Napoleon Prestige VS Weber Genesis (Which Gas Grill Would you Choose?!?) 

Here are a couple of tips that make assembly slightly easier ru-vid.comUgkxCx5fHawkK9OoV-ojFrY8JLnZrFwAmvUt . 1) One person can assemble, but if you have a buddy to help, it will make it go faster - especially steps 1-3 and 8 (the legs aren't heavy but can be difficult to hold while screwing things in). Step 8, 1st part will take some time unless you have two more hands OR are really lucky. 2) Use a socket wrench! 3) Step 7, 3rd part - the flame carry over tube has an open side, MAKE SURE THE OPEN SIDE IS FACING THE FRONT. If it's facing the back, the tube won't work. 4) Step 10, 3rd part - if you don't have small hands (I don't, they're gigantic) getting the nut on is really difficult (but not impossible). It took me about 4 hours to assemble, but I took a "union break" every 60-90 minutes and ate a quick lunch. Also, I'm really OCD so I took my time, looked at the instructions carefully, and cleaned up as I went.

Travis nailed this comparison. It is a solid 2 years later and Weber is still lagging behind the Napoleon. I love Weber products but when it came time to upgrade my grills I chose the Napoleon Prestige 500. It sits on my patio and goes to work. It is practically the Porsche of gas grills. Great job once again Travis!

I've had my Prestige PRO 500 for 7 years. Tremendous grill with a sexy look. Only had to change the burners recently which was covered under warranty. Their customer service is top notch, second to none.

Greetings from Ukraine! I'm a charcoal grill fan. I have a Weber 5750. I wanted to get a Weber Genesis SX 435 gas grill for my birthday, but after your videos I changed my choice to a Napoleon Prestige 500 RSIB. An additional factor was my wife's trip to Toronto and she was amazed that people everywhere had Napoleon Prestige grills EXCLUSIVELY. So I am proud to say that I am the owner of Napoleon. Thanks to you and your team for a detailed and truthful comparison test. Best regards

Excellent review. Also, on point with your analysis! Great job.

Best thing I ever did was lie to my wife about the price of the prestige 500... I suffered for 6 years with my Home Depot special... Don't tell her the truth

Had/have a Prestige for 14 years, never used the rotisserie burner once. However, you demonstrated exactly why I hate the Napoleon, look at the unevenness of the lit rotisserie burning see how it's not lit completely? The unevenness of that burner is the problem throughout the Napoleon burners, especially the bottom grill burners. The grill doesn't get hot enough, and it's heating is uneven. I have a Genesis too, and it gets way hotter, and is perfectly even. Napoleon has replaced everything on my grill, it's a bad design, or poor output regulator, I have not idea and either do they.

Got a Weber genesis (2022 version) without all the digital crap I don’t use for 799$. In love so far. That napoleon looks beautiful to. I think they are both good options. I know when your shopping every little detail and price point is important and fun to learn and investigate. But ultimately these are both really nice grills.

Meeting with the Napoleon rep tomorrow to hopefully bring them into my shop. Your videos have been very helpful.

I bought the Prestige Pro 500... here is a video of what happened about 7 months after owning it: ru-vid.comJ1cmxRURCXs

You forgot the rollback top of Napoleon. I love your videos, you add just enough humour to make it fun. I love the Napoleon, even though I am a little basis since I work for them. I have given at least six p500rsib to friends as gifts and they love them.

My first Weber 2001 silver three burner. Used all year round. Just replaced grill and flavor bars with stainless. Running great.

I've now spent over 40 minutes watching a couple of your videos and they were both great! I assume the lighted knobs on the Napoleon require batteries? I was literally comparing these two and low and behold you had a video! Thanks! Napoleon for the win!

My Weber 3 burner just died 20 yrs later....This Napoleon looks good for some Jersey Shore cook outs....You sold me...Good review.

Great video, I have been cooking on Weber for years. In the market for a new grill and I think I'll give Napoleon a try.

