While Weber is one of the most iconic names in the grilling industry, Napoleon has been making a name for itself in recent years. Both companies make high-quality grills that have some comparable features, so we want to take some time to break them down for you. Whether you’re looking for an introductory gas grill, something on the higher end, or even a new charcoal kettle grill, both of these companies have options for you.
We’re going to dive into the lineups to compare and contrast similar models to help you make the best decision for what you’re looking for. Keep in mind, both of these companies make high-quality products so you can’t go wrong either way. So continue reading to see what our thoughts are!
At a Glance…
Introductory Line:
- 530 square inches of cooking space
- Push start ignition
- 3 stainless steel burners/32 000 BTU's
- 3 Burners
- 570 sq. inches of cooking space
- 42,000 BTU's
- Napolean wave grill grates
- 3 Burners
- 365 sq. inches of cooking space
- 33,000 BTU's
- 10-year Warranty
Mid-Range Line:
- 760 sq. inches of cooking space
- 15-year Warranty
- Infrared side and rear burners
- Smart Grill Technology
- Sear Station
- Weber CRAFTED Grill System
Luxury Line:
- Lift Ease Centre-Gravity Roll Top Lid
- 15-year Warranty
- Infrared side and rear burners
- 580 sq. inches of cooking space
- Infrared burners
- Dedicated Smoker Box
Charcoal Grills
- 10-year Warranty
- Hinged Lid
- Hinged Wave Grates
- Lid Holder
- Hinged Cooking Grate
- Proven History
Portable Grills
- Extremely Easy to Transport
- 13000 BTU
- 320 sq. inches cooking space
- Wheels for Transport
- 12000 BTU
- 285 sq. inches cooking space
Napoleon vs Weber – Product Reviews
Here is a detailed comparison of several chosen Napoleon and Weber grills across a variety of categories and price points. We did not cover every model line as the two companies have an exhausting amount of product. We focused on the models that make up the core of the companies sales.
To get things going, we will focus on their gas grill lineup, starting with the introductory line.
Napoleon and Weber Introductory Gas grill Line
Napoleon Rogue 425 & Freestyle 365 vs Weber Spirit II E-310
Napoleon Rogue 425 Review:
Napoleon delivers plenty of power under the grill hood while looking visually striking in its all-black porcelain-enameled lid, cabinet door and powder-coated shelf design. There’s no need to carve out an entire day to put this grill together as it’s easy enough for one person to assemble in an hour or so. It comes with three burners capable of generating 42,000 BTUs, and it heats up quickly without even needing to push a button. That means you don’t have to worry about that push-button ignition failing like we’ve all experienced with gas grills over the years.
Napoleon utilizes those distinctive wave-shaped grill grates, giving the cooking chamber its own style while the porcelain-enameled cast iron retains heat well and gives you quality sear marks when firing the grill up for steaks. The Rogue 425 boasts 570 sq in of cooking space with 425 sq in coming on the main grill grates. The three burners are protected by two staggered layers of stainless steel tented plates that catch most of the drippings and vaporizes them, reintroducing the vapors as flavor to the food. The plates also promote even heating across the cooking surface so you don’t have to worry about hot or cold spots.
For any drippings that make it through the sear plates, the grill has a drip tray located inside the cabinet cart for easy disposal. The cart itself boasts plenty of room for the propane tank and extra storage. Speaking of storage, the two side shelves with built-in tool hooks fold down so when you put this grill away, it isn’t a space hog. While it isn’t very long with the shelves up at 51 inches, when you fold the shelves down it measures in at 35 inches, over a foot smaller. It sits on four casters for easy rolling while all four have locks to keep your grill stationary for cooking.
Napoleon backs this grill with one of the best warranties in the industry, 15 years covering from the top of the grill lid to the casters on the bottom of the cart and everything in between.
What We Like…
- 15-year warranty ensures you don’t have to worry about a lack of support from Napoleon
- 42,000 BTUs from three burners will give you plenty of heat
- Storage focus from folding side shelves with tool hooks to large cabinet is a help in the cooking area
- Cart on four locking casters makes moving the grill a breeze while also making it easy to lock it in place for use and storage
What Makes Us Angry…
- On the expensive side for more of an entry-level grill
- Wave grill grates look really cool but require a different approach for cleaning
Napoleon Freestyle 365 Review:
Napoleon’s gas grills feature one of the most distinctive and unique features on the market, their cast-iron wave grill grates. The Freestyle 365 is no different. All 365 square inches of cooking space is over these wave grids that promote great grill marks that look unlike any other grill you’ve ever used.
