A patio grill that runs on your gas line changes the way you cook outside. No tank to haul down the steps, no cold-weather regulator swapping, no running out of fuel halfway through a cook. Once the line is there, the grill itself is just a matter of matching burner power to the space you have and the food you like to cook.
We spent weeks comparing the best natural gas grills for patios, weighing specs and owner feedback across ten models, from compact three-burner carts to built-in heads designed for a permanent outdoor kitchen. What stood out was not raw BTU output. It was how each grill behaves in the conditions a patio actually presents: wind off a deck, tight clearances against a wall, stainless that sits through a wet winter, and burner layouts that keep food from crowding.
This guide covers ten options across free-standing and built-in formats, then gets into the parts most lists skip: gas line sizing, clearances, permits, and what conversion between natural gas and propane really involves. If you are still building the patio itself, our wood fired pizza oven guide for patios covers the other half of a typical outdoor cooking space.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Best Natural Gas Grills for Patios in October
Bull Outlaw Drop-In Grill Head
- 4 burners at 15000 BTU each
- 751 sq in total cooking area
- 304 stainless steel
- Piezo ignition
Napoleon Prestige 500 RSIB
- 48000 BTU across 4 burners
- 500 sq in main area
- Infrared Sizzle Zone side burner
- 18000 BTU rear burner
Monument Grills 4-Burner…
- 60000 BTU across 4 burners
- 700 sq in total cooking area
- Side burner
- 304 stainless burners
The Bull Outlaw is our top pick because built-in grills live or die on heat distribution and metal thickness, and owners consistently report both. The Napoleon Prestige 500 takes the premium slot with the most complete burner package in this group, infrared side burner and rear burner included. The Monument 4-Burner Convertible is the value pick, delivering a four-burner stainless body with a side burner and lid window at a tier well below the big names.
All 10 Natural Gas Grills at a Glance in 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Bull Outlaw 60,000 BTU Drop-In Grill Head |
|
Check Latest Price |
| Napoleon Prestige 500 RSIB Natural Gas Grill |
|
Check Latest Price |
| Monument Grills 4-Burner Convertible Natural Gas Grill |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Weber Spirit E-325 Natural Gas Grill |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Monument Grills M415BZNG 4+1 Burner |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Weber Genesis E-325 Natural Gas Grill |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Napoleon Freestyle 425 Natural Gas Grill |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Weber Genesis S-435 Natural Gas Grill |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Blaze Prelude LBM Built-In Grill |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Napoleon Rogue PRO 625 5-Burner Grill |
|
Check Latest Price |
Two entries on that list are built-in heads rather than carts, so they need a cutout and a gas line plumbed to the island. Everything else is a free-standing unit you can position on a patio, deck or balcony slab. We flagged the practical differences in each review below.
1. Bull Outlaw 60,000 BTU Drop-In Grill Head – Best Overall for Built-Ins
Bull Outdoor Products Outlaw 60,000 BTU Drop-In Grill Head – Stainless Steel, Natural Gas
60000 BTU total
751 sq in total cooking area
125 lb
9.5 x 31 x 22 in
Lifetime warranty on grates
Pros
- Even consistent heat across the surface
- Thick stainless components
- Heats to temperature fast
- Flame tamers work as designed
Cons
- Burners can blow out in wind with the hood closed
- Thermometer tops out near 600F
- Inspect hardware on arrival
This is the grill we keep coming back to for anyone building a real outdoor kitchen. It is a drop-in head with four welded stainless burners putting out 15,000 BTU apiece, and that even split is what produces the consistent heat owners describe. The cooking surface works out to 575 square inches of primary space plus a 176 square inch warming rack.
Heat arrives quickly, which matters on a covered patio where the cooking usually happens in the evening. Flame tamers sit above the burners and do their job of breaking up drippings, so flare-ups stay controlled without a full grease management system.
The warranty is unusually good for a built-in. Cast iron porcelain-coated burners are warranted two years, stainless flame tamers three years, and the stainless cooking grids, frames and housings carry a lifetime warranty. That is the part that matters most, since a built-in grill is not something you replace lightly.
Do note the weight. At 125 pounds this is a two-person lift into a built-in opening, and studs and hardware can shift in transit, so check everything against the manual before you run gas.
What to check before you cut the countertop
Measure the cutout and the clearance to combustibles around it before the stone company arrives. Built-in heads need breathing room at the sides and back, and a grill that is tight against a wall will cook unevenly and run hotter on the wall side.
