Napoleon and Blaze are two of the most commonly specified grills in the $2,500–$5,000 built-in range for outdoor kitchens. Napoleon is a Canadian company with a strong brand in the residential grill space; Blaze is a built-in specialist with a rapidly growing presence in the outdoor kitchen contractor market. Here’s how they compare.
Napoleon Built-In Overview
Napoleon’s built-in grill line — primarily the Prestige Pro and Rogue series in built-in configurations — uses stainless steel construction with their WAVE cooking grids (wave-shaped grates that increase searing contact). Napoleon grills have a strong track record in freestanding configurations and their built-in versions carry the same engineering. The ignition system is reliable. Napoleon’s infrared SIZZLE ZONE side burner is a distinctive feature — a side infrared burner capable of extremely high temperatures for searing applications.
Blaze Built-In Overview
Blaze Professional (BLZ series) is built-in focused — every product is designed specifically for island installation. Full 304 stainless throughout, cast stainless burners, lifetime warranty on burners and cooking grates. The push-and-turn ignition is simple and proven. Blaze’s cooking area per nominal size is competitive, and the product is consistently reliable across thousands of outdoor kitchen installations in the United States.
Side-by-Side Comparison
- Materials: Both use 304 stainless in primary components. Blaze Professional uses 304 throughout including secondary components; Napoleon uses some 430 in secondary areas on non-premium models.
- Warranty: Blaze offers a lifetime warranty on burners and cooking grates. Napoleon offers 15-year warranty on stainless components and lifetime warranty on cast stainless burners on their Prestige Pro line. Comparable warranty coverage at the premium tier of each brand.
- Performance: Both grills perform comparably for everyday grilling. Napoleon’s SIZZLE ZONE infrared side burner is a differentiated feature if a dedicated high-heat searing station is a priority.
- Price: Napoleon Prestige Pro 500 built-in: $3,200–$4,200. Blaze Professional 4-burner 36″: $2,800–$3,500. Napoleon runs slightly higher at comparable specifications.
- Brand presence in outdoor kitchen applications: Blaze has a stronger presence among dedicated outdoor kitchen contractors; Napoleon is more commonly specified by homeowners who already have Napoleon freestanding grills and want brand consistency.
Our Recommendation
Both Napoleon and Blaze are solid choices for Broken Arrow and Tulsa outdoor kitchens. Blaze is our more frequent specification for standard outdoor kitchen projects because of the dedicated built-in engineering, full 304 stainless, and lifetime component warranty at a slightly lower price point. Napoleon is a legitimate choice — particularly if the SIZZLE ZONE infrared side burner is a feature you want, or if you have Napoleon brand affinity from previous grill ownership.
Choose Your Grill at the Free Consultation
We install Napoleon, Blaze, Coyote, Alfresco, Twin Eagles, and other brands throughout the Tulsa metro. Call (918) 582-7890 or fill out the form below.
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