The LP converter is suggested so that the propane burns cleaner, this will prevent or minimize soot or ash from developing while burning. Also propane is a heavy gas which causes it to sink and hover beneath the surface which can cause the gas to build up, collect beneath the surface and flare up… using the lp converter reduces this effect as it mixes air into the gas so that the gas is lighter which causes the glass to rise instead of hover beneath the surface. We strongly suggest using an LP converter when using propane.