The Freestyle 365 is powered by three gas burners generating 33,000 BTUs which is plenty in combination with the cast iron grill grates to give you great sear marks on steaks, burgers, or chicken. You also don’t have to worry about the drippings falling on the stainless steel burners, either creating flare-ups or potentially gumming up the burners.
There is a dual-layer of stainless steel sear plates that help spread the heat from the burners over the entire cooking surface while also doubling as protection. So you can get a nice, even heat without worrying about cold spots while your burners stay nice and clean. Plus, any drippings from your grilling will vaporize and circulate throughout the cooking chamber for extra flavor.
If any drippings make their way through, there’s a handy drip tray inside the grill’s cart to catch any rogue grease for easy cleanup. Speaking of cart, the Freestyle 365 has a cabinet-style cart that holds the propane tank out of the way. The cart also has two folding side shelves, perfect for extra prep space when needed and folding out of the way when it’s time for the grill to be stored between cooks or in the off-season. One of the shelves even has tool hooks so you can hang your tongs and spatula when they aren’t in your hand.
The cart itself rests on two legs and two large wheels so it will stay in place once you find the right spot on your patio, deck, or driveway. The grill itself weighs under 100 pounds, so you should be able to tilt and roll it on the two wheels. It can even handle a bit more of terrain thanks to the large wheels that Napoleon calls all-terrain.
Weber Spirit II E-310 Review:
Weber has been a favorite with BBQ enthusiasts for a long time. The grill comes with all the bells and whistles that people have come to expect from Weber grills. The three stainless steel burners put out a total heat of 30,000 BTUs which, combined with a total cooking area of 529 square inches, provides even, consistent heating. The grill can come up to temperature rapidly, making it easy to get things started even if you are a beginner. The patented Flavorizer bars help create rich, flavorful grilled food.
The Infinity Ignition system is a turn-based system that goes an admirable job of getting the grill started. Assembly is fairly simple, with the manufacturer providing detailed instructions.
The grill comes with a warming rack that is fairly large at 156 square inches that you can fold out and tuck away when not in use. The quality of materials and construction feels solid and durable, and the open cart design can make it easy to reach out for your tools and utensils. You will, however, need a cover as an extra accessory during bad weather. The unit also comes with fold-away side table, a prepping area, and hooks for hanging your tools and utensils. Locking castors lend the unit a feeling of solidity.
What We Like…
- Durable stainless-steel construction
- Excellent convenience features
- Flavorizer bars make great tasting food
- Generous warranty and support
What Makes Us Angry…
- Less cooking space than competing products
- Contains mixed metals
- Open cart design is not weather-proof
Napoleon and Weber Mid-Range Gas grill Line
Napoleon Prestige 500 vs Weber Genesis EX-335
Napoleon Prestige 500 Review:
The Prestige 500 Is an excellent mid-range proposition, combining exemplary quality and features with a competitive price. This stainless-steel grill has four burners for a total of 48,000 BTUs of heat generation. However, there is also a 14,00 BTU infrared side burned and an 18,000 BTU infrared rear burner, giving you incredible flexibility when it comes to cooking different dishes at the same time. The side burner, dubbed the Sizzle Zone, can reach a temperature of 800F in a matter of seconds. A combined cooking area of 760 square inches further adds to the appeal.
Inside, you will find dual-level sear plates that work incredibly well, the accurate Accu-Probe temperature gauge, a rotisserie burning system for whole birds and roasts, and exceptional durability with locking castors for stability. A unique backlight system makes it easy to locate and use the burner knobs in low-light conditions. The folding side shelves and utensil hooks make for convenient operation and the closed cart design keeps your storage area protected.
The well-designed drip zone and the wave-shaped porcelain-enameled grates, coupled with a solid lid design, can help with heat retention and transmission and as a result, the grill gets up to temperature very quickly.
