How to Convert a Blackstone Griddle to Natural Gas (Step-by-Step)

Blackstone griddles come set up for propane out of the box. But if you have a natural gas line at home, the conversion is worth it — no more tank swaps, no running out mid-cook, and natural gas typically costs less than propane per BTU.

The conversion requires a Blackstone-specific kit and about 30–45 minutes of work. Not all models support it, so start with the compatibility check.

Which Blackstone Models Can Be Converted to Natural Gas

Compatible:

Blackstone 28” Griddles (2-burner)
Blackstone 36” Griddles (2- and 4-burner)
Blackstone Tailgater Combo (Grill and Griddle)
Blackstone Rangetop Combo

Not compatible:

Blackstone 36” 4-Burner with Air Fryer
Blackstone 28” 2-Burner with Air Fryer
Blackstone 22” 2-Burner Griddle
Blackstone 17” Single-Burner Griddles (all portable models)

If you’re unsure about your specific model, check the back panel — compatible models will have an orifice size label referencing LP (liquefied propane) that can be swapped.

What You Need

Blackstone Natural Gas Conversion Kit — This is the only approved conversion kit. It includes:

10-foot natural gas hose with ⅜” quick-connect fitting
16 natural gas orifices (M6 x .75 and M6 x 1.0 thread sizes)
Two thread check gauges
7mm orifice wrench

Also needed (not included):

Gas-rated thread sealant — must be rated for natural gas and temperatures up to 400°F. Do not use standard plumber’s tape.
Phillips-head screwdriver
Adjustable wrench
Soapy water (for leak testing after)

Check your natural gas hookup size before buying the kit. The quick-connect fitting is ⅜”. If your home’s natural gas valve is a different size, you’ll need a reducer fitting.

How to Convert a Blackstone Griddle to Natural Gas

Step 1: Prepare the Griddle

Make sure the griddle is completely cool and hasn’t been used recently. Turn all control knobs to off and close the propane tank valve.

Disconnect and remove the propane tank. Store it safely outdoors, upright, away from any heat source — propane is flammable and should never be stored inside or in a vehicle.

Remove the griddle cooktop from the frame: lift it up and set it aside. Use the Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the screws securing the burner tubes to the griddle body. Pull the burner tubes free from the valves and set them aside. (On the Rangetop Combo, you’ll also need an adjustable wrench to remove the nuts.)

Step 2: Swap the Orifices

The orifices are the small brass fittings screwed into the back of each gas valve. Propane orifices have smaller holes than natural gas orifices — this is what you’re replacing.

Use the 7mm orifice wrench from the kit to unscrew and remove the propane orifices from each valve. Keep them — you’ll need them if you ever convert back.

Before installing the new orifices, use the thread check gauges (included in the kit) to confirm the thread size of each valve: either M6 x .75 or M6 x 1.0. Match the correct natural gas orifice to each valve.

Blackstone Natural Gas Orifices

Apply a thin layer of gas-rated thread sealant to the threads of each natural gas orifice. Thread them in by hand first, then snug with the 7mm wrench. Do not overtighten — the valve bodies are brass and will crack.

Step 3: Reassemble the Griddle

Slide the open end of each burner tube back over its valve and screw it in securely. Replace the griddle cooktop on the frame. If your model has a burner grate, reinstall it as well.

Step 4: Connect the Natural Gas Supply

Remove the propane hose from the griddle body using the adjustable wrench. Set it aside with the propane orifices in case you want to convert back later.

Blackstone natural gas conversion

Thread the quick-connect fitting from the kit onto your home’s natural gas valve using thread sealant. Tighten with the adjustable wrench.

Attach the natural gas hose to the griddle body — thread it in by hand, then snug it with the wrench. Connect the other end to the quick-connect fitting on the wall: clear any debris from the fitting, press the connector firmly into the locking collar, and give it a firm pull to confirm it’s seated.

Leak test before the first cook. Turn on the natural gas supply and brush soapy water over every connection point — the quick-connect, hose ends, and orifices. Bubbles mean a gas leak. If you see any, turn off the gas immediately and re-examine and tighten that connection before proceeding.

No bubbles? The conversion is complete.

Note: Blackstone recommends having a licensed gas plumber make the final connection to your home’s natural gas line. If you’re not confident working with gas connections, hire a pro for step 4 — the orifice swap in steps 1–3 is straightforward DIY, but the gas line hookup warrants caution.

After the Conversion

The first cook on natural gas should be a seasoning burn. Natural gas runs at a fixed pressure from the line — unlike propane, which can drop in pressure as the tank empties — so flame behavior will be consistent. You may notice slightly different flame characteristics than propane; this is normal.

Keep your propane orifices and hose stored somewhere safe. Converting back to propane just reverses these steps.

For safe griddle operation now that you’re on natural gas, review the outdoor griddle safety guide — gas line connections require the same leak-check habit before every cook.

Now cook without limits: Smash Burgers · Blackstone Steak · Fried Rice · Chicken Fajitas

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Blackstone griddles can be converted to natural gas?

The 28” and 36” standard griddle models, the Tailgater Combo, and the Rangetop Combo are compatible. Air fryer combo models, the 22” griddle, and all 17” portable models cannot be converted. Check the Blackstone website for your specific model number if unsure.

Do I need a professional to convert my Blackstone to natural gas?

Blackstone recommends a licensed gas plumber for the gas line connection (the quick-connect hookup to your home’s supply). The orifice swap and reassembly in steps 1–3 are standard DIY work. If you’re not comfortable with gas connections, hire a plumber for step 4 only.

Is natural gas better than propane for a Blackstone griddle?

For a permanent backyard setup: yes. Natural gas costs less per BTU than propane, delivers consistent pressure (no pressure drop as the tank empties), and eliminates the hassle of refilling or exchanging tanks. The tradeoff is that you’re tethered to the gas line — you can’t move the griddle as freely.

Can I convert back to propane after converting to natural gas?

Yes. Save the propane orifices and hose from step 1 and 4. Reversing the process swaps everything back. Keep them stored with the kit.

What’s the difference between the natural gas and propane orifices?

Natural gas burns at lower pressure than propane, so natural gas orifices have larger holes to allow more volume of gas to flow and achieve the same heat output. Using the wrong orifices produces incorrect flame behavior — too small for natural gas means weak burners; propane orifices with natural gas means a large, potentially dangerous flame.

How long does the Blackstone natural gas conversion take?

30–45 minutes for most people doing it for the first time. The orifice swap itself takes about 15 minutes once the burner tubes are removed. The gas line hookup time depends on your setup.