Great video. You've made the case well and I'm a weber man.

Great video! I don’t understand the person who says you are too long. Don’t change a thing, just do you!

Great comparison. Was a Weber fan but now will be looking at the Napoleon.

Thanks for the honest review. I chose the Weber because I got a great deal. If you don’t mind feedback, your videos could be 50% shorter if you were more concise.

Like the bonuses with the 500, but didn't see ourselves ever using the rotissery or the side burner. Ended up with the Genisis 325 vs 335 -- pretty much identical except side burner, storage and goofy "accessories" section. At $800 it was $600 less than I could find the 500. (now I see sales for $1400, Still $500 more) Build quality is great, feels very solid -- something our past "cheap" grills (like $500) always suffered with. Since we arent big party people, even the 325 was overkill size wise, but the construction vs the next step down -- say $600-700 grills -- was over the top better.

I was on the fence between both. I had long thought that I wanted a Weber but the price was just to high, so I settled for what was supposed to be glowing reviews for Broil King…Never again. I watched this episode among others regarding the comparison between Napoleon and Weber. Something about Napoleon was sitting very well and even more so after watching this video. You explained everything clearly, concisely and sensibly. In the end I went with Napoleon prestige with Infrared side and rear, because I like the design and that it is made at home here in Canada. So thanks for the video. It really helped make up my mind. Either would be good but Napoleon has conquered my grilling.

awesome information. I love your videos.

Thank you for the fantastic review. Two part question 1) how would compare the cleaning maintenance 2) can I purchase a full size griddle for the napoleon ?

I just bought it 😮 thanks for this video 🎉

great VS, thanks! what aboot spare parts and replacing old burnt out pieces, any preference?

I went with the Weber for a few reasons. 1st was the full size griddle. I've been wanting a flat top for a while but also need to upgrade my 15 year old Q to have a later cooking surface. With the new Weber I get both with one footprint. I don't do rotisserie either so that wasn't a selling point for me personally. I didn't think I would use a side burner either but that changed when I saw someone grilling up breakfast on the griddle and had gravy going on the side burner and biscuits on the top rack. Final decision maker for me was a sale on the Weber that I just couldn't pass up. I got the grill, cover and full griddle for less than the 500 alone. The 500 is still a very good buy for someone who does rotisserie.

For those who care. Updated pricing on these is still $1499 for the Napoleon Prestige 500 RSIB. For the Genesis shown here, its is only about $1149 (S-335). For $1399 you can get the Weber Genesis EXP-335 with smart controls, built in temperature probes and light up knobs, or the "dumb" larger 4 burner E-435. Or if you want he stainless you can get the S-435 for $1499. (Plus countless options between $1000 and $1500 for Weber). Its not as clear of a win for the Nepoleon today. Really tough choice.

While the Napoleon is your best seller it certainly does not outsell Weber in the U.S. overall market. Don’t get me wrong, the Napoleon is a winner, but most people prefer the Weber. Having said that, I will look into Napoleon for my next grill when my present Weber Genesis II S335 gives out. I do have to give Weber a thumbs up for their warranty. Does Napoleon have a warranty when you called you don’t get a lot of hassle?

I just ordered my Napoleon Prestige 500. Can't wait

Very informative, I just became a Napoleon Prestige fan and customer!

