Napoleon 485 Grill Review – Pros, Cons & Performance
Introduction
Tired of unevenly cooked steaks? Frustrated with gas grills that flare up constantly and deliver inconsistent temperatures? Many outdoor cooks struggle with these very issues, hindering their ability to consistently create restaurant-quality meals in their own backyard. The Napoleon 485 Stainless Steel Propane Gas Grill aims to solve these common grilling woes, promising a blend of performance and style for the serious weekend griller.
This isn’t just another stainless-steel grill; it’s designed to provide controlled heat, efficient fuel usage, and a user-friendly experience, enabling even novice grillers to achieve impressive results. If you’re looking to upgrade your grilling game and create a versatile outdoor cooking setup, the Napoleon 485 deserves a closer look.
Overview
The Napoleon 485 is a mid-sized, four-burner propane gas grill designed for the backyard enthusiast who values both performance and aesthetics. Clad in stainless steel with a sleek, black finish, its design offers a premium feel, complemented by practical features. Powered by stainless steel tube burners and featuring Napoleon’s signature Wave cooking grids, the grill delivers robust heat and exceptional searing capabilities while minimizing flare-ups.
Ideal for families and small to medium-sized gatherings, the 485 provides a generous cooking surface and benefits from Napoleon’s reputation for quality and innovation. It’s particularly well-suited for those who want a versatile grill capable of both high-heat searing and more delicate smoking techniques, without the complexity of a dedicated smoker.
Features
Side Shelves with Built-in Tool Hooks and Condiment Holders: The thoughtfully designed side shelves offer ample space for preparing and serving food. Built-in tool hooks keep your grilling utensils within easy reach, while dedicated condiment holders prevent spills and keep your seasonings organized. These additions elevate the usability and functionality of the grill significantly.
Ergonomic Control Knobs with Soft Touch Grip: Precision control over your grilling temperature is paramount. The ergonomic control knobs with a soft-touch grip provide a comfortable and secure feel, allowing for fine-tuned adjustments to the heat levels.
Porcelainized Cast Iron Wave Cooking Grids: Napoleon’s Wave cooking grids are more than just heat diffusers; they’re strategically designed to vaporize drippings and create self-basting action, adding moisture and flavor to your food. The porcelain coating ensures rust resistance and easy cleaning, while the wave pattern prevents food from falling through the grates.
Instant Jetfire Ignition System: Say goodbye to frustrating lighting attempts. The Instant Jetfire ignition system instantly ignites each burner with a reliable jet of flame. This eliminates the need for matches or lighters, making grilling quick and convenient. The crossover lighting feature ensures that all burners ignite simultaneously for even heat distribution.
Durable Double-Walled Lift Ease Stainless Steel Lid: The double-walled stainless steel lid isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a critical component for temperature control. This design significantly reduces heat loss, maintaining a consistent cooking environment and reducing propane consumption. The ‘Lift Ease’ feature makes opening and closing the lid effortless, even when the grill is hot.
Benefits
Rapid & Reliable Ignition: The Instant Jetfire system eliminates frustrating lighting attempts, letting you get grilling quickly and effortlessly.
Improved Organization & Convenience: The side shelves with tool hooks and condiment holders keep your grilling area tidy and organized, streamlining the cooking process.
Consistent Cooking Temperatures: The double-walled lid and precise burner controls work in tandem to maintain remarkably consistent temperatures, leading to more predictable cooking times and uniformly cooked food.
Enhanced Flavor & Moisture: The Wave cooking grids vaporize drippings, basting your food for a juicier, more flavorful result.
Stylish & Durable Design: The stainless steel construction and elegant black finish add a touch of sophistication to your outdoor space, while ensuring long-lasting durability.
Usages
Perfect for Weeknight Dinners: The 485’s rapid ignition and efficient heat distribution make it ideal for quick and easy weeknight meals.
Versatile for Roasting Vegetables: The consistent temperature control enables roasting vegetables to perfection, adding variety to your outdoor cooking repertoire.
Excellent for Family Gatherings: The generous cooking surface can easily handle enough food for a family barbecue or small get-together.
Capable of Smoked Flavor: While not a dedicated smoker, the enclosed lid and controlled heat can be leveraged to infuse food with a subtle smoky flavor by adding wood chips in a smoker box.
Great for Searing Steaks and Chicken: The high-heat capabilities allow for a perfect sear on steaks, chicken, and other proteins.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Durable stainless steel construction
- Excellent heat retention due to the double-walled lid
- Fast and reliable ignition system
- Versatile cooking capabilities – searing, grilling, and smoking
- Thoughtful design features like side shelves and tool hooks
Cons
- Assembly can be somewhat challenging
- May require a smoker box for enhanced smoking capabilities
- Propane tank not included
- Price point is higher than basic gas grills
- Some customers report minor rust issues with some components over time.
FAQs
What type of fuel does this grill use?: This grill is specifically designed for propane gas and requires a standard propane tank.
How easy is the grill to clean?: The porcelainized cast iron cooking grids are designed to be relatively easy to clean. Regular brushing and occasional soaking are recommended.
What is the cooking area?: The primary cooking area is approximately 397 square inches.
Does the grill retain heat well?: Yes, the double-walled lid significantly improves heat retention, contributing to more consistent cooking and reduced propane usage.
Is assembly difficult?: Assembly is generally manageable, although some customers have reported needing assistance. The manufacturer provides instructions, but some hardware can be small and challenging to work with.
Product Specifications
| temperatureRange | 250°F – 500°F |
| grateMaterial | Porcelainized Cast Iron |
| wheelsMobility | Locking Caster Wheels |
| fuelType | Propane |
| cookingArea | 397 sq. in. |
| ignitionSystem | Instant Jetfire Ignition |
| materialType | Stainless Steel |
| cleaningRequirements | Regular brushing and occasional soaking recommended |
| warranty | Limited Warranty |
| weight | 154 pounds |
| BTUs | 19800 BTU |
| dimensions | 25″D x 63″W x 49″H |
Ratings
| easeOfUse | 4.0 |
| versatility | 4.4 |
| cookingPerformance | 4.6 |
| durability | 4.2 |
| overall | 4.3 |
| heatDistribution | 4.5 |
Recommendation
The Napoleon 485 is an excellent choice for backyard grillers who demand both performance and style. If you’re tired of inconsistent temperatures and want a grill that can handle a variety of cooking tasks, the 485 is a strong contender.
While not the cheapest option on the market, the Napoleon 485’s combination of features, durability, and cooking performance justifies its price tag. Compared to budget grills that struggle with heat control and quality construction, the 485 delivers a significantly better grilling experience.
Conclusion
The Napoleon 485 Stainless Steel Propane Gas Grill offers a compelling blend of performance, convenience, and style. Its double-walled lid, Wave cooking grids, and Instant Jetfire ignition system combine to deliver consistent heat, exceptional flavor, and a user-friendly experience.
While assembly can be a minor hurdle, the benefits of the 485 – including its durability, versatility, and aesthetic appeal – make it a worthwhile investment for any serious outdoor cook. For those seeking an upgrade from a basic gas grill, the Napoleon 485 represents a significant step up.
