Napoleon Grills vs Weber
If you’re a grill master looking to find the best grill on the market, you’re in the right place! We’ll look at the two most popular brands of grills, Napoleon Grills vs Weber, and which is the right fit for your grilling needs.
We understand that choosing a grill can be overwhelming. With so many different brands, models, and features on the market, it’s easy to get lost in the sea of options. That’s why we’ve taken the time to compare Napoleon and Weber grills, including their design, price points, and extra features, alongside overall performance and reputation.
This article provides expert reviews from culinary professionals to ensure you make a knowledgeable decision. Whether you’re an avid backyard griller or just starting with outdoor cooking, now is undoubtedly the right time to invest in one of these top-rated brands.
If you’re already considering a Napoleon or a Weber grill, keep reading to discover everything you need to know before deciding. And remember, no matter which way you lean in the Napoleon vs. Weber debate, both brands offer a lot of value regarding grills.
Weber Brand Overview
Weber, the prominent name in the barbecue industry, has a fascinating backstory that may only be known to some grill enthusiasts. It originated from a metal works company established in 1893 and later introduced the game-changing kettle grill in 1952.
Made by dividing a metal buoy into two parts, the classic kettle grill became a must-have for any grilling aficionado and a name synonymous with perfect barbecue.
Expanding beyond the kettle grill, Weber now offers a diverse range of grills, smokers, and accessories, all incorporating the latest features and technologies to provide a flawless grilling experience.
Don’t miss out on this renowned brand’s rich history and exceptional products – the ultimate choice for all your grilling needs.
Napoleon Brand Overview
Napoleon, a brand with a fascinating beginning, entered the grill market later than Weber, yet it gained a reputation for quality that rivals the industry giant. Napoleon’s founders were two German immigrants to Canada with a background in metalworking.
In the 1980s, the brand started manufacturing grills and evolved to produce several top-of-the-range heating appliances with innovative features, superior quality, and construction.
The company has extended warranties and excellent customer service. Consequently, Napoleon earns respect and regard for the high-end products, outstanding customer support, and lasting satisfaction, attracting customers who desire the best.
Napoleon Grills vs. Weber: Key Differentiating Points
Weber and Napoleon’s brands offer exceptional value with various models at various prices.
Both have distinct strengths and weaknesses that can influence your purchase decision. Now, let’s explore some key differentiating factors that will help you make a well-informed choice between the two.
-Napoleon Grills vs Weber: Cooking Area
Compare the cooking prowess of Napoleon and Weber and make an informed decision before your next cookout.
Napoleon grills have more cooking space and burners, ensuring better heating, versatility, and quicker cooking. Despite having smaller cooking areas, Napoleon’s models provide more heat per unit area and can cook more efficiently.
The Jetfire ignition system used by Napoleon has been recognized to be more effective, reliable, and durable than Weber’s Infinity ignition.
Napoleon grills offer more cooking area for your money compared to Weber products. This means more food per grilling session and no need for multiple passes, especially when cooking for larger groups.
-Napoleon Grills vs Weber: Design
Webers vs. Napoleons – which is the best gas grill for your needs? Let’s compare their features and designs!
Webers typically have the gas tank located outside, while Napoleons hide the gas tank inside all models for a clean, tidy appearance. If you’re looking for retractable side tables, Napoleon is your choice, as they tend to offer at least one foldable side table.
Napoleon’s 2-piece lids offer better heat retention and wind resistance than Weber lids for those cooking in windy locations.
The ignition system is a significant difference between these two brands. Weber gas grills require the individual ignition of each burner, so if one goes out, it won’t reignite itself.
Napoleon gas grills utilize connected burners that will automatically reignite if one is blown out, requiring less supervision during cooking.
If you’re drawn to a traditional design, Weber’s iconic kettle grill and other models might be a great option.
On the other hand, Napoleon has sleek, contemporary grills with chrome accents and LED lights that lend a high-end feel to any backyard.
Both brands have unique, signature features, such as Weber’s GS4 Grilling System and ‘flavorizer bars’ or Napoleon’s ‘Sizzle Zone technology – an infrared burner system that reduces preheating times.
For those who enjoy travel and want to take their grill on the go, both Weber and Napoleon offer portable options.
Weber’s Traveler Portable Gas Grill has a fold-up design perfect for tailgating or camping, while Napoleon’s TravelQ 285 Portable Gas Grill has a similar portable stand for versatile cooking.
Plus, both models are available in attractive colors, have ample grilling space, and provide efficient temperature management.
Quick Fact: Weber grills boast a classic, compact design. On the other hand, Napoleon grills are the perfect choice for those who crave more pizzazz. Lustrous LED lights and chrome accents endow the grills with a high-end look that will leave an impression.
-Napoleon Grills vs Weber: Pricing
While both Weber and Napoleon offer comparable grill models, Napoleon generally provides similar products for a lower price than Weber. However, buyers who spend the same amount of money on either brand will likely end up with a more feature-rich model if they buy a Napoleon grill.