Also confirm where the gas line will terminate. The Bull is a natural gas unit and needs a properly sized line and a shutoff valve within reach of the island, not a quick-connect that gets unplugged every time it rains.
Where the Bull Outlaw falls short
Wind is the recurring complaint. With the hood closed, owners report some burners blowing out in gusty conditions, which means restarting a burner mid-cook. On a fully open patio in a breezy area, plan for that or lower the lid and cook indirect.
The included thermometer is also modest. It reads to roughly 600F, which is fine for a sanity check but not useful for sear work, so add a separate probe thermometer if you care about hitting a specific steak crust.
2. Napoleon Prestige 500 RSIB – Best Premium All-Round Cooker
Napoleon P500RSIBNSS-3 Prestige 500 RSIB Natural Gas Grill, sq. in + Infrared Side and Rear Burner, Stainless Steel
48000 BTU main burners
500 sq in main cooking area
196.7 lb
Includes rotisserie kit
120 in hose
Pros
- Large 500 sq in main cooking surface
- Infrared side burner hits searing heat fast
- Reliable JETFIRE ignition with backup lighting
- Stainless construction throughout
- Rotisserie kit included
Cons
- Heavy and awkward to move
- Orifice setup needs care on some units
- Costs more than three-burner alternatives
Few grills pack as much into one cabinet as this one. Four stainless main burners deliver 48,000 BTU per hour across 500 square inches of main cooking space, and there is a 260 square inch warming rack on top plus a 140 square inch side burner. That is a genuine two-zone setup rather than a grill with a shelf bolted to the side.
The Infrared Sizzle Zone side burner is the feature that changes daily cooking. Owners use it for searing, pan sauces and quick vegetable work while the main burners hold a steady low-and-slow cook. The 18,000 BTU infrared rear burner comes with a heavy-duty rotisserie kit already in the box.
Ignition is handled by JETFIRE lighting on each main burner, with a back channel that lets you light one burner from another. That redundancy matters on a patio grill because a single failed igniter usually means waiting for the whole manifold to cool down before retrying.
Napoleon backs it with a limited lifetime warranty, which is one of the strongest coverages in the category and a big part of why the Prestige holds value over a decade.
Why the Prestige 500 suits an experienced patio cook
Multiple heat sources is the reason to step up here. You can sear on the infrared side burner, run indirect on the rear rotisserie, and still have main burner space for sides, all without juggling a single grill twice.
It also has the room for a group. With 500 square inches plus warming space, a party of ten to twelve is comfortable rather than cramped, which is the scenario most patios are actually built for.
Where the size becomes a problem
At 196.7 pounds, moving this one takes two people and a clear path. If your patio is a third-floor balcony or a narrow courtyard, the footprint and the lift will decide against it before the specs do.
A few buyers also report needing extra attention on the natural gas orifice setup at first start. It is not a defect, but it is worth having your installer present for the first burn-in.
3. Monument Grills 4-Burner Convertible – Best Value for Patios
Monument Grills Larger Convertible 4-Burner Natural Gas Grill Stainless Steel Cabinet Style Propane Grills with Conversion Kit(2 Items)
60000 BTU total
700 sq in cooking area
19 x 54 x 46 in
2-year grill warranty
Convertible to propane
Pros
- Strong value for a four-burner stainless body
- Heats to 600-675F in about 10 minutes
- Straightforward fuel conversion
- Cast iron grates that sear well
- Clearview lid window
Cons
- Assembly takes several hours
- Outer burners run weaker than middle ones
- Natural gas orifices may not be pre-installed
This is the grill that keeps coming up in patio conversations as the sensible middle path. Four 304 stainless burners plus a side burner total 60,000 BTU, and the cooking area is 510 square inches of primary space with a 190 square inch warming rack.
Owners repeatedly mention how fast it heats, typically reaching 600 to 675F in about ten minutes. On a patio where evenings cool quickly, that is a meaningful difference when you are cooking a meal rather than making an afternoon of it.
The EASY-CLEAN enameled cast iron grates hold heat well and take a sear without chipping, and the built-in Clearview lid window lets you check food without lifting the lid and losing the cook. Flame control is precise enough to drop a burner for indirect work.
Warranty coverage runs two years on the grill, eight years on the stainless burners and one year on electrical components. For a convertible unit, that is solid.
