Converting your GE oven range from natural gas (NG) to liquid propane (LP) can help you save money on cooking fuel. However, it’s important to follow the correct steps to prevent gas leaks or other hazards.
Why Convert Your GE Range to Liquid Propane?
Most modern gas ranges are designed to run on natural gas (NG), but many models allow conversion to liquid propane (LP). Here’s why some homeowners make the switch:
- Cost Savings: Propane is often more energy-efficient than natural gas. Since one unit of propane contains twice as much energy as natural gas, you’ll need only half the amount to achieve the same cooking results.
- Higher Pressure: Propane operates at a higher pressure than natural gas, which means both the burners and oven must be adjusted accordingly for safe and efficient performance.
How Liquid Propane Affects Cooking Performance
Switching to propane can slightly change how your range operates. Understanding these differences can help you adjust to the new setup.
- Stronger Heat Output: Propane burns hotter than natural gas, which may require adjusting cooking times and temperatures.
- Flame Appearance: The flame on propane burners tends to be bluer and more intense than the softer orange hue of natural gas.
- Improved Boiling Speed: Water and other liquids may reach a boil faster due to the higher heat concentration.
- Potential for Overcooking: Foods may cook faster than expected, so monitoring cook times is essential.
- More Precise Simmering: Some users find that propane provides better low-heat control, which is beneficial for simmering sauces or melting chocolate.
What You’ll Need for the LP Conversion
- LP conversion kit (includes 4 LP orifice spuds)
- 9/32″ ratchet with extension
- 1/4″ nut driver
- Phillips screwdriver
- Flat-head screwdriver
- 5/8″ open-end wrench
- 1/2″ open-end wrench
- Masking tape (for labeling removed parts)
- Work gloves (for protection)
How to Install an LP Conversion Kit in a GE Range
Below are the steps to convert your GE range from natural gas to liquid propane (LP) by replacing the burner orifice spuds, adjusting the oven components, and restoring the unit for safe use.
1. Convert the Burner Area to LP
- Open the LP conversion kit.
- Take out the four LP orifice spuds from the kit.
- Remove the burner grates from the cooktop.
- Remove the burner caps from each burner.
- Lift off the burners to expose the gas supply tubes.
- Use a 9/32 ratchet to unscrew and remove each of the four orifice spuds by turning counterclockwise.
- Insert a new LP orifice spud into the 9/32 ratchet.
- Screw each LP orifice spud onto the gas supply tube by turning clockwise until snug.
- Stop tightening when the ratchet naturally stops turning.
- Place each burner back over its corresponding orifice spud.
- Reinstall the burner caps onto each burner.
- Set the burner grates back onto the cooktop.
2. Convert the Oven Area to LP
- Open the oven door partially and lift it off the hinges carefully.
- Remove the oven racks by pulling them out.
- Use a 1/4 nut driver to remove the two screws at the back of the oven bottom panel.
- Lift the oven bottom panel from the back first, then slide it over the front lip.
- Pull the broiler pan out 6-10 inches for better access.
- Locate the protective shield at the back of the oven.
- Use a 1/4 nut driver to remove the single screw securing the protective shield.
- Slide the protective shield to the right, then lift it out from the left cutout.
- Use a 1/4 nut driver to remove the three screws securing the central burner (one in the front and two in the back).
- Gently pull the central burner out while lifting the wires, then set it down inside the oven.
- Locate the two connectors and plug that secure the burner to the oven.
- Use a 1/4 nut driver to remove the plug cover screw and take off the cover.
- Pop out the two orange connectors by hand or with a flat-head screwdriver.
- Pull the plug through the opening by pressing down on the tabs.
- Remove the burner and igniter assembly from the oven.
- Use a 5/8 wrench to unscrew the pressure regulator cap.
- Remove the plastic cover from the cap.
- Flip the pressure regulator cap upside down.
- Replace the plastic cover on the opposite side of the cap.
- Reinstall the pressure regulator cap by screwing it back in place.
- Locate the bell orifice on the safety gas valve.
- Use a 1/2 wrench to tighten the bell orifice one full turn clockwise.
- Locate the air shutter screw on the central burner.
- Use a Phillips screwdriver to loosen the screw without removing it.
- Rotate the burner head until the screw is positioned under the “LP” marking.
- Tighten the screw to secure the air shutter adjustment.
3. Restore the Oven to Its Original State
- Place the central burner back into position inside the oven.
- Thread the plug and wires back through the hole.
- Reattach the two orange connectors.
- Reinstall the plug cover and secure it with the 1/4 screw.
- Position the central burner over the bell orifice.
- Secure the central burner with the three 1/4 screws (one in the front, two in the back).
- Align the protective shield with the holes.
- Secure the protective shield with the 1/4 screw.
- Slide the broiler pan back into place.
- Set the oven bottom panel back in place by inserting the front lip first and lowering the back.
- Reinstall the two 1/4 screws to secure the oven bottom panel.
- Slide the oven racks back onto the rails.
- Glide the oven door onto the hinges.
- Open the oven door fully, then slowly close it to secure it in place.
- Plug the oven back into the electrical outlet.
- Turn the gas supply back on.
Also Read: 6 safety tips for using an electric range
Closing Thoughts
Switching your GE range from natural gas to propane changes the way your kitchen works. The heat is stronger, cooking times are quicker, and the fuel system works differently. Even recipes you know well might need small adjustments. Skipping steps in the conversion can lead to gas flow issues or burners that don’t work properly. But if you follow the process carefully, you’ll have a powerful, propane-fueled range that runs efficiently and safely.