LP (liquid propane) vs natural gas is a fuel decision that affects how the outdoor kitchen is supplied, maintained, and operated over the long term. Most Tulsa metro properties have access to ONG (Oklahoma Natural Gas) service, which makes natural gas the standard outdoor kitchen fuel in the area. But for rural properties outside natural gas service territory, propane is the correct choice. Here is how the two fuels compare for Tulsa area outdoor kitchens.
LP Propane vs Natural Gas for Tulsa Outdoor Kitchens
- Natural gas: the standard in Tulsa metro – Natural gas is the preferred fuel for outdoor kitchens on properties served by ONG; the natural gas line connects directly to the home’s existing gas service and runs to the outdoor kitchen location; the gas supply is unlimited — no refills, no tanks, no running out of gas mid-cookout; the natural gas line connection is the permanent infrastructure investment that makes the outdoor kitchen genuinely convenient to use. Cost to install gas line for outdoor kitchen in Tulsa: $800-$2,500 depending on the distance from the home’s gas supply to the outdoor kitchen location; once installed, the ongoing fuel cost is the monthly gas billing rate with no delivery charges or tank rental fees
- LP propane: the correct choice when natural gas is unavailable – For Tulsa area properties outside ONG service territory (rural acreage, lake properties, properties in unserved areas), propane is the appropriate outdoor kitchen fuel; a dedicated 100-500 gallon underground propane tank provides ample fuel supply for extended outdoor kitchen use; the tank is filled on a delivery schedule by a propane supplier; propane delivers higher BTU-per-cubic-foot than natural gas (propane: 2,500 BTU/cubic foot vs natural gas: 1,000 BTU/cubic foot), which means propane appliances run at higher effective output per unit of gas delivered; grill appliances specify both natural gas and LP BTU ratings because the burner orifices differ between fuels
- Converting between LP and natural gas – Built-in grills and outdoor kitchen appliances are typically sold configured for either natural gas or LP — they are not interchangeable without a conversion kit; the conversion kit changes the burner orifice size to match the fuel’s pressure and density; most premium grill brands (Coyote, Napoleon, DCS, Blaze) offer conversion kits for their built-in grills; if an outdoor kitchen is initially built with LP and the property is later connected to natural gas service, the appliances must be converted using manufacturer-supplied conversion kits; the conversion is not expensive ($30-$150 per appliance) but must be done correctly by someone familiar with the procedure
- Appliance BTU ratings: natural gas vs LP comparison – A built-in grill specified for natural gas will be rated at, for example, 60,000 BTU for natural gas; the same grill configured for LP will deliver equivalent cooking performance because the appliance is calibrated at the factory for each fuel type; the BTU ratings on the appliance specification sheet are measured for the fuel the appliance is configured for — a natural gas grill’s BTU rating cannot be directly compared to an LP grill’s BTU rating without understanding that they’re measuring different fuels at different pressures
- LP tank size for Tulsa outdoor kitchens – A 100-gallon propane tank serves an outdoor kitchen with grill, side burner, and fire pit for an outdoor cooking season without refill for most households; a 250-500 gallon tank is appropriate if propane also serves the home’s heating, water heating, or other appliances; underground tanks have aesthetic advantages over above-ground tanks for residential applications; the propane supplier typically provides tank rental as part of the service agreement and handles installation and delivery scheduling; rural Tulsa area homeowners should confirm propane delivery service territory with suppliers in the area before specifying propane as the outdoor kitchen fuel
Call VistaScapes & Design at (918) 779-1317 for a free outdoor kitchen gas supply consultation in Tulsa. We design gas line infrastructure for both natural gas and LP outdoor kitchens throughout the Tulsa area. Free on-site visit, no obligation.
