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Rangetops LP ready from factory?

15 years ago

We will be installing a 36" island rangetop and fueling it w/propane. I have seen where some come from the factory LP ready as opposed to utilizing "conversion kit" on site. Could use some wisdom here -- any reason to factor in the "factory ready" in our decision making process? Does this particular feature matter? Thanks!

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Comments (6)

cpovey
15 years ago
Yes, it can matter. All the converted units suffer a loss of heat output. Some factory units, when ordered for LP, have no heat loss.

I am not up on specific brands, but others here can answer that question.
rhome410
15 years ago
What I found when I was shopping for our rangetop: BlueStar, Wolf, Capital, and, I think now Monogram configure for the specific gas. The others seem to lose power on the higher output burners when converted for LP. I figured there was no use paying for power I wouldn't get, so it was a big consideration for me. BlueStar and Wolf seemed to be the top vote getters here anyway, so the fact that they would come configured correctly was another big plus.
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alice462
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks so much - more information to add to the "decision tree"! Will continue researching specific brands to see what I can find out in this area.
sara_the_brit_z6_ct
15 years ago
I've ordered a Bertazzoni cooktop, and was interested to read their manual where it states the output for natural gas and LP as exactly the same, although the LP conversion is done on site (as mine will be).

It hasn't been installed yet, so I can't confirm it - just that, that's what I read in the manual.
breezy_2
15 years ago
I am no expert but I had a regular slide in range of the GE line of nice, but builders grade (not pro-style) range in NG. I bought a similar, but not as nice model, for a cabin that had to be converted to LP b/c there is no NG. The conversion kit and instructions came with the unit and I did it myself but had my then neighbor who was a HVAC guy inspect it. His comment "As long as you remove the jet insert with the big hole (about 3/16 inch) and put in the jet insert with the small hole (about 1/16 inch), you are fine. However, to make a mistake is really bad." When you compare the jet orifices, it really is not hard to tell which is right at all.

Anyway, he passed my conversion as fine. Installed, I could not tell the difference b/t the LP and NG as far as performance, but, again, that was not a pro-style unit. With my Wolf and now Bluestar, they were/are NG so I cannot compare but I do know BS comes configured from the factory.

BTW, although it was really very simple, I do not recommend doing the conversion yourself unless you are qualified or have a qualified HVAC/gas tech inspect it (FWIW).
bruce_allen123
15 years ago
A remember when I used to vacation up in Northern Ontario. The cabin had a small propane range. It took FOREVER to boil anything. Even frying an egg was a challenge!

I believe the only difference between NG and LP is the size of the orifice. Other than that, there's usually no difference, and it isn't too hard to switch from one to the other...

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