How to Convert Natural Gas To Propane

natural gas stove
  • 1-3 hours
  • Advanced
  • 50-500
What You'll Need
Wrench
Gas tape
Conversion hose assembly
Stove converter kit
Metric screwdriver
Yellow gas tape
What You'll Need
Wrench
Gas tape
Conversion hose assembly
Stove converter kit
Metric screwdriver
Yellow gas tape

While converting natural gas to propane is quite simple, some city codes mandate that it be done by a professional. You will want to check the coding for your appliance to make sure that the conversion is possible. Some water heaters for example warn that you should not try to convert them and that they are only good to use with either NG or propane not both. Keep this in mind when purchasing or if you are thinking of converting.

Converting A Natural Gas Grill

A lot of grills are already ready for a propane conversion. They either come with the hose assembly required or you are able to order it through the manufacturer.

Step 1 - Remove Old Hose

Using the wrench remove the hose from your natural gas source and make sure that it is capped or shut off. Remove the hose from the grill as well.

Step 2 - Add New Hose

Attach the new hose assembly to the grill. Use yellow gas tape to make the seal tighter and use the wrench to tighten the two pieces together. Attach the other end to the propane tank. Because of the type of connections used here the yellow gas tape is not needed. Just make sure that it is attached correctly and tight. Your grill is now successfully changed from natural gas to propane. This is one of the more simple applications of propane conversions.

Converting a Natural Gas Stove

Most of the stovetops on the market today come set up ready for natural gas. This is because it is more widely used in the marketplace. All of the orifices are installed in the factory to handle the correct BTU rating for natural gas.

The good news is that these stove tops also are coming with the proper supplies to change the burners to be propane driven. The are usually either attached to the housing of the stove or in the box that the stove comes in. It is best to try and find a place to keep them on the stove to prevent them from getting seperated should you need them again.

You might want to convert back one day.

Step 1 - Remove The Original Fittings

Using the metric screwdriver remove all of the old burners from the stove. It is also a good time to change the supply hose if needed.

Step 2 - Attach The New Burners

The new burners will have a smaller hole in the orifice allowing for less gas to enter the burner. This is needed because the propane has a higher pressure rating then natural gas. Attach the new burners to the stovetop. Make sure that you use the correct burner on each as they all have a different BTU rating and each use a different size orifice.

Step 3 - Adjust Settings

There will be a screw on each burner that allows you to adjust the simmer setting on each burner. You will need to adjust this or your simmer might end up at a rolling boil.

These are just the basic steps needed to convert to an appliance to propane that is already meant to do so. A good guideline will be to check with the manufacturer or consult with a professional. If not converted correctly you can end up destroying the appliance.