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Natural Gas Outdoor Grills: The Ultimate Guide
Natural Gas Outdoor Grills are the perfect addition to your patio or outdoor kitchen for upgrading your outdoor cooking setup. This comprehensive guide will delve into everything you need to know about natural gas grills, from their unique benefits to how to select the ideal model for your needs, and of course, essential maintenance and safety tips.
Why Choose a Natural Gas Outdoor Grill?
Natural gas outdoor grills offer a range of advantages that can make your outdoor cooking experiences more convenient and enjoyable. Unlike propane grills that require tanks that need refilling, natural gas grills connect directly to your home’s natural gas line. This means you will not have to worry about running out of fuel during a cookout. This reliability is a major advantage, especially if you often host larger gatherings.
Natural Gas vs Propane Grills
When you're considering different outdoor grilling options, it's crucial to understand the differences between natural gas and propane. Propane grills rely on portable tanks that need to be refilled or exchanged, which can be inconvenient. Natural gas grills, on the other hand, connect directly to your home's gas line, offering a continuous and reliable fuel source.
Natural gas vs propane grills each have their pros and cons. Propane offers more flexibility in terms of location. However, natural gas grills provide an uninterrupted fuel supply, making them ideal for frequent use.
The choice between the two often depends on your specific needs and circumstances. If a natural gas line is readily available, it is worth considering the potential cost savings of not having to refill propane tanks.
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Convenience: Natural gas provides a consistent fuel source, eliminating the need for tank refills.
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Cost-Effectiveness: Natural gas is often cheaper than propane, resulting in long-term savings.
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Reliability: With a direct connection to your home’s gas line, you will not have to worry about running out of fuel.
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Installation: A natural gas grill requires professional installation, which is essential for safety.
How to Choose the Best Natural Gas Grill
Selecting the best natural gas grill requires careful consideration of several key factors. Your cooking style, the number of people you typically cook for, and the available space will all play a significant role in determining the ideal grill for you. The natural gas grill buying guide below will help you make an informed decision.
Assessing Your Needs
Before looking at specific features, take some time to assess your individual needs. Consider the following:
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Cooking Habits: Are you an occasional griller, or a weekend barbecue enthusiast?
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Entertaining Style: Do you cook for a small family, or do you usually host large gatherings?
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Space: Measure your outdoor area to ensure the grill will fit comfortably.
By considering these factors, you can narrow down your options and choose a natural gas grill that aligns with your specific requirements.
Key Features to Consider
When looking at a natural gas grill, there are many features to consider. These will impact your overall grilling experience.
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Size and Cooking Area: Select a grill that fits your cooking needs, without being unnecessarily large. Grills come in a variety of sizes.
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Small grills: These usually have a cooking area of less than 400 square inches and are suitable for individuals or small families.
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Medium grills: Offer a cooking area between 400 and 600 square inches, ideal for medium-sized families or occasional entertaining.
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Large grills: Provide over 600 square inches of cooking space, perfect for large groups or heavy-duty entertaining.
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Heat Output (BTUs): British Thermal Units (BTUs) indicate the amount of heat the grill can produce.
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Burner Quality and Configuration: The quality and number of burners affect the grill's performance.
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Material and Build Quality: The grill’s build influences its durability and performance.
Budget Considerations
Natural gas grills vary widely in price. It's important to set a budget beforehand. Remember that a good grill is an investment in quality and longevity. Consider what features you need and how often you plan to use your grill when deciding how much to spend.
Installation
Installing a natural gas grill requires professional assistance. It is important to ensure that the gas connection is done correctly and safely. A certified gas professional should test the water column pressure (WCP) at the supply line.
Make sure to use straight pipe nipples rather than flare fittings for your gas line, as flare fittings can damage the end of your natural gas hose and reduce gas flow. Additionally, it is recommended that both an inside and outside shut-off valve be installed for safety.
