Who the ATRC-24-LP Is Built For

The ATRC-24-LP is the same compact radiant charbroiler as the natural gas model, set up for propane with its regulator at 10" W.C.: two 35,000 BTU burners, 70,000 BTU total, stainless steel radiants and reversible cast iron grates, at 116.8 lb. It is the smallest Atosa charbroiler sold ready for propane.

It is built for operations without a natural gas main: food trucks and concession trailers, seasonal and event kitchens, rural restaurants on a bulk tank, and kitchens in buildings where running a new gas line is not an option. The low weight matters on a truck, where every pound counts against the vehicle's limits, and the 24" width fits a mobile line that already has a griddle and fryer.

The key planning question on propane is fuel supply, not grill size. At full fire the ATRC-24-LP burns about 3.25 lb of propane an hour, so the tank, regulator and hose setup must be sized to keep up. If you need a third zone, the ATRC-36-LP is the next size. If you are on natural gas, order the ATRC-24-NG instead.

Common fits for this model:

• Food trucks and concession trailers
• Seasonal, festival and event kitchens
• Rural restaurants on a bulk propane tank
• Buildings without a natural gas line

Is the ATRC-24-LP the Right Size?

The ATRC-24-LP is 24" wide with two 12" zones and about 483 sq in of grate. Every Atosa charbroiler uses the same 12" zone, so sizing comes down to how many zones your busiest hour needs at the same time: one to sear, one to cook through, and ideally one to hold.

How much fits on the 24" grate

Estimated full-grate counts with room to flip. In real service, plan on about two-thirds to three-quarters of these numbers, because a zone is usually kept for holding or cooler cooking.

Compare the other radiant sizes

ATRC-24-LP vs. ATCB-24: Radiant or Lava Rock

The ATRC-24-LP uses stainless steel radiants over each burner. They spread the flame into even heat under the grates and catch drippings so they sizzle into smoke, with fewer flare-ups than lava rock and no rock to maintain. The lava rock ATCB-24 has the same burners, BTU and grates but a heavier, smokier char and more upkeep, and it weighs 20.1 lb more.

Zones and Grates on the ATRC-24-LP

Each 12" section has its own 35,000 BTU burner, standby pilot and manual control. The knob sets the flame size, not a temperature, so cooks control results by zone: turn one up to sear, another down to cook through, and keep one low or off to rest and hold. Turning off zones you are not using during slow periods is also the easiest way to save gas.

Reversible, adjustable grates. Per Atosa's manual, one side of each cast iron grate has a grease trough and the other side is flat. Use the trough side up for fatty foods like burgers, ribeyes and chicken thighs, so fat drains to the catch tray instead of flaring. Use the flat side for fish, vegetables and delicate items. The grates can also be angled to move grease toward the trough or to cook a little cooler at the high end.

Sizing Propane for the ATRC-24-LP

Getting propane supply right is the difference between a grill that runs all shift and one that starts sputtering in the middle of a rush. The math starts with the rating.

How we calculated it. Propane carries roughly 91,500 BTU per gallon and about 21,500 BTU per pound. 70,000 / 21,500 = about 3.25 lb per hour. These are full-fire figures; most cooks do not run both zones wide open all shift, so real use is usually lower. Run the numbers with your own hours and heat settings.

Add up the whole line. On a truck or trailer, the charbroiler usually shares the propane supply with a griddle, a fryer and sometimes a water heater. Add the BTU ratings of everything that can run at once and size the tank and regulator for that total, not for the grill alone. Your propane supplier or a licensed gas fitter can confirm the setup for your local fire code.

Why small cylinders fall short. A tank turns liquid propane into gas through its walls. The smaller the tank, the less surface area it has, and the colder the weather, the slower it vaporizes. A 20 lb cylinder feeding a 70,000 BTU grill at full fire can frost up and lose pressure long before it is empty. That is why many trucks run two larger cylinders on an automatic changeover regulator, and fixed kitchens use a bulk tank sized by their supplier.

