You will either need a high or low pressure regulator, depending on the type of propane-fueled appliance you have. Low pressure propane regulators are suitable for most appliances found around the home, including most outdoor barbeques. Gas Grills get up to about 50,000 btu/hour most often use a low pressure propane regulator. Sometimes the appliance has a propane regulator built in to the appliance itself, and sometimes the regulator has to be installed on the portable tank, so check with your appliance manufacturer to see what you need for your appliance.

High pressure propane regulators are for heavy duty appliances and applications that require more propane then low pressure propane regulators can give, such as some outdoor cookers and more industrial appliances such as crop dryers and industrial boilers.  The propane regulator valve for high pressure propane regulators are generally red in color, so you know they’re for high pressure. High pressure propane regulators are either “preset”, meaning that it is always set at a specific amount, such as 20 psi, or they are “adjustable”, meaning that they have an output pressure adjustment system so that you can adjust the pressure to whatever is needed for your specific appliance. Low pressure propane regulators can also be adjustable or preset.

When using an outdoor barbeque, the regulator must be opened so that the propane can reach the grill or the burners. Most grills have an electric ignition that automatically lights the gas so the grill is lit. Once the grill is lit, the flame can be adjusted to get the perfect amount of heat.  Most modern regulators have many safeguards, such as automatic shutoff in the case of a tipped over grill, to ensure that cooking with propane can be both safe and effective. photo credit: Kenneth Hynek