What We Like…
- Great balance between heat and cooking area
- Infrared side and rear burners
- Rotisserie setup
- 15-year Bumper to Bumper Warranty
- Great build quality
What Make Us Angry…
- No Smart Grill Technology Like Weber
Weber Genesis EX-335 Review:
Early in 2022, Weber announced the next generation of the Genesis series highlighted by the EX-335. Instead of being compatible with the iGrill 3 system, the EX-335 comes with a built-in controller and Weber’s CONNECT smart technology. You can monitor the temperatures of your thicker cuts of meat from your phone using the built-in probes and receive notifications of when it’s ready to flip or come off the grates. Set your temps digitally and walk away knowing your grill temps will not fluctuate.
The three-burner model is capable of putting out 39,000 BTUs of heat over a 787-square-inch cooking surface. They expanded the sear burner from previous models to accommodate more steaks at once using 13,000 BTUs of heat. The side burner puts out 12,000 BTUs, perfect for cooking vegetables, warming sauces, and boiling water for corn on the cob. It comes in both a three-burner and four-burner model, each with propane or natural gas versions.
The EX-335 is also compatible with the new WEBER CRAFTED Outdoor Kitchen Collection. This model comes with the frame and cast-iron grates to get you started, but you can purchase additional equipment, such as a pizza stone or flat-top griddle to add even more versatility to your new Genesis grill.
If you like cooking even when the sun goes down, Weber has integrated LED lighting into the handle of the grill that will turn on when you open the lid. It also has lit knobs for nighttime use so you actually see what you are doing.
What We Like…
- CONNECT Smart technology to help monitor the cook via the Weber app on a smartphone.
- The versatility brought by the CRAFTED collection to help bake pizza and other food on the pizza stone or make breakfast on the flat-top.
- Expanded sear zone so we can sear more steaks at once.
What Makes Us Angry…
- The warranty still doesn’t match up to Napoleon’s even though it has been bumped up to 12 years
- It is not going to be cheap to get a grill with all these features.
Napoleon and Weber Luxury Gas grill Line
Napoleon Prestige Pro 500 vs Weber Summit S-470
Napoleon Prestige Pro 500 Review:
The Prestige Pro is truly a premium product, packing luxury features in a competitively priced package. Made of high-quality stainless steel, this grill can provide up to 900 square inches of cooking area if you take into account the warming rack and the infrared side burner. The main burners put out a massive 48,000 BTUs of heat while the 18,000 BTUs infrared rear burner presents versatile cooking opportunities, being also ready for rotisserie cooking. The sturdy design stands well to rough use and is a breeze to set up thanks to clear instructions from the manufacturer.
The ease of use sets this grill apart, with a LED-illuminated control panel and the reliable Jetfire continuous spark ignition system that fires properly every time. The grill can work with either propane or natural gas depending on the version you choose while buying. The attractive design is married with convenience with foldable side tables for prepping, a closed cart design for protected storage, and built-in instrument hooks and a bottle opener.
Infrared side burner gets to 1800F for amazing searing power.
The locking castors ensure excellent stability during use and the stainless-steel construction, coupled with the massive warranty, can ensure that this grill serves you well for many years to come.
What We Like…
- Excellent quality of materials and construction
- Hot rear burner that doubles up as rotisserie
- Lighting Everywhere with Soft Close Doors
- This is the Rolls-Royce of Gas Grills
- 15-year Bumper to Bumper Warranty
What Makes Us Angry…
- Expensive. Did I say Expensive? It’s Expensive.
Weber Summit S-470 Review:
The Summit is a well-known name among BBQ enthusiasts. The primary burners put out a total output of 48,000 BTUS. However, there is no end of versatile cooking options here with a sear station burner that puts out 10,600 BTUs and a rear infrared burner with rotisserie, also rated at 10,600 BTUs. Along with these, you can also enjoy a 12,000 BTUs side burner and a dedicated smoker box burner rated at 6,800 BTUs. Needless to say, this grill can do it all and can really live up to its promise if you are cooking for a large group.
The tuck-away rotisserie system, a grill light mounted on the handle, the lighted grill knobs, the closed cart design, utensil hooks, and locking castors mean that the unit is easy and convenient to use. The cooking grate, made from 9mm stainless steel rods, do a good job of retaining and transmitting heat.
