What Do I Need to Know About Gas Grill Regulators?

Posted on March 13, 2013 by Grill Girl

What are gas grill regulators and do you need to replace yours?

The term “regulator” is usually used in the grill world to describe the gas grill regulators, hoses and fittings that bring gas from your LP tank and connects it to your grill.

Technically, the regulator is the silver colored disc part that looks like this:
Gas Grill Regulators

The hose connects it to the brass fitting which is the part that screws onto your grill. Right next to the regulator is a collar that twists freely. That’s the part that screws onto the LP tank. Though you should always turn off your LP tank when you’re done cooking or when you’re changing the regulator, LP tanks are made with an automatic shut off valve. It will only work when a regulator hose is connected to it.

How do you know when it’s time to replace your regulator?

As I mentioned, the regulator brings gas to your grill burners. Here are some indicators you need a new gas grill regulator

Low heat coming from your burners when your gas is turned on high. Do a visual check on your burners to make sure they are all in one piece and there are no obvious holes or problems.
Your burners light up unevenly. For example, if the burner on the far right flickers or hardly lights, the middle burner has low flame, and the left burner has a normal looking flame.
Over time your grill gets less and less hot. Last week it took 10 minutes to grill some burgers, but today it took 15 to grill the same burgers.

WHY? Regulators, for safety reasons, close down slowly over time as they “go bad.” You probably won’t notice one day your grill is perfect and the next it doesn’t light at all. The burner closest to the source of gas will light up better than those farther down the manifold. Your grill will get to lower and lower temperatures over time, even on “high” heat. The main indicator of needing a new regulator is low heat or low flames, especially if it’s getting worse over time.

What else could go wrong?

Keep in mind that you may also have a problem running along the hose. Be aware of the smell of gas even when your grill is off or a tiny hissing sound.

Some animals like to chew on the sun-baked rubber hoses. (Don’t knock it ’til you try it?) If this is a problem for you, they have invented handy-dandy hose guards. Check them out.

If you think there’s a leak, but you’re not sure, you can check the hose with some very soapy water. Rub the suds all the way along the line of the hose. Turn on the gas tank. If there is gas escaping, it will cause the soapy water to bubble at the point of the leak.

What are the differences in gas grill regulators?

A single-hosed, standard regulator is the most commonly used part on grills. It’s the picture I used above. These regulators let out up to 60,000 BTUs of gas.

If you have a side burner, check out this dual-hosed standard regulator. There is one regulator (remember that’s the disc) and there are two separate hoses. Sometimes one hose comes off the regulator and splits into two hoses, forming a Y shape, and sometimes there are two hoses coming directly out of the regulator itself. Either will work and they are interchangeable.

Updated June 2021: Many of our gas grill regulators now support high-flow needs (let out up to 90,000 BTUs of gas). These are compatible with grills that originally used a standard flow. However, please note that your high setting might give you more heat than before. Pay attention the first time you grill with a new regulator and take note of the cook temps!

How do you know?

Usually, the removal and visual inspection of your regulator determines which replacement you need. It’s also a good idea to measure the existing hose and/or the space a hose needs to stretch to reach from the tank to the valve or manifold. If you’re not sure, call 678-272-2451. The staff at GrillPartsSearch.com is always happy to help.

Special Cases

Keep in mind, a standard regulator and hose will not work if you have:

Natural gas grill (NG)
A crimped hose onto the valve or manifold in your grill. You will know because you won’t be able to unscrew the hose from your grill. In this case, you need to contact your manufacturer to replace the entire valve system.
Male fitting on the end of the hose that connects to the grill.
Hose fitting larger or smaller than a 3/8″ flare, which translates to about a 5/8″ inner diameter measurement of the opening at the end of the fitting.

Here’s a picture of the fitting:

You can’t measure the 3/8.” It’s confusing, I know. Like I said, check for a 5/8″ measurement.

The good news is that this can be the easiest, cheapest part of your grill to fix!

Remember, not all regulators are created equal. Lower quality rubber will degrade and break more easily in the sun. A lower quality regulator can go bad more quickly.

