I've used the quick connect connection on my Weber NG grills for years; the last flexible hose connection survived the hash FL environment for 10 years without a problem. As you discovered the connector is designed to shutoff the gas supply if removed from its mate. I rarely remove mine and it is in an enclosed patio where children are not present so I even leave the gas supply on most of the time; however, most will recommend turning off a physical gas valve between uses for the most safe operation just like you would with an LP tank.

Yes, it can be converted. Just call Weber and they will be able to give you the details, the parts prices and you can also order the kit from them if you decide to go that route. You can call them any time of day and any day of the week toll-free. The number is on their website (www.weber.com).

Thanks for the quick response. After posting my initial message, I called my local gas company and explained what I had done. They told me that I needed to remove the regulator on the grill. They cited the reason as the regulator that is currently on the large Prop. tank will regulate the flow of gas to the grill. They mentioned that if I left the regulator on the grill, that the flow of gas would be less than needed to operate the grill correctly. Does this sound like it is correct to you? Thanks again. -Scopas

I have cooked on all three and the TEK IR is the only gas grill that cooks as well as charcoal. It's advantages over charcoal are that it is quick to set up, easy to clean up and does an excellent job of creating the charcoal taste. As many here know, the flavor is created by the smoke from the fat striking the hot surface be it charcoal or something else. The higher the IR energy (from gas or charcoal) and the less the flame, the more smoke generated rather than being turned into additional flame. The TEK creates a great deal of smoke because the IR glass sits between the flame and the dripping grease. On older style IR burners there is still an open flame to ignite the grease drippings reducing the amount of smoke to add flavor. With charcoal, once the embers are glowing red, it is emitting a lot of IR and much less to no flame and hence produces a lot of smoke and flavor. I have owned the FireMagic and I would not purchase another. The burners are cast SS but they still do rust over time and the flavor grills wear out too. They are very hard to clean and the heat was not anywhere near as good as the advertisements. If you are the type that never clean a grill and don't mind a gritty looking grill it may not matter. I am the type that wants it to look clean and inviting each time and the self cleaning feature along with the dishwasher removal panels makes the TEK a breeze to clean and keep looking nice. For me that was worth a lot. The more conventional grills like the Firemagic, even with their ceramic infrared burner are not even a close match.