Why this is the one most patios end up with
It gives you four burners, a working side burner and a lid window, which is the feature list most people assume requires stepping up a tier. Built-in 304 stainless burners and enameled cast iron grates are also the two materials that decide how a grill ages outdoors.
Because it ships convertible, you can run it on natural gas now and add a conversion kit later if your fuel situation changes. That flexibility is unusual at this level.
What to expect in the first month
Assembly takes several hours, mostly because of the cabinet work and the number of fasteners. Budget an afternoon, and set aside a phone photo of the manual because the wiring and gas routing deserve a second look.
Two smaller gripes come up often. The outer burners, particularly the left, can run weaker than the middle pair, and the side table surfaces can show surface rust even when covered. Neither is a dealbreaker, but both are worth knowing about.
One more thing to verify on delivery: the natural gas orifices are not always pre-fitted, and that is not always clearly communicated. Check before you plan your first cook.
4. Weber Spirit E-325 – Best for Small Patios and Balconies
Weber® Spirit® E-325 Gas Grill, Outdoor Cooking, Natural Gas Grill, Black
3-burner layout
360 sq in cooking area
10-year limited warranty
Snap-Jet ignition
Weber Works rails
Pros
- Compact footprint that suits balconies and patios
- Weber build quality with clear instructions
- Assembles in about an hour with a power screwdriver
- Everything for a gas line connection included
Cons
- Runs cooler than some owners want for searing
- Open back panel lets pests into the cabinet
- Occasional shipping damage or missing parts
When patio space is the constraint, this is the grill that fits. Three burners, 360 square inches of cooking surface, and a body that is narrow enough to leave walking room on either side. It is the smallest footprint here that still has a genuine Weber cookbox.
Boost Burners deliver 40 percent more power into the class Sear Zone, and the porcelain-enameled cast iron grates hold heat while staying easy to scrub. The cast aluminum cookbox underneath is the part that pays off over a decade, since aluminum does not rust or peel the way a pressed steel box does.
Snap-Jet ignition lights each burner one-handed, which is the kind of detail that feels minor until you are holding tongs in the other hand. The Flavorizer bars vaporize drippings above the burners, and a large drip pan with a removable sliding grease tray keeps cleanup down.
The 10-year limited warranty is the strongest piece of paper in this price bracket, and Weber Works side rails let you snap on accessories later without replacing anything.
Where this grill earns its spot
Two to four people, weeknight cooking, and a patio that is more deck than yard. The cooking surface is enough for a full spread at that size group without leaving food waiting for a grate slot.
It is also the easiest of the free-standing units here to get running, since a natural gas hose and everything needed for a line connection come in the box.
What you give up for the footprint
Owners most often note that it does not push past 500F as readily as the higher-output grills. That is fine for burgers, chicken and vegetables, and thin-skinned fish, but if you buy ribeyes and care about crust, you will feel the difference.
The open back panel is a design Weber has kept for years and it does let debris and pests into the lower cabinet, so a cover matters more here than on a fully enclosed model. A few buyers also received units with transit damage, so inspect before assembling.
5. Monument Grills M415BZNG – Best for Fast Heat-Up and Night Grilling
Monument Grills 4+1 Burner Natural Gas Grill with Natural Gas Hose, 50,000 BTU Stainless Steel Outdoor Patio Barbecue Grill, Broil Zone Fast Heating, Knob Lights, and Easy Cleanup, M415BZNG
50000 BTU across 5 burners
630 sq in cooking area
22 x 55 x 45.5 in
304 stainless burners
Pros
- Highest average rating in this group
- Broil zone reaches about 650F in 10 minutes
- 304 stainless burners resist corrosion and clogging
- Knob lights and viewing window
- Easy cleanup via grease funnel
Cons
- Natural gas only with no propane fallback
- Fewer owner reviews than the Weber and Napoleon models
This is the highest-rated grill in the set, and the reasons owners give are practical rather than cosmetic. The Advanced Broil Zone uses a U-shaped flame layout with a V-holed flame tamer to reach about 650F in roughly ten minutes, and the 304 stainless burners are built to resist both corrosion and clogging over time.
Cooking area totals 630 square inches, split into 450 square inches of primary space and a 180 square inch warming rack. The knob lights and built-in viewing window make evening cooks easier, which is when most patio grilling actually happens.
Cleanup is handled by a streamlined grease funnel and enamel-coated cast iron grates, both of which wipe down rather than needing a deep clean. Lockable swivel casters mean you can move it for storage but it stays put during a cook.