Napoleon Prestige 500 non pro series is a great grill. It compares in price to the Weber S-435 at $1499 USD. The Napoleon has some weakness vs. the Weber S-435. No side storage. Storage under grill is limited by the supports. Doors are cheaply made. The cabinet feels flimsy compared to the Weber. Difficult to put together. The biggest disadvantage for the Napoleon is that it is a much smaller grill for the same price. The Weber has 32% more cooking area for the same price. As the gentleman says in his comparison, features inside the box matter more. Grill size conveniently left out of discussion in his comparison video. If you want a grill the same size as the Weber S-435, you will need to move up to the Prestige 665 which costs $500 more than the equivalent size Weber. The Weber crafted kitchen accessories are very nice. For an additional $300 you can get a smart version of the Weber grill but I think for most people they would be better off getting an infrared thermometer, a quick probe and a probe/ambient temperature alarm system. The Napoleon has some real advantages. The infrared side burner is marginally better than the Weber searing station with the cast iron searing grate. The internal Weber searing station does a great job without using up your side burner. It gets more than hot enough . The rear infrared might make a slight difference when using a rotisserie but frankly I am skeptical. If anything the danger of overcooking the chicken increases with an infrared burner. The Weber is able to maintain a perfect roasting temperature so the difference is minimal. The nice thing is that the Napoleon comes with a rotisserie. You will need to spend extra money to get the Weber rotisserie or an aftermarket rotisserie which is much better than the OEM. The rotisserie is an additional $150 USD. The Napoleon has a more convenient lighting system and nice knobs that are lit and visually show you they are on by change color to red. This is a nice safety and convenience feature. The Napoleon warranty seems better. It is a lifetime on the lid ,grates,castings and stainless steel cook box base. Weber only has a 12 year on these parts. The non-infrared burners etc have the same 10 year warrant as Weber. Weber has a 5 year on non-listed parts. Napoleon has a 2 year on non-listed parts. Those fancy Napoleon infrared burners only have a 5 year warranty and they are expensive to replace. I doubt Napoleon will be able to live up to its warranty 20 years from now when they don't make the part. Maybe they can. So the decision is far from obvious, You might opt for more grill vs. fancy features that might not really make a meaningful difference. I chose the Weber S-435 because I don't like clutter and the Weber crafted accessories fit in the side cabinet and under the grill. I know it is easier to find replacement parts for the Weber. Weber is everywhere. I had to go to a specialty shop just to see a Napoleon put together. Did I mention that they wanted to charge me over $300 to assemble and deliver. The Weber installation was flawless. I like my decision. I got a much larger grill for my money.

Thanks Trevor for the great review. It's time for me for an upgrade from a Weber Q and I was looking at the Genesis series. Didn't know too much about the Napoleon until I started to see your videos. Here in Australia, Weber still dominates the market. Unfortunately, the Prestige is not available here, but the Rogue SE is pretty close. I will certainly go Napoleon for the next one soon.

Un grand merci pour vos vidéos, très instructives. Nous ne connaissions pas Napoléon. Cette marque est peu représentée et très peu connue en France. Nous allons changer notre Weber Genesis Silver qui date de 2003....surement par un Napoléon Phantom Prestige 500

How does heavier burner equate better lol

whats the exact model of this prestige 500?

Used Webers and have cooked on a napoleon a dozen times or so. I can say that I do not like the way the Napoleon cooks. It's hard to control the heat if you're cooking a full grill at a party or something. The shape of the Napoleon is really annoying. I couldn't but much on that top rack because the angle of the lid. That was frustrating. I actually preferred my SS Charbroil more than the napoleon. Overall, nothing has ever beaten a Weber for me.

Getting a recent year Genesis S345 in great condition almost for free off Craigslist may have skewed my opinion...

Wir haben schon echt viele Kohlesorten getestet, aber die Magna Kohle ist wirklich mit Abstand die beste die wir je hatten! Hat das ganze nochmal auf ein ganz anderes Level gehoben. Keine Ahnung was da drin ist, aber die sind wirklich top!

I have the Genesis Smart Grill and I just love it. Next thing I will buy is an OFYR. That will be a nice addition for cosy BBQs.

Great video. In comparing the burners though, I'm surprised no mention of the pureblu flame tech on the Weber. The quality of the fire difference was pretty evident in your video. Would be interesting to do an actual cook comparison to gauge whether that makes a significant difference.

