Weber and Napoleon are both well-known and respected brands in the world of grilling, and the Genesis II S-435 and Prestige 500 are two of their popular models. Both grills offer a range of features to make grilling easy and enjoyable, including four burners, electronic ignition systems, built-in thermometers, and storage cabinets.
Propane tank placement
The Weber Genesis II S-435 and the Napoleon Prestige 500 are both medium-priced grills that have gained immense popularity in the market due to their affordability and impressive features. When it comes to the Weber Genesis II S-435, one notable feature is the placement of the hose for the propane tank outside the grill. While this might not be the most aesthetically pleasing design choice, it offers a significant advantage in terms of freeing up ample storage space, which can be invaluable for grill enthusiasts who like to keep their cooking tools and accessories close at hand.
On the other hand, the Napoleon Prestige 500 takes a different approach by placing the propane tank underneath the grill. While this design choice might use up some storage space, it offers a clean and sleek appearance. Additionally, the Napoleon Prestige 500 comes with a retractable shelf on the right side, which can be a convenient feature for extra workspace when needed.
One standout feature of the Napoleon Prestige 500 is its infrared side burner, which is a significant advantage. This burner can be elevated to serve as a sear station, allowing for precision cooking and achieving those perfect sear marks on your grilled dishes. In conclusion, both grills have their unique design choices and advantages, with the Napoleon Prestige 500 standing out for its infrared side burner and versatility in searing capabilities.
Key Differences
Here’s a summary of their key differences.
The Prestige 500 has a slightly larger total cooking area than the Genesis II S-435. It also has an infrared rear burner in addition to the side burner, which allows for more versatile cooking options. Its Night Light knobs are also a plus.
Comparison Chart: Weber Genesis II S-435 vs Napoleon Prestige 500
| Grill |  |  |
| Model | Check Price » Weber Genesis II S-435 | Check Price » Napoleon Prestige 500 |
| Main Cooking Space (sq in) | 646 | 500 |
| Additional Cooking Space (sq in) | 198 (warming rack) | 60 (warming rack) and 140 (side burner) |
| Total Cooking area (sq in) | 844 | 900 |
| Burners | 4 (stainless steel) | 4 (stainless steel) |
| Ignition system | Electronic | Electronic |
| Thermometer |  | |
| Night Light Knobs |  | |
| Grill cabinet | | |
| Additional burners | Side burner, sear station | Side burner, infrared rear burner |
| Fuel | Propane/natural gas | Propane/natural gas |
| Weight | 176 pounds, 80 kg | 214 pounds. (97 kg) |
| Dimensions | 65″D x 29″W x 47″H | 26.5″D x 66.25″W x 50.25″H |
Main Cooking Space (sq in):
When it comes to the Total Cooking Area (sq in), the Weber Genesis® II S-435 Gas Grill offers 844 square inches of cooking space, while the Napoleon Prestige® 500 Propane Gas Grill boasts a slightly larger cooking area at 900 square inches. While the difference of 56 square inches might not be substantial for some grill enthusiasts, it can make a significant impact when you’re planning to cook for a larger gathering or need extra room for various dishes simultaneously. Therefore, in terms of Total Cooking Area (sq in), the Napoleon Prestige® 500 Propane Gas Grill takes the lead, making it a better choice if you require more cooking space for your grilling adventures.
- Weber Genesis II S-435: The Weber Genesis II S-435 offers a generous main cooking space of 646 square inches, providing ample room for grilling a variety of foods at once.
- Napoleon Prestige 500: The Napoleon Prestige 500 boasts a slightly larger main cooking space of 500 square inches, which is still spacious enough for most grilling needs.
iGrill 3 Compatibility:
When it comes to iGrill 3 compatibility, there is a clear distinction between the Weber Genesis® II S-435 Gas Grill and the Napoleon Prestige® 500 Propane Gas Grill. The Weber Genesis® II S-435 Gas Grill is iGrill 3 compatible, meaning you can easily integrate this advanced grilling technology into your cooking experience. iGrill 3 allows you to monitor your grill’s temperature and the doneness of your food through a smartphone app, making grilling more convenient and precise.
In contrast, the Napoleon Prestige® 500 Propane Gas Grill does not offer iGrill 3 compatibility. This means you won’t have the same level of high-tech grilling assistance and monitoring options available with the Weber grill.
In terms of iGrill 3 compatibility, the Weber Genesis® II S-435 Gas Grill is the better choice for those who value smart grilling technology and the convenience it brings to the cooking process.
Brand comparison
Both Napoleon and Weber are well-known brands in the grilling industry, and they each have their own unique characteristics and strengths.
Weber:
- Brand Recognition: Weber is an iconic and widely recognized brand in the world of grilling, known for its quality and innovation. It has established itself as a household name in many countries, particularly in the United States.
- Longevity: Weber has a long history in the grilling business, with a legacy that spans decades. The company has consistently evolved and expanded its product offerings to meet the changing needs of consumers.
- Innovation: Weber is known for its commitment to innovation and has introduced several grilling technologies and accessories, including the popular Weber iGrill system for smart grilling.