Warranty is two years on the grill, eight years on the stainless burners and one year on electrical components.
Why patio cooks like this one
Ten minutes to cooking temperature, in a package that stays under 55 inches wide. That combination suits a covered patio with a moderate amount of room, and it is one of the few grills here where the daily convenience features were clearly designed in rather than added on.
The natural gas hose is included, so the connection side of the install is straightforward once the line itself is in place.
What to weigh before buying
It is natural gas only. If your fuel situation is temporary or you want the option to detach and take the grill elsewhere, that flexibility is gone without modification.
The review base is also smaller than the Weber and Napoleon models here, which means less long-term durability data from owners. Treat the eight-year burner warranty as the real protection rather than relying on anecdotal history.
6. Weber Genesis E-325 – Best for an Upgradable Outdoor Kitchen
Weber® Genesis E-325 Gas Grill for Outdoor Cooking, Natural Gas, Black
3 burners plus side burner
27 x 57.7 x 48.1 in
Weber Crafted
PureBlu burners
12-year warranty
Pros
- PureBlu burners give consistent flame and even heat
- Large sear zone for several steaks at once
- Weber Crafted system accepts a griddle or pizza stone
- Pull-out grease tray speeds cleanup
- 12-year limited warranty
Cons
- Costs more than the Spirit E-325 with a similar layout
- Weber Crafted accessories sold separately
- Wider footprint takes more patio space
The Genesis E-325 is the version of this grill to buy if the patio might grow into an outdoor kitchen. It uses PureBlu burners with a tapered design and raised flame openings, which owners credit for a steadier flame and fewer clogs than a straight tube burner.
Where the Spirit is a closed cabinet, this is a 3-1 configuration with a side burner and a large sear zone sized for several steaks or burgers at once. Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates and Flavorizer bars handle searing and flare-up control.
The real argument for it is Weber Crafted. The frame kit takes custom-fit grillware, so a griddle, pizza stone or Dutch oven can drop into the same opening later. If you already cook on a flat-top for smash burgers, that compatibility is worth planning around.
Cleanup is a pull-out grease tray, which is faster than a pan you have to slide out from underneath. The warranty is 12 years, longer than anything else in this group.
Who should spend the difference over the Spirit
Buy this one if you want the Weber Crafted ecosystem or a side burner at this size. Otherwise the two Weber three-burner grills cook similarly, and the price gap is real money that could go toward a cover or a better patio space.
It is also the better choice if searing is a priority, since the extra-large sear zone gives you more high-heat area than the Spirit offers.
What the upgrade does not include
Weber Crafted grillware and the frame kit are sold separately, so the system is a platform you add to over time rather than something bundled in. Budget for that before assuming the accessory price is included.
At 57.7 inches wide, it claims noticeably more patio floor than the Spirit. On a deck with a railing or a path to a door, measure the clearances first.
7. Napoleon Freestyle 425 – Best for Compact Patios
Napoleon Freestyle 425 4-Burner Natural Gas Grill
4 burners at 38000 BTU
425 sq in cooking area
107 lb
45.5 x 25 x 52 in
10-year bumper-to-bumper
Pros
- Heats faster and hotter than comparable three-burner grills
- Cooks evenly and drops to low heat quickly
- Compact footprint suits patios and balconies
- Easy to clean
- 10-year bumper-to-bumper warranty
Cons
- Final assembly step needs a second person
- Occasional shipping damage or missing parts
- Fuel type can be unclear in the listing
The Freestyle 425 solves a specific problem: getting four burners into a small patio. Four stainless burners deliver up to 38,000 BTUs across 425 square inches, which is more heat and more zone control than a three-burner cart in a similar footprint. The folding side shelves drop down when you need the width for walking space.
Owners rate cooking performance highly, citing fast heat-up, even cooking and quick adjustment to lower temperatures. Cast iron grids give heat retention and clean sear marks, and JETFIRE lights each burner individually.
At 107 pounds it is the lightest four-burner unit here, and the locking caster wheels make repositioning manageable. The 10-year bumper-to-bumper warranty is among the longest in the group.
The lower average rating comes from logistics rather than cooking. Transit damage, missing side burner components and slow parts support account for most of the critical reviews.
When this is the right pick
A balcony or a patio off a condo where square footage is tight but you cook for more than two people. Four burners means you can sear on one side and run vegetables on another instead of working around a single hot zone.