Just started curiosity lifetime warranty only means a set amount of years depending on what state you live in. For instance, lifetime warranty unless stated in the state of Wisconsin on everything is only 10 years. And I read the warranty for Napoleon and I know it's 15 years bumper to bumper but I'm confused on the lifetime. Example if you were to buy furniture with a lifetime warranty it's not and it goes with just about everything so I wonder if that falls in line with whatever state you live in. I also did notice that the Weber is now a 12-year warranty for that grill which is limited also.

I went to buy a Napoleon but realized that you missed the part where Weber is significantly larger. 94 sq inch larger than Napoleon. I ended up getting Weber S-435

Quick question. I noticed the rear burner on the Napoleon appeared to drop off to the right. That may have been a lightning issue on the video or an ignite and wait a few more seconds, issue. Anyway, I love the rear burner on the Prestige, and I'd like to complete this commentary with 2 more questions........ Question 1,.......does the infrared rear burner maintain a linear temperature across the length of the burner? Question 2,.....How do you clean the infrared side burner? Thanks, Craig

Can you buy the Napoleon and add the Weber smart controls as an independent solution? Like the Igrill but Weber new Smart Control and still get the Weber recipe site?

Looking at this video because my Sterling Forge, NOW 13 yrs old(currently 2022), has some "senior" issues: I now have to click the ignitor knobs twice now to fire up. The control panel(knobs to ignitor), has pretty much rusted out. No wonder the company(I think) went out of business as they built them TOO WELL!!! RIP

Weber has had the US market so long that their products have gone stale. Decent quality with the genesis line tho. But i just picked up this grill in the phantom black series for the shore house, and it blows away the weber i have in my in my everyday house

At the 9:30+ spot, how is drippings/stuff kept from that infrared burner? How is that cleaned?? I've used the side burner on my Weber Summit and it's very easy to clean..

Just bought an SPX-335 on clearance from Home Depot for $1100!!!! Can't wait!

Great video!!!

I used this review among others to influence my purchase of a Napoleon grill, and I just have to say, how can you sell this grill in good conscience? There are some good features, but there is so much smoke it kicks out literally right into your face, it makes it almost impossible to use sometimes. Stop taking money from your brands and shilling an inferior product - actually call out poor design where it's warranted and hold brands to account. I really wish I would have gone with Weber.

Honestly I struggled to decide between the prestige 500 with infrared burner/rotisserie or a Weber genesis e-435. Luckily the ace by me had both on display. I prefer cast iron over stainless, and the napoleon just didn’t feel well built. The big decision maker was parts, Weber parts are easy to get. Napoleon is known for their lack of customer service. I am loving my Weber so far, got plenty of the add ons and am loving them to

I am not too happy with my Napoleon Rogue 625 heat distribution, I find extreme differences between the front and the back zones, how does this compare to the Wber of the same range? Also, I have heard that Napoleon has come up with some remedies to rectify the issues (saw somewhere someone talking about a redesigned tray to allow more air flow, culd not find any further info on this), do you have any idea about such modifications? ?

I’ve never used a Napoleon, but man that looks nice

Good review. I have an old Weber Summit from 2004 that I'm still using. Need to upgrade and debating. The Napoleon looks good though I've read review that state the side burner (infrared) is not all that. The users state that since it's so hot and close to the meat, no matter what, it burns. I like 'em seared, but not quite burned! Thoughts and what's your real world experience on handling meat so it doesn't burn on the burner? Would've been nice to see an actual steak cooked in the review too.

Got a P500 10 years ago for the reasons you state, the side sear grill and the ignition. I also chose the p500 to support local business (I live in Canada) But, both those features have flaws. I won't get into my problems here but I often regret not getting the Weber. I now light the grill with a match and replaced the side grate with the stainless version.

Great review! Can the Prestige side burner fold down as well?

