There are several reasons why you may want to convert your propane grill to natural gas. Some people make this natural gas grill conversion because of the hassle of refilling a propane tank. It’s even worse when the propane tank finishes mid grilling. Note, not all gas grills are dual grills. So, you want to make sure your grill can make this conversion in the first place before proceeding to the next step. Irrespective of your grill’s capability to convert propane gas to natural gas, making this conversion can be a hassle. It’s even more difficult if you have never made this conversion before. But in this review, we’d show you how to convert a propane grill to natural gas.
Guide to Converting Propane Grill to Natural Gas
In this natural gas grill review, here are eight easy steps to make a propane natural gas conversion:
Step 1: Have a Natural Gas Line Close By
The first thing you want to do when making this conversion is to have a natural gas line close by that you can attach to your grill. So, if you are trying to make this conversion about replacing your old natural gas grill, then you can attach the grill to the old natural gas line. But if you just moved to a new house, you may have to call a plumber to come and install a new natural gas line. It takes less than an hour to install, and it’s not that expensive. Moreover, it’s an installation worth doing as you can use the line for the rest of the time you’re in the house.
Step 2: Buy a Conversion Kit
Another thing you’d need is to buy a propane-natural gas conversion kit. Note, this conversion kit is quite important because you’d get an orifice removal tool, stop pins, natural gas orifice, and a hose. A conversion kit is unique to your model of the grill. So, be sure to get the right conversion kit that works best for your type of grill.
Step 3: Unplug The Propane Gas Hose
Depending on your grill model, you can either find the propane tank at the side or in the cabinet of the grill. First, ensure all the knobs on your grill are turned off. Turn off the propane tank and unhook the regulator from the tank. Use a wrench to loosen the bolt holding the propane hose to the grill. You need to remove this hose because the natural gas to propane adapter is different from the one to a propane tank.
Step 4: Dismantle The Grill
Dismantle the grill by taking off the cooking grate and warming rack and placing them on a platform. Remove the grease tray as we aim to access the burners. The flame tamers are what comes next in most grills; remove that as well. Next, we need to remove the burners. Each burner is held by two cotter pins, one in the front and one at the back. Some grills models have a carryover tube, which you can pull off after removing the cotter pins. You can now pull the burners out a bit. Note that the igniters were not removed, so be careful not to pull the burner tubes out too much.
Step 5: Remove The Orifice
To remove the orifice, you’d need to use the 9/32 socket wrench with the conversion kit. You need to remove the orifice because natural gas is a low-pressure gas. As such, with a propane gas orifice installed on your grill, you’d get very little gas when you make the conversion. Propane is a compressed gas, or a high pressured gas, which honks the right amount of propane even with a small nozzle orifice installed. So, fit the socket wrench into the hole you pulled the burners from to loosen the orifice. Be careful as you loosen the orifice from each burner, so it doesn’t drop.
Step 6: Reassemble Grill
After removing the orifice from each burner, you will get enough natural gas in each burner. If your gas grill comes with a natural gas orifice, install that before placing the burner tubes back into the hole. Place the carryover tube on the burner and use the cotter pins to hold the burners down. Arrange the flame tamers, grease pan, and grates back on the grill, and you’re all set.
Step 7: Plugin The Natural Gas Hose
Before you call it a day in this guide to convert propane grill to natural gas, hook up your new hose. Use a wrench to screw in the new hose to your grill. Ensure the hose is well screwed to your grill, then plug in the hose to the natural gas line.
Step 8: Fire Up Your Grill
Open the natural gas line to let the gas into the grill. Before you fire up the grill, inspect it in case of any leakage to prevent a fire hazard. If there is no leakage, turn the knob of your grill to fire up the grill. Now, you’re all set to start enjoying a delicious meal over your new natural gas grill.
Conclusion
In summary, converting a propane grill to gas takes a bit of technical know-how. But with a little bit of concentration and observation, you can do it. Knowing how to convert a propane grill to natural gas is one step; having the right conversion kit for your grill’s model is the next step. Feel free to ask any questions where you need more clarification.