Congratulations on your purchase. We hope you’ll enjoy the convenience of your gas grill for many years to come.
The following preinstallation questionnaire will save you time and money when you’re waiting for your new gas grill to arrive.
Let’s get your outdoor kitchen set up!
1. Did You Match the Gas Type in Your Home with That of Your Grill?
There are two types of gas that you can use to fuel your gas grill: liquid propane (commonly referred as LP gas) and natural gas.
Natural gas is delivered to your home via a pipeline operated by your local gas company. LP is typically stored in 20-lb. portable tanks that you refill at a local hardware store or gas station. In rare instances, you might have a large tank on your property that stores LP gas in bulk.
Natural gas is extracted from underground. It contains methane and a mixture of propane, butane, and ethane.
LP is a by-product of both natural gas and crude oil. LP gas is more efficient than natural gas.
When you’re purchasing a gas grill, make sure to choose the correct type for that gas you are using. The consistency and chemical makeup of these gas types are vastly different. Therefore, your gas grill comes tuned for the specific gas type.
It may not be possible to convert your gas grill from LP to natural gas.
2. Do You Have an LP Tank Ready?
Propane grills do not come with LP tanks due to potential transportation hazards. However, most propane grills have the proper connection ready to hook them up to your LP tank.
Make sure to have a full tank ready to enjoy your new grill right away. You can buy one at a local hardware store or gas station.
LP Gas Grills3. Is Your Natural Gas Connection Ready?
It’s imperative that you have a natural gas line ready within 10 ft. of your new grill. This line must be installed by a licensed plumber and inspected by your town.
Appliance installers are not licensed plumbers, and they won’t be able to alter your home connection.
Inspections can take time, so we recommend starting this process as soon as you purchase your grill, if not earlier.
Here is how an ideal gas set up should look like in your home.
Pro Tip: Always hire a licensed plumber. Licensed plumbers will properly size and install the pipework for your natural gas line along with a quick-connect adapter. They’ll also check connections for leaks and test the pressure so your grill operates at an optimum level.
Other examples of natural gas lines
Up & close look of parts involved4. Does Your Grill Come With a Natural Gas Hose and Connection Kit?
More and more manufacturers are skimping on including a natural gas hose and connection kit with their gas grills. Check the online product manual to see if installation parts, including a natural gas hose, are included with your grill.
Pro Tip: Verify the information you received from your installer and salesperson against the user and care manual to be on the safe side.
Check the online user manual to verify that your grill comes with a natural gas hose5. Do You Have An Electric Outlet Close By?
Some gas grill igniters operate using standard electric power. Make sure you have an outlet near where you plan to use your grill.
Select manufacturers also offer a backup battery-powered ignition. Make sure to check your product manual for details.
Conclusion
It’s exciting to get a new outdoor gas grill. Just follow the steps above to set yourself up for success as the grillmaster of your family.