Advice wanted: LP (propane) Conversion Kit for used 30 or 36" cooktops

[jkling17]

We are starting to get more serious about our kitchen renovation plans. We already scored a crazy great deal on a used 30" GE Profile electric convection single wall oven ($75). I'll be putting this under the island, on one end where it's out of the way.

The cooktop will be on the main countertop area, across from and a few feet over from the oven - so they can both be accessed at the same time, without people getting in each other's way.

It won't be possible for us to get natural gas for several more years, so I'll need to go with LP (propane). I keep an eye on Craigslist. There are very few offerings for used LP cooktops. But every week or two, there seems to be a really nice deal on a 30 or 36" gas cooktop, with the kind of layout and features that I want.

But before I pull the trigger and get one, I'm looking to make sure that I'll be able to get an LP conversion kit for the range, how much these generally cost - and to understand if that's the kind of thing I can self-install or if a pro needs to do it.

I did some googling and it looks like MOST lp conversion kits SEEM to be anywhere from $50-100. Not a big deal, if that's corrrect. But it also looks like SOME cooktops can't be converted like Wolf?

If anyone has advice to offer, I'd appreciate it. I'd rather spend my money on new cabinets, a nice 36" hood, french door fridge, etc. From my standpoint, if I can get a nice used black cooktop, it doesn't really make sense to get it new since they are easy to clean and last damn near forever.

Thanks!

Jeff

[Sydneyeats]

What county are you in? Chesco, Montco, Delco, etc.

I would also post at Gardenweb in the Appliance forum---they always have a lot of great ideas and the threads move quickly.

Good luck!

[jkling17]

Bucks County. Thanks for the idea about gardenweb. Over the years, I have been not overly impressed with info that I've seen there - but you are probably right that this time is worth posting.

[GH1618]

There's a thread somewhere in which the problem of adjusting the simmer is mentioned. This is a fine point overlooked by some who do the conversion. The simmer control might be behind the knob for each burner.

[jkling17]

Yeah I copied that info down when I saw it a month or two ago - excellent info and very helpful.

[John E.]

I would call a rural propane service provider and ask them. They all employ at least one appliance guy that do these conversions for their customers.

[jkling17]

Hi John,

That's a good idea, except that I'm not out in the country ... there IS a gas line across the street but I can't access it for at least 2 more years (street was newly paved before I moved here and there's a moratorium on cutting across it). So propane will do the trick nicely. Gas is gas. I'm using portable butane stoves right now and they are great but they aren't a permanent solution.

[John E.]

If you do put in a propane stove you will need a large outdoor propane tank. Wherever you are there is a propane company that services your area.

[jkling17]

Thanks - I already know that part. But the tank can really be quite small. Even a 50 or 100 gallon tank would easily do the trick for us, since it's sole job is the cooktop. I'd consider using it for my dryer as well but that's the extent of it.

[John E.]

You still want a gas man to do installations of that sirt and you do not want tge LP tank indoors (including the garage).

[jkling17]

It's code that these tanks are outside, and at least 10 feet from any door as well as any source of possible ignition (electric lights, compressors, grills, etc). Out here that can be done by most propane companies and some plumbers.