What To Know
- Both offer a wide range of grills with varying features and capabilities, making it crucial for grill enthusiasts to delve into a thorough comparison before making a decision.
- If you prioritize a large grilling surface, precise temperature control, and a wide range of features, Napoleon grills are an excellent choice.
- However, if you seek a more budget-friendly option with good grilling performance and a solid warranty, Burnhard grills are a viable alternative.
When it comes to outdoor grilling, two brands that consistently stand out are Napoleon and Burnhard. Both offer a wide range of grills with varying features and capabilities, making it crucial for grill enthusiasts to delve into a thorough comparison before making a decision. In this comprehensive blog post, we will pit Napoleon grill vs. Burnhard, examining their key attributes, performance, and overall value to help you make an informed choice.
Burnhard vs. Napoleon: The Battle of Features
1. Grill Surface and Cooking Space
Napoleon grills generally offer larger grilling surfaces compared to Burnhard grills. The Napoleon Rogue series, for instance, features a 525 square inch cooking area, while the Burnhard Baron series offers a 443 square inch grilling space. This difference becomes particularly noticeable when grilling for larger groups or cooking multiple dishes simultaneously.
2. Burners and Heat Distribution
Both Napoleon and Burnhard grills utilize stainless steel burners for durability and even heat distribution. However, Napoleon grills often feature more burners than Burnhard grills, providing greater temperature control and allowing for more precise cooking. For example, the Napoleon Prestige series offers up to six burners, while the Burnhard Baron series typically has three or four burners.
3. Ignition System
Napoleon grills generally come equipped with an electronic ignition system, making it effortless to start the grill. Burnhard grills, on the other hand, often use a manual ignition system, which requires a separate lighter or match to ignite the burners. While manual ignition systems are less prone to failure, electronic ignition systems offer unparalleled convenience.
4. Side Burners and Additional Features
Side burners are a convenient feature for preparing sauces, side dishes, or boiling water without interrupting the main grilling process. Napoleon grills frequently offer side burners as standard or optional accessories, while Burnhard grills may not always include them. Additionally, Napoleon grills often come with features such as built-in thermometers, LED lighting, and rotisserie kits, enhancing the overall grilling experience.
Performance and Cooking Quality
1. Heat Retention and Temperature Control
Napoleon grills are renowned for their excellent heat retention and precise temperature control. The porcelain-coated cast iron grids and thick gauge stainless steel construction effectively distribute and retain heat, ensuring consistent cooking results. Burnhard grills also offer good heat retention, but their thinner construction may lead to slightly more temperature fluctuations.
2. Searing Capabilities
Both Napoleon and Burnhard grills provide excellent searing capabilities. Napoleon grills feature infrared burners or sear zones that can generate intense heat for creating restaurant-quality steaks and chops. Burnhard grills also offer searing burners, but their overall searing performance may not be as impressive as Napoleon grills.
3. Flavor and Smoke Production
Napoleon grills are known for producing exceptional flavors due to their unique WAVE™ grilling grids, which create distinctive sear marks and enhance smoke penetration. Burnhard grills also deliver flavorful grilling results, but their smoke production may not be as pronounced as Napoleon grills.
Value and Durability
1. Price Range
Napoleon grills generally fall within a higher price range compared to Burnhard grills. This is largely attributed to their larger grilling surfaces, more burners, and additional features. Burnhard grills offer a more budget-friendly option while still providing good grilling performance.
2. Warranty and Customer Support
Napoleon grills come with a 10-year to 15-year limited warranty, while Burnhard grills typically offer a 5-year warranty. Both brands provide responsive customer support, but Napoleon’s extensive warranty coverage offers greater peace of mind.
3. Longevity and Durability
Napoleon grills are known for their durability and longevity due to their high-quality construction and materials. Burnhard grills are also durable, but their thinner construction may make them slightly more susceptible to wear and tear over time.
Making the Right Choice: Napoleon Grill vs. Burnhard
The choice between Napoleon grill vs. Burnhard ultimately depends on your specific grilling needs and preferences. If you prioritize a large grilling surface, precise temperature control, and a wide range of features, Napoleon grills are an excellent choice. However, if you seek a more budget-friendly option with good grilling performance and a solid warranty, Burnhard grills are a viable alternative.
Napoleon Grill vs. Burnhard: The Final Verdict
In conclusion, both Napoleon and Burnhard offer exceptional grilling experiences. Napoleon grills excel in terms of larger grilling surfaces, more burners, and advanced features, while Burnhard grills provide a more affordable option with good performance and a decent warranty. By carefully considering the factors discussed in this comparison, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your grilling needs and budget.
Basics You Wanted To Know
1. Which brand offers the largest grilling surface area?
Napoleon grills generally offer larger grilling surfaces compared to Burnhard grills.
2. Do all Napoleon grills have an electronic ignition system?
Yes, most Napoleon grills feature an electronic ignition system for effortless starting.
3. Are Burnhard grills as durable as Napoleon grills?
While both brands offer durable grills, Napoleon grills are generally considered to have a longer lifespan due to their thicker construction and high-quality materials.