What We Like…
- Versatile cooking options with sear station, rotisserie, and rear burner
- Dedicated smoker box
- Sturdy construction
- Tuck Away Rotisserie System
- Excellent heat distribution
What Makes Us Angry…
- Less warranty than Napoleon
- Aging, time for an update already
Weber and Napoleon Charcoal Grill Comparison
Napoleon 22” Pro Charcoal vs Weber 22’”Mastertouch Kettle
Napoleon 22″ Pro Charcoal Review:
The Pro Charcoal has the distinctive wave-shaped grill grates with a compact chassis that is extremely easy to operate for beginners and pros alike. The construction is solid and can inspire confidence, with a hinged lid and weather-proof wheels which lend great stability. Cooking in this grill can also be versatile, with hinger cooking grids that offer three different rack heights which you can adjust for temperature and sear control.
The ash catcher is removable and made of heavy steel, making cleanup a breeze. The lid has Napoleon’s Accu-Probe temperature gauge built in for easy monitoring and the PRO air control system puts you in control of the airflow path.
FYI: Napoleon is about to launch all new Pro22 Charcoal Grills. We saw them at the 2024 HPBExpo.
What We Like…
- Sturdy construction and quality of materials
- Really portable thanks to strong wheels
- Height adjustment for cooking grid
- Convenient, heavy-duty ash catcher
What Makes Us Angry…
- No offset upper vent for indirect heat
- Wheels need to be installed with mallet
- Permanent height ring
- Detaching lid form body to easy
Weber 22” Master-Touch Kettle Review:
The Master-Touch is extremely easy to use, with convenient wheels. While using, you can place the lid on the convenient tuck-away lid holder placed on the side of the unit to avoid keeping it on the ground. The hinged cooking grate makes it really easy to add charcoal and is also compatible with GBS inserts. The unit also has integrated hooks where you can easily keep your tools and utensils. Weber usually comes out on top with charcoal grill comparisons.
A curved warming rack is included, making this a versatile unit and a lot of accessories that can add further functionality are also on offer. The unit also comes bundled with an UV-resistant cover with fastening straps. The ash catcher works well and makes cleanup a breeze.
What We Like…
- Sensible choice in terms of price and performance
- Easy to assemble
- Included cover
What Makes Us Angry…
- Three legs instead of four
- No porcelain coating on grate
- Some users report fitment issues
Weber and Napoleon Portable Grill Comparison
Napoleon Travel Q PRO285X vs Weber Q1200 Portable
Napoleon Travel Q Pro Portable Grill Review:
Napoleon built its TravelQ Pro 285X to offer plenty of cooking space without sacrificing portability. Despite weighing in at 42 pounds, the Pro 285X is easily moved around on its folding cart so you can take it wherever you want to go. The grill has 285 sq in of cooking space fueled by two independently-controlled burners capable of putting out a total of 12,000 BTUs. Napoleon boasts that the Pro 285X is capable of handling 20 hamburger patties at once, so you can set this up at the park for a summertime birthday party and not worry about having to take an hour to feed the whole crowd.
The cast aluminum lid is tall so you can even cook larger meats like a chicken inside the grill while keeping an eye on the temperature through the lid-mounted thermometer. The two-burner system allows you to create an indirect heat system so you can do more than just grill hot dogs and burgers. If you’re curious, even this portable gas grill has the iconic Napoleon wave-styled porcelain-coated cast iron grill grates.
The folding cart is made from stainless steel and even has a kickstand so you can store it standing up in the folded position. It even has two side shelves so you can set plates and condiments down while cooking.
What We Like…
- Two-burner system allows for two separate zones for cooking
- 12,000 BTUs is plenty of power for a portable grill
- The kickstand is a neat feature for storing the grill away without it taking up much room
What Makes Us Angry…
- Some customers have experienced issues with the gas regulator threads stripping
- More on the expensive end for portable grills
Weber Traveler Portable Review:
The Weber Traveler portable gas grills is built to make gas grilling for a group of people on the go as convenient and easy as possible. It packs in 320 sq in of cooking space, enough to hold 15 burgers made with Weber’s burger press. It only has one burner but it pumps out up to 13,000 BTUs so you can be sure you’ll be able to handle all those burgers at once and still get good grill marks. You’ll have perfect control due to the infinity control knob that Weber loves, and a push-button ignition will ensure your burner fires up quickly and easily.
