Switching an oven from natural gas to propane involves changing the orifices and adjusting the regulator for proper fuel flow. If you want to know how to convert oven from natural gas to propane, the process is straight forward but you must take it seriously because these two fuels burn at different pressures.
Natural gas and propane are not the same. Propane has about 2.5 times the energy per cubic foot. That means the holes that let gas into your burners have to be smaller for propane.
This guide walks you through the tools, the steps, and the safety checks. Most homeowners can do this in an afternoon with a basic toolkit.
Why Conversion Is Necessary
You cannot just hook a propane tank to a natural gas oven. The oven will run too hot, the flames will be wrong, and you risk a fire or carbon monoxide buildup.
The orifices control how much gas reaches the burner. Natural gas orifices are larger. Propane orifices are smaller. The regulator also works at different pressures. Natural gas runs at about 7 inches of water column. Propane runs at about 10 to 11 inches.
If you skip the conversion, the oven may not light at all. Or it may light with a huge yellow flame that soots up your pots. Neither is safe.
How To Convert Oven From Natural Gas To Propane
Follow these steps in order. Do not rush. If you smell gas at any point, stop and call a professional.
Tools And Parts You Will Need
- Propane conversion kit for your oven model (comes with new orifices)
- Adjustable wrench and open-end wrenches
- Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers
- Nut driver set
- Soapy water in a spray bottle for leak testing
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Work gloves and safety glasses
Always buy the kit made for your exact oven brand and model. Generic kits often dont fit right. Check the label inside the oven door or on the back panel for the model number.
Step 1: Shut Off The Gas And Power
Turn off the gas valve behind the oven or at the main supply. Unplug the oven from the wall. If it is a hardwired unit, flip the breaker.
Let the oven cool completely if it was recently used. You dont want to work around hot metal.
Step 2: Remove The Oven From Its Space
Pull the oven out from the cabinet. You may need to remove the oven door first to make it lighter. Most doors lift off when you open them to the first stop and pull up.
Lay down a blanket or cardboard to protect your floor. The oven has sharp edges on the back.
Step 3: Access The Burner Orifices
The orifice locations depend on your oven type. For a range, you will find them under the cooktop. Remove the burner grates and caps. Then unscrew the burner base.
For the oven burner, look inside the bottom drawer or remove the bottom panel. The orifice is usually a small brass fitting at the end of the gas tube.
Take a photo before you remove anything. This helps you put it back together correctly.
Step 4: Swap The Orifices
Use the correct wrench size. Turn the old orifice counterclockwise to remove it. Be gentle. Brass strips easily.
Install the new propane orifice from your kit. Tighten it snug but do not over tighten. Over tightening can crack the brass.
Repeat this for every burner, including the bake and broil burners. Some ovens also have a small orifice for the pilot light if it is a standing pilot model.
Step 5: Adjust The Pressure Regulator
The regulator is on the back of the oven where the gas line connects. Most regulators have a plastic cap that you flip or unscrew. Under the cap is a spring or a plunger.
For propane, you usually flip the cap or install the propane spring that came with your kit. This changes the regulator from natural gas pressure to propane pressure.
Read your oven manual for the exact method. Some brands use a different style of regulator.
Step 6: Adjust The Air Shutters
Propane needs more air for a clean flame. Find the air shutter on each burner. It is a metal sleeve with a screw.
Loosen the screw and open the shutter about halfway. You will fine tune this later after you light the burner.
Step 7: Leak Test
Turn the gas back on. Do not light anything yet. Spray soapy water on every connection you touched.
Watch for bubbles. Bubbles mean a leak. Tighten the fitting and test again. If it still leaks, replace the fitting or call a pro.
Step 8: Light And Check The Flame
Plug the oven back in. Light one burner. The flame should be blue with a small inner cone. It should not be yellow or lift off the burner.
If the flame is yellow, open the air shutter more. If it roars or blows out, close it a little. Adjust until the flame looks steady and blue.
Test the oven burner and broiler the same way. Let the oven run for 10 minutes and check the temperature with an oven thermometer.
Step 9: Reassemble And Push Back
Put all the burner caps, grates, and panels back. Slide the oven into place. Reconnect the anti-tip bracket if your oven has one.
Run the oven at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Smell for gas. If you smell anything odd, shut it down and check your work.
Safety Tips And When To Call A Pro
- Never use a match to check for leaks. Use soapy water only.
- If you are not comfortable working with gas lines, hire a licensed technician. The cost is worth it.
- Some newer ovens have sealed burners that are harder to convert. Check your manual first.
- Keep a fire extinguisher nearby when you test the oven.
- If the conversion kit does not match your model, do not force it.
Converting your oven is a job you can do yourself if you take your time. The key is using the right orifices and setting the regulator for propane. Once the flame is blue and steady, you are done.