It also handles cold weather better than the lighter three-burner options. More total BTU means less time waiting to recover when the temperature drops mid-cook.
What the lower rating actually reflects
Assembly has one genuinely awkward step. The final cotter pin insertion requires someone to hold the lid while a second person fits the pin, so plan for a helper at the end of the build.
Confirm the fuel type in the listing before you order, because the propane and natural gas variants share a similar title. And if a part arrives missing, check the support response time in your area first, since owners report it taking a while to reach anyone.
8. Weber Genesis S-435 – Best for Large Gatherings
Weber Genesis S-435 Gas Grill, Natural Gas Grill, Stainless Steel BBQ Grill
994 sq in cooking area
4 stainless burners
220 lb
35.5 x 30.75 x 31 in
12-year cookbox coverage
Pros
- Very large 994 sq in cooking area
- Second-level expandable grate adds capacity fast
- Four burners give consistent precise heat
- Side burner plus enclosed grill locker
- Extra-large prep and serve table
Cons
- Costs more than similarly sized three-burner grills
- Weber Crafted accessories sold separately
- 220 pounds needs more than one person to move
This is the grill for a patio that hosts everyone rather than a patio that feeds two. The 994 square inch cooking area is the largest of the free-standing grills here, and the second-level expandable grate raises part of the grate surface so you can go from a family cook to a full party without stacking food vertically.
Four Weber high-performance stainless burners give even flame and reliable ignition, which is what keeps a large surface from developing hot and cold zones when it is fully loaded.
The side burner and the enclosed grill locker are the features owners praise most for the footprint. The locker holds grillware out of the weather, and the extra-large side table gives you real prep surface rather than a narrow ledge.
Warranty is detailed and strong: cookbox and lid against rust and burn-through for 12 years, paint for two, and ten years on the stainless burner tubes, grates, Flavorizer bars and porcelain-enameled cast iron grates, with five years on everything else.
When the extra size is justified
If you regularly cook for a dozen or more people, the 994 square inches means everything hits the grate at once instead of in shifts. The side burner and locker let you prep and serve without hauling dishes to the kitchen between batches.
It is also a good match for a covered patio where the grill is part of the entertaining space rather than a corner appliance.
What the size costs you
At 220 pounds, assembly and repositioning realistically take two people, and it needs a flat, level surface with a path wide enough to roll it into place. Check your patio access before committing.
The Weber Crafted frame kit and grillware are sold separately, so add that to the budget if you want the accessory ecosystem. And compared with similarly sized three-burner grills, the price gap is significant for a difference that only matters if you cook at that scale.
9. Blaze Prelude LBM 32-Inch Built-In Grill – Best for Built-In Outdoor Kitchens
Blaze Prelude LBM Built-In Natural Gas Grill | 32-Inch 4-Burner BBQ with 56,000 BTUs | 304 Stainless Steel Construction | Flame Stabilizing Grids | BLZ-4LBM-NG
56000 BTU across 4 burners
740 sq in cooking surface
Full 304 stainless
Permanent built-in
Pros
- Full 304 stainless construction resists rust and corrosion
- Four 14000 BTU tube burners give consistent high heat
- Removable heat zone separators allow multi-temperature cooking
- Flame stabilizing grids limit flare-ups
- Published cutout dimensions
- Lifetime residential warranty
Cons
- Built-in installation requires cutting into the outdoor kitchen and proper clearances
The Blaze is the only grill here built entirely from 304 stainless, and that single fact is why it holds up in a permanent outdoor kitchen. A built-in grill lives in the weather year round with no cover option, so the material grade matters more here than on any cart.
Four 14,000 BTU tube burners total 56,000 BTUs over 740 square inches of cooking surface. Removable heat zone separators are the standout: pull them out and you have distinct zones for searing, indirect cooking and slow roasting on the same surface.
The stainless flame stabilizing grids distribute heat evenly and cut down flare-ups without a separate bar system. An adjustable air vent helps you manage the cook depending on whether you are running hot or low.
Published cutout dimensions of 30 5/8 inches wide by 21 1/4 inches deep by 8 1/2 inches high make planning with a stone fabricator straightforward, and the lifetime residential warranty is the strongest structural guarantee in this group.
What makes this the built-in to plan around
304 stainless across the body, burners and grids means the pieces most exposed to moisture and heat are the ones best suited to it. On a built-in that will sit outside through every season, that is the difference between a grill that still looks right in year eight and one that does not.