Speaking of grill marks, the porcelain-enameled cast iron grill grates retain heat well so you can be sure you’ll get quality cross-hatches while still being able to easily clean up after cooking. The Traveler also has a removable grease pan to help with cleanup.
Weber built the body of the grill out of porcelain-enameled steel and put a thermometer into the lid so you can keep an eye on grill temperatures quickly and easily. The cart that the grill sits on has a side table for prep work and a latch for ensuring your grill cart doesn’t unfold randomly. The lid even automatically locks into place once the cart is folded down so you don’t have to worry about the lid flying open when you hit a bump. Two large tires will help you take this 47-pound grill wherever you want to go.
Weber has even made accessories to specifically go with the Traveler to help expand your experience. You can purchase a griddle to swap into the grill so you can cook pancakes, eggs, and bacon while on a camping trip. If you’re a serious griller, you can get an adapter hose so you can hook up a normal propane tank rather than a one-pound bottle.
What We Like…
- Large 320 sq in cooking area for a portable gas grill
- Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates offer a great combination of heat retention and ease of cleaning
- 13,000 BTUs of heat will handle just about anything you want to grill while the infinity knob gives you precise control over your grilling temperature
What Makes Us Angry…
- Some customers have had issues with the lid latch coming undone easily during transport
Napoleon vs Weber – A Look at the Brands
While the Napoleon vs Weber debate has been simmering for some time now, the two brands are quite different in terms of experience and perception. Weber has been THE giant in the grill market for many decades and has a large, faithful user base.
Napoleon, on the other hand, is a Canadian upstart that is trying to get a foothold in the market with both premium and budget offerings while maintaining quality standards.
A look at these brands, their histories, and their relative strengths and weaknesses can help you make an initial choice in this grill debate.
A Look at the History
Weber Stephen Products History
If you are passionate about BBQ, you will already have some idea about the history of Weber – a pioneer in the space that has been on the market for many decades. A behemoth in the market, Weber was originally a metal works company, starting operations in 1893.
However, Weber became one of the pioneers in the BBQ industry after inventing the kettle grill in 1952, a contraption that is still found in many homes. The kettle grill, made from a metal buoy that was split into two parts, became almost synonymous with grilling and still enjoys a large user base.
From there, Weber started creating a wide variety of grills and smokers and currently has a large range of BBQ products on the market. The brand is well-known for producing grills that are tough, durable, and allow for versatile cooking options. They also have a wide range of grilling accessories that can make life easier for BBQ beginner or veteran alike. They have also evolved with the times, incorporating the latest technologies and modern features into their grills to provide a seamless experience.
Napoleon Grills History
Napoleon, while being a late entrant into the BBQ market, has a somewhat similar origin story. The company also started off as a metal works company, kicked off by two German immigrants in Canada. Napoleon became a brand manufacturing grills in the 1980s, and have steadily progressed with excellent grills and other heating appliances over the years.
A strength of Napoleon is its experience and competence creating heating products of different kinds, and not just grills. They also manufacture fireplaces, heaters, and stoves. With time, Napoleon has now become a name to reckon with in the grill market, with high-end products that incorporate innovative features and excellent quality and construction. This, coupled with long warranties and excellent customer service, has helped Napoleon carve out a niche for itself and go head-to-head with an industry giant like Weber.
Where are They Manufactured?
Weber is headquartered in Chicago and most of their grills are built/assembled at their manufacturing plant in Huntley, Illinois. However, most of their grills use parts that are sourced from other countries and some models are actually assembled in China or Taiwan. While there have been some quality issues in the past, Weber seems to have sorted them out and made sure the positive opinion and name recognition it enjoys remains unaffected.
Napoleon grills are mostly manufactured in their facility in Canada, although some models might be put together in China. Known for creating high-end grills, the brand has recently also started targeting the budget market with a high degree of success with its Rogue line of grills.
Key Differentiating Points
While both Weber and Napoleon can present excellent value and have different models and different prices points, the brands do have their relative strengths and weaknesses. Let us take a look at a few key differentiating points that can help make your choice easier when considering these two brands.
Cooking Area
In comparable models, you are more likely to find more cooking space in Napoleon models. In general, Napoleon grills offer a little more cooking area for the money compared with Weber products. This can translate into more food per grilling session and avert the need for multiple passes when you are cooking for larger groups.
