6 Burner Gas Grill Buying Guide: Propane vs Natural Gas

For most U.S. buyers, the deciding factor between a propane and natural gas 6-burner grill is fuel access: propane runs on a refillable tank and stays portable, while natural gas needs a fixed home gas line.

You can’t pick the fuel later. Weber builds its gas grills as either liquid propane (LP) or natural gas (NG) units, and the company’s official guidance says it does not allow conversions between the two. So the tank-or-line decision has to happen at the register, not in the driveway.

This guide covers what actually separates the two fuel types, which one fits your setup, and the lighting and leak-check habits that keep either grill running safely.

Propane Or Natural Gas: What Actually Decides It

Portability and fuel supply are the real dividing line. A propane grill runs on a refillable cylinder you can move, swap, or take tailgating. A natural gas grill connects to your home’s gas line and stays where it’s installed.

• Propane: no gas line needed, works on a patio, deck, or campsite, and you swap tanks when one runs dry. You pay per refill and store a cylinder.
• Natural gas: never runs out mid-cook because it draws from the house line, but the grill is fixed in place and installation usually involves a plumber or gas fitter running a dedicated line.

Burner count doesn’t change the fuel logic. A 6-burner grill is a large cooking surface either way; what changes is where the gas comes from and whether you can move the unit.

Can You Convert A Propane Grill To Natural Gas?

Not on a Weber, and not on most grills without manufacturer approval. Weber’s consumer-care page states plainly that it does not allow conversions or provide conversion kits for changing liquid propane to natural gas.

Fuel systems aren’t interchangeable because the two gases burn at different pressures and the orifices and regulators are sized for one fuel, not both. A grill built for LP needs the correct NG parts from the factory, and Weber’s official position is that it won’t supply them for a retrofit. If you want natural gas, buy an NG grill from the start.

Weber’s current catalog reflects that split, listing separate LP and NG families under its Genesis gas grills rather than one convertible model. The practical takeaway: decide your fuel source before you shop.

For current models, prices, and how the leading 6-burner units compare on specs, our tested roundup of the best bbq grill 6 burner picks breaks down what each one offers.

Lighting, Leak Checks, And Everyday Safety

Propane and natural gas grills share the same core safety habits, and the two most important are leak-testing connections and lighting with the lid open.

1. Set the grill outdoors only, at least 10 feet from your house and any combustible structure, per U.S. safety guidance.
2. Before lighting, open the lid and confirm the connections are tight, then check them with a soap-and-water solution — bubbles mean a leak.
3. Light with the lid open, never closed, to avoid gas buildup.
4. If the flame goes out, turn off the gas at the tank, open the lid, and wait at least 5 to 10 minutes before relighting, per the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
5. When you’re done, turn off the burners, close the propane cylinder, let the grill cool, then cover it.

Keep the cylinder valve closed when the grill isn’t in use. For the full safety guidance, the CPSC gas grill factsheet covers lighting, placement, and what to do when a burner won’t stay lit.

Propane vs Natural Gas At A Glance

The choice usually comes down to where the grill lives and whether you can bring gas to it. Renters, movers, and anyone without a gas stub should stay with propane. Homeowners with a line already stubbed to the deck get the convenience of never swapping a tank.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is natural gas cheaper to run than propane?

Natural gas is typically cheaper per unit of heat than propane, and you never pay for tank refills or exchanges. The trade-off is the upfront cost of running a gas line and possibly hiring a professional. Propane costs more per cook but needs no installation, so total cost depends on your setup.

Can I use a propane grill on my apartment balcony?

Most building codes and lease rules restrict open-flame grills on balconies and require grills to sit at least 10 feet from the structure. Check your lease and local fire code first. If a balcony grill is barred, an electric grill is usually the only compliant option.

What happens if a burner won’t light?

Turn off the gas at the tank, open the lid, and wait 5 to 10 minutes to let trapped gas clear before trying again. If it still won’t light, check that the connection is tight and leak-test it with soapy water. A persistent failure usually points to a blocked burner tube or a bad regulator.