Blaze vs Napoleon Grills â Prestige Pro 500 vs Professional LUX 34-Inch?
Table of content
Among serious backyard pitmasters, Blaze vs Napoleon Grills is one of those debates that sparks like charcoal on a summer night.Â
Both brands have earned their stripes in the outdoor cooking worldâ Blaze with its professional-grade power and Napoleon with its refined craftsmanship and innovative features.
In this showdown, weâre pitting two heavyweights head-to-head: the Blaze Professional LUX 34-Inch Gas Grill and the Napoleon Prestige PRO 500.
These arenât your run-of-the-mill gas grillsâtheyâre precision-built machines forged from stainless steel, designed to turn a backyard barbecue into a culinary event.
Weâll break down what really matters to grill lovers: burner performance, heat control, and the kind of grilling features that separate weekend cooks from seasoned pros.
Whether youâre outfitting a full outdoor kitchen or looking for a freestanding powerhouse, this grill comparison will help you decide which brand earns a permanent spot on your patio.
No hype. No filler. Just expert-level insight and honest, flame-tested feedback.
Why the Blaze Professional Lux 34-Inch Grill?
Why the Napoleon Prestige Pro 500 Grill?
Side-by-Side Breakdown: Blaze Professional LUX vs Napoleon Prestige PRO 500
Blaze or Napoleon? Build Quality & Materials
Blaze Professional LUX 34"
- Primary Build Material: 304 stainless steel (all around)
- Burner Material: Cast stainless steel
- Flame Tamers: 304 stainless steel
- Grill Grates: 12mm hexagon solid stainless steel rods
- Hood Design: Double-walled 304 stainless steel
Napoleon Prestige PRO 500
- Primary Build Material: 304 stainless steel (select areas)
- Burner Material: Stainless steel tube burners
- Flame Tamers: Dual-level stainless steel sear plates
- Grill Grates: 9.5mm stainless steel wave-style grids
- Hood Design: Double-walled 304 stainless steel
Letâs kick off this grill comparison where it counts â construction.
The Blaze Professional LUX 34-Inch Gas Grill is built like a tank, forged from 304 stainless steel from the hood to the flame tamers. Every inch speaks to serious quality. Even the burners, carved from solid cast stainless steel, feel like they were made for a lifetime of searing sessions.Â
The grill grates, hefty 12mm hexagon rods, hold and distribute heat beautifully, giving you those steakhouse sear marks Blaze fans brag about.
Open the hood, and you can feel the engineering. The spring-assisted lift glides smoothly â no clangs, no looseness â just a precision fit that tells you this outdoor cooking machine was designed for pros who expect more than flash.
Now, over to the Napoleon Prestige PRO 500 â another serious contender in the premium gas grill arena. You still get 304 stainless steel on the hood and major components, but some parts of the cart use 430-grade steel. That wonât ruin your weekend barbecue, but coastal cooks might want to keep it covered.Â
The stainless steel tube burners are built for even flame patterns, and Napoleonâs wave-style grates â 9.5mm thick â lock in flavor and minimize flare-ups.
Napoleon or Blaze? Burners & Heat Performance
Blaze Professional LUX 34"
- Main Burners: 3 Cast Stainless H-Burners
- Main Burner BTUs: 54,000 total
- Rotisserie Burner: 10,000 BTU (Infrared, included)
- Sear Burner: 18,000 BTU Infrared Sear Burner (replaces burner & sold separately)
- Heat Zone Separators: Yes
Napoleon Prestige PRO 500
- Main Burners: 4 Stainless Tube Burners
- Main Burner BTUs: 48,000 total
- Rotisserie Burner: 18,000 BTU (Infrared, included)
- Sear Burner: 14,000 BTU Infrared Side Burner (included on freestanding, not included on built-in)
- Heat Zone Separators: No
If grilling were a test of muscle, the Blaze Professional LUX 34-Inch would walk in flexing. Its three cast stainless steel H-burners crank out a combined 54,000 BTUs of controlled fury.Â
Each burner is cut from solid stainless â no thin tubes here â which means heat flows evenly and powerfully across the cooking surface. These burners are built to take punishment, resisting warping and corrosion even after years of high-temp searing. For pitmasters who demand professional-grade performance, this gas grill doesnât just cook â it roars.
Blaze also includes heat zone separators, a small detail that makes a big difference. You can keep ribs low and slow on one side while blasting steaks at full throttle on the other. Add the 10,000 BTU rear infrared burner, and youâve got a rotisserie setup that delivers steakhouse-quality caramelization every time.