Heating
While both brands feature burners with comparable heat output, it is common to find one or more extra burners in Napoleon grills when compared with similarly priced Weber products. This means more heating and more versatility when cooking.
Also, since Napoleon grills usually have slightly smaller cooking areas, the same amount of heat output means that you get more heat per unit area, which can help in more efficient and quicker cooking. Both brands also incorporate innovative ignition designs into their products to make it easier to get started with grilling. However, the Jetfire ignition system used by Napoleon, in our testing, does seem to be slightly ahead in terms of effectiveness, reliability, and durability when compared with the Infinity Ignition system used by Weber.
Price
For grill models in a similar price range, it is usually the case that Napoleon offers similar products for a lower price compared with Weber. If you spend a similar amount of money with both brands, you are likely to end up with a more feature-rich model if you buy a Napoleon grill.
Warranty
Both Weber and Napoleon offer excellent warranty durations and support. However, Napoleon grills usually edge out the warranty offering from Weber by a few years and covers the entirety of the grill, including all component parts.
A Look at the Product Lines
Weber offers three popular product lines – the Spirit line, the Genesis line, and the Summit line. Price and features-wise, these product lines correspond to entry-level, mid-range, and luxury offerings. As you go up in price, the more advanced models can give you more cooking area and heating capacity, more modern features like wireless monitoring, and an overall better quality of materials and construction.
Napoleon currently follows a similar product portfolio with their Rogue series targeting the entry-level market, their Prestige series for the mid-range market, and their Prestige Pro series for the high-end market. While we talk about the Weber vs Napoleon gas grills debate, all the product lines mentioned above are gas grills.
However, both Weber and Napoleon also have on offer portable grills and charcoal grills as well, giving customers a wide range of versatile options to choose from.
Important Takeaways
Weber is definitely a force to be reckoned with in the BBQ world and its products have been satisfying BBQ enthusiasts for decades. If you buy one of the Weber grills reviewed here, you will not be disappointed in terms of quality and features. With a Weber grill at home, a whole new world of cooking can open up easily.
With that said, Napoleon has definitely emerged as a viable competitor with excellent quality standards, competitive pricing, and great warranty support. If you are looking for an alternative option in terms of brands, buying a Napoleon grill can surely tick all the right boxes.
It’s a Toss Up
No matter what your needs are, Weber and Napoleon are two brands you cannot go wrong with for your grilling needs. Which is better? Weber grills or Napoleon grills? Both brands bring unique features and reliable performance to the table and you can take a look at the review categories above to have a much easier time making up your mind.
While there is no definitive answer to the Napoleon vs Weber debate, the competition among these leading brands is definitely a positive as it encourages both sides to keep innovating, much to the pleasure of us BBQ enthusiasts.
We’ve done a lot of comparisons to Weber over the years. See how Weber did against other grills.
3 years after purchase, Numerous parts are failing which indicates lack of quality:
The black inscriptions indicating which burner is controlled by which knob is rubbing off everywhere, electrical outlets in back no longer have spring closure (broke), the plastic rings on the burner controls are cracking, the temp gauge reads 200deg F even when its 40 deg outside.
I contacted Napoleon directly to ascertain warranty coverage…2018 models had Lifetime Bumper-to Bumper Warranty which covers some things indefinitely, some things for 15 yrs and many parts for 2 years. As a COURTESY they would supply me with new decals to place on the grill (cant wait to see how that looks), and the rest of the parts would be at a discounted price! I expressed my dismay that an allegedly premium product with a premium price point would want to charge their customer ~ $100….this amount is miniscule compared with the $3500 I paid for the grill and accessories… This $ 100 is not generating any real revenue for them but is generating a lot of bad will for the customer. Napoleon’s representative Kat did not care.
I would definitely consider purchasing a grill from another manufacturer. At this price point, customer service and standing behind the product is imperative; sadly Napoleon has not figured that out.
Hi Esteban,
Sorry to hear about this. Sounds like you are having some bad luck on top of bad luck. Did you try speaking to a different customer service rep? What retailer did you buy the grill from? Maybe they can help. Napoleon is typically a robust product.
Michael
Interesting article! As a Canadian, it’s great to see our grill brands holding their own against the big players from the south. I’m definitely considering giving Canadian Grills a try for my next barbecue. Who needs Weber and Napoleon when you’ve got superior quality and taste from north of the border?