How to Convert a Grill to Natural Gas: Convert or Upgrade?

Better Patio Gas Grill Guides June 2026

Expert Guide

Learning how to convert a grill to natural gas can save you money on fuel and put an end to last-minute propane runs. It's a straightforward process for the right grill, but it's not the right move for every situation.

Before you buy a conversion kit, there are a few things worth knowing — like whether your grill is even compatible and what the process actually involves. This guide walks you through the full conversion process and helps you decide if converting makes sense or if a dedicated natural gas grill is the smarter investment.

⚡ Key Takeaways

Your grill must be compatible, and you need a manufacturer-approved conversion kit to safely switch from propane to natural gas
Conversion means replacing burners, valves, and hoses because natural gas works at a different pressure than propane
Total cost includes the kit, possible pro installation, and making sure you have natural gas hookup access

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Skip the Conversion

Thinking about skipping the conversion altogether? Browse our collection of natural gas grills and find a grill built for natural gas from the ground up.

Essential Requirements Before Switching to Natural Gas

You need the right gear and a careful look at your situation before converting your grill to natural gas. Confirm your grill is compatible, gather the right parts, and know when to call a pro.

Eligibility: Can Your Grill Be Converted?

Not all grills are built for conversion. Start by reaching out to your grill manufacturer or the dealer where you bought it. Most big brands have natural gas versions or conversion options, but some models just aren't designed for it.

Check your model and serial number before buying anything. If you're switching from propane, you'll have to swap out certain parts because natural gas and propane burn at different pressures.
Natural gas runs at lower pressure, so you'll need larger orifices to control gas flow properly through the burners.
Some grills say "do not convert" right in the manual. Trying to convert those models can void your warranty and create serious safety issues.

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Check Before You Buy

Always confirm compatibility with your manufacturer before purchasing a conversion kit. Using the wrong parts or converting an incompatible model is a safety risk and will likely void your warranty.

What's in a Natural Gas Conversion Kit?

A typical conversion kit includes three main things: a regulator, a natural gas hose, and natural gas orifices for the burners.

Regulator — keeps the gas pressure at a safe and consistent level for natural gas operation
Natural gas orifices — small parts that go into each burner and control how much gas gets through; larger than propane orifices due to lower pressure
Natural gas hose — usually includes a quick-connect fitting for hooking up to your outdoor gas line

Make sure your kit matches your grill model exactly. Generic kits might not have the right orifices or regulator settings. Expect to spend anywhere from $50 to $150, depending on your grill brand. Hang onto the installation instructions — they've got specs specific to your model.

When to Call a Professional

Running a natural gas line from your house to your grill spot? That's a job for a licensed gas fitter — don't try this part yourself.

A professional will tap into your gas line, run pipe to your outdoor space, and handle all the pressure tests
Most places require permits for gas line work — a licensed pro knows the local codes and will make sure everything is up to standard
They'll pressure test the system to at least 3 psi for 40 minutes and check all connections for leaks using a soap solution

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DIY vs. Pro

If you're comfortable working with appliances, you can hook up the grill to an already-installed gas line yourself. But if you smell gas or feel unsure at any point, call your gas pro right away.

Step-by-Step Guide to Converting a Propane Grill

To convert your propane grill, you'll replace some key parts and hook it up to your gas line. You'll need to disconnect your propane setup, install the new natural gas parts, and test for leaks before firing it up.

Turning Off Gas and Disconnecting the Propane Tank

1

Turn Off All Controls and Close the Tank Valve

Turn all control knobs to the off position before you start anything. Close the propane tank valve by turning it clockwise until it stops.

2

Disconnect the Propane Tank

Use a wrench to loosen the propane regulator hose from the grill. Set the tank aside somewhere safe, well away from your workspace and any ignition sources.

3

Access the Burner Assembly

Open the grill lid and take out the cooking grates, warming racks, and flame tamers. This gives you room to reach the burner assembly underneath. Slide out any carryover tubes and pull out the hitch pins from the burner tubes, then lift the tubes away from the gas valves with a firm tug.

Replacing the Regulator and Orifices

4

Remove the Old Propane Orifices

Find the small brass orifices deep in each burner connection. Use the orifice removal tool from your kit or a 1/4 inch socket. If they're stuck, a little penetrating fluid helps. Turn carefully so you don't strip the threads.

5

Install the Natural Gas Orifices

Screw in the new natural gas orifices — they're larger than the propane ones since natural gas runs at lower pressure. Hand-tighten first, then use your tool for a gentle snug. Don't overtighten or you'll damage the threads.

6

Swap Out the Regulator and Hose

Remove the old propane regulator hose with a wrench and install the new natural gas regulator and hose from your kit. Make sure the hose routes safely and won't get pinched or rubbed when the grill is in use.

Connecting to the Gas Line and Leak Testing

7

Connect to Your Outdoor Gas Line

Hook the natural gas hose to your outdoor gas line valve. Hand-tighten connections first, then finish with a wrench — just a quarter turn more. Put your burner tubes back in, making sure they're seated correctly with portholes facing up.

