Propane Orifice vs Natural Gas Comparison in 2024
Orifice refers to a small hole inside the grill machine. The orifice works to pass the gas flow from the source to the natural gas burner. The grilling machine has separate orifices to manage Propane tank and natural gas flow. But many grill users need clarification about the difference between propane orifice vs natural gas orifice.
Good to know that Propane and the natural orifice are interchangeable. The propane and natural gas orifices differ in design, performance and size. A propane orifice is smaller in diameter and can more restrict the gas flow than a natural orifice. Even the wrong device can cause hazards and combustion.
This guide will explain the detailed comparison between propane and natural gas orifices. So, let’s read out what we have next!
What is an Orifice in a Gas Grill?
Orifice is a small hole on the top of the gas grill that controls the gas flow. The main function of the orifice is to control the gas flow of the gas grill. Orifice is situated near the gas inlet. The size and type of orifice may differ based on the gas power source. Also, note that the orifice runs the grill correctly and provides heat evenly through the tray.
Propane Orifice vs Natural Gas – Key Differences
The grill machine users have a saturated question: “Is natural gas orifice bigger than a propane orifice”? Yes, it is. Besides, these two orifices are different in several aspects. Let’s know those.
Properties
Natural gas is lighter compared with the air. On the other hand, propane gas is heavyweight than the air. Because of this, natural gas has less density, and Propane has more density than natural gas. So, for propane gas, you need to use a small holed orifice, and for natural gas, a larger orifice would be best.
Size
Both propane and natural gas orifice has specific hole. The manufacturer makes these holes with a drill with a cutting diameter range from 75 to 1.
The smallest one made with that drilling machine is around 3/4 inches in size. The ¾ inches is considered 75 in size. A propane orifice is generally 75 mm in diameter for controlling the gas flow.
The natural gas orifice is larger than the propane orifice. On the contrary, the largest hole measurement is 1/4 inch, which is considered near 1. It is essential to check the size chart for both orifices and choose your preferred one.
Temperature
BTU means the ability of gets hot with gas power. Propane gas and natural gas have different BTUs depending on their density. If you want to convert one gas orifice into another, you need to ensure the pressure. As per the British thermal unit rules, the natural gas orifice provides around 1400 BTU pressure per hour. On the other hand, the propane gas orifice provides around 3000 BTU pressure per hour.
It is a notable difference between propane and natural gas orifices. You can replace one orifice instead of another. In this case, make sure about the propane natural gas orifice size chart. Also, remember to replace the valve cap with another orifice with proper holes.
Pressure
Pressure is the most significant difference between Propane and natural orifice. Where natural gas provides 0.5 psi pressure into the orifice, propane gas provides 10 psi pressure. Because of the lowest pressure, the manufacturer makes larger orifices for natural gas. On the other hand, the smaller orifice can restrict the excess pressure of propane gas.
Is all Propane Orifice the Same?
No, there have different types of orifices only for propane gas. Although Propane creates similar fuel types, you need to use separate orifices for individual tasks.
Depending on the particular task, the propane orifices can have different sizes, from smaller to larger. Considering the gas flow rate, gas source, average BTU and pressure level are important before choosing the orifice size for your propane gas grill.
What Happens if You Run Propane Through a Natural Gas Orifice?
It is not recommended to run Propane through the natural gas orifice because it can cause danger. Burning and cooking food is different for natural gas and propane gas. Note that propane gas can make the grill hotter than natural gas.
The natural gas orifice is designed with low pressure, lower BTU and lower density. But the propane gas orifice is designed for higher BTU, pressure, and density. So, using a natural gas orifice with a propane gas grill is not a good idea. Because natural orifice has come with lower pressure gas.
There is a potentially damaging risk if you use a natural gas orifice with a propane gas grill. The higher pressure of propane gas might be dangerous for the grill machine. But you can adjust the accurate orifice size when converting a propane gas grill into a natural gas grill. Always remember to ensure the safety of both you and your device.
Can You Drill Out a Propane Orifice?
You can drill out a propane orifice, but it is not good. Even it is prohibited to drill out propane orifice. Propane gas contains more energy components than natural gas. That is why the density of Propane is much more than natural gas. So, the manufacturer made a smaller orifice for propane gas.
FAQs
1. What is the orifice size for Propane and natural gas?
The natural gas grill orifice will always be larger than the propane gas grill orifice. The orifice size for the propane gas grill is nearly 0.090 inches. On the contrary, the orifice size for a natural gas grill is near 0.125 inches.
2. Does Propane use a larger orifice than natural gas?
No, a propane gas grill doesn’t use a larger orifice than a natural gas orifice. Propane gas grills use smaller orifices than natural gas. The natural gas orifice is larger and unsuitable for propane gas because of its higher density. Due to the higher density of propane gas, the orifice should be smaller. Otherwise, excess gas can flow and cause danger.
3. How to tell the difference between natural gas and propane jets?
You can differentiate between natural gas and propane jets to see the markings, color and size. Natural gas is generally marked with “N” or “NAT”. And the propane gas orifice is marked with “P” or “PROP.” Besides, you can apart these gas based on the design and size. Keep in mind that the propane gas flow holes is smaller than the natural gas grill.
4. What happens if you use Propane on a natural gas stove?
The flame will be too big when you use Propane on a natural gas stove. The orifice of natural gas is larger than the orifice of propane gas. That is why you will see the big flame. Besides, there have potential risks of damaging the device, stove and propane appliance.
Final Words
We hope you have all the information about natural gas orifice vs propane. It is recommended to use individual orifices for Propane and natural gas. Both orifices are individual in design, function and size. The propane orifice is smaller, and the natural gas orifice is larger. So, try to use something other than propane and natural gas orifice instead of one another.
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