(This theme came from our FAQs. Let me know if you have a question in our comments section and I can answer it there or even write a blog for you!!)

Spring is coming!!!
-GG

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57 thoughts on “What Do I Need to Know About Gas Grill Regulators?”

Matt curnow on April 15, 2013 at 7:28 pm said:

My jenn-air is a 720 0100- ng. It is a natural gas and I want to convert it to lp. What regulator and hose kit can I get to convert it. Thanks

Reply ↓
- Richard on April 30, 2013 at 10:53 am said:
  
  I have a jenn air #720-0100-NG and I want to replace the natural gas regulator. WHO has it
  and how can I find them?
  
  Reply ↓
  - GrillGirl on May 9, 2013 at 1:45 pm said:
    
    Richard,
    
    Thanks for your question. Unfortunately, we don’t sell that exact piece. However, there is a parts page for Nexgrill. Nexgrill is the parent company that manufactured your Jenn-Air grill. I’m hopeful that if you call them, they will have the part you need, or a working replacement. Here’s the site: http://www.shopnexgrill.com/
    Good Luck, Happy Grilling!!
    
    Reply ↓
Tony on April 15, 2013 at 11:22 pm said:

I have a Bakers & Chef grill Model MEV808ALP. The replacement according to the owners manual call for a 2 stage LPG regulator. The one you offer is a single stage. Will this work and what is the difference?

Thanks

Tony

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- GrillGirl on April 26, 2013 at 7:03 pm said:
  
  Sorry for my late response, Tony! I was out of town at a conference.
  The most common type of regulator used on outdoor gas grills is the single, type 1 regulator that we sell. It is also known as a compact regulator because it reduces the pressure of the liquid propane to about an 11″ water column measurement all in one stage. We have had many customers use our regulators for their Bakers and Chefs grills.
  As far as I can tell, a 2 stage regulator system is used when gas is coming from a residential tank that needs a regulator at the point the gas leaves the large tank and then another regulator down the line at the point of whatever appliance is being fueled.
  There are also 2 stage regulators that are made for appliances that need a very exact water column measurement. Gas grills are not that exact and you can save some money using a compact regulator instead.
  If the regulator you receive doesn’t work or looks specifically different from your original, or you have any other concerns, just give us a call and we can help you troubleshoot it further!!
  Thanks for your question!!
  
  Reply ↓
Brenda Alarcon on May 4, 2013 at 2:18 pm said:

Hello,
A plumber is switching over my grill from LP – NG I have one propane tank by the grill part that is 60 BTU’s total for the rotesserie and such and then I have the griddle and burners that are a total of 29,000.l Do I use the connectors that say up to 60,000 or the hose connect kit that says up to 170,000 BTU’s for multiple. I’m so confused and is there anything else that I need to know?

Reply ↓
- GrillGirl on May 9, 2013 at 1:38 pm said:
  
  Hi Brenda!!
  
  Without seeing your exact set-up, it’s hard to say which parts you need. If you have two separate lines feeding the grill, you will also need two lines for the NG supply. That is, unless your plumber is planning to pull them into one hose with a special connector. If your plumber is just using whatever parts you provide to connect the pieces, I’d suggest you reconsider altering the grill. Gas conversions are a very specific science. You either need new valves, or a kit from your manufacturer, or a grill-knowledgeable plumber who knows how to safely and accurately alter the valves inside your grill. If your plumber doesn’t know what is needed, I’d find a new plumber or use LP.
  Thanks for your question!
  
  Reply ↓
Randy Colin on May 13, 2013 at 5:23 pm said:

Hi,
I have A Jenn-Air 720-0100NG grill. I need to replace the regulator and hoses. Is this something that you have that will work with my grill?Thanks in advance for any help.
Randy Colin

Reply ↓
- GrillGirl on May 15, 2013 at 10:36 am said:
  
  Hi Randy,
  Thanks for your question! Unfortunately we do not have the type of regulator your Jenn-Air takes. This model happens to require a fairly unique regulator. You can purchase one through Nexgrill, Jenn-Air’s parent company, at http://shopnexgrill.com/.
  Good Luck, Happy Grilling!!
  
