Natural Gas vs Propane Side & Power Burners: Buying Guide

Start with the fuel supply your property can reliably provide, then order the burner configured for it. Natural gas suits an outdoor kitchen with an appropriate permanent line. Propane suits a property using cylinders or an approved propane supply. Neither automatically makes the same burner a better cooking appliance.

Compare the ownership decisions

Decision Natural gas Propane
Supply Permanent service and a properly sized line. Cylinder or bulk supply installed to appliance requirements.
Routine use No cylinder exchange with permanent service. Plan refilling or exchange if using cylinders.
Project quote Include line routing and installation work. Include approved regulator, connections and cylinder arrangement.
Before purchase Confirm available pressure and capacity. Confirm the supply type and approved setup.

Match the rating plate, not just the product name

A listing may offer natural gas and propane under the same model family. The selected variant determines what arrives. Our TrueFlame TFSB2 and RCS RJCSB3A listings offer both.

Check the variant in your cart and order confirmation, then have the installer compare the supplied appliance's rating plate with the fuel. An adapter that joins two fittings does not convert the burner's gas configuration.

A power burner changes the supply question

Adding a high-output burner increases connected demand. Your installer needs all appliance input ratings on the run, the line route and the required supply pressures. A connection that served one appliance is not evidence that it can serve a second at full output.

Ask for the assessment before cutting the opening. Significant supply work can change which model offers better installed value. This buying guide does not prescribe a pipe size or regulator for an unidentified installation.

Can you change fuel later?

Some burners permit conversion with specified parts and procedures. Others have different restrictions. RCS describes RJCSB3A as field-convertible; TrueFlame's current side-burner manual describes conversion parts and model-specific requirements. Those permissions do not apply automatically to other burners.

Order the correct configuration initially when practical. If your fuel plans may change, ask about the exact model's approved process and what a qualified technician needs. Changing a hose is not enough.

Will the natural gas version cost the same?

Check the variant. At our October 8, 2026 check, the RCS Cutlass Pro RSB3A was $1,449 in propane and $1,499 in natural gas. A “from” price can reflect the less expensive variant. Compare the RCS power burner options with your fuel selected.

What to send for a recommendation

  • Your current fuel and any planned change.
  • Whether propane comes from cylinders or a bulk supply.
  • Other appliance models sharing the supply.
  • Your installer's assessment, if available.
  • Your budget and cooking plans.

Fuel FAQs

Does propane always cook hotter?

Do not assume a higher output. Compare the manufacturer's rating for each fuel variant and the supplied configuration.

Can appliances share one tank or line?

Only with an approved arrangement, adequate capacity and the specified regulators and connections. Have your gas installer assess it.

References: TrueFlame side-burner manual · RCS RJCSB3A specifications.

Get help choosing your fuel configuration

Tell Northwoods Grills your fuel type, budget, cooking plans and any existing opening dimensions. Speak with a product expert or call 843-212-7209.

Related: power burner guide · burner equipment and installation budget · all burner buying guides.