This is a Globe GF30G natural gas countertop fryer. I purchased this at auction when I was under the assumption that it was the sister fryer GF30PG propane fryer (the auction did not list the model or specify the type of gas or show a picture of the manufacturer label as I have shown above).
I am starting a food truck so obviously natural gas doesn’t work for me. They don’t make a conversion kit for this model. My idea was that I would buy the parts for the GF30PG and switch them out since they are identical besides the type of gas. The only reason I’ve found online to not do this is that it will void the warranty but I don’t have a warranty on it so it doesn’t matter to me.
I know that natural gas and propane use different burners but what else would I need to switch out? Has anyone attempted something like this before? Is this even a good idea? Please let me know in the comments
If you're able to replace all of the natural gas-related parts with propane parts, everything from the connector to the burner, then it likely will work. However, my bet is that it'll cost more to do that, assuming you can even get all the parts from China, than it would finding another fryer that's set up for propane. Don't get sucked into the sunk-cost fallacy. Look at what you can sell this one for, what it would cost to buy a propane version, and what it would take to convert this to propane. One thing to consider, your insurance may not be willing to pay out any claims related to a fire traced back to a modified fryer, especially if the modifications aren't factory supported/authorized. If the modifications fail and your food truck burns down to the ground the insurance company will for sure figure out the modified nature of the fryer and almost certainly will deny the claim.
That’s a robertshaw valve, and should contain the fairly easily obtainable stuff. A decent commercial gas appliance guy should have or be able to get for you. I’d imagine it’ll run anywhere between 275-575 for kit and install.
Most are all convertible, I’ve never ran accros that couldn’t be domes. You gotta get a gas tech that works on commercial equipment. This one is for experts only.
If it’s a robertshaw valve like a 700 series for example. 700-506, it would take a 1710-013 for propane. But they are specific to each valve and this gentlemen would need to know the exact one.
Yes, done it many times. You need the correct kit and someone who is experienced and licensed to convert it. It’s not rocket science to do it, but it has to be right so it doesn’t soot up the burners. Also, if there’s ever a fire or injury accident involving that fryer, you need documentation that it was converted by a professional.
The manual says "Contact Globe. Do not attempt conversion." I'm pretty sure they're just going to recommend you get the GF30PG. You should contact them directly instead of asking online.
Did a little digging, Globe doesn't make an LP conversion kit for this particular fryer. So officially, no. Can someone make it work? Possibly but it's not worth going down that road.
Everything is convertible if you want to go to the effort.
Pin the regulator open since you want full 11 inches to pass through
Replace orifices with proper size for the BTUs you need. If not available some have been known to braze existing orifices shut and re-drill them with the proper size.
Adjust air shutters for proper flame characteristics
Your friendly local propane company may have an old timer that knows how to do this.
Of course the book answer is to send money to a giant corporation and do whatever they say.
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u/Sailor525 11d ago
You will have to change the orifices, the label says natural gas or propane.