Now, over on the Napoleon Prestige PRO 500, you get four stainless steel tube burners delivering 48,000 BTUs, plus an 18,000 BTU rear infrared burner.
Itâs a solid setup for everyday outdoor cooking, but those tube-style burners canât match the durability or heat retention of Blazeâs cast design.Â
Napoleonâs optional side sear burner is a nice touch, but it lacks the raw, even power that defines the Blaze experience.
When you factor in quality, power, and long-term reliability, Blaze once again takes the crown. Those heavy-duty cast burners, paired with precise heat control, make it the clear winner for anyone serious about performance that lasts a lifetime.When you factor in quality, power, and long-term reliability, Blaze once again takes the crown. Those heavy-duty cast burners, paired with precise heat control, make it the clear winner for anyone serious about performance that lasts a lifetime.
Napoleon & Blaze Grilling Technology & Features
Blaze Professional LUX 34"
- Ignition System: Flame Thrower (no electricity & no batteries required)
- Backup Ignition: Yes
- Interior Lights: Halogen lights
- Exterior Lights: Red LED control knobs
- Rotisserie Backburner: Yes, 18,000 BTUs
- Rotisserie Kit: Yes, included
- Smart Features: None
- Motion-Activated Lighting: No
- Smoker Accessories: Optional smoker box (sold seprately)
- Spring Asssisted Hood: No
Napoleon Prestige PRO 500
- Ignition System: JETFIRE⢠Ignition system (no electricity & no batteries required)
- Backup Ignition: Yes
- Interior Lights: Halogen lights
- Exterior Lights: Multicolor LED control knobs
- Rotisserie Backburner: Yes, 18,000 BTUs
- Rotisserie Kit: Yes, incldued
- Smart Features: None
- Motion-Activated Lighting: Yes
- Smoker Accessories: Integrated smoker tray
- Spring Asssisted Hood: No
The Blaze Professional LUX 34-Inch reflects true professional DNA. Its Flame Thrower ignition system lights without electricity or batteries, delivering instant, reliable startup every time. A manual flash tube backup stands by for peace of mind.Inside, halogen interior lights brighten the cooking area, while red LED exterior lights clearly mark active zones.
The 18,000 BTU rotisserie burner and included kit expand versatility, while the optional smoker box adds flavor depth. Its spring-assisted hood opens smoothly, showing off that signature stainless steel quality Blaze is known forâtight seams, no rattles, no compromise.
The Napoleon Prestige PRO 500 follows a more showpiece approach. Its JETFIRE⢠ignition system offers the same reliable spark, but with a touch of theater. The multicolor LED control knobs glow and pulse as you approach, courtesy of motion sensors, and the halogen lighting keeps the grill well-lit after dark.
Like Blaze, it includes an 18,000 BTU rear burner and rotisserie kit, plus an integrated smoker tray for those who love a hint of wood smoke. While Napoleonâs stainless steel build looks impressive, some panels use lighter grades that may show wear sooner in coastal climates.
Size & Grilling Capacity
Blaze Professional LUX 34"
- Total Grilling Area: 816 sq. in.
- Main Grilling Area: 615 sq. in.
- Warming Rack Area: 201 sq. in.
- Burger Count: 24
- Freestanding: 65.5" (w) x 28.38" (d) x 50.25" (h)
- Built-In : 34" (w) x 24.25" (d) x 28.38" (h)
- Cart Features: folding side shelves, propane tank holder, & soft-close double doors
Napoleon Prestige PRO 500
- Total Cooking Area: 760 sq. in.
- Main Grilling Area: 500 sq. in.
- Warming Rack Area: 260 sq. in.
- Burger Count: 22
- Freestanding: 66.50" (w) x 25.50" (d) x 51.75" (h)
- Built-In : 32.5" (w) x 24" (d) x 24" (h)
- Cart Features: sear burner, ice bin, cutting board, & propane tank holder
When comparing Blaze vs Napoleon grills, cooking space and design often make or break the grilling experience. These two gas grills may look similar on paper, but step up to them in person and youâll feel the difference in quality, layout, and overall performance.
The Blaze Professional LUX 34-Inch offers a total grilling area of 816 sq. inches â enough room to handle a backyard feast without crowding your food.Â
The main cooking area measures 615 sq.inches, supported by a 201 sq. inch warming rack that keeps side dishes and buns ready without overcooking.Â
You can grill up to 24 burgers at once, and every inch of the stainless steel surface holds heat evenly across its solid construction.
