Propane vs Natural Gas: Key Differences for Appliances
Propane and natural gas are both clean-burning fuels but behave differently. Learn the key differences — pressure, storage, appliance orifices, BTU content and cost — and whether you can switch.
Propane vs Natural Gas: The Short Answer
Propane is stored as a liquid under pressure in tanks and delivered by truck or exchanged as cylinders. Natural gas arrives continuously through underground pipes from the utility. They are different fuels with different pressures and different burner orifices — an appliance built for one will not safely run on the other without conversion.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Property | Propane | Natural Gas |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | Tank on site (cylinder or bulk) | Utility pipeline, no tank |
| Pressure at appliance | 11 WC (0.4 PSI) after regulator | 7 WC (0.25 PSI) typical |
| Energy content | ~2,500 BTU per cubic foot | ~1,000 BTU per cubic foot |
| Appliance orifice | Smaller hole | Larger hole |
| Delivery | Truck fill or exchanged cylinder | Fixed monthly utility bill |
Why the Orifice Is Different
Propane carries more energy per volume than natural gas. To deliver the same heat to the burner, a propane appliance uses a smaller orifice, and a natural gas appliance uses a larger one. This is why you cannot simply connect a propane BBQ to a natural gas line — the flame would be too small and sooty, and dangerous.
Can You Convert an Appliance from One Fuel to the Other?
Yes, most appliances can be converted with the correct conversion kit. The kit includes the right orifices, a new regulator or spring, and sometimes a new hose. For a BBQ, the conversion takes about 30–60 minutes with basic tools. The kit must match the brand and model of the appliance.
After conversion, the appliance is permanently configured for the new fuel. Keep the original parts if you ever want to convert back.
Cost Considerations
Cost depends on your region and usage. Natural gas has a fixed delivery charge plus per-cubic-metre pricing. Propane is priced per litre or per exchange, and you may pay tank rental. For occasional grilling, propane cylinders are simple. For whole-home heating, natural gas is usually cheaper where the pipeline is available.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose natural gas if the pipeline is at your property and you want unlimited, automatic supply for heating or a permanent grill line. Choose propane if you are off-grid, want portability (BBQ, RV), or need a backup heat source. Many Canadians use both — natural gas for the house, propane for the grill and trailer.