Checking How Much Propane Is Left

Running out mid-service is avoidable. Two simple checks work on any portable cylinder:

• Weigh it (most accurate). Every cylinder has a tare weight stamped on the collar, marked "TW". Weigh the cylinder and subtract the tare weight: what is left is the propane. A standard 20 lb cylinder holds about 20 lb of propane when full, so a reading of 10 lb over tare means about half a tank, or roughly three hours at full fire on this grill.
• Warm water test (quick). Pour a cup of warm tap water down the side of the cylinder and run your hand down the same path. The metal feels cool at and below the liquid level, because the propane inside absorbs heat. Never use boiling water or a flame.
• Use a gauge for fleet or truck use. Inline gauges and tank scales give a running read without lifting the cylinder.

Propane safety basics. Store and transport cylinders upright and secured, with valves closed. Keep spare cylinders out of the cooking area and follow your fire marshal's rules for storage on mobile units. If you smell gas, shut off the supply at the tank, put out all flames and call 911. Leak-test every new connection with soapy water, never a flame.

Keeping a Mobile Charbroiler Clean and Running

A propane charbroiler on a truck gets shaken, exposed to weather and cleaned in tight quarters, so the routine needs to be simple:

• Burn off and scrape after every service, then let the grill cool before cleaning. Atosa's manual is clear that the unit must be off and cool first.
• Clean the catch tray every use. Grease sloshing in a moving vehicle is a fire risk. Empty it before you drive.
• Keep the grates oiled. Trucks parked outdoors see humidity and temperature swings that rust bare cast iron fast. Re-oil after cleaning and use Atosa's 45-minute open burn to bake the coating in.
• Re-check connections after travel. Vibration loosens fittings. A quick soapy water test on the hose and regulator after the truck has moved is cheap insurance.
• No hosing. Only the catch tray can be washed with water. Wipe the body and panel with a soft cloth and mild detergent.

Note that Atosa's manual says not to use the charbroiler outdoors. On a truck or trailer it should be installed inside the vehicle's kitchen under its hood, as your local codes and mobile vending permit require.

Propane Setup and Gas Use

The ATRC-24-LP is set up for propane, with the supplied regulator set at 10" W.C. and a 3/4" NPT rear gas connection. The main burner orifices are #50 for propane in Atosa's charbroiler specifications. If your kitchen has natural gas, order the ATRC-24-NG instead of converting.

Estimates use about 1,000 BTU per cubic foot of natural gas, 100,000 BTU per therm and about 21,500 BTU per pound of propane. Real use is lower when zones are turned down or off.

Gas conversion. Atosa's manual says the main burner orifices are installed at the factory and that switching gas means changing the orifices and the regulator setting, work that must be done only by authorized, licensed technicians. Do not attempt a conversion yourself.

Before You Order the ATRC-24-LP

• Gas at the hookup: confirm you have propane at the cooking line. This listing is the propane model.
• Space: 24" wide x 27-3/5" deep, plus 6" at each side and the back. Measure about 36" of open, non-combustible counter or stand.
• Hood: the hood must cover the full 24" width with the overhang your code requires. Confirm with your code official before delivery.
• Gas supply: make sure your tank and regulator can add 70,000 BTU/hr on top of the rest of the line. Ask your propane supplier.
• Connector: a commercial flexible gas connector sized for the load, with a quick disconnect and a restraining cable where code requires one.
• Support: a stand or chef base rated above 116.8 lb.
• Installer: book a licensed gas technician for install day.
• Delivery: the shipping weight is 146.6 lb. Plan who will receive and inspect the freight, and note any damage with the driver.