Weber has an outstanding reputation for durability, thanks to the high-quality materials and solid construction behind its products. This translates to a slightly higher price point, though Weber grills generally range from budget to mid-range pricing.
For instance, a small charcoal model costs only $80, while a gas grill can be picked up for roughly $200.
But if you’re looking for larger gas grills with all the fancy extras, such as infrared burners, amazing rotisseries, and smoker boxes, you may still pay around $1,000.
On the other hand, Napoleon tends to pair many of those extras as standard features, which means their prices start slightly higher. For instance, the popular Napoleon Rogue 425 gas grill usually costs around $700. But for these extra amounts, buyers get a durable grill embedded with a rotisserie, smoker box, and an infrared burner.
Quick Fact:: Weber and Napoleon offer excellent value for money, covering a wide range of products and designs. Weber provides cheaper options that maintain quality if you’re on a budget.
-Napoleon Grills vs Weber: Warranty
While both Weber and Napoleon brands provide significant warranty durations and support, Napoleon grills typically surpass Weber’s warranty offerings by a few years and cover the entire grill, including all parts.
This way, Napoleon Grills ensures more comprehensive warranty coverage, allowing customers to invest confidently in their outdoor grilling experiences.
-Napoleon Grills vs Weber: Heating
While both boast impressive heat output, Napoleon grills often come with extra burners, providing more versatility in your cooking setup. They may have slightly smaller cooking areas, but more heating power per square inch ensures that all your dishes cook evenly and efficiently.
But the real test is in the ignition system. We’ve conducted extensive tests and found that although both brands have innovative designs, Napoleon’s Jetfire system reigns supreme in effectiveness, reliability, and durability. Your grill should be a long-term investment, so it pays to choose a brand that delivers in every aspect.
-Napoleon Grills vs Weber: Performance
Napoleon and Weber are world-renowned grill brands that have elevated BBQs from a simple backyard cookout to an art. Both brands boast high-quality materials and expert craftsmanship. But when it comes to comparing their grills, their approach and performance differ.
Napoleon grills stand out with their thicker, more durable metal construction and additional features such as side burners and warming racks that keep food warm while your primary grill heats up.
Weber grills are known for their quick and efficient heat generation. While many grill aficionados believe that Napoleon grills are more consistent in their performance, each brand has particular strengths that depend on your model.
If it’s a charcoal grill you’re looking for, Weber – with its decades of experience since the 1950s – still offers its famous kettle grills today. But if you’re looking for a charcoal grill with additional features, Napoleon is the perfect choice. Their charcoal models come with adjustable charcoal beds and integrated smoker trays, making them the ideal option for those willing to spend a little extra.
Although Napoleon may be more synonymous with high-end gas grills, Weber is unbeatable for charcoal grilling.
-Napoleon Grills vs Weber: Availability
Weber Grills offers all their products conveniently online and through leading retailers, including Amazon, Walmart, and Home Depot. On the other hand, while some of Napoleon Grill’s products are out of stock and unavailable online, the fun continues.
Napoleon Grill’s official website is a great starting point for exploring their line of products, and you can even find authorized dealers near you to help get you on your way to delicious grilled meals.
-Napoleon Grills vs. Weber: Technology and Ease of Use
Weber Grills offer unbeatable technical advancements and user-friendliness for premium control and usability. With superior temperature control and smoking capabilities powered by a vent system, Weber’s evenly distributed heat ensures perfectly cooked food every time.
Alternatively, Napoleon grills are the ultimate choice if you’re a seasoned pro looking for even quicker and more consistent results. They employ infrared cooking technology and versatile options for the perfect cookout every time.
A Look at the Product Lines
For a good reason, Weber and Napoleon are two of the most respected brands in gas grills. These companies offer a variety of product lines to suit every need, from entry-level to high-end luxury options.
Weber’s Spirit, Genesis, and Summit lines are popular choices, with prices and features that vary based on where they fall in the spectrum. As you increase in price, the grills offer more cooking area, heating capacity, and advanced features like wireless monitoring. The quality of materials and construction also improves, providing a better grilling experience overall.
Napoleon follows a similar model, with the Rogue, Prestige, and Prestige Pro series targeting specific markets.
However, the competition between Weber and Napoleon is wider than gas grills alone.
Both companies also offer portable and charcoal grilling options, making them a versatile choice for outdoor cooking enthusiasts.
1/ Charcoal Grills
Weber Grills boasts a charcoal grill lineup that is as versatile as it is extensive, with seven variants. Whether you’re a fan of the classic Original Kettle, the Ranch-style Charcoal Grill, or the Kamado Grill, Weber has you covered. Among their fantastic offerings is the Master Touch Premium Charcoal Grill, priced at $299 and one of their top sellers. The grill is engineered to deliver gourmet-style BBQ results at an affordable price and features direct and indirect grilling options and a one-touch cleaning system.
