Who the ATRC-36-LP Is Built For

The ATRC-36-LP is Atosa's three-zone radiant charbroiler set up for propane at 10" W.C.: three 35,000 BTU burners, 105,000 BTU total, about 721 sq in of reversible cast iron grate, at 158.7 lb. It is the main grill station for a kitchen that has no natural gas line.

It fits a larger food truck or trailer with a grill-centered menu, a catering or event kitchen that sets up on propane, a seasonal restaurant, or a rural or resort kitchen running on a bulk tank. Three zones give a mobile kitchen the same sear, cook-through and hold layout as a full restaurant line.

The planning work on propane is supply: at full fire the ATRC-36-LP burns about 4.87 lb of propane an hour. If your kitchen has natural gas, choose the ATRC-36-NG. For a smaller truck, the ATRC-24-LP saves a foot and 35,000 BTU of demand; for a bigger line, the ATRC-48-LP adds a fourth zone.

Common fits for this model:

• Large food trucks and trailers with a grill-centered menu
• Caterers and event kitchens on propane
• Seasonal and resort restaurants
• Rural kitchens on a bulk propane tank

Is the ATRC-36-LP the Right Size?

The ATRC-36-LP is 36" wide with three 12" zones and about 721 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 36" 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-36-LP vs. ATCB-36: Radiant or Lava Rock

The ATRC-36-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-36 has the same burners, BTU and grates but a heavier, smokier char and more upkeep, and it weighs 32.2 lb more.

Zones and Grates on the ATRC-36-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.

Why Choose a Propane Charbroiler

A propane charbroiler is not a compromise. Each burner is rated at 35,000 BTU on propane, the same as on natural gas, so the ATRC-36-LP cooks with the same power as its natural gas twin. What changes is the supply: you bring your fuel with you.

• Mobility. Trucks, trailers and catering setups can cook anywhere their permit allows.
• Independence from utilities. No gas main, no meter upgrade, no trenching for a new line.
• Same cooking results. Burner output, grates and radiants are the same as the NG model.

What you take on is fuel logistics: tank sizing, deliveries or swaps, storage rules and keeping an eye on the level.

These are full-fire estimates using about 21,500 BTU per pound of propane. Most services do not run every zone wide open, so real use is lower. Small cylinders also lose pressure under heavy draw, especially in the cold, so a 36" grill is usually paired with larger cylinders or a bulk tank sized by your propane supplier.

Maintenance for a Propane Grill

A propane grill needs everything a natural gas grill needs, plus attention to the fuel side. A simple schedule covers it:

Read the flame. Healthy flames are steady and mostly blue. Atosa's troubleshooting table lists the causes of a yellow flame with black smoke as the wrong gas, a mismatched orifice, too little air or low supply pressure at peak use. On propane, a tank that is nearly empty or frosting up can cause low pressure too. Air shutter adjustments are for licensed technicians only.

Rust on Mobile and Seasonal Grills

Propane charbroilers often live in places that are hard on cast iron: trucks parked outside, trailers in storage over the winter, seasonal kitchens that close for months. Rust prevention is mostly about moisture.

• Dry everything on the heat. After cleaning, run the grill for a few minutes so the grates are bone dry before they cool.
• Oil before downtime. Wipe a thin coat of oil on the grates before any shutdown longer than a day or two.
• For seasonal closures, follow Atosa's guidance: wipe the surfaces with a soft cloth, close the gas, and keep the unit in a well-ventilated area. Remove and store the grates indoors if the vehicle is unheated.
• Removing light rust: wire-brush, wipe, dry on the heat and re-season with Atosa's 45-minute oil burn.
• Heavy rust: strip to bare metal, dry immediately and re-season in several thin coats. Replace cracked or deeply pitted grates.

Propane Setup and Gas Use

The ATRC-36-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-36-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-36-LP

• Gas at the hookup: confirm you have propane at the cooking line. This listing is the propane model.
• Space: 36" wide x 27-3/5" deep, plus 6" at each side and the back. Measure about 48" of open, non-combustible counter or stand.
• Hood: the hood must cover the full 36" width with the overhang your code requires. Confirm with your code official before delivery.
• Gas supply: make sure your tank and regulator can add 105,000 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 158.7 lb.
• Installer: book a licensed gas technician for install day.
• Delivery: the shipping weight is 205 lb. Plan who will receive and inspect the freight, and note any damage with the driver.

ATRC-36-LP Specifications

Installing the ATRC-36-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 48" 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 158.7 lb net, the ATRC-36-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-36-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-36-LP FAQ

How many BTU is the ATRC-36-LP?

105,000 BTU total from three 35,000 BTU burners on propane.

What size is the ATRC-36-LP?

36" wide, 27-3/5" deep and 15-1/5" tall, with a 35-7/10" x 20-1/5" work area (about 721 sq in). It weighs 158.7 lb.

Does the ATRC-36-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 48" 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.

Does the propane model have less power than natural gas?

No. Each burner is rated at 35,000 BTU on both gases, so the ATRC-36-LP has the same 105,000 BTU total as the ATRC-36-NG.

What size propane tank do I need for the ATRC-36-LP?

It depends on hours and everything else on the line. At full fire the grill alone uses about 4.87 lb per hour. Add up every appliance sharing the tank and have your propane supplier size the tank for that load and your climate.

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