Napoleon:
- Manufacturing Expertise: Napoleon Grills are manufactured by Wolf Steel, a Canadian company with a history dating back to 1976. They initially started as a steel fabrication company and later ventured into producing wood stoves, fireplaces, and eventually gas grills. This background in manufacturing contributes to the quality of Napoleon grills.
- High-End Quality: Napoleon Grills are designed with an emphasis on quality and durability. The company aims to produce high-end gas grills that offer exceptional build quality and warranty.
- Regional Recognition: While Napoleon may not have the same level of global recognition as Weber, it is a household name in Canada and has a dedicated following in various regions.
Additional Cooking Space (sq in):
- Weber Genesis II S-435:
- This grill features an additional 198 square inches of cooking space on the warming rack, perfect for keeping food warm or toasting buns.
- Napoleon Prestige 500: The Napoleon Prestige 500 also includes a warming rack with 260 square inches of additional cooking space, offering a bit more room compared to the Weber.
Total Cooking Area (sq in):
- Weber Genesis II S-435: The total cooking area, including the main and additional cooking spaces, is 844 square inches.
- Napoleon Prestige 500: The total cooking area for the Napoleon Prestige 500 is 760 square inches.
Burners:
- Weber Genesis II S-435: This grill is equipped with four stainless steel burners, allowing for versatile heat control and even cooking.
- Napoleon Prestige 500: The Napoleon Prestige 500 also features four stainless steel burners for consistent heat distribution and control.
Ignition System:
- Weber Genesis II S-435: It has a reliable electronic ignition system for quick and hassle-free startup.
- Napoleon Prestige 500: The Napoleon Prestige 500 is equipped with a Jetfire ignition system, known for its consistent and reliable ignition.
Thermometer:
- Weber Genesis II S-435: This grill comes with an integrated thermometer in the lid, helping you monitor cooking temperatures easily.
- Napoleon Prestige 500: The Napoleon Prestige 500 also includes an accurate temperature gauge on the lid for convenient temperature monitoring.
Night Light Knobs:
- Weber Genesis II S-435: It features illuminated control knobs, which is a convenient feature for grilling in low-light conditions or at night.
- Napoleon Prestige 500: The Napoleon Prestige 500 offers a similar feature with its SAFETY GLOW control knobs, providing visibility in the dark.
Grill Cabinet:
- Weber Genesis II S-435: This grill has a sturdy and spacious cabinet beneath the grill for storage of tools and accessories.
- Napoleon Prestige 500: The Napoleon Prestige 500 comes with a cabinet as well, offering ample storage space for grilling essentials.
Additional Burners:
- Weber Genesis II S-435: It includes a side burner and a sear station burner, providing extra cooking options.
- Napoleon Prestige 500: The Napoleon Prestige 500 also features a side burner and a rear infrared rotisserie burner for added versatility.
Fuel:
- Weber Genesis II S-435: This grill runs on liquid propane (LP) or natural gas (NG), providing flexibility in fuel options.
- Napoleon Prestige 500: The Napoleon Prestige 500 is also available in both liquid propane and natural gas versions, allowing you to choose your preferred fuel source.
Weight:
In terms of weight, there is a notable difference between the Weber Genesis® II S-435 Gas Grill and the Napoleon Prestige® 500 Propane Gas Grill. The Weber Genesis® II S-435 Gas Grill is comparatively lighter, weighing in at 80 kilograms. On the other hand, the Napoleon Prestige® 500 Propane Gas Grill is a bit heavier, tipping the scales at 97 kilograms. The difference of 17 kilograms could be a consideration when it comes to portability and ease of maneuvering the grill, especially if you plan to move it around frequently or need to transport it for outdoor events. In this regard, the Weber Genesis® II S-435 Gas Grill is the better choice for those who prioritize a lighter grill that is easier to handle and transport.
- Weber Genesis II S-435: The Weber Genesis II S-435 weighs approximately 80 kg, making it a substantial but manageable grill.
- Napoleon Prestige 500: The Napoleon Prestige 500 is slightly heavier, with an approximate weight of 97 kg.
Dimensions:
- Weber Genesis II S-435: The grill’s dimensions are approximately 65.0″ H x 65.0″ W x 29.0″ D.
- Napoleon Prestige 500: The Napoleon Prestige 500 measures about 50.25″ H x 66.5″ W x 26.5″ D.
Which is Better?
Both the Weber Genesis II S-435 and Napoleon Prestige 500 are high-quality grills with similar features and capabilities. The choice between them depends on your specific needs and preferences.
- If you prioritize a larger main cooking space and slightly more additional cooking space, the Napoleon Prestige 500 might be the better choice.
- If you prefer the convenience of illuminated control knobs, the Weber Genesis II S-435 offers this feature.
- Both grills have multiple burners and cooking options, so you can’t go wrong with either when it comes to cooking versatility.
Consider factors like brand preference, budget, and the availability of natural gas or liquid propane in your area when making your decision. Ultimately, both grills are excellent options for serious grill enthusiasts.