ATRC-24-LP Specifications

Installing the ATRC-24-LP

From Atosa's charbroiler manual:

• Installation, adjustment and gas work by an authorized, licensed technician, to local code (or ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54 where there is none). Otherwise the manufacturer may refuse warranty service.
• A level, solid, non-skid, non-combustible surface, away from customers and children.
• At least 6" clearance on both sides and the back and 4" underneath. With side clearance, plan about 36" of counter width.
• Install under an exhaust hood as local regulations require. Gas underfired broilers are classed as heavy-duty cooking appliances under the International Mechanical Code; confirm hood and fire suppression with your local code official.
• Screw in the 4 adjustable legs and level the unit. Lift it rather than dragging it.
• Confirm the radiants and grates are seated before first lighting.
• Leak-test every gas joint with soapy water or a detector, never a flame, and have the technician check working gas pressure.
• Disconnect the appliance shutoff valve during supply pressure tests above 1/2 psi (3.45 kPa).
• Keep fans and air conditioning from blowing on the flame. Do not use outdoors.

Stand or chef base. At 116.8 lb net, the ATRC-24-LP needs a non-combustible stand or a chef base rated for countertop cooking equipment, with capacity above the grill's weight. All Atosa charbroilers stand 15-1/5" tall, the same as Atosa's ATTG and ATMG countertop griddles, so a matched line sits level.

First-Day Setup

1. Level the grill and seat the catch tray.
2. Wipe it down with a mild detergent. No corrosive or abrasive cleaners.
3. With all knobs at "0", light the pilots. The first light can take a minute while air clears from the line.
4. Turn each knob counterclockwise to light the burners from the pilots.
5. Burn in: the first heat-up smokes as protective oil burns off. Atosa says it clears after about an hour at maximum. Run the hood and cook nothing during the burn-in.
6. Season the grates: oil them and run the grill open for 45 minutes, uncovered.
7. Preheat 15 to 20 minutes before each service.
8. After shutting off a main burner, wait more than 5 minutes before relighting it.

Daily Care

Turn off all valves and let the grill cool before cleaning. Do not hose down, immerse or pressure wash any part except the catch tray. Have the grill inspected by an authorized, licensed technician at least once a year.

Troubleshooting the ATRC-24-LP

Adapted from Atosa's troubleshooting table. If anything goes wrong, stop using the grill and have a technician check it.

If you smell gas, shut off the main gas valve, put out all flames and call 911.

ATRC-24-LP FAQ

How many BTU is the ATRC-24-LP?

70,000 BTU total from two 35,000 BTU burners on propane.

What size is the ATRC-24-LP?

24" wide, 27-3/5" deep and 15-1/5" tall, with a 23-9/10" x 20-1/5" work area (about 483 sq in). It weighs 116.8 lb.

Does the ATRC-24-LP need a hood?

Yes. Atosa's manual requires installation under an exhaust hood per local regulations. Confirm hood and fire suppression requirements with your local code official.

How much clearance does it need?

At least 6" on both sides and the back and 4" underneath, on a non-combustible surface. Plan about 36" of counter width.

What gas connection does it need?

A 3/4" NPT rear connection; the supplied regulator is set at 10" W.C. for propane.

How do I season the grates?

Clean them, coat them with cooking oil and run the grill open for 45 minutes without covering the grates, per Atosa's manual.

Can I use it outdoors?

No. Atosa's manual says not to use the charbroiler outdoors.

What is the warranty?

1 year parts and labor, US only. Licensed installation and manufacturer parts are required to keep coverage.

How long will a 20 lb tank run the ATRC-24-LP?

About 6.2 hours at full fire in theory (70,000 BTU / about 21,500 BTU per lb = about 3.25 lb per hour). In practice a single 20 lb cylinder often cannot vaporize propane fast enough at full load, especially in cold weather, so most operators use larger tanks.

Can I use the ATRC-24-LP in a food truck?

Yes, if it is installed inside the truck kitchen under a hood and the installation meets your local fire code and mobile vending rules. Atosa says not to use it outdoors.

Compare every model in our commercial charbroiler guide. Questions? Call or text 206-419-5801.