Anyone convert a Propane grill to NG

[todpod]

Seems silly to buy propane when I have an endless supply of NG. The grill is a Uniflame from walmart. If I was rich I would just buy a new one, but I am not.

 

[BoomerD]

Seems silly to buy propane when I have an endless supply of NG. The grill is a Uniflame from walmart. If I was rich I would just buy a new one, but I am not.

Most likely, if it's possible, all you'll have to do is change the orifices. Contact the grill manufacturer to see if it's possible. I've bought gas grills before that came with both NG and LPG orifices so you could use them either way.


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edit: looks like they have natural gas conversion kits for SOME of their LPG models...

http://www.uniflame.com/BRWEB/getdo...164e14ce9b79/Natural-Gas-Barbecue-Grills.aspx

Whether yours is convertible or not...I don't know. Call them.

 

[Charlie98]

Propane vs NG.... volume vs pressure. The orifice is the key... The manufacturer has The Answer.

 

[mmntech]

I think most manufacturers will have kits available. We got a new grill a couple of years ago and got the NG model and line installed. It's cheaper to run and allows the BBQ to do double duty as an oven. Wish we has done it sooner. Many a seemingly ok tank has ruined a cookout.

 

[todpod]

No kit for the grill from uniflame. Home Depot has a couple about $400 that would work, now just need to spend the money. Seems a shame.

 

[Iron Woode]

I used a universal kit for this years ago. It worked just fine. Being free of the propane tank was awesome.

Basically it is just a replacement of the valving for the controls.

 

[CPA]

I installed a drop in grill several years ago and it came with both valves. It's a Uniflame, I believe.

Actually want to replace it now but can't find one of the same size.

 

[todpod]

From reading it looks if you drill out the orifices that would work. The gas pipe is simple enough, and I have to do some moving with that anyhow. So I might try it.

 

[nanobreath]

From reading it looks if you drill out the orifices that would work. The gas pipe is simple enough, and I have to do some moving with that anyhow. So I might try it.

"looks like it would work" is not what you need to go by here. You're dealing with something that is governed by many codes and laws because it has the very real potential to kill people. Find a certified solution for the sake of you and anybody else that will be around this grill.

 

[spidey07]

Read more about it. I was going to do the same to my grill but it didn't make any sense. Propane is better for cooking, hotter and just overall better performing. I normally keep 2-3 tanks around so running out isn't a problem.

 

[mmntech]

From reading it looks if you drill out the orifices that would work. The gas pipe is simple enough, and I have to do some moving with that anyhow. So I might try it.

I wouldn't be guessing when it comes to flammable gas. If worse comes to worse and you've gotta spend for a new grill, at least you'll have two. :thumbsup:

Don't forget to factor in the gas line installation as well. Home Depot charges $250 for it last time I checked.

 

[todpod]

Gas line installation is fairly easy, just a whole lot of common sense. I have done it several times. We will see.

 

[vi edit]

Read more about it. I was going to do the same to my grill but it didn't make any sense. Propane is better for cooking, hotter and just overall better performing. I normally keep 2-3 tanks around so running out isn't a problem.

Eh, I've got NG running to a Weber Genesis and I can hit over 600 degrees in about 5 minutes. 450 comes on in about 2. Not sure how much heat you really need.

I converted to NG and hope to never have another house without it hooked up to the patio/grilling area. It's so freaking nice never having to worry about carting around tanks. And who wants to keep three tanks onhand?

A NG will use about 2x as much gas as a propane tank. But it's 1/3 the cost by volume. So you still save money with it.

 

[ponyo]

Eh, I've got NG running to a Weber Genesis and I can hit over 600 degrees in about 5 minutes. 450 comes on in about 2. Not sure how much heat you really need.

I converted to NG and hope to never have another house without it hooked up to the patio/grilling area. It's so freaking nice never having to worry about carting around tanks. And who wants to keep three tanks onhand?

A NG will use about 2x as much gas as a propane tank. But it's 1/3 the cost by volume. So you still save money with it.

How much did you pay to add the NG line to the patio? Or did you plan it out in advance when you built your house.

 

[vi edit]

How much did you pay to add the NG line to the patio? Or did you plan it out in advance when you built your house.

I planned it out in advance. It was like $150 in parts & labor in addition to the rest of the plumbing. They just T'd off my run going to my stove and ran it 25 feet and out of the house. I had it brought out and under my deck. I wasn't exactly sure where I'd put my grill before building and later decided I wanted it further away. My Dad and I extended it another 15 feet and added a ball valve on there for about $30 in parts and 2 hours of work.

 

[CPA]

I planned it out in advance. It was like $150 in parts & labor in addition to the rest of the plumbing. They just T'd off my run going to my stove and ran it 25 feet and out of the house. I had it brought out and under my deck. I wasn't exactly sure where I'd put my grill before building and later decided I wanted it further away. My Dad and I extended it another 15 feet and added a ball valve on there for about $30 in parts and 2 hours of work.

About what I did, though I T'd it off my main line myself. The only thing that concerns me is that I only buried it about 12 inches.

 

[NetWareHead]

Natural gas is cheaper than propane, cooks just as well and eliminates refilling the tank. My dad did this for his grill.

 

[PsiStar]

I just converted a Brinkman this AM. It was a dual fuel model from Homedepot so most of the effort was removing the LP orifices because the NG orifices were behind them. I think I removed 5 or 6. This was a big grill & did need the conversion kit from HD. Only 1 replacement NG orifice was needed out of the 6 that were in the kit. There were also several knob control stops that get added behind the knobs so they don't rotate as far.

There a few web site forums that talk about drilling out the propane orifices & is what was done in the past. I would recommend the kit tho. I don't rememeber how it cost as picked it up a few months ago but it wasn't expensive. Check out the orifices in your grill to see if they are screw in ... is so then a replacement might work. There are different size orifices in the kit tho. You could try the smallest orifice in the kit to see if the flame is adequate, if not go to the next.