Are Blackstone Grills Natural Gas? | Fuel Options That Fit

Most Blackstone griddles ship for propane, and some can run on natural gas only when a model-matched conversion kit is installed.

If you’re shopping for a Blackstone or you already own one, the fuel question comes up fast: is it natural gas, propane, or both? The clean answer is that Blackstone griddles are commonly sold as propane units, and certain models can be converted to natural gas with the right kit. That “right kit” part is where people get tripped up.

This article helps you figure out three things without the guesswork: whether your specific Blackstone can be converted, what “natural gas ready” really means in the Blackstone world, and what you need for a safe, steady setup that cooks the way you expect.

Are Blackstone Grills Natural Gas?

Most Blackstone griddles leave the factory set up for propane. That’s why you’ll see a propane regulator and hose in the box, plus burner orifices sized for propane. Natural gas is a different fuel at a different pressure, so you can’t just swap the hose and call it done.

Some Blackstone models are designed to accept a natural gas conversion kit that changes the fuel metering parts (the orifices) and connects to a home gas supply with the proper fittings. Other models are not built for conversion, even if they look similar from the outside.

So when someone says, “My Blackstone is natural gas,” it usually means one of these is true:

• They bought a built-in unit that’s intended to be converted with Blackstone’s kit for that line.
• They converted a compatible propane model using a conversion kit meant for that exact series.
• They used a third-party setup that may work, yet may not match the manufacturer’s compatibility list for that model.

Blackstone Griddle Natural Gas Options And Model Limits

Natural gas setups for Blackstone griddles fall into two buckets: models that can be converted and models that can’t. Compatibility is the whole game. If you skip it, you can end up with weak heat, uneven burners, flame issues, or a setup that’s not safe to run.

The safest starting point is Blackstone’s own compatibility guidance. They spell out which sizes and product lines can use their conversion kit and which ones are not compatible. You can check your series before you buy parts by using Blackstone’s natural gas conversion compatibility page.

What “Convertible” Means In Plain Terms

A convertible griddle has burners, valves, and fittings that are designed to operate correctly after the correct natural gas orifices are installed. It also assumes a low-pressure natural gas supply at the grill connection point, with the right shutoff valve and quick-connect fitting for outdoor use.

A non-convertible griddle might share the same style of cooktop and frame, yet the gas train parts differ. That can mean the valves, manifold layout, or burner design won’t match the conversion parts Blackstone provides.

Why A Conversion Kit Changes More Than The Hose

Propane contains more energy per volume than natural gas. The two fuels also run at different pressures in typical home and grill setups. Because of that, the tiny brass orifices that meter fuel into each burner are not the same between propane and natural gas. A proper conversion kit includes correctly sized orifices and the tools needed to swap them.

If someone tries to run a propane-orifice griddle on natural gas, the burners can starve for fuel and feel underpowered. If someone tries the reverse, the burners can run dangerously rich. Either way, the cook results get worse and the risk goes up.

Natural Gas Strengths For A Flat-Top Cook

When your model is compatible and the kit is installed correctly, natural gas is convenient. You skip tank swaps, you don’t wonder if you’ll run out mid-cook, and your fuel line stays connected at the patio. That steady supply is a big deal for long cooks like smash burgers for a crowd, breakfast batches, or meal prep days.

There are tradeoffs. You lose the easy portability of a propane tank setup, and your griddle’s placement is limited by where the gas quick-connect is installed. For renters, that one detail can be the deal-breaker.

Before You Convert: A Fast Reality Check

Take five minutes for this checklist before you order any parts. It saves money and prevents the most common missteps.

Step 1: Identify Your Exact Model

Look for the model number on the rating label, often near the rear frame, inside a cabinet door, or along the side panel. Don’t rely on “36-inch four burner” as your identifier. Blackstone has multiple 36-inch models with different lines and bundles.

Step 2: Confirm Compatibility From Blackstone

Use the compatibility page linked above and match your model number. If your model is listed as not compatible, stop there. Trying to force a conversion can lead to flame issues or parts that don’t fit.

Step 3: Check Your Home Gas Hookup Type

Many homes use a quick-connect outlet for outdoor gas appliances. Some have a capped stub-out that needs a quick-connect kit installed. You also want a shutoff valve you can reach fast without leaning over a hot cooktop.

Step 4: Decide If You Want Permanent Or Semi-Permanent Placement

Natural gas makes the most sense when the griddle lives on a patio, deck, or outdoor kitchen spot where you cook often. If you haul the griddle to the park, tailgate, or campsite, propane stays simpler.

Compatibility And Setup Snapshot

Use the table below as a decision aid. It’s not a substitute for checking your model number, yet it helps you sort what you own and what you should verify next.

Blackstone Griddle Type	Natural Gas Path	What To Verify
28-inch freestanding griddle	Often convertible	Match your model number to Blackstone’s compatibility list
30-inch freestanding griddle	Often convertible	Confirm burner count and series; don’t guess by size alone
36-inch freestanding griddle	Often convertible	Confirm exact model; some bundles are excluded
Tailgater-style portable units	Sometimes convertible	Check the specific Tailgater model and gas train design
Tabletop 17-inch / 22-inch units	Usually not convertible	These are commonly excluded from natural gas conversion
Griddle + air fryer combo models	Often not convertible	Combo layouts can be excluded; verify by model number
“Select” or special retail collections	Often not convertible	Retail-specific lines can differ; confirm from Blackstone
Built-in / drop-in griddles	Designed for kit use	Use the kit intended for that built-in line

What’s In A Natural Gas Conversion Kit

When you buy a conversion kit intended for Blackstone models, you’re usually getting more than a hose. The core pieces are:

• Natural gas orifices sized for the burners on compatible units.
• Orifice tool used to remove and install the small brass parts cleanly.
• Natural gas hose with fittings that suit common outdoor quick-connect setups.
• Thread gauges or adapters that help match the correct orifice style and connection.