You got me to switch from Weber (probably) but you left out a few things in my opinion. Is the Infrared side burner easy to clean (not a huge deal). The other big one is the warranty. Last I checked Weber isn't 10 years, some part are, some are about 7 and the igniters a year, maybe 2. Is the Napolean warranty top to bottom lifetime? I doubt it but will be impressed if that's the case. The Napolean has 4 igniters which is great if the warranty on those is lifetime too. I think most of the igniters fail within a few years so if they aren't lifetime, that can add up. Good video, just a few thoughts of my own.

My issue is with the under cabinets rusting. Do any companies make a entire grill out of stainless steel?

We just bought this new Genesis in South Africa (Genesis E435) - the side table is also retractable! It’s awesome!

Just got a Prestige Pro 500. It’s ridiculous how fun that thing is to grill! I’m a charcoal guy through and through, but Napoleon makes grilling with gas a ton of fun!

I have just watched multiple videos in a row from you. I need to replace my weber genesis ( 15 years old!) Now I don't know what to do. One thing not mentioned in the napoleon was if the drip tray is easy to clean? I usually don't grill at night so lights are nice but not a main factor. I worry about the smart grill going bad ( warranty 3 years on weber for that- and there's no external temp gauge on lid ) I guess I am still confused about the smart option- do you actually set temperature like an oven? I am going to have this next grill for the next 12- 15 years and want to make the best choice- Do you still prefer the Napoleon over the weber smart grill option? plugging that in confuses me too? That seems like it would be a bother. Also Does the Napoleon show low propane? Anything else you would factor in?

Trevor, does the Prestige need to plugged into AC power for ignition and handles to light up or is it battery powered? thanks.

Napoleon all the way for gas grills. Plus I’m an Ontario boy, so it’s nice to support local. But I also have a Weber Kettle. And as much as the Napoleon is a better gas grill, nothing can replace a good old fashioned charcoal cook. There’s room for both in my back yard.

Great review…thank you

I did pick up a clearance Weber Genesis e-330 at Lowes for $664.00 (normally $949.00) so I couldn’t pass it up.

Very good review.

I was going to buy a Weber until I saw this video. I'm convinced on the Prestige 500 (still even better than the Genesis S-435 wouldn't you say?). I'm located in Canada and was looking on the Napolean site. Why would natural gas model be cheaper than propane? I always thought NG was more expensive due to the "convenience" factor.

Good review, thank you! Quick question both of these have the small propane bottle inside but can you still route the hose for a bottle outside the cabinet? We don't really use those small propane bottles here, 15kg is more standard and wouldn't fit inside those BBQs.

Mate excuse me, what about the napoleon SE vs this genesis? Would you go for the Napoleon still? Tks cheers

BBQ MVP this fella

Compared build-quality of the two first-hand and gotta say, some choices Napoleon makes are questionable. And while you give so much value to having a sear plate on the side of the grill, it's harder to clean and keep clean. I prefer my sear zone in the main grill area -- which the Weber provides. Who cares if controls are lighted? One more battery that needs replacing or one more thing that will break... the auto-relight feature on the Napoleon is one of the few useful features that distinguishes it from the Weber. But that's not on the Rogue line of grills most people are probably comparing against. Encourage people to look at each in person and notice how things like the burners are attached, build quality of the cabinet, casters, shelves, etc.

I think I am going to move on from Weber as the quality is just not what it once was. I also challenge the assertion of their CS being great- you can't even call them! Every time I had to make a claim, it felt like it was a fight. Send pics, then they send you a diagnosis procedure before they tell you that your issue is not covered....etc. etc. It felt like a fight just to get replacement parts, which they were always ready to sell me at full MSRP. It's just not the same thing. Napoleon seems promising

But which one will last longer in the elements ? I bought a Broil King 3 years ago and it basically rotted inside . I have a budget of $1000 and want one that has a grease catcher , I'm tired of grease fires and want one that can be cleaned easily and wont get moldy . Also , I lost the right side and it only burned on the left . The Napolean looks like a quality BBQ , that looks like a solid choice , and I like a bone-in ribeye and the searing feature looks awesome . Thanks for the information , it's appreciated .