  Reply ↓
Tom Black on June 18, 2013 at 6:21 pm said:

I’m looking for the correct replacement for a regulator and hose for a Members Mark Model Y0660LP. The Members Mark Manual Parts section calls for a part number P3632K and I’m not sure which part number you use as a direct replacement. The regulator and hose that you have that is the closest in length is the HR6 Hi flow regulator. Is this the one I need to order?

Reply ↓
- GrillGirl on June 19, 2013 at 11:52 am said:
  
  Hi Tom!
  The HR6 will work out fine for your grill. You can order by calling us at 877-244-0737 or you can order online.
  Good Luck, Happy Grilling!!
  
  Reply ↓
Douglas Gintz on July 3, 2013 at 12:26 pm said:

I have a Sunbeam nat. gas bbq. Model #460. I want to convert to l.p.gas, can I get the orffices for my 2 burner grill? It’s been stored for 15 years and is in great shape. Thanks, Doug

Reply ↓
- GrillGirl on July 4, 2013 at 2:48 pm said:
  
  Hi Doug, Happy Independence Day!
  The inside of the valve has holes that are also drilled to exact measurements for your natural gas grill. You would need to replace the entire valve, and we would suggest getting the exact fit replacement. Try contacting Sunbeam directly and see if they still carry parts for that model. Good Luck!!
  
  Reply ↓
Greg Simon on July 5, 2013 at 3:44 pm said:

I have a Jenn-air model 730-0339 and I want to convert it from natural gas to propane. I cannot seem to find any fittings to do so. Is there a way this conversion can be made? If so, what is that conversion? I am okay with changing anything I need to make it work safely.

Reply ↓
- GrillGirl on July 8, 2013 at 1:23 pm said:
  
  Hi Greg!
  
  There is not a conversion kit currently available for that model. 🙁 Some folks have tried using conversion kits for other models, and we would advise against this for safety reasons. Thanks for the great question, and happy grilling!!
  
  Reply ↓
Mike meszaros on September 22, 2013 at 9:35 pm said:

I have gas coming out of the little hole in the regulator. Do I need a new one regulator or is something else causing the gas to be blocked

Reply ↓
- GrillGirl on September 23, 2013 at 9:07 am said:
  
  Mike, it sounds like the best thing for you to do is talk with someone about the exact issues you’re having. Try emailing customer service at [email protected] or calling 877-244-0737. Thanks!!
  
  Reply ↓
glenn van on November 28, 2013 at 8:41 am said:

looking to covert natural sunbeam grill master to lpg fuel. any help? thanks Glenn

Reply ↓
- GrillGirl on December 2, 2013 at 1:57 pm said:
  
  Glenn,
  
  Thanks for your question! To convert a gas grill from natural gas to liquid propane or vice versa, you will need to buy a new valve for your grill. The valve will regulate the gas properly for the source of the fuel. If you have any other questions, please contact our customer service. They would be happy to answer your questions over the phone!! 877-244-0737
  
  Reply ↓
Connie Wolf on January 15, 2014 at 5:59 pm said:

I have a Brinkmann 8410. I need a new regulator hose assembly and cannot find one that has 3 hoses. It is model number RA320-Y. it is 28 inch size 5/16 inch end fitting 2×5/8-18UNF. I really can’t afford to buy a new grill. Please help me.

Reply ↓
- GrillGirl on January 16, 2014 at 8:40 am said:
  
  Connie, thanks for your question! We do not at this time sell a regulator with three hoses. Have you tried Brinkmann.net?
  
