May 25, 2005

By: Fran Christie
Website: http://www.outdoor-furniture-plus.com

Natural Gas Grill - The Smart Way to Grilling

Over the last few years more and more outdoor appliances have shown up that are gas powered. Patio heaters, gas fireplaces, and of course gas cooking equipment. Also grills have gotten larger and larger and much more powerful. There is much to be said in favor of cooking with natural gas grills over a propane fed grill. Cooking with natural gas grills over propane has many benefits. First of all, depending on where you live it can be much cheaper. Since natural gas has half the power of propane it can actually cost a sixth as much or less than propane. Also, natural gas burns much cleaner than propane. So a natural gas grill is better for the environment and you don’t get as much exhaust as you would from the burning propane of a propane tank which can end up on your food and float around your party.

If you are in the market for a new outdoor grill, do your research on natural gas grills before you buy. Most hardware stores will have a variety available to choose from or they can order one for you. Determine what price range that is affordable for you. If you already have a propane burning gas grill contact the manufacturer about getting a conversion kit. For many models you can make the conversion in a few minutes with little more than a wench.

Most all gas fired outdoor appliances whether they are grills, smoker, patio heaters, or fire pits come in a natural gas version. For many of these the difference is little more than the regulator. Natural gas has about half the BTUs (amount of heat generated) as propane. Simply plugging in a natural gas line to your propane grill won’t work, even if you could get the connector. At this point contact you gas company. You are going to have to run a gas line to a convenient location and they will have a list of certified contractors who can do the job for you. Get a couple of bids. The whole process is pretty easy and shouldn’t take more than an hour or two. Safety is always a priority and if you had an uncontrollable grill fire you could turn off the gas from a distance without having to get too close to the grill. A small device called a PG1 gas connector when installed, turns itself off if the flow of gas becomes uncontrollable, like if the gas line to the grill got cut. Using a PG1 gas connector is a convenient unit and adds a lot of safety to your outdoor gas appliances. Tell your contractor that this is what you want and he’ll think you know more than you do and wont’ try and jack up the installation price.

And last but not least, using natural gas, connected to your house won’t run out until the gas company does in 40 to 50 years. No more tanks to refill, no more worrying about running out in the middle of a big cook out and no more carrying those heavy tanks.

For more information about natural gas grills or to purchase a product, visit our outdoor grills product page.

For additional information on outdoor charcoal grills, or to choose from a variety of related products, please select the link above.

About The Author:

Fran Christie is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.outdoor-furniture-plus.com.  Helping you find quality outdoor furniture, hammocks, chairs, lighting and more!