On the other hand, Napoleon Grills offers five types of charcoal grills, each equipped with cutting-edge infrared grilling technology and available in 22″, 18″, and 14″ sizes. Their 22″ Pro Charcoal Grill, priced at $399, is backed by a 10-year warranty. With its masterful airflow management system and cooking grates designed to produce distinctive sear marks, this grill offers a complete and engaging grilling experience.
2/ Gas Grills
Napoleon Grills boasts extensive expertise in professional-level gas grills. Among their top-of-the-line selections is the Prestige Pro Series, which flaunts 10 burners and 123K BTU at $2,699.
It features both the Infrared Sizzle Zone burner and the Rear Infrared Rotisserie burner, elevating your culinary experience to that of a restaurant.
Napoleon’s gas grills can also be converted into seamlessly built-in models for optimal backyard integration.
Apart from the Prestige Pro Series, Napoleon Grills has a series for every grilling need.
For extensive backyard grilling needs, the Phantom Series starts at $549, Prestige Series (up to 6 burners) and Rouge SE Series (up to 7 burners) begin at $1,299, and Rouge XT Series (up to 6 burners) starting at $799 are available.
If you have a compact space and a tight budget, the Rogue Series (4 burners) at $799 and Freestyle Series at $549 might be your best bet for a quality grill.
Conversely, Weber boasts their Genesis, Spirit, and Summit Series gas grills. Unlike Napoleon Grills, Weber offers a ‘smart’ upgrade that allows real-time food monitoring through your mobile device.
Their Genesis series, priced between $999-$2,099 and in 3 or 4-burner options, offers high-tech, smart-grilling capabilities and a 12-year limited warranty.
Its Spirit Series, ranging between $499-$969, provides a mid-range grilling station with durable cooking grates, side tables for prepping, 3 burners, and a cooking area of 529 square inches.
The Summit Series, ranging between $2,649-$4,499, comes equipped with a searing station, rotisserie, and rear burner, allowing you to perfectly sear your steak while adding a touch of smoke to your dish. This high-end series comes with a 10-year guarantee on all parts.
3/ Electric & Portable Grills
Napoleon Grills offer the sleek and stylish TravelQ and TravelQ Pro Series that can elevate any outdoor space. With ten models in the portable range, featuring full-sized grilling capabilities, and available in propane, electric, and natural gas options, you will find one that suits your needs.
The Weber Q Electric Grill caters to smaller grilling endeavors, with two variants that provide cooking surfaces of either 280 sq. in. or 189 sq. in. The Weber Traveler is also a portable option, featuring one stainless steel burner and a cooking area of 320 sq.
Considering both the portability and electric options, Napoleon Grills emerge as the apparent winner.
Final Remarks: Napoleon Grills vs Weber
Regarding grilling, two names come to mind: Napoleon Grills vs Weber. Both brands offer a wide range of products, from simple charcoal models to high-end gas grills, making them excellent choices for any level of grilling expertise. However, the difference between the two brands lies in what you seek.
If you’re on a budget or just starting with grilling, then Weber is the way to go. They offer a wide range of grills at lower prices than their competitors. With a long history in charcoal grilling, Weber has had plenty of time to perfect their performance over time.
On the other hand, if you’re in the market for a sleek, high-end gas grill with all the bells and whistles, then Napoleon is the winner. Their grills are perfect for fast and professional-level cooking, with features like expanded cooking space, infrared burners, rotisseries, Bluetooth connectivity, and more. While Weber can handle almost every task, Napoleon’s grills are more suitable for those who want a premium grilling experience.
Now, let’s take a look at the best models each brand offers in different price segments:
We recommend the Napoleon Rogue 425 or the Weber Spirit II E 310 for entry-level models.
We suggest the Napoleon Prestige 500 or the Weber Genesis EPX 335 if you’re looking for a mid-range model.
Finally, we highly recommend the Napoleon Prestige Pro 500 or the Weber Summit S 470 for those searching for luxury gas grills.
Regardless of which brand or model you choose, always make sure to read genuine reviews before making your purchase. This will give you a better idea of what you’re investing in and help you make an informed decision.
Pitmaster Lives in Eugene, USA. Bio: I’m Billy McCallum, and I love barbecue. I’m the president and founder of Billy Mac’s Bar & Grill, with over 20 years of experience in the field. I’m an exceptional pitmaster and grill expert who uses charcoal, wood, and fire to craft extraordinary culinary masterpieces. My mission is to educate others how to master their grills and cook a diverse range of foods on them. I have extensive expertise smoking briskets, pork shoulders using charcoal, wood, or propane grills/smokers.
I also review kitchent appliances such as grills, smoke, and more. I’ve tried out almost every model available, so if you’re in the market for any of these items be sure to check out my reviews!