A classic question that many have bounced back and forth on, to the point that it’s become a running joke on the internet, is whether natural gas or propane is better.  In the end, it comes down to what you think is best for you, but it’s vital to keep these points in mind.

Propane is the fuel most Americans prefer, and there’s a good reason for that.

Environment

Clean burning, and nontoxic, propane has a lot to offer to everyone concerned about the environment.  On the other hand,- natural gas creates deadly fumes that pollute the air and can contribute to smog in populated areas.

Propane isn’t a risk for polluting, and as long as you correctly dispose of- or reuse- your propane tank, you’ll be making almost zero impact on the environment.

Mobility

Natural gas lines aren’t very mobile.  You can’t take natural gas lines with you when you move, or let your friend borrow your natural gas grill if they don’t have natural gas in their home.  With propane tanks, you can move with your grills, stoves, equipment and not have to worry if there’s going to be a gas line to your home.

With camping, RVing, and any other kind of travel, propane proves itself as the only choice.

Availability

Natural gas isn’t available at every address, but propane sure is.  You can have it delivered anywhere, quick and cheap, without having to worry about construction to put in an expensive line.  Residential propane delivery makes up for a large part of the industry, which means prices are usually competitive, and the quality is guaranteed.

Natural gas isn’t available in every neighborhood or city, which could mean that if you’re incredibly loyal to it, you might have to turn down a house just because it’s not available.  With propane, all you’d have to do is take the tank with you and hook it up, which is a vast improvement.

Repair

Let’s be honest; if there’s a problem with your propane tank, you can quickly and inexpensively replace it.  When it comes to natural gas, replacements and repairs are a nightmare. Not only do you have to find a service that specializes in it, but you also have to pay by the hour and for parts- and even then, they may not be able to fix it, and it may not be usable.

Cost-Effectiveness

Measuring in feet, since that’s how natural gas is measured, it takes far fewer feet of propane than natural gas to power the same grill or stove.  These few feet mean you’ll save money in the long run, although the cost of natural gas is lower. If you worried that you’d have to order a ton of takes, it’s less than many would consider.

Although both get used in the United States, it should be blatantly clear which one is better.  Natural gas gets by sounding better by getting called ‘natural,’ but it’s terrible for the environment and doesn’t stretch as far as propane does.