8

Leak Test Every Connection

Mix dish soap and water in a spray bottle. Turn on the gas supply valve and spray all connections, hose fittings, and burner areas. Watch closely for bubbles — those mean a gas leak. If you spot any, shut off the gas immediately, tighten the fitting, and test again.

9

Light Up and Confirm Even Flame

Only light your grill once every single connection is confirmed leak-free. Turn on one burner at a time and check for a steady blue flame. Uneven or yellow flames can signal a pressure issue or a partially blocked orifice.

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While You're at It

Setting up a natural gas line? Add a fire pit while you're at it. Shop our collection of natural gas fire pits and make your backyard a year-round destination.

Evaluating the Benefits of Converting to Natural Gas

Switching to natural gas means a steady fuel supply and lower long-term costs. Still, whether it's worth it depends on your grill's age, whether you can get a conversion kit, and if a dedicated natural gas model might work better for you.

Comparing Conversion Kits and New Natural Gas Grills

Option	Cost Range	Best For
Conversion kit	$50 – $200	Grills under 3 years old in good condition
New gas line installation	$200 – $1,000+	Anyone without an existing outdoor gas hookup
New natural gas grill (basic)	From $300	Budget-conscious buyers wanting a clean start
New natural gas grill (premium)	$1,000+	Frequent grillers wanting top performance

A new natural gas grill starts at about $300 for a basic model and can go over $1,000 for top-tier options. The price jump looks big, but conversion only makes sense if your grill is in good shape and you can get a compatible kit. Don't forget installation costs — if you need a new gas line run to your grilling area, pro installation can add $200 to $1,000 or more to the total bill.

Convert or Invest in a New Grill?

Let your grill's age and condition guide your decision. Here's a quick way to think about it:

Convert if your grill is under three years old, works well, and your manufacturer offers an approved conversion kit
Replace if your grill is rusty, has worn grates or weak burners, or if the brand no longer offers conversion parts
Replace if your manufacturer voids warranties on converted models — you'll lose support if anything goes wrong
Replace if your grill has been discontinued and compatible conversion parts are no longer available

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Do the Math First

Add up kit cost, gas line installation, and any repairs your grill already needs. If the total exceeds half the price of a new natural gas grill, upgrading is almost always the smarter move.

Performance Differences: Dedicated Natural Gas Grills

Grills made for natural gas from the factory tend to outperform converted ones in a few key ways:

Better heat distribution. Burners, valves, and orifices are factory-matched for natural gas, so you get more even heat and better temperature control across the cooking surface.
Potentially lower peak heat. Converted grills sometimes can't match the heat output of propane since propane burns hotter. Even with the right parts, your grill may not get quite as hot as it did before.
Warranty and manufacturer support. Natural gas grills come with warranties that cover natural gas use from day one. Converting a propane grill may void your existing warranty and cut off manufacturer support entirely.
Purpose-built features. Dedicated natural gas models often include quick-connect fittings, built-in shutoffs, and design choices that make setup, use, and cleaning easier.

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Build It Right

Ready to build a permanent outdoor cooking setup around your natural gas line? Explore our custom outdoor kitchens and design a space built to last.

Final Thoughts

Converting a grill to natural gas is absolutely doable, but it's not always the smartest move. If your grill is older, incompatible, or the conversion costs are adding up, a dedicated natural gas grill is the better investment.

A grill built for natural gas from the ground up will outperform a converted one every time — better heat control, no voided warranty, and no corners cut on safety.

If you're still weighing your options, check out our guide on propane vs natural gas grills to help you make the right call for your outdoor kitchen setup.

Frequently Asked Questions: How to Convert a Grill to Natural Gas

People have a lot of questions about converting grills to natural gas — compatibility, cost, safety, you name it. The answers really depend on your grill and your home's gas setup.

Can I convert my gas grill to natural gas?

Most propane grills can be converted, but only if your manufacturer offers a compatible kit — so always check before buying anything. A typical conversion kit includes a regulator, hose, and natural gas orifices sized for lower pressure operation. Keep in mind that converting often voids warranties and safety certifications, so confirm with your manufacturer before making any changes.

Is it worth converting a grill to natural gas?

If you already have a natural gas line and grill frequently, converting makes a lot of sense since you'll never run out of fuel mid-cook. Natural gas costs less per BTU than propane in most areas, so fuel savings add up over time. You'll also get steadier pressure and more consistent temperatures since natural gas doesn't drop in pressure the way a propane tank does as it empties.

What happens if you run natural gas through a propane grill?

Running natural gas through an unconverted propane grill is dangerous — propane orifices are too small for natural gas, which operates at lower pressure. You'll get weak yellow flames, incomplete combustion, and potentially carbon monoxide buildup. The grill won't reach its intended BTU output, and raw gas could leak if flames lift off or snuff out entirely.

Do you need a regulator when converting from propane to natural gas?

Yes, you need a new regulator when converting from propane to natural gas. Propane regulators are built for higher pressure and won't work correctly with natural gas, which runs at a much lower pressure. Most conversion kits include the right regulator, but double-check before you buy to make sure it's included and compatible with your grill model.

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How to Convert a Grill to Natural Gas: Convert or Upgrade?

Essential Requirements Before Switching to Natural Gas