  Reply ↓
Julia on March 13, 2014 at 12:25 am said:

I’m looking for a grill regulation been all over I need a male end that’s what my uniflame why are all the ones I find are fhe female end on the hose

Reply ↓
- GrillGirl on March 14, 2014 at 4:09 pm said:
  
  Hey Julia!
  Thanks for the question. Call our customer service reps at 877-244-0737 with your model number. Tell them the Grill Girl sent you and if they don’t have the part you need, they will find somewhere that does.
  Thanks again!
  -GG
  
  Reply ↓
bob staehler on March 15, 2014 at 8:36 pm said:

Looking for a gas regulator for a Portable Brinkmann Tabletop ,Model#810-1100-S What is the part no. and Price. How do I Order? Thanks

Reply ↓
- GrillGirl on March 18, 2014 at 4:01 pm said:
  
  Hey Bob!
  
  We can help you find that part. Just give us a call 877-244-0737!
  
  Reply ↓
Jeff on March 25, 2014 at 3:12 pm said:

I have a Grill Master model# 720-0737 which seems a little on the low temp side. The flame on the burners looks correct (gas /air mixture) as well the valves seem to be functioning correctly (no binding in any way). I would like to replace the regulator and i am going to a 40 pound tank so i will need a longer hose. I would appreciate any recommendations that you could give me on the correct size regulator and hose…Hopefully get a little more heat out of this grill!!!
I would like to get a rotisserie for it as well and again i would appreciate any recommendations there as well!!

Reply ↓
- GrillGirl on March 27, 2014 at 9:44 am said:
  
  Hey Jeff
  
  Thanks for the question!
  
  We do have varying regulator hose lengths available – up to 42 inches. Here’s the link:
  
  For the rotisserie burner- Please give us a call! That would be a special order item, but we might be able to find it for you – 877-244-0737
  
  -GG
  
  Reply ↓
Steve Easley on June 4, 2014 at 2:50 pm said:

I turned my grill on for the 1st time this year fired it up and everything was perfect… When it came time to use it that afternoon, I heard a loud hiss and the flames on all my burners was extremely high! Is it time for a new regulator?

Reply ↓
- GrillGirl on June 12, 2014 at 11:06 am said:
  
  Steve,
  
  Wow, that sounds scary! Usually regulators go bad and close down over time to prevent something like that from happening! You could try replacing the regulator first. That might fix the problem and it’s the cheapest and easiest thing to try. However, even after you get a new regulator, when you light up the grill again, I would recommend watching it for a few minutes to see if it behaves itself!
  
  Reply ↓
Jon Jones on June 17, 2014 at 4:34 pm said:

I have a Jenn Air model 720-337 LP gas grill with 4 burners and a side burner. The last two weeks I have started having a problem where the burners light fine and seem to burn properly, low or high, until I light the 4th burner. It doesn’t make any difference which burners are lit or in what order they are lit. As soon as the 4th burner is lit, they all go out or almost out and sputtering. Turning off the 4th, 3rd, 2nd or 1st burner does not relight the burners.. Have to shut them all off and then turn back on to relight it. I have cleaned the burners, Changed LP Gas tank, eliminated the pressure gauge between the regulator and the tank and have checked the hoses for kinks or leaks. Do I need to change the hoses and regulator? Do you have the correct hoses and regulator for the grill?

Reply ↓
- GrillGirl on July 17, 2014 at 1:12 pm said:
  
  Jon,
  
  That for sure sounds like a regulator problem! We sell regulators that fit most grills. We even have a high-flow regulator for grills using more than 60,000 BTUs. Here’s a link to them:
  
  Reply ↓
Al Barrier on July 22, 2014 at 10:45 am said:

I have a BBQ Grillware natural gas grill that I want to convert too propane. Is there a conversion kit on the market to do this???
The model is a GSC2418N.