Bigger kickbacks from Napoleon i guess

I'm surprised these videos don't look at things like heat distribution, do they cook evenly, heat retention, quality of casing

You mention they have exceptional warranties and they do.... but not only that: The customer service, at least for my Napoleon Rogue, is swift end proffessional. I received my new Rogue 525 SE a few days ago and had the Sizzle Zone burner would not light. While that shouldn't happen with a grill in that price range, shit happens... and the service I got was simply second to none. Within two e-mails and two days (!!!) they'd pinpointed the problem and sent me new electrodes and a new cable. I replaced both and the thing now works perfectly. I expect it would be the same story with a Weber but try doing that with a Nexgrill or a Char Broil ;-) I already know, I'll never regret putting in that extra money.

Wolderful review. Very good. I wonder why we in Finland have in our Weber (mine e-410 Genesis II) reigniting system and you don't have same in your new Genesis?

Very helpful! Napoleon for the win.

Can't quite believe the Weber does not not have tunnels for the gas to ignite other burners. Even my cheap supermarket BBQ has that feature!

How's the clean up on the Napoleon sear station?

Unfortunately, In the UK the Prestige 500 is 2250 and both the Rogue 525 SE and the Weber E335 are about 1500. With a 1500 budget would you go Rogue 525SE or Weber Genesis E335?

Thanks!

Embers Trev is a legend! Fact!!

The Infra Red is very Smokey when cooking

First thing I did to my Napoleon was put larger and stronger wheels on it! Too tall a gap in the concrete between the driveway and garage for the wheels it came with. Use that grill every week, even here in the Michigan winter.

Hi, which one you would buy here in Europe, prices are different. Weber Genesis EPX-335 is 2249 euros and closest to that in Napoleon range would be Napoleon Prestige Phantom P500 with the price 2499 euros. Napoleon Prestige Pro500 would already cost 2999 euros. I know Weber warranty because of previous experiences with them and it has always worked perfectly here.

What do you think about the Saber 500? Also a 2300$ BBQ Different cooking technology as opposed to the standard grill and heat deflectors. Thanks mate 😊

Great review! Would you also compare the Rogue XT525 SIB vs the Genesis E-325s?

Great review. I read some reviews about a lot of flare ups with the Prestige. Do you have a sense if this is an issue vs the G2? Also, what about windy conditions? The Prestige has a nice feature with the connected burners but the huge vent on the front worries me a bit. Tx.

The leds looks sharp, but sorry I would go for the Weber hands down

I’ve owned a Weber summit s470 I believe was the model and a napoleon pro 500 prestige. The Weber I had was in 2009 which I believe was built in the USA. Now webers are built in China. That being said my napoleon with the ceramic infrared sear zone is top notch. Just my two cents. Napoleon are also built in Canada with a better bumper to bumper warranty.

Holy shit. I was a Weber fan but now I’m totally Napoleon.

How are these after 3-6 years of use? New is always shiny in the store.

I don’t know about Webber service. I burned through a heat deflector (literally a piece of angle iron) and Webber wanted to send that piece to me for the price of a new grill ($700). At that point I bought a Napoleon and have never looked back. Not only has the Napoleon been more reliable but longer lasting. Webber can eat it!

Love the look of the Prestige but a lot of the reviews I've read recently have referenced uneven heating relative to the Weber - was that observed at all during the testing? Anyone else have the Prestige and able to comment on if the heating is uneven (back much hotter than the front)?

Just got the Napoleon Rebel here in Ontario. It's Fantastic

Why Weber doesn’t have auto-light on burners, seems like a safety issue. I often grill on windy days. Unburned gas pouring into the fire box while you walk up to the house to grab more cut vegetables ?? What are they thinking?

Why is only the left 80% of napoleon back burner lit ?

I wish he would do an apples to apples comparison

..their'iconic' waverod technology. I don't know how "Iconic it is". But it's iconic. ;)