Benefits of Natural Gas Outdoor Grills
The benefits of natural gas grills are numerous, making them an excellent choice for many outdoor cooking enthusiasts. Beyond the convenience of a continuous fuel supply, these grills offer several advantages.
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Cost-Effectiveness
Natural gas grills are often more cost-effective in the long run compared to propane grills. The price of natural gas is generally lower than propane, leading to significant savings over time. By connecting directly to your home's gas line, you eliminate the ongoing cost of refilling or replacing propane tanks.
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Consistent Fuel Supply
A natural gas grill provides a consistent fuel supply, meaning you’ll never run out of gas in the middle of grilling. This reliability is particularly beneficial for frequent grillers and those who enjoy hosting larger gatherings. The consistent fuel supply allows for more predictable and enjoyable cooking experiences.
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Precise Temperature Control
Natural gas grills are known for their precise temperature control. This capability makes them suitable for cooking a wide range of foods, from searing steaks to slow-roasting meats. With easy-to-use control knobs, you can quickly adjust the flame and maintain your preferred grilling temperature.
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Environmentally Friendly
Compared to propane, natural gas burns more cleanly, producing fewer emissions and contributing to a greener grilling experience. By opting for a natural gas grill, you can reduce your environmental impact. Lower emissions and reduced waste from disposable propane tanks make natural gas a more sustainable option.
Maintenance and Safety Tips
Proper maintenance is crucial for extending the lifespan of your natural gas grill and ensuring safe operation. Regular maintenance will not only keep your grill working efficiently but will also help to prevent potential hazards.
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Regular Cleaning
Clean the grates and burners regularly with a wire brush and warm soapy water to remove food residue. This helps to prevent flare-ups and keeps your grill in top condition. Make sure you use a stainless steel BBQ fat cup to collect cooking fat. Regular cleaning ensures consistent heat distribution and reduces the risk of burning your food.
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Checking for Leaks
Before each use, check for any gas leaks by coating joints with a leak detection solution and watching for bubbles. Pay close attention to the propane tank and hoses and replace worn or damaged parts of a gas grill as needed. Regularly inspecting your grill helps keep your grilling sessions safe.
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Shut-off Valves
Ensure you have both an inside and outside shut-off valve. When using the grill, confirm these are fully open, and when the grill is not in use, close the valves to stop the gas flow. These valves are critical for safety and help prevent gas leaks.
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Hose Maintenance
Your natural gas grills come with a 10-foot flexible hose to connect to the supply line. Avoid connecting more than one hose, as this can impact the grill's performance. Refer to the owner's guide for details on hard-piping your supply line if you need a length greater than 10 feet. Never over-tighten the hose and regulator; always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
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Proper Storage
Protect your grill from the elements by using a fitted cover when not in use. This helps to extend the grill's lifespan and keep it in good condition. Make sure to store the BBQ and cylinder in a dry place without direct sunlight.
Top Brands to Consider
Several brands are known for their high-quality natural gas grills. Here are a few reputable names:
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Weber: A widely respected brand known for excellent heat distribution and sturdy construction.
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Blaze: Known for durability and innovative design.
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Napoleon: Offers a wide range of features and reliable performance.
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Bull: Provides a good balance between quality and affordability.
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Primo Ceramic Grills: Another reputable brand known for its durable and high-performing ceramic grills.
Ready to Elevate Your Outdoor Cooking Experience?
Choosing a natural gas outdoor grill is an excellent decision for any grilling enthusiast seeking convenience and reliable performance. By understanding your needs and carefully considering the key features, you can select a grill that perfectly fits your outdoor cooking style. Remember to maintain your grill correctly and prioritize safety to ensure a long-lasting and enjoyable experience.
Don't wait any longer to transform your backyard into the ultimate grilling haven! Contact Outdoor Kitchen Outlet today at (888) 667-4986 to explore our wide selection of top-quality natural gas grills. Our experts are ready to help you find the perfect grill to meet your needs and budget. Call now and start your journey to becoming the ultimate grill master!