Thanks, Al

Reply ↓
- GrillGirl on July 24, 2014 at 10:29 am said:
  
  Al,
  
  Great question! There’s a lot of bad information out there about converting gas grills. The truth is you need to alter the valves. What most people don’t know is that you cannot simply change the valve orifice. The inside of each valve (the valve core) is also drilled to work with either liquid propane OR natural gas. That being said, you need a smaller hole for liquid propane than natural gas, so you can’t alter your current valves to work with LP.
  Unfortunately, I do not know of a kit for the GSC2418. You could try contacting the manufacturer directly. If there is a model that was the same make as your grill, but made for LP, you might be able to track down replacement valves for that grill, and use them in your grill. Good Luck!
  -GG
  
  Reply ↓
GAIL HARLOW on August 5, 2014 at 2:08 pm said:

I NEED A REGULATOR FOR MY GOLD UNIFLAME GRILL MODEL # GBA873W AND SERIAL NUMBER GBC 873W0806031023 MY GRILL IS NOT GETTING GAS BARELY GETTING HOT I HAVE THREE BURNERS AND A SIDE WHERE I CAN KEEP THINGS WARM IN A POT. LIKE A STVE TOP EYE. PLEASE TELL ME WHAT TO ORDER

Reply ↓
- GrillGirl on August 5, 2014 at 3:30 pm said:
  
  Gail,
  
  Thanks for your question! I can’t find a model GBA873W but I did find the model GBC873W. That grill takes the hi-flow standard regulator, code HR6. Here’s a link:
  
  Reply ↓
Mannon Mints on April 24, 2015 at 6:43 pm said:

Charmglow Grill….On screwing regulator hose back on Grill Butane is coming from leak between knob you turn and butane tank…I assume the hose and regulator need to be peplaced..

Reply ↓
- Grill Girl on May 1, 2015 at 10:21 am said:
  
  Hey Mannon!!
  Give us a call so we can troubleshoot with you further – 877-244-0737
  Thanks!
  -GG
  
  Reply ↓
JP on May 6, 2015 at 8:49 pm said:

I have a Perfect Flame gas grill 2518sln-LPG- I would like to convert it to natural gas- can I buy this part from you? Thank you, JP

Reply ↓
- Grill Girl on June 29, 2015 at 8:32 am said:
  
  Hi JP!
  
  At this time, we do not sell parts for conversions. Sorry about that!
  -GG
  
  Reply ↓
John J. Graham on May 25, 2015 at 7:05 pm said:

I have a small hose with 2 female connections it go to the side burner on a charmglow 810-8500 I checked 5 different cg dealers and none have it or have not even heard of it what gives?

Reply ↓
- Grill Girl on June 29, 2015 at 8:34 am said:
  
  Unfortunately, we do not sell that part either. The Brinkmann corporation is the manufacturer of your Charmglow grill – maybe you can contact them for that part. Good luck!
  -GG
  
  Reply ↓
Dave Tyler on August 2, 2016 at 11:36 am said:

Good morning. I have a Sterling Forge model 720-0058-LP gas propane grille which I think the regulator is bad. Could you recommend the replacement part number and price so I can order one?

Thanks in advance!

Regards,
Dave

Reply ↓
- Grill Girl on August 8, 2016 at 4:12 pm said:
  
  Hi Dave!
  
  It looks like you have a 4-burner grill that uses cast iron rail type burners. I would suggest the Hi-Flow regulator for that grill. As long as you only need one hose, the HR6: http://grillpartssearch.com/product/HR6.html should work really well!
  
  -Grill Girl
  
  Reply ↓
craig on August 25, 2016 at 5:13 pm said:

My Church, the Refuge, has a donated Charmglow mod# 720 0036-HD and needs a new regulator. Do you have it and what would u charge including tax, shipping & handling to broomfield, co.

One of our members has a low flow regulator that is probably OK, would that work?
thanks

Reply ↓
- Grill Girl on August 26, 2016 at 12:21 pm said:
  
  Hi Craig!
  
  I’m not sure exactly what you refer to when you say “low-flow” regulator. Whichever regulator you use, you will need to make sure is made specifically for a gas grill use. Our Regulators are $28.80 and the shipping is a flat rate of $7.97. Here’s the link;
  http://grillpartssearch.com/product/HR4.html
  
  Let us know if you have any other questions!
  
  -GrillGirl
  
  Reply ↓
Kim Prince on October 14, 2016 at 11:42 pm said:

I need a regulator for a thermos grill to go. Is there any other regulator that will work.

