Natural Gas vs LPG Cookers: Key Differences, Installation, and Conversion

There is a significant difference in pressure and burning characteristics between natural mains gas and bottled LPG. It is essential that your cooker is configured correctly to avoid dangerous consequences.

LPG jets have a narrower orifice (the hole at the top of the jet which allows gas flow). For example, a 0.50–0.53mm LPG jet equates to approximately 0.72–0.77mm in a natural gas jet, depending on your cooker manufacturer.

Installation of LPG Cookers

Sometimes referred to as propane, butane, or Calor gas cookers, LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gas) goes by different names worldwide — including LPG, GPL, GLP, or U-LPG. Regardless of the name, proper installation is crucial.

Installation requires copper piping leading to a brass bayonet connector, which connects to the flexible hose feeding your gas cooker. The gas is usually supplied from a large tank or bottle outside your property, and specific regulations govern their placement.

For safety and compliance, always use a qualified LPG installer. In the UK, you can find trusted engineers on the Gas Safe Register. For Ireland, check the Registered Gas Installers Ireland website.

Choosing the Right LPG Cooker

Once your LPG supply is set up, you have two main options:

• Converting a dual fuel cooker to LPG.
• Purchasing a dedicated LPG gas cooker.

Converting Dual Fuel Cookers to LPG

Dual fuel cookers combine gas hobs with electric ovens and are the easiest to convert to LPG. Almost any dual fuel cooker can be converted by replacing the brass jets that control the flame and sometimes adjusting the pressure settings.

Always refer to your cooker’s user manual for instructions, and it is strongly recommended to have this conversion carried out by a qualified engineer. We supply LPG conversion kits compatible with most dual fuel cookers using the industry-standard M6 thread and 7mm flat head jets.

Converting Natural Gas Cookers to LPG

Important: Dedicated mains gas range cookers cannot generally be converted to LPG. Their ovens and internal components are designed specifically for natural gas.

If you want an all-LPG range cooker, you will need to purchase one designed for LPG conversion. Some smaller cookers (50cm and 60cm) from brands like Beko, Leisure, Flavel, Cannon, Blomberg, Hotpoint, and Indesit can be converted.

Check these manufacturer links for LPG-capable models:

• Beko LPG Gas Cookers
• Flavel Freestanding Gas Cookers
• Blomberg Gas Cookers
• Leisure 60cm Range Cookers

Note that 99% of cookers from Zanussi, Belling, Stoves, and Newworld cannot be converted to LPG. Be cautious if a seller claims otherwise — always verify with us first.

Manufacturers Offering LPG Convertible Range Cookers

Leisure and Rangemaster produce all-gas range cookers that can be converted to propane. Check their models here:

• Leisure 90cm Gas Range Cooker
• Leisure 100cm Gas Range Cooker
• Rangemaster Convertible Range Cookers