Did You Know Propane Can Power More Outside Than Your Grill?

Ask most homeowners how they use propane outdoors and the answer usually comes back the same: grilling. And fair enough, propane and a sizzling cookout are practically summer staples. But the truth is that propane-powered appliances quietly support far more of the season than most people realize, from outdoor kitchens and pool heaters to fire pits, generators, and even your weekend camping trip.

Whether you are looking to get more from your current propane system or considering a new propane-powered appliance, here is a friendly tour of the many propane uses around the home that make spring and summer living so enjoyable.

• Outdoor Cooking on More Than Just the Grill – Propane fuels grills, smokers, griddles, and full outdoor kitchens, giving home cooks a versatile range of options for everything from weeknight dinners to weekend gatherings.
• Outdoor Comfort to Extend the Season – Propane patio heaters, fire pits, and outdoor fireplaces extend the time you can comfortably spend outside on cooler spring and summer evenings.
• Pool and Spa Heating – Propane pool heaters can extend the swimming season beyond the warmest months, and propane also powers spa and hot tub heating for year-round soaks.
• Generators and Landscaping – Propane generators provide reliable backup energy during power outages, and propane-powered lawn equipment offers a quieter, lower-maintenance alternative to gasoline.
• On the Road and Recreation – Propane fuels RVs, and portable propane stoves make reliable cooking companions for camping trips and outdoor adventures.

Outdoor Cooking: More Than Just the Grill

Cooking outside is one of the great pleasures of summer, and propane makes the whole experience easier. Beyond the classic grill, there is a full range of propane-powered outdoor cooking options worth knowing about.

Propane Grills, Smokers, and Griddles

Propane grills are the entry point most homeowners know and love. With quick heat, consistent temperature, and easy-to-use features, propane grills are the workhorse of the backyard.

From there, propane-fueled cooking options are endless. Similar to propane grills, propane-powered smokers are known for fast startup and simple operation, with easy on and off controls. Homeowners also enjoy less mess and easier cleanup, without the need to handle charcoal or lighter fluid.

Propane griddles deliver a large, even cooking surface perfect for feeding a crowd, whether you are flipping pancakes for a houseful of weekend guests or building smash burgers at a backyard get-together.

Outdoor Kitchens

If you really want to lean into outdoor entertaining, a full propane-powered outdoor kitchen takes things to the next level. These setups often include dedicated cooking stations, side burners, storage, and built-in appliances. They typically connect to a residential propane tank rather than a portable cylinder. The result is an outdoor space designed for cooking, hosting, and lingering long after dinner.

Cooking With Confidence: A Few Safety Basics

A little preparation can go a long way toward helping you enjoy a safe and successful outdoor cooking experience.

• Use soapy water to check your propane cylinder and connections for leaks.
• If using a Blue Rhino propane tank, ensure that you read, understand, and follow the instructions for safe use on the sleeve.
• Grill outdoors in the open air, away from buildings and overhangs.
• Keep the grill lid open when lighting.
• Once a grill or outdoor kitchen appliance has been ignited, do not leave it unattended until the gas has been turned off and the appliance is cool to the touch.

For more information about propane safety, visit our resources page and review this Propane Safety Brochure.

Outdoor Comfort: Extend the Season and the Evening

Spring and early summer evenings can still bring a chill, and a few well-placed propane-powered features can keep everyone outside longer. These outdoor propane appliances turn a patio into a comfortable second living room well after the sun goes down.

Patio Heaters

Propane patio heaters provide warmth at the turn of a knob, extending outdoor time on cooler spring and summer evenings. They are easy to move, simple to operate, and a quick way to make your patio more inviting when temperatures dip. Approximate fuel usage depends on the unit and setting, so check your specific heater for details.

Fire Pits and Outdoor Fireplaces

Propane fire pits and outdoor fireplaces add ambiance and warmth to any gathering. They light at the press of a button, do not require wood or starter fluid, and skip the ash cleanup entirely. For homeowners who want the fireside experience without the hassle, propane fire features are a practical and welcoming addition to a backyard or patio.

Pool and Spa Heating

Here is a propane use case many homeowners do not associate with the fuel: heating the water in your backyard. Whether you are looking to extend your swim season or keep your hot tub ready year-round, propane is a popular choice for warming pools and spas.

Propane Pool Heaters and Spas

Propane pool heaters can warm a pool quickly, making them a practical choice for homeowners who want to extend their swimming season beyond the warmest months. Pool size and climate are factors when choosing a unit, so working with a propane supplier helps you size everything correctly. The same propane heating approach works for spas and hot tubs, keeping water at a comfortable temperature for year-round soaks.

Generators and Landscaping

Two of the most practical propane uses around the home are also two of the most overlooked. Both keep things running smoothly behind the scenes, whether the lights go out or the lawn needs a trim.

Propane Generators

Summer storms have a way of finding their moment, and a propane generator provides reliable backup power when the electrical grid goes down. Options range from smaller portable units that keep essential appliances running to whole-home standby generators that activate automatically during an outage. Either way, a propane generator can help keep essential systems running when power outages occur.

Lawn Care and Landscaping

Compared to gasoline options, propane-powered lawn equipment may offer lower emissions and reduced maintenance requirements, with some models also operating more quietly.

On the Road and Recreation: Propane for RVs and Camping

Summer is also road-trip season, and propane plays a quiet but essential role for anyone heading out in an RV or pitching a tent at a favorite campsite.

Fueling RVs

Propane fuels several systems inside an RV, including water heaters, stovetops, refrigerators, and furnaces, making it a reliable companion for long trips and weekend escapes alike. It is what keeps your morning coffee hot, your food cold, and your cabin comfortable no matter where the road takes you. Learn what propane tank size you would need for your RV.

Camping and Portable Propane Stoves 

For tent campers and backyard adventurers, portable propane stoves are a dependable cooking option. Compact, easy to light, and quick to heat up, they bring the convenience of a kitchen to the campsite, the trailhead, or the lake.

Ready to Make More of Your Propane This Summer?

Propane is one of the most versatile home energy sources around, and there are countless ways to put it to work this season. Whether you are thinking about adding a propane pool heater, building out a fire pit, upgrading a propane appliance, or just want to talk through your options, Ferrellgas is here to help.

Small Tanks and Portable Cylinders

Need a refill for your grill cylinder or other portable tank? Find a refill at a participating Ferrellgas location or stop by a Blue Rhino retailer for a quick tank exchange.

Large Residential Tanks

Homeowners who self-manage their propane orders should keep a close eye on tank levels, especially during winter or periods of high usage. Remember to schedule a delivery well before you anticipate needing fuel. To place an order, Ferrellgas customers can text ORDER to 573-207-5975*, log in to MyFerrellgas.com, or call 888-337-7355.