Blackstone sells kits for specific product lines. If you want the kit that matches their parts and instructions, start with the product listing for the Blackstone natural gas conversion kit and then confirm your model against their compatibility guidance.

How The Conversion Affects Cooking Performance

People worry that natural gas won’t get hot enough on a flat-top. In practice, performance depends on three things: the griddle model, the gas supply at your outdoor outlet, and the accuracy of the conversion parts.

Heat Output: What You’ll Notice First

With a correct conversion on a compatible model, you should still reach searing temperatures across the cooktop. Warm-up time can feel slightly different from propane on some setups, yet many owners don’t notice a meaningful gap once the steel is preheated.

If your griddle feels weak after conversion, that’s usually a setup issue, not a “natural gas is weak” rule. Low supply pressure, an undersized line, or a fitting that restricts flow can hold you back.

Flame Behavior: Small Clues That Matter

Burner flames should look stable and consistent across burners. Flames that flutter, lift, or struggle to stay lit can point to air-shutter tuning needs, loose connections, or a supply issue at the quick-connect.

Control Feel: Small Knob Moves Can Matter

On a flat-top, tiny changes in burner setting can shift the surface temperature across zones. After conversion, take time to learn your “low,” “medium,” and “high” again. Do one calm test cook: bacon on low, onions on medium, smash burgers on high. You’ll learn the new rhythm fast.

Safety And Install Notes Worth Taking Seriously

Gas appliances demand respect. A conversion kit is not a cosmetic add-on. It changes fuel metering parts, and it connects your cook station to a fixed gas supply. If any part of your setup feels uncertain, a licensed gas fitter can inspect the line and confirm the hookup is correct for outdoor use.

Practical safety habits that pay off:

• Keep the shutoff valve reachable and test it before your first cook.
• Do a leak check after any fitting change and after you move the griddle.
• Keep the hose away from hot surfaces and sharp edges.
• Cook in an open outdoor area with strong airflow.

Also, don’t mix and match random fittings just to “make it work.” A connection that barely threads on or needs extra force is a warning sign. Clean threads, the correct adapter, and a snug fit matter.

Signs You Should Stay With Propane

Propane is still the right answer for a lot of people. It’s simple, portable, and easy to troubleshoot. Staying with propane makes sense when:

• Your model is listed as not compatible for natural gas conversion.
• You rent and can’t add a proper outdoor gas quick-connect.
• You cook in different places and want the griddle to travel.
• Your patio layout would force a long hose run across a walkway.

Propane also gives you a clean “backup plan” feel. Keep a spare tank and you’re never stuck waiting on a gas line visit.

Natural Gas Conversion Troubleshooting Table

If a converted unit doesn’t behave the way you expect, these quick checks can narrow the cause. Fixes that involve the home gas line or pressure testing belong to a licensed pro.

What You Notice	Likely Cause	What To Do Next
Low heat across all burners	Low supply pressure or restricted flow	Confirm shutoff valve is fully open; check quick-connect seating; call a licensed pro if it persists
One burner weaker than the rest	Orifice not seated or wrong size installed	Recheck that burner’s orifice and confirm it matches the kit parts
Flames lift off the burner ports	Air-to-gas mix out of range	Check burner alignment and air shutter position per the kit instructions
Flames flutter or pulse	Supply instability at the connection	Inspect hose routing and quick-connect; avoid sharp bends; have the line checked if it continues
Smell of gas near the griddle	Leak at a fitting	Shut off gas at the valve; leak-check fittings before using again
Burners won’t stay lit	Ignition alignment or poor gas flow	Check igniter position, burner seating, and connection tightness
Yellow flames and soot	Incomplete combustion from air mix issue	Stop cooking, let it cool, then check air shutter and burner ports per instructions

Buying Tips If You’re Shopping For A New Blackstone

If natural gas is your end goal, shop with conversion in mind from the start. A few habits make it easier:

• Pick the cooking size you’ll keep long-term. Natural gas shines when the griddle has a permanent home.
• Check the model number before checkout. Two griddles can look identical and still differ in compatibility.
• Budget for the hookup. A proper outdoor quick-connect and shutoff valve setup can cost more than the kit.
• Plan your placement. Think about hose routing, foot traffic, and distance from the outlet.

If you already own a propane unit and it’s compatible, conversion can feel like the “set it and forget it” version of griddling. If your unit is not compatible, the clean move is to keep it on propane and skip risky workarounds.

A Simple Decision Wrap-Up

Blackstone griddles are commonly propane units out of the box. Some can run on natural gas after a model-matched conversion kit is installed. The win is steady fuel for frequent cooks. The boundary is compatibility and safe hookup work.

If you take one action after reading this, make it this: match your model number to Blackstone’s compatibility list, then choose parts that match that exact result. That one step prevents nearly every conversion headache people run into.