Natural Gas Grill (Katy, Center, West: appliances, house, purchase)

[EM1956]

We have gas appliances, gas fireplace and would like a natural gas grill outside. Our fireplace is on the back wall of the house, so I'm assuming the gas line is nearby?

Does anyone have any ideas on the total cost for this? We don't want a super duper grill or anything fancy--

just enough space to grill for 2-4 people.

[HookTheBrotherUp]

Originally Posted by EM1956

We have gas appliances, gas fireplace and would like a natural gas grill outside. Our fireplace is on the back wall of the house, so I'm assuming the gas line is nearby?

Does anyone have any ideas on the total cost for this? We don't want a super duper grill or anything fancy--

just enough space to grill for 2-4 people.

They do this all the time, for a fee of course. My house had the quick connect for a natural gas grill. I already had a propane grill and converted it to natural gas. Very convenient, I'd not have it any other way, we never run out of fuel when grilling.

[EM1956]

Who do I call for this, though?

[HookTheBrotherUp]

I think, unless there is a competitor, or some other gas company that services your home; your bill will say. BTW, I had to think of it myself, in this day and age when all bills are paid electronically (and by the wife at that), I never see the bill!

[EM1956]

Thanks!

[Cottonmather0]

You would call a plumber to do the hookup, actually. I don't think Centerpoint would actually come do the work on your house itself, although they probably could recommend someone who could.

Keep in mind that the heat content of natural gas (Methane = CH4) is lower than propane (C3H8) so you'll probably need a special higher volume natural gas specific grill. You can't just plug a propane grill into the natural gas line because the lines and pipes are too narrow to get enough heat... at least that's my understanding of it.

[EM1956]

I have googled this and see that there is a place in Katy, Westside Grill and Fireplace. Although no mention of prices-

I know when my sister bought her home in 2002, the gas company came around and asked if they wanted a gas grill. And it was added to their monthly bill. But I am guessing they don't do that anymore.

We would like to avoid the whole propane thing, but if a natural gas grill is 1500.00, propane sounds better and better

[HookTheBrotherUp]

Originally Posted by EM1956

I have googled this and see that there is a place in Katy, Westside Grill and Fireplace. Although no mention of prices-

I know when my sister bought her home in 2002, the gas company came around and asked if they wanted a gas grill. And it was added to their monthly bill. But I am guessing they don't do that anymore.

We would like to avoid the whole propane thing, but if a natural gas grill is 1500.00, propane sounds better and better

$1500! Ouch. That is expensive, but since they are as not as common, and it is kind of a niche these days, I guess there is not much competition as compared to the standard LPG grills out there... which is what I have, it was a gift to me, and it came from Lowes I think. Less than $150 probably, it is not that big, and has a side burner on it... Char Broil make.

I converted my own, and I did not purchase a conversion kit, though they do sell those at most of the grill/fireplace stores in town. They probably cost about $50-75, or half of what my grill was worth at the time. The work required a drill press, and very tiny drill bit size. The press is required because the orifice has to be held in place in a vice, and the hole needs to be drilled exactly, and straight. Anyway, all I had to purchase was the quick disconnect and some clamps, about $5.00 for everything.

For the record, it voids the warranty, but in all my years, I've never had to, or known anyone to have used a warranty which expires after one year at the most anyway. And it is not a hazard, there will not be any explosions, or flame thrower action. All the drilling does is basically ream out the existing hole because LNG has lower pressure, and to get the same BTUs, more gas needs to flow.

Now that I think about it, I've had this grill for almost 8 years. I know because I had it before our daughter was born. I did not realize until now. I've also been thinking about purchasing a new, bigger grill, one of those stainless steel models with the side burner for rotisserie cooking.... I'll convert it too.

Anyway, I can still hook up LPG, and did during Hurricane IKE, albeit, I have to run the burners at a lower volume. So you can say I can use both.

In the end, it is always nice knowning you never have to worry if you have enough fuel to cook, or wonder if it will run out in the middle of a grilling session.

[EM1956]

Thanks-- I will check at Lowes and Home Depot (they have become our favorite hang out place since we bought the house

[BBall Coach]

Originally Posted by HookTheBrotherUp

They do this all the time, for a fee of course. My house had the quick connect for a natural gas grill. I already had a propane grill and converted it to natural gas. Very convenient, I'd not have it any other way, we never run out of fuel when grilling.

Hank Hill would not be pleased with you sir.

I've never had a gas grill, but I'm considering giving in to the dark side after all these years. I know it's easier, but what kind of difference in flavor are we talking here?