Differences between natural gas and propane griddles: why they matter for restaurants

Differences between natural gas and propane griddles: why they matter for restaurants

When evaluating commercial restaurant equipment, choosing between a natural gas griddle and a propane griddle influences cost, flexibility, safety, and operational efficiency. Whether you're purchasing restaurant equipment Dallas or looking into used restaurant equipment Dallas, understanding these differences is essential.

What is a natural gas griddle?

A natural gas griddle runs off a municipal gas pipeline, making it ideal for fixed-location kitchens in urban areas with reliable infrastructure Wikipedia+7WebstaurantStore+7equippers.com+7Wikipedia+2equippers.com+2equippers.com+2.

Advantages of natural gas:

  • Lower energy costs per BTU when line infrastructure is available WebstaurantStore.

  • Continuous, uninterrupted supply.

  • Great option for permanent kitchens using consistent commercial restaurant equipment.

Disadvantages:

  • Requires pipeline access—unsuitable for rural or mobile setups.

  • Setup costs may be high without existing lines.

  • Potential safety risks (gas leaks, carbon monoxide) if installation or ventilation is poor Wikipedia.

What is a propane griddle?

A propane griddle uses pressurized LPG stored in cylinders or tanks. It's excellent for kitchens without gas lines, including food trucks, temporary setups or rural restaurants Wikipediaequippers.com.

Advantages of propane:

Disadvantages:

  • Higher fuel cost per unit.

  • Logistics involved with tank storage and replacement.

  • Requires strict handling procedures for safety.

Convertible systems: switching fuel types

Many commercial restaurant equipment models—griddles, charbroilers, ovens—are convertible between natural gas and propane. This is especially useful if you plan to transition between a food truck and a brick-and-mortar restaurant equippers.com. Key points:

  • Conversion must be done by licensed technicians.

  • Requires replacing orifices, regulators, and possibly burners to adjust for differing pressures.

  • Incorrect conversions can void warranties or lead to unsafe conditions equippers.com.

Key functions and uses of griddles in restaurants

Cooking versatility

Griddles are a workhorse in kitchens—ideal for pancakes, burgers, eggs, seafood, vegetables, and more. The flat steel surface heats evenly and retains heat well, perfect for high-volume cooking in commercial restaurant equipment setups WikipediaWikipedia.

Operational efficiency

  • Natural gas offers constant fuel flow, reducing interruptions.

  • Propane provides flexibility and mobility for food trucks or catering.

  • In areas like Dallas, many operators search for restaurant equipment Dallas or used restaurant equipment Dallas with propane options for mobile or flexible kitchens equippers.com.

Safety and serviceability

Natural gas requires proper ventilation and piping; propane needs safe tank handling. In both cases, buying trusted brands and ensuring good local availability of parts or technicians in restaurant equipment Dallas or the used restaurant equipment Dallas market is crucial.

Summary comparison

Feature Natural Gas Griddle Propane Griddle
Fuel Cost Typically cheaper per BTU (WebstaurantStore) More expensive per BTU
Infrastructure Requires piped gas connection Operates via portable or fixed propane tanks
Mobility Designed for permanent setups Great for food trucks, mobile kitchens
Conversion options Convertible if specified by manufacturer (equippers.com) Convertible but needs licensed technician
Safety considerations Risks with leaks or poor ventilation (Wikipedia) Requires proper tank management and leak detection

Why these griddles are useful for restaurants

  • Offer fast, even cooking for large volumes—reducing prep and service time.

  • Enable consistent food quality and reduce variability across shifts.

  • Simplify training, especially with flat surface operation and instant heat.

  • Provide flexibility—gas natural for fixed kitchens; propane for mobile or seasonal use.

Recommendations when buying

  1. For a permanent location in Dallas with piped gas, prioritize a natural gas griddle for lower operational costs.

  2. If looking into used restaurant equipment Dallas or if you anticipate mobility (food truck, event catering), seek propane or convertible griddles.

  3. Confirm whether the unit is officially convertible—check specs or manufacturer documentation.

  4. Assess local support options: service, parts, and technicians in Dallas.

  5. Match the griddle choice to your cooking volume, flexibility needs, and long-term operational plan.