Understanding Propane vs Natural Gas

Propane vs Natural Gas

Propane and natural gas are both burned to produce heat in cooking, so it's not surprising the two get confused. The difference between natural gas and propane is minor when it comes to how your food is cooked: Both are fossil fuels commonly burned to provide heat, both are relatively environmentally friendly (for fossil fuels), and both must be handled carefully to prevent fires. However, the two fuels have slightly different benefits and drawbacks for restaurant operators who choose to use them. Understanding the differences between natural gas and propane – as well as propane vs natural gas costs, availability, and heat output – will enabled you to make an informed decision when adding new equipment to your operation.

Is Propane the Same as Natural Gas?

Propane is derived from natural gas and is one of the compounds that make natural gas a good fuel source. When combined, propane, butane, methane, and ethane1 create the efficient fossil fuel known as natural gas. Liquid propane fuel is refined from natural gas. The refinement process means propane costs more than unrefined natural gas, but since the resulting propane is more efficient, natural gas is not always better than propane and vice versa.

Propane vs natural gas costs

Both propane and natural gas have dropped in cost over the last few years. The boom in American fracking has produced a large supply of natural gas, which in turn has yielded a large supply of propane gas. While the cost of all types of fuel is constantly in flux because it responds to excesses in production or increases in demand, determining the cost of propane vs natural gas is particularly tricky because the two fuels aren't even measured in the same units. Natural gas is typically utilized in a gaseous form and is therefore measured in cubic feet.

The easiest way to achieve a direct cost comparison is to convert both fuels into 2cost per BTU, or British Thermal Unit. BTUs measure heat energy, which is the amount of heat provided by the given fuel.

  • One cubic foot of natural gas provides 1,030 BTUs.
  • One cubic foot of propane gas provides 2,516 BTUs.
  • One gallon of propane is approximately 36 cubic feet of propane.3
  • One gallon of propane produces approximately 90,576 BTUs.

In almost all areas of the United States, natural gas is more cost effective than propane simply because propane requires more steps to produce and must be kept under pressure. However, propane's portability and greater energy production can make it an attractive choice for some operators. Cost is usually the most important differentiator when considering propane vs natural gas.

Propane vs natural gas BTU output

With these numbers in mind, we can do the math for which gas is more cost efficient. Propane contains more than double the energy of natural gas per cubic foot. In most practical applications, this means propane will last longer per volume than natural gas because it burns more slowly. In some applications, propane can heat more quickly than natural gas because it has more energy available. The rate at which your equipment heats up depends more on its design than the type of fuel used, but if heating speed is particularly important, propane would be the best choice. Raising your appliance to high temperatures in a short amount of time uses more fuel than gradually increasing heat, so operators should strive for a balance between efficiency and effectiveness.

Is Propane or Natural Gas Best for a Restaurant?

Many gas appliances can be outfitted to utilize propane in place of natural gas. Natural gas is the most common gas fuel for commercial cooking equipment, but propane can be beneficial in the right circumstances. Propane appliances are often mobile, which enables operators to be creative in kitchen layouts and even where they ply their trade. Food trucks are a great example of this. Obviously, your truck can't be connected to a natural gas utility, but propane tanks are portable and provide strong cooking power wherever you need it.

If you don't need mobile equipment, natural gas is usually the best option. Both natural gas and propane can cook your food quickly and efficiently, but natural gas can do so at a lower operating cost in most instances. If you prefer propane, though, you can find commercial cooking equipment that utilizes propane. Some gas equipment ships with conversion kits, which will be indicated on the product listing, so those pieces can be converted from propane to natural gas and vice versa.

Never try to convert your equipment yourself unless you happen to be a professional plumber. Messing around with gas fuels is dangerous and should not be attempted without proper training.

Sources

  1. Propane and Natural Gas Compared. Meenan. Accessed January 2021.
  2. Propane vs Natural Gas. Leffler Energy. Accessed January 2021.
  3. Table of Gas Equivalents. Connecticut Department of Revenue Services. Accessed January 2021.