Reply ↓
- Grill Girl on October 25, 2016 at 4:40 pm said:
  
  Hi Kim!
  Sorry for my long delay in answering. We actually just started selling these again! They had been unavailable for the past year. Here is the piece I think you need for that Grill2Go by Thermos:
  http://grillpartssearch.com/product/31210.html
  
  Hope it helps!
  -GrillGirl
  
  Reply ↓
Michael on October 29, 2016 at 9:53 pm said:

There is a small plastic gasket inside the collar that attaches the regulator to the LP tank. Mine has broken into many pieces, I think this why I get no gas flow to the burners. Is this a common occurrence? At any rate, I believe a new regulator and hose is needed, just wanted to confirm that this gasket is essential. Thanks

Reply ↓
- Grill Girl on October 31, 2016 at 9:46 am said:
  
  In most cases, it’s easier and safer to simply replace the entire unit. A regulator assembly should run between $20 and $30 and come clamped to the hose with all the gaskets and fitting needed. It would be my suggestion to just buy an entirely new one.
  -Grill Girl
  
  Reply ↓
Jose on June 12, 2017 at 1:31 pm said:

Can u use the same regulator for propane gas and natural gas?

Reply ↓
- Grill Girl on June 21, 2017 at 2:56 pm said:
  
  Great question! In almost all cases the answer is no. The regulator is usually what people call the regulator and hose assembly for a propane grill. In recently-made grills, all the regulation on a natural gas grill is done through the natural gas valve. That’s because gas coming from a Natural Gas line has a lot less pressure to be gin with (the pressure measurement is called water column). Some really old natural gas grills had regulators, but it’s very rare now! Natural gas grills just need to be hooked up to the gas line or ported to the gas port on the outside of your house using a quick connect hose (Natural Gas Quick Connect Kit)
  How this helps!
  -Grill Girl
  
  Reply ↓
Dave on June 23, 2017 at 8:19 pm said:

I have two tanks. One tank expired and we got a new one. When I tried the new tank, it leaked. It blows gas out the connection between the tank and regulator. I switched back to my old tank and had no leak. Are the tanks different? Do I need a new regulator?

Reply ↓
- Grill Girl on April 18, 2018 at 12:11 pm said:
  
  Hey Dave!
  The biggest likelihood is that you do need a new regulator. We have lots of options available and we source them directly from the manufacturer to get you a great product at the best deal. You can find all our regulators here: https://grillpartssearch.com/category/Plumbing.html
  I hope this helps, but please let me know if you have any other questions about grilling!
  -GrillGirl
  
  Reply ↓
pam austin on June 28, 2017 at 7:27 pm said:

do you have video on how to replace a connector kit?

Reply ↓
- Grill Girl on April 18, 2018 at 12:13 pm said:
  
  Hi Pam!
  Here’s another post about how to remove the regulator from a Charmglow grill. I hope it helps with your question but please let me know if you need to know anything else!
  https://grillpartssearch.com/blog/how-to-troubleshoot-a-fix-a-gas-grill/
  
  -Grill Girl
  
  Reply ↓
pam austin on June 28, 2017 at 7:29 pm said:

do you have video on how to take off regulator kit for sterling forge grill model no. 720-0016-LP

Reply ↓
- Grill Girl on April 18, 2018 at 12:19 pm said:
  
  Hi Pam,
  
  Here is a video that shows changing out a regulator: https://youtu.be/GgMJDuvB9ks
  This diy video is showing a Charmglow grill, but the model number is similar to the the one you list. Because you are not replacing the burners, heat plates or ignitors on your grill, it should be the same process. Most regulators have a standard fitting that makes removing and replacing them the same from grill to grill. If you have any other questions about your regulator or other parts for your grill, just let me know! Here’s a listing of the parts we sell exactly for your grill: https://grillpartssearch.com/category/Parts_for_NEXGRILL_720-0016_Gas_Grill.html
  
  Thanks again and enjoy the warmer weather. Hope you get some good grilling in!
  -Grill Girl
  
  Reply ↓