The zone separators also make it a genuinely multi-purpose cooking station. Seafood on one side, a long indirect cook on the other, and the flare-up grid keeping both under control.
What to sort out before ordering
This is a built-in, which means cutting into the outdoor kitchen and honoring the required clearances to combustibles. Get the cutout measured by whoever builds the counter, not from the marketing images.
At only 27 reviews, the owner history here is thinner than the Weber and Napoleon options. The build quality and warranty carry the case, but if you prefer a longer support record, the Weber Crafted or Napoleon freestanding routes have deeper histories.
10. Napoleon Rogue PRO 625 5-Burner – Best for After-Dark Cooking
Napoleon Rogue PRO 625 5-Burner Natural Gas Grill with Infrared Side Burner
74000 BTU across 5 burners
988 sq in total cooking area
160 lb
25 x 66 x 48.5 in
15-year limited warranty
Pros
- Five burners plus an infrared sear station for high heat
- Backlit white LED knobs for late-night grilling
- Reversible porcelainized cast iron grids choose sear mark size
- 15-year limited warranty
- Porcelain enamel finish resists weather
Cons
- Wide 66 inch footprint needs patio space
- 160 pounds is not trivial to reposition
The Rogue PRO 625 is the grill here built around evening cooking. Backlit white LED control knobs are the headline feature, and they make it far easier to read your settings on a dark patio without lifting the lid and losing your cook.
Five main burners across 74,000 BTUs cover 988 square inches of total cooking area, with a main cooking zone of 34.75 by 18 inches. The integrated infrared sear station is a dedicated high-heat zone for steakhouse-style searing and quick side dishes alongside the main grates.
Reversible porcelainized cast iron WAVE grids let you flip between fine and coarse sear marks, which matters if you cook fish on one side of the family and steaks on the other. The black porcelain enamel lid and doors resist weather and fingerprints better than painted steel.
The 15-year limited warranty is the longest in this group, and the folding side table plus locking caster wheels help with a footprint this wide.
Who this grill is built for
Cooks who grill after sunset, regularly and in numbers. Five burners plus a separate infrared zone means you are not fighting for grate space when you want a hard sear at the same time as a slow cook.
The lit knobs and the weather-resistant enamel finish are small details that only matter if you use the grill late, but for that user they are the reason to pick this one.
What the footprint means for your patio
At 66 inches wide, this is the widest grill here and it needs real patio floor. Measure the space including the swing of the lid and the room to stand at both ends before you commit.
At 160 pounds, repositioning it needs planning even with caster wheels. And at 24 reviews, the owner history is the thinnest in the group, so the 15-year warranty is what you are relying on rather than a long track record from other owners.
How to Choose a Natural Gas Grill for Your Patio
The wrong grill for a patio is usually wrong on space, not on features. Work through these six decisions in order and the model choice takes care of itself.
1. Match the cooking surface to who you actually feed
Cooking area is the number that matters most, and it should come from the number of people at the table, not the size of the patio. Around 300 to 400 square inches handles two to four people comfortably. From 400 to 600 covers a family of five or six. Above 700 is for hosting, not just cooking dinner.
The Spirit E-325 at 360 square inches sits at the small end. The Weber Genesis S-435 at 994 square inches is built for a dozen-plus gathering, and nothing between those two numbers will feel like the right size if you cook for crowds.
2. Check the BTU per square inch ratio
A useful rule of thumb is 80 to 100 BTU per square inch of cooking surface. Below that you get slow recovery when you put a cold tray of food down on a cool day. Well above it and you are running burners harder than the box needs for the food you are cooking.
The Bull Outlaw runs 60,000 BTU across 751 square inches, which lands at the upper end of that range. The Freestyle 425 runs 38,000 BTU across 425 square inches, roughly 89 per square inch, which is a well-balanced number for a compact patio.
3. Count burners, not just BTU
More burners means more independent zones, which is what lets you sear on one side and roast on the other. Four burners is the practical minimum for a grill you will use for mixed dishes. Three is fine if you mostly cook one thing at a time.
Also look at the back burner. On the Napoleon Prestige 500 it is an 18,000 BTU infrared burner with a rotisserie kit, which effectively gives you a fifth cooking zone for a roast while the grills stay free.
4. Judge the materials, not the finish
Finishes look similar in a product photo. The metals underneath are what decide how the grill looks after five winters. Cast aluminum cookboxes, used on the Weber Spirit and Genesis, do not rust or peel, and enameled or porcelain-coated surfaces hold up better than brushed stainless that is only plated on the cheap parts.
