Blackstone Natural Gas Griddle: The Only Model Made for It

Yes, Blackstone makes a natural gas griddle. The Blackstone Model 6303 4-Burner Griddle is designed and built to utilize natural gas only. It comes from the factory with a specific hose and quick-connect fitting that must be used, and it requires a fixed fuel piping system compliant with the ANSI Z21.75 / CSA 6.27 standard for connectors. No other Blackstone griddle model is factory-rated for natural gas, attempting to convert a propane model voids all warranties and creates a serious safety hazard.

That “natural gas only” specification is printed in the Model 6303’s manual for a reason. It’s not a suggestion. The burner orifices, the regulator, and the entire gas train are calibrated for the pressure and characteristics of natural gas. Swapping a propane grill to natural gas isn’t a hose change; it’s a complete fuel system retrofit.

What follows is the breakdown: the one model that’s built for it, the three specs its installation absolutely demands, and the concrete reasons why modifying any other Blackstone is a deal you will lose.

Key Takeaways

• The Blackstone Model 6303 is the sole factory-made natural gas griddle in their lineup. Its manual states it is “designed and built to utilize natural gas only.”
• Hooking it up requires a fixed fuel system using a hose/connector compliant with ANSI Z21.75 / CSA 6.27, the standard for outdoor gas appliance connectors. The factory hose is not a generic part.
• Modifying any propane Blackstone griddle (like the popular Model 1554) for natural gas voids all warranties and safety certifications. The manufacturer explicitly prohibits it.
• You must let the griddle cool to 115°F (45°C) before moving or storing it, especially if disconnecting it from a fixed gas line.
• Always perform a leak test with a soapy water solution at all connections before first use and periodically thereafter.

The One Blackstone Model Built for Natural Gas

If you want a Blackstone on natural gas, your search ends with one SKU. The Blackstone Model 6303, often called the 4-Burner Griddle Natural Gas Ready Drop-In with Hood, is the only unit engineered from the ground up for this fuel.

This appliance has been designed and built to utilize natural gas only. Do not attempt to operate this appliance using gases other than natural gas at the indicated pressure. Blackstone Model 6303 Owner’s Manual

This isn’t a converted propane grill. The critical difference is in the gas valve orifices and the regulator. Natural gas operates at a lower pressure than propane (about 7 inches of water column vs. 11 inches for propane) and has a different energy density. The Model 6303’s burners are drilled and its regulator is set specifically for that lower pressure. Using the wrong fuel doesn’t just mean weak flames, it can mean incomplete combustion, producing dangerous carbon monoxide.

Other models, like the best-selling 36-inch Model 1554, state the opposite. Its manual is clear: “Use griddle, as purchased, only with LP (propane) gas and the regulator/valve assembly supplied.” The two product lines are distinct for safety and performance reasons.

Blackstone Model	Factory Fuel Type	Key Manual Directive	Convertible?
Model 6303	Natural Gas Only	“Designed and built to utilize natural gas only.”	No—it is already NG.
Model 1554	Propane (LP) Only	“Use griddle… Only with LP gas and the regulator/valve assembly supplied.”	No. Modification voids warranty and certification.
Model 1935 (22″)	Propane (LP) Only	“Do not modify this appliance.”	No. Strictly prohibited.

The takeaway is simple. When looking for the best natural gas griddles, the Model 6303 is Blackstone’s answer. For everything else, you’re shopping in the propane category.

Hooking Up the Model 6303: The Three Non-Negotiables

Installing a natural gas appliance involves a permanent connection to your home’s fuel system, and the codes are strict for a reason. The Model 6303’s manual outlines three specific requirements that are not up for debate.

1. The Right Hose and Connector Standard

The griddle comes with a dedicated hose. The manual warns not to replace it arbitrarily. If it wears out, you must contact Blackstone support for a direct replacement. This hose connects to your home’s gas line via a specific quick-connect fitting.

The entire assembly, any rigid pipe, semi-rigid tubing, or connector, must comply with ANSI Z21.75 / CSA 6.27. This is the Standard for Connectors for Outdoor Gas Appliances and Manufactured Homes. It’s a tested safety standard for materials that can handle outdoor temperature swings and physical stress. Using a non-compliant connector from a hardware store is a genuine risk.

2. Professional Installation of the Supply Line

The manual includes a quick-connect fitting in the box. If your home’s natural gas supply line doesn’t already have the correct matching fitting, you need to have one installed.

To have the proper fitting added to your natural gas source, have this done by a licensed and insured professional. Blackstone Model 6303 Owner’s Manual

This is not a DIY suggestion. A licensed professional will ensure the connection is leak-free, that the gas pressure is correct, and that the work meets local code, which is often based on the National Fuel Gas Code (ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54) or the CSA B149.1 Natural Gas and Propane Installation Code in Canada. They’ll also use a proper thread sealant rated for 400°F and compatible with natural gas, like Permatex #59214 or Loctite 592.

3. The Mandatory Leak Test (Every Time)

Before you ever turn the knobs to light the griddle, you must test for leaks. The procedure is standard but non-optional: * Mix a mild soap and water solution (about 10% soap). * With the gas supply ON but the grill knobs OFF, brush the solution onto every connection point, the quick-connect, the hose swivel, any threaded joints. * Look for bubbles. Bubbles mean a leak. * If you find a leak, turn the gas supply OFF immediately. Tighten the connection if you can safely do so, and retest. If the leak persists, shut off the gas and call the professional who did the installation.

