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BBQ Conversion

PostPosted: Sun Dec 05, 2010 12:20 pm
by JK
Have recently moved house and the new one has the mains gas plumbed to an outdoor entertaining area, so Im looking to convert my existing BBQ which currently runs via bottle.

Apparently I need a converter kit and new gas cable, but the BBQ store says I'll need a Gas Plumber to make the conversion happen.

My question is, has anyone here been through the same process and is the plumber really necessary? (ie, is it not something I could do myself?)

Any help would be appreciated.

Cheers,
CP

Re: BBQ Conversion

PostPosted: Sun Dec 05, 2010 12:29 pm
by Ian
A mate of mine just changed his regulator himself and it was fine, another had to change burners as well

Re: BBQ Conversion

PostPosted: Sun Dec 05, 2010 12:32 pm
by Dog_ger
Hhhhhmmmmm....?

In my younger days, I would have done the job myself C_P.

Your BBQ being outside and having the confidence of a top maintenance fitter.

But as my years progress. Better to get a professional in my good friend.

Much of this work is common sense.

But should something go "horribly wrong"

Lets say the worst case scenario.

Could you live with yourself...?

Get a gas fitter/plumber in.

Re: BBQ Conversion

PostPosted: Sun Dec 05, 2010 1:31 pm
by dedja
Looking to do the same thing at some stage CP.

You can get conversion kits which involve changing the nozzles on the burners and upgrading the regulator.

I intend to do it myself.

Re: BBQ Conversion

PostPosted: Sun Dec 05, 2010 1:37 pm
by mighty_tiger_79
that sounds like CPs holding a SA FOOTY BBQ :lol:

Re: BBQ Conversion

PostPosted: Sun Dec 05, 2010 2:21 pm
by JK
mighty_tiger_79 wrote:that sounds like CPs holding a SA FOOTY BBQ :lol:


Yep, just need you to bring new burners, cable, meat and beer mate :D

Cheers for your advice lads, I might just wait for Dedj to do it first and see how it went ;)

Re: BBQ Conversion

PostPosted: Sun Dec 05, 2010 3:03 pm
by dedja
No worries, will let you know how it goes ...

Image

Re: BBQ Conversion

PostPosted: Sun Dec 05, 2010 3:40 pm
by mighty_tiger_79
no probs

i can bring a snag, chop, kebab and a beer :lol:

Re: BBQ Conversion

PostPosted: Sun Dec 05, 2010 5:12 pm
by JK
mighty_tiger_79 wrote:no probs

i can bring a snag, chop, kebab and a beer :lol:


Nothing for yourself mate? :D

Re: BBQ Conversion

PostPosted: Sun Dec 05, 2010 5:30 pm
by mighty_tiger_79
im on a diet :lol:

Re: BBQ Conversion

PostPosted: Sun Dec 05, 2010 7:28 pm
by JAS
Cooking food on a giant outdoor griddle pan isn't barbecuing...ditch it and get a proper BBQ.

Regards
JAS

Re: BBQ Conversion

PostPosted: Sun Dec 05, 2010 7:34 pm
by Dirko
I've done mine. Although my latest purchase the Webber Genesis was factory fitted for Natural Gas, so just Bayoneted straight in.

As Natural Gas is run at less pressure you need to change the jets not the burners, and get the regulator. Easy to do yourself.

I have 3 connection points so I can run a Webber Kettle & Heater as well ;)

Re: BBQ Conversion

PostPosted: Sun Dec 05, 2010 8:34 pm
by Sojourner
Whether its actually any help or not who knows, yet I have always found the staff at the Barbecues Galore store which was at the Modbury Triangle, now moved to the Gepps Cross centre really good for advice - wouldn't mind the Teak outdoor setting they had there either!

Re: BBQ Conversion

PostPosted: Sun Dec 05, 2010 8:58 pm
by overloaded
By law a licenced person (plumber) has to make the conversion. Were something to happen you would not get insurance and would be liable.

Re: BBQ Conversion

PostPosted: Sun Dec 05, 2010 9:10 pm
by JK
overloaded wrote:By law a licenced person (plumber) has to make the conversion. Were something to happen you would not get insurance and would be liable.


Far out, I reckon thats a decision maker for me right there then, I'll always err on the safe side in situations like that, thanks mate.

Re: BBQ Conversion

PostPosted: Sun Dec 05, 2010 11:06 pm
by MW
Definetly need different injectors and new/modified regulator. Get a professional to do it.

Re: BBQ Conversion

PostPosted: Sun Dec 05, 2010 11:48 pm
by mickey

Re: BBQ Conversion

PostPosted: Mon Dec 06, 2010 9:08 am
by Psyber
I've never liked the taste of meat done on an LPG barbecue - there are always traces of the hydrocarbon fuel - and I've never used natural gas in one.
I used to use sticks and let them burn down to coals or, if feeling lazy, the commercial heat beads.
Again, the key is let them burn out first so you are just using the heat not the hydrocarbon producing fuel under the meat.

Re: BBQ Conversion

PostPosted: Mon Dec 06, 2010 1:50 pm
by Dutchy
Ive got the connection at my house but have never got someone in to convert my BBQ as Ive heard that you dont get the same heat with Natural gas and its not worth doing

Re: BBQ Conversion

PostPosted: Mon Dec 06, 2010 2:05 pm
by Ron Burgundy
Psyber wrote:I've never liked the taste of meat done on an LPG barbecue - there are always traces of the hydrocarbon fuel - and I've never used natural gas in one.
I used to use sticks and let them burn down to coals or, if feeling lazy, the commercial heat beads.
Again, the key is let them burn out first so you are just using the heat not the hydrocarbon producing fuel under the meat.


You know it makes sense...