There is a quick test for stainless grade that costs nothing. Hold a magnet to the surface. 304 stainless is not magnetic; 430 stainless is. On an uncovered patio grill, 304 holds up better, and the Blaze Prelude is the model here built entirely from it.
5. Weigh parts availability against the warranty
A fifteen-year warranty on a grill whose burner tubes are unavailable in eight years is not worth much. Weber, Napoleon and Broil King have the deepest parts catalogues in the industry, which is why their warranties tend to be the ones that actually get used.
Check whether the model you are considering will still be sold and serviced in a decade before you accept a longer warranty from a newer brand.
6. Plan for wind, not just weather
A patio is an exposed cooking area. Owners of the Bull Outlaw report burners blowing out in gusty conditions with the hood closed, and that is the single most common complaint on an otherwise well-reviewed built-in.
Look for a sear zone or infrared burner you can drop to for short sear work, which reduces how long you depend on a specific burner staying lit. A covered patio or a wind screen helps more than most buyers expect.
Patio Installation: Gas Line, Clearances and Permits
This is the part of a natural gas grill project that decides whether the patio is a weekend job or a two-week one. It is also the part most grill roundups skip entirely.
Getting the gas line to the patio
Natural gas supply lines are usually run in black iron or corrugated stainless, and they need a permit and a licensed gas fitter in most municipalities. A quarter-inch line may handle a small grill, but it is common to see a half-inch line specified for anything above roughly 40,000 BTU.
Have a shutoff valve installed within reach of the grill, outside the cabinet, so you can isolate it without moving the appliance. The line should terminate at a properly supported fitting, not resting on the patio surface where it can be kicked or cut by a mower.
Some owners on patio forums skip this stage and try to run off an existing hose bib, which is the wrong fixture for grill load. Ask your installer what the existing line is sized for before assuming it works.
Clearance rules that are easy to miss
Manufacturers specify a minimum distance between the grill and combustibles, and a common figure is 24 inches from the rear and sides. That number is a minimum, not a target. A grill with more clearance cooks more evenly and puts less heat into the wall behind it.
The same applies above. A grill under a low patio roof or a pergola needs vertical clearance for the hood to open fully and for heat to rise away from the structure.
For built-ins, the cutout itself is the critical dimension. The Blaze Prelude specifies 30 5/8 inches wide by 21 1/4 inches deep by 8 1/2 inches high, and a grill that is not exactly the right size will not go in cleanly.
Balcony and rooftop specifics
Weight is the limit most people hit first. The Weber Genesis S-435 is 220 pounds, the Napoleon Prestige 500 is 196.7 pounds and the Bull Outlaw is 125 pounds. Check the rated load of the deck or balcony slab, not just that it feels solid, and confirm whether your building has restrictions on gas appliances on elevated structures.
Some communities and HOAs limit gas line extensions outdoors or require additional permits for them. This is worth checking with your association before the line is run, because moving it afterwards is expensive.
Once the patio is finished, a pair of outdoor speakers rated for covered patios handles the other half of the space, and if you plan to add a smoker box later, our pellet tube smoker guide covers units that bolt onto a gas grill.
Natural Gas vs Propane for Patio Cooking
Natural gas wins on convenience and running cost. Propane wins on portability. For a fixed patio position, the natural gas side of that trade is usually the better one.
The mechanical difference is smaller than most people expect. A regulator reduces household pressure to the level the grill needs, and the burners use different orifice sizes because natural gas has a different energy density than propane. Everything after that point, from the grates to the Flavorizer bars, is the same hardware.
Where the fuels genuinely differ is in the tank. A propane grill needs a refill, and in cold weather a tank outdoors can lose pressure enough that the grill will not light without warming the tank. A natural gas grill has no tank at all, which is the reason most patio buyers who can run a line choose it.
The trade-off is permanence. Hard-piping natural gas means the grill is not going anywhere. If you rent, or you think you may want the grill at a different house, that flexibility has real value and propane is the more sensible choice.
On a covered patio in a colder climate, one advantage of a large natural gas grill is heat recovery. More total BTU means less time to recover when the ambient temperature drops while the lid is closed. The Freestyle 425 gets four burners into that category at 107 pounds, which is rare.
