choose, the right grill setup and a bit of know-how will make your next cookout unforgettable.

Here’s the truth: Propane burns hotter than natural gas. 

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, one gallon of propane contains about 91,500 BTUs, while a cubic foot of natural gas holds roughly 1,030 BTUs — making propane nearly two-and-a-half times more energy-dense by volume.

In practical grilling terms, that means propane grills preheat faster and hit higher temperatures through the same size burner orifice. You’ll notice it most when searing steaks or crisping chicken skin — that extra burst of heat can make a difference.

That said, modern natural gas grills are designed to compensate with optimized burner ports and regulators. Many premium gas grills from top brands still reach 500–550°F, right on par with propane models. So while propane wins on raw output, both fuels can deliver serious firepower where it counts — on the grate.

Natural gas is cheaper to grill with than propane in the long run.

It costs about half as much per unit of heat, making it the more economical choice for frequent outdoor cooking, even if propane costs less to get started.

Let’s talk money — because heat means nothing if it burns your wallet.

Here’s the quick reality check: natural gas is cheaper to run, but propane is cheaper to start with.

Fuel Prices in 2025

Propane prices in the U.S. hover around $2.50–$2.75 per gallon, while natural gas averages $12–$25 per thousand cubic feet, depending on your region and season (according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration).

When converted by energy output, propane runs about $28–$32 per million BTUs, while natural gas lands between $15–$25 — roughly half the cost per unit of heat.

That means an hour of grilling with propane can cost $0.60–$1.00, while natural gas averages $0.30–$0.70. For gas grills used several times a week, that gap adds up fast.

Setup and Installation Costs

Here’s where propane gets the easy win: no gas line, no plumber, no permits.

A standard 20-lb propane tank costs $30–$50, and refills run $12–$15. Hook it up, and you’re ready to grill.

With natural gas, setup is more involved. You’ll need a dedicated gas line, which can cost anywhere from $200 to $1,200, depending on distance and installation complexity — with most homeowners spending around $700.

If you’re building a new outdoor kitchen or already have gas service, it’s worth the upfront cost. If not, that line installation can eat into your early savings.

Long-Term Value

Here’s where natural gas wins the long game.

A full propane tank (about 4.7 gallons) delivers roughly 18–20 hours of high-heat cooking. Grill often, and you’ll face regular refills or tank swaps — not to mention those awkward mid-dinner shutdowns.

With natural gas, the fuel keeps flowing. No trips to the store, no guessing how much is left in the tank, no interruptions. Over a year of steady grilling, most homeowners find that natural gas pays for itself in convenience and cost savings.

In the end, it all depends on how much you actually grill.

If you’re a weekend warrior who fires up the burners a few times a month, propane might be the simpler, cheaper route. But if your backyard sees smoke rising three nights a week, natural gas is the smarter investment.

Propane grills offer unmatched portability, while natural gas grills provide permanent convenience.

If you like to move your setup around the patio or take your cooking on the road, propane wins. But for a fixed outdoor kitchen with endless fuel, natural gas is the long-term champ.

Let’s face it — how you grill often matters just as much as what you grill. In the propane vs natural gas grills debate, convenience is where most cooks draw the line.

Propane grills give you the freedom to roll anywhere — the deck, the driveway, even the campsite. Just hook up a 20-pound tank, turn the knob, and you’re ready to fire up dinner. This flexibility makes propane the top pick for renters, tailgaters, or anyone who doesn’t want to be tied down. You can change your grilling setup as easily as you change your menu.

Natural gas grills, however, are all about stability. Once the gas line installation is done, you’ve got unlimited fuel flowing directly from your home supply — no tanks to refill, no last-minute hardware store runs. It’s the ultimate setup for the serious pitmaster with a built-in outdoor kitchen or a dedicated grilling space in the backyard.

In short, propane delivers mobility and spontaneity, while natural gas offers permanence and peace of mind. Whether you’re chasing smoke across the yard or anchoring your grill into a full outdoor setup, it’s not just about the gas grill you choose — it’s about the rhythm of how you like to cook.

Both natural gas and propane are clean-burning fuels, but natural gas produces slightly less carbon per unit of heat, while propane avoids methane leaks.

That means propane vs natural gas grills both offer eco-friendly outdoor cooking, but each has its own environmental trade-offs.

When it comes to clean grilling, you can’t go wrong with either fuel. Both gas grills burn far cleaner than charcoal or wood, releasing fewer particulates and no messy ash. But when you dig into the details, the greener choice depends on what you measure.

Carbon Emissions

Natural gas wins the numbers game here. It produces about 15–20% less CO₂ per unit of heat than propane, giving it a slight edge in carbon efficiency at the burner. If you’re counting emissions alone, natural gas comes out ahead.

Methane vs. Propane Leaks

But there’s a twist — natural gas is mostly methane, a greenhouse gas more than 25 times stronger than carbon dioxide when it escapes into the atmosphere. Even small leaks from pipelines can offset its clean-burning advantage.

Propane, however, doesn’t share that problem. It may release a bit more CO₂ when burned, but if it leaks, it simply dissipates into the air without trapping heat. That’s why many environmental analysts see propane as the cleaner lifecycle choice overall.

Air Quality & Safety

For backyard grilling, both fuels perform exceptionally well. They burn cleanly, produce minimal carbon monoxide or soot, and leave no residue to foul your burners. Both fuels are odorized for safety and disperse quickly in open air — propane by evaporation, natural gas by diffusion.

In the end, whether you grill with natural gas or propane, you’re making a more environmentally responsible choice than with charcoal. Both fuels deliver clean, efficient heat performance with a smaller carbon footprint — proof that great flavor doesn’t have to come at the planet’s expense.

In today’s backyards, gas grills dominate. Both natural gas and propane grills deliver clean, even heat performance, but the right choice depends more on your cooking habits than on BTUs or burn rates.

For Built-In Outdoor Kitchens

If your home already has gas service, natural gas is the obvious pick. Once the line is installed, it’s permanent, convenient, and worry-free — perfect for homeowners building full outdoor kitchens with stone islands, side burners, or covered patios. You’ll never have to refill a tank or wonder if you’ve got enough fuel for the next round of ribs.

For Portable Setups

Propane, on the other hand, wins for flexibility. Whether you’re grilling on the patio, by the pool, or out at the campsite, a propane tank lets you take the flame wherever you go. It’s the ideal choice for renters, travelers, or weekend grillers who value movement over permanence.

What the Grill Brands Say

Top manufacturers — Weber, Napoleon, Blaze, Coyote, and Hestan — offer nearly all models in both fuel types. While performance and quality remain identical, each grill is engineered for its specific fuel source. Converting between propane and natural gas is possible, but brands like Weber and Napoleon recommend using official conversion kits to protect warranties and ensure safety.

At the end of the day, whether you’re designing a full outdoor kitchen or just rolling out a freestanding grill on the patio, the right fuel isn’t about chemistry — it’s about convenience, commitment, and how you like to cook.

Here’s the bottom line: There’s no universal “best” fuel. It all depends on how you grill.

If you’ve got a built-in outdoor kitchen or you grill every weekend, natural gas is your move. It’s cheaper over time, burns clean, and gives you a steady supply without tank swaps or refill runs. Once the line is in, you’re set for good.

But if you rent, move often, or just fire up the grill occasionally, propane makes more sense. The setup is simple, it works anywhere, and it’s still one of the most reliable fuels out there. 

Either way, you’ll get the same great performance, just make sure your grill is set up safely and matched to the right fuel.