This test isn’t just for setup. The manual instructs you to check the hose for cracks and wear before each use and to re-test connections whenever you reconnect the grill after storage.

Why You Can’t Convert a Propane Blackstone

The question comes up constantly: “Can’t I just buy a conversion kit?” For Blackstone griddles, the answer from the manufacturer is a definitive and legally significant no.

Modifying the original product voids all warranties. The Model 1554 manual states the grill is “safety certified for use in the United States and/or Canada only. Do not modify for use in any other location. Modification will result in a safety hazard.” Converting the fuel type is a major modification. North Atlantic Imports LLC, the warrantor, will not cover any damage or failure on a modified unit.

Beyond paperwork, the physical reasons are concrete: 1. Orifice Size: Propane orifices are smaller. Natural gas needs larger holes to allow a greater volume of lower-pressure gas to flow. Drilling them out yourself is imprecise and leads to uneven flames. 2. Regulator Pressure: The included regulator on a propane model is set for 11″ water column. Natural gas systems supply 7″ WC. Using the wrong regulator means incorrect pressure at the burner. 3. Valve Design: Gas control valves may be designed for the specific flow characteristics of one fuel type.

A mismatched system burns poorly. You’ll get sooty flames, uneven heating, and that carbon monoxide risk. It’s why every legitimate conversion ‘kit’ for other grill brands includes new orifices, a new regulator, and a valve assembly. Blackstone does not offer such a kit because they do not endorse the practice for these models.

If you have a propane hookup and want a Blackstone, you’re looking at their excellent lineup of gas griddles like the 1554. If you want a hybrid solution, consider a grill griddle combo designed for propane, or explore griddle inserts for your existing natural gas grill.

Natural Gas vs. Propane: The Practical Trade-Offs

Choosing between the Model 6303 (NG) and a standard propane model like the 1554 depends on your cooking style and setup.

The Natural Gas (Model 6303) Advantage:

• Unlimited Fuel: No more running out of propane in the middle of cooking a large meal.
• Lower Operating Cost: Natural gas is typically cheaper per BTU than bottled propane.
• Convenience: It’s always on. No tanks to swap, store, or haul for refills.

The Propane Model (Like 1554) Advantage:

• Portability: You can move the griddle anywhere within the length of a hose. This is essential for tailgating, camping, or rearranging your patio.
• Easier Installation: No permanent plumbing required. Just screw on a tank and you’re done.
• Model Availability: Far more sizes, styles, and Blackstone combo models are available in propane.

Where this goes sideways: Storing a natural gas griddle indoors without fully disconnecting it from the gas supply. The Model 6303 manual allows indoor storage only if the gas supply is disconnected and removed from the appliance. For propane models, the tank must be removed and stored outdoors.

Your decision hinges on one question: is this a permanent outdoor kitchen fixture, or a movable cooking station? For a built-in outdoor kitchen, the Model 6303 is the clear, safe choice. For flexible cooking, a propane model paired with the right must-have griddle accessories is far more practical.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the largest Blackstone griddle available in natural gas?

The primary natural gas model, the 6303, is a 4-burner drop-in with a 36-inch cooking surface. Blackstone does not currently offer a larger, factory-built natural gas griddle. Their bigger propane models, like some 4-burner standalone units, are not certified for conversion.

Can I use a natural gas griddle on a covered patio?

You can, but you must maintain strict clearance requirements. The appliance needs at least 36 inches (1 meter) of clearance from the sides and back to any combustible material, including patio ceilings, walls, or stored items. It must also have ample ventilation, never use it in an enclosed space like a garage.

Are griddle inserts for gas grills a good alternative to a dedicated natural gas griddle?

Griddle inserts can be a smart compromise. If you already have a natural gas grill, a quality stainless steel or cast iron insert turns it into a flat-top. However, heat distribution might not be as even as a dedicated griddle with its own burners directly underneath the plate. It’s best for occasional use, not heavy, daily griddling.

Do I need a special gas line for a Blackstone natural gas griddle?

Yes. You need a dedicated gas line run to your installation site by a licensed professional. It must terminate with a shut-off valve and the correct quick-connect fitting (or be adaptable to one). The line must be sized to deliver enough cubic feet per hour (CFH) for the griddle’s total BTU rating without dropping pressure for other household appliances.

What are the must-have accessories for a natural gas Blackstone?

The essentials are the same as for propane models: a good metal spatula set, a scraper for cleaning, a durable cover to protect the griddle top from the elements, and a reliable infrared thermometer to check surface temperature. Since you can’t move it easily, a sturdy covered grill griddle or a custom-built shelter is a highly recommended accessory for protection.

Before You Go

Blackstone does make a natural gas griddle: the Model 6303. It’s a purpose-built appliance for a permanent installation, not a modified afterthought. The process demands respect for fuel codes, professional help for the hookup, and an understanding that this choice trades portability for uninterrupted fuel.

For everyone else, Blackstone’s propane lineup is vast and excellent. Whether you choose a dedicated griddle, a gas grill griddle combo, or another model, stick with the fuel system it was designed for. That’s how you ensure safety, performance, and that your warranty stays intact for the long haul.