Converting Between Natural Gas and Propane
Conversion is possible on most grills, and it is a specific mechanical job rather than a switch. Two things change: the burner orifices and the regulator.
The orifice is the small brass fitting inside each burner tube that meters gas into the burner. Propane orifices are drilled smaller because propane is denser energy per unit volume. Swapping to the correct natural gas orifices is what stops the yellow or orange flame owners report after a conversion.
The regulator also changes. A propane grill uses a low-pressure regulator that reduces cylinder pressure, while a natural gas grill uses one sized for household line pressure. Running the wrong regulator is what causes weak flame and repeated burners that will not hold a light.
Some brands support conversion officially and sell the kit. Weber sells conversion kits for its own models, and the Monument convertible model here ships with a conversion kit for the opposite direction. Other budget brands do not, and forum owners report that replacement parts and burner availability become harder once a model is discontinued.
The practical advice from people who have done it is consistent: buying the correct natural gas version outright is usually less expensive and far less hassle than converting later. Only convert a grill you already own, or if you have found a genuinely better propane grill at a price that makes the kit and labor worthwhile.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best natural gas grill for a patio?
For most patios, the Monument Grills 4-Burner Convertible is the strongest all-round choice, with four 304 stainless burners, 700 square inches of total cooking area and a side burner. If you are building a permanent outdoor kitchen, the Bull Outlaw 60,000 BTU drop-in head is the better fit for even heat and a lifetime warranty on the grates and frame. Small balconies suit the Weber Spirit E-325 at 360 square inches.
Which brand of natural gas grill is considered the best?
It depends on how you weight the variables. Weber leads on parts availability, warranty length and cookbox materials. Napoleon leads on burner features such as infrared side and rear burners and on multi-burner zone control. Monument leads on value per square inch of cooking surface. Blaze leads for built-in grills made entirely from 304 stainless.
Is Weber or Napoleon better for natural gas?
Weber is the safer long-term bet for most buyers because of its cast aluminum cookboxes, deep parts catalogue and long warranties. Napoleon gives you more cooking hardware for the money, with infrared side burners and rear burners on models like the Prestige 500. Choose Weber if parts longevity matters most to you, and Napoleon if you want more heat zones in one cabinet.
Can you convert a natural gas grill to propane?
Yes, but it involves swapping the burner orifices and the regulator rather than flipping a switch. A mismatched orifice is what causes the yellow or orange flame owners report after a conversion. Weber sells official conversion kits for its grills. If you are buying new, ordering the correct fuel version outright is usually cheaper and simpler than converting afterwards.
Do natural gas grills need a permit and a plumber?
In most municipalities, running a natural gas line outdoors requires a permit and a licensed gas fitter. A shutoff valve should be installed within reach of the grill and outside the cabinet. Clearances to combustibles are also specified by the manufacturer, commonly 24 inches at the sides and rear, and elevated decks may have weight limits that rule out larger grills.
Is natural gas cheaper to run than propane?
Per unit of heat, natural gas is generally the cheaper fuel for a grill that gets used regularly, and it removes the cost and hassle of tank refills entirely. Propane keeps the advantage if you grill occasionally or want the freedom to move the grill, since a natural gas grill is plumbed in place and stays there.
Final Recommendations for Natural Gas Grills in 2026
The Bull Outlaw 60,000 BTU drop-in head is the best of the best natural gas grills for patios, and it wins on the two things a built-in cannot compromise on: even heat across a large surface and stainless thickness that lasts. Owners back it with 185 reviews averaging 4.6 stars and a lifetime warranty on the grates, frame and housing.
For a free-standing patio, the Monument Grills 4-Burner Convertible delivers the most complete feature set at a tier well below the big names, and the Monument M415BZNG is the one to buy if fast heat-up and lit knobs for evening cooking matter more than having a propane fallback.
Pick the Weber Spirit E-325 when space is the constraint and the Weber Genesis E-325 when you want the Weber Crafted system for a griddle or pizza stone later. The Napoleon Freestyle 425 fits four burners into a small patio, and the Napoleon Prestige 500 is the premium all-rounder with the most cooking hardware in one cabinet. For big gatherings, the Weber Genesis S-435 leads on capacity, and the Napoleon Rogue PRO 625 wins after dark with its backlit LED knobs. The Blaze Prelude LBM is the built-in to plan around if you are specifying a permanent outdoor kitchen.
Whatever you choose, get the gas line and clearances sorted before the grill is delivered. The grill is the easy part of the project.