Blazeâs Pro Lux design continues with both built-in and freestanding options. The built-in version fits snugly at 34" wide, ideal for integrated outdoor kitchens, while the freestanding cart version offers 65.5" of width and practical touches like folding side shelves, a tank holder, and soft-close double doors for storage.Â
The Napoleon Prestige PRO 500, meanwhile, gives you a total cooking area of 760 square inches, with 500 dedicated to the main grill surface and a slightly larger 260 sq. Â inch warming rack.Â
Itâs a well-balanced setup, capable of handling about 22 burgers â slightly less than Blaze, but still enough for most weekend barbecues.Â
Napoleonâs outdoor grill design adds flair with features like a built-in sear burner, ice bin, and cutting board integrated into its cart â a nod to the brandâs blend of practicality and showmanship.
Ease of Cleaning & Maintenance
Blaze Professional LUX 34"
- Grease Tray Access: Full-width, slides out easily
- Flame Tamers: Solid stainless, thick
- Grate Style: 12mm rod grates (easy clean)
- Flare-Up Control: Excellent
- Maintenance Difficulty: Low
Napoleon Prestige PRO 500
- Grease Tray Access: Front-access, includes drip pan
- Flame Tamers: Perforated stainless, thinner
- Grate Style: WAVE⢠design (some buildup risk)
- Flare-Up Control: Very Good
- Maintenance Difficulty: Moderate
Even the best gas grills lose their shine if theyâre tough to clean, and hereâs where the Blaze vs Napoleon comparison shows a real split in design philosophy.
Both grills use stainless steel throughout, but the difference lies in how they handle grease, flare-ups, and day-to-day upkeep â the kind of details that determine whether your outdoor cooking setup stays showroom-sharp or turns into weekend maintenance duty.
The Blaze Professional LUX 34-Inch is engineered for simplicity and durability. Its full-width grease tray slides out smoothly for fast cleanup, and the thick stainless steel flame tamers distribute heat evenly while vaporizing drippings before they ever reach the tray. That means fewer flare-ups and more consistent grilling performance.Â
The 12mm solid rod grill grates not only retain heat beautifully but also resist buildup, making them easy to clean with a quick brush after cooking. Add in Blazeâs commercial-grade build and youâve got a grill thatâs low on maintenance and high on quality â exactly what serious pitmasters want.
The Napoleon Prestige PRO 500, on the other hand, takes a slightly different approach. Its front-access grease tray with drip pan is handy, but reviewers note that residue tends to collect in corners over time.Â
The perforated stainless steel flame tamers look sleek but are thinner and can trap grease, requiring more frequent deep cleaning. Napoleonâs WAVE⢠grates give those signature sear marks, but they also hold onto debris a bit more than Blazeâs rods â not a dealbreaker, but something regular grillers notice.
Price, Value, and Warranty â Which Grill Delivers More for Your Money
In the Blaze vs Napoleon matchup, long-term value often comes down to more than price â itâs about peace of mind. Thatâs where Blaze Professional LUX 34-Inch pulls ahead once again.Â
Blaze backs its gas grill with a true lifetime warranty that covers the burners, housing, flame tamers, and grates â even if you forget to register it. That kind of coverage is almost unheard of in the outdoor grill world, and it says a lot about the companyâs confidence in their stainless steel quality.Â
Customers rave about how responsive Blazeâs support team is and how easy it is to get replacement parts if anything ever goes sideways. Itâs the kind of reliability pros and weekend warriors alike appreciate.
The Napoleon Prestige PRO 500 takes a slightly different approach. Itâs usually a bit more affordable up front and certainly looks the part of a luxury gas grill, complete with LED-lit knobs, an integrated smoker tube, and even a small cutting board tucked into the cart.Â
Those extras add polish and personality, but some grill packages vary â a few include the rotisserie kit, others donât â so buyers should double-check before ordering.Â
Napoleonâs burners deliver solid performance, and the stainless steel build still earns high marks for quality, but the finer details reveal trade-offs.
Napoleonâs Presidentâs Limited Warranty covers most major parts for 15 years, which is respectable, but it canât quite match Blazeâs lifetime promise. Still, reviews note that Napoleonâs customer service is dependable, and most owners get quick help when needed.
Final Verdict: Which Grill Belongs in Your Backyard?
While the Napoleon Prestige PRO 500 impresses with its lighting effