Natural gas BBQs

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timtune

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My hard plumbed NG que just gave it up. I just want a simple 2 burner unit but for some reason the selection with NG seems higher end and I'm struggling to find simpler 2 burner units.

I think the difference is only jet size. Can I drill out propane to run NG or is it the other way round?
 
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If it's a flame issue, you may be able to repair it with either a replacement control assembly or burner(s). If it structural, then yeah, you need a new one.
 
timtune said:
My hard plumbed NG que just gave it up. I just want a simple 2 burner unit but for some reason the selection with NG seems higher end and I'm struggling to find simpler 2 burner units.

I think the difference is only jet size. Can I drill out propane to run NG or is it the other way round?
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You need larger jets for NG than LPG (and still end up with less heat). Companies used to sell conversion kits. About a decade ago, they realized it was more profitable to tell you to throw out your entire BBQ and buy a new one that burned the fuel you want.

Two burner is tough to find. Three burner is the standard for "small" bbq's now. Fwiw, the three burner NG Weber Genesis I am using I found at an auction for ~$100 new. It had some cosmetic damage and needed some time with a vise and hammer to straighten out. Good enough for me.

EDIT:
Conversion isn't quite as simple as drilling jets. You need to deal with the hose/regulator as well. You may also need to play with the air ports as BTU will be lower so you need to choke off a bit of air.
 
Gary said:
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Taste the difference a Spirit will make in your life. With features such as porcelain enameled, cast-iron cooking grates that retain even heat, you're guaranteed the best tasting food. It's built to last with a cookbox that helps prevent rusting and peeling, and conveniently equipped with six...
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MONUMENT GRILLS Small Space Patio Grill | Home Hardware

Get the MONUMENT GRILLS Small Space Patio Grill at your local Home Hardware store. Buy online and get Free Shipping to any Home location!
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Most of those are LPG only. The masterchef allows conversion and the kit is $65.

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GreyGhost said:
You need larger jets for NG than LPG (and still end up with less heat). Companies used to sell conversion kits. About a decade ago, they realized it was more profitable to tell you to throw out your entire BBQ and buy a new one that burned the fuel you want.

Two burner is tough to find. Three burner is the standard for "small" bbq's now. Fwiw, the three burner NG Weber Genesis I am using I found at an auction for ~$100 new. It had some cosmetic damage and needed some time with a vise and hammer to straighten out. Good enough for me.

EDIT:
Conversion isn't quite as simple as drilling jets. You need to deal with the hose/regulator as well. You may also need to play with the air ports as BTU will be lower so you need to choke off a bit of air.
Click to expand...

He should be able to reuse his existing NG hose and regulator, but the air ports are a potential issue. Best to contact potential candidates to see if they offer an official NG conversion.
 
Relax said:
He should be able to reuse his existing NG hose and regulator, but the air ports are a potential issue. Best to contact potential candidates to see if they offer an official NG conversion.
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NG rarely uses a regulator at the appliance. Distribution within the house happens at crazy low pressures. For some special circumstances (eg needing over 500K BTU from an appliance) they can run a dual pressure gas meter (2 psi and the normal 0.25-0.5 psi) and local regulator for the high need appliance. Most people just use low pressure and increase pipe size to get sufficient BTU capacity as that is cheaper and easier in most situations.

Propane needs a regulator as it is about 60 psi in the tank and about 0.5 psi at the valve.
 
GreyGhost said:
NG rarely uses a regulator at the appliance. Distribution within the house happens at crazy low pressures. For some special circumstances (eg needing over 500K BTU from an appliance) they can run a dual pressure gas meter (2 psi and the normal 0.25-0.5 psi) and local regulator for the high need appliance. Most people just use low pressure and increase pipe size to get sufficient BTU capacity as that is cheaper and easier in most situations.

Propane needs a regulator as it is about 60 psi in the tank and about 0.5 psi at the valve.
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Ah, I had it backwards - so he would have to get rid of any propane regulator attached to his BBQ or hose.
 
Most offer a conversion kit , mine came with one , simply brass jets that you screw into the manifold . You can drill out most others if you wanted . I’d go to a decent appliance store like TA in Kitchener ( for the OP) and they will have all the parts on hand . Places like Canadian tire or HomeDepot will be less helpful . Patio grills ( smaller) are a big market , everyone makes one now .


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Thanks All.

I thought it was just drilling a bit of brass. Looks like a 3 burner NG is where I'm headed.
 
I have a small Broil King I inherited back in 2011 that was already well-used at the time. I can still get replacement parts such as the control valves, burners, flavor waves and grates, so there seems to be some value in buying an established name brand, unless you're the type who looks forward to buying a new grill once in a while.
 
I’m using a Broil King now , NG and we have owned everything from five K grills down to two hundred buck specials . Unless you need a statement grill ( I did twice) , broil king is great value and parts are available. Love mine .



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Picked up a Napoleon 3 burner a few months back, about $550. Replaces our $250 Canadian Tire Master Chef? that was a gift when we moved in. The grille plates on that thing and the burner covers rotted quickly. After replacing everything 2x I had practically reached the value of the unit in the first place.

My friend has had a Napoleon NG for 10 years and his grille plates look pristine. I asked about his upkeep routine and he looked at me like I was crazy.

"Elbow grease when grille is hot, use non stick spray before cooking. Done"

Works for me!
 
Stainless grates have no maintenanceo ther than cleaning, but cast iron are supposed to be better for retaining heat. Never bothered me, and cast iron rusts very quickly if not vigilant about seasoning. Then there's the porcelain-coated steel grates which I have a tendency to destroy very quickly - once the porcelain coating gets scratched off, it's all downhill from there.
 
I'm in need of a new NG fired BBQ and have been looking for quite a while. For me, a side burner is essential. I use mine a lot. They seem to be getting harder to find.
 
85K100 said:
I'm in need of a new NG fired BBQ and have been looking for quite a while. For me, a side burner is essential. I use mine a lot. They seem to be getting harder to find.
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We'll be getting rid of ours as I want to go back to propane. But it's old and used. I don't think I've ever used the side burner, so that part is effectively brand new.

Can take pics when I'm back, and let me know if you're interested.

Really considering building a bbq station and since we have ours connected to the house, it really limits where I can place the bbq. I'd like it closer to the other side of the yard near the gazebo, but that would require running a gas line from where it currently is, to a spot another 50ft away above concrete where it's a tripping hazard for the kids.

So propane it is.
 
i like the heat of propane but will never give up the convenience of NG . My lazy nature wins out.
The weber patio 2 burner I saw at BBQ galore has an NG option.
I bought new burner tubes, wave plates and stainless grills for my Broil King regal, $460 taxes in. New unit was $1200 so i'm ok with that
 
85K100 said:
I'm in need of a new NG fired BBQ and have been looking for quite a while. For me, a side burner is essential. I use mine a lot. They seem to be getting harder to find.
Click to expand...
If you're feeling baller, burners are easily available for built-in (outdoor kitchen) style installs. I have a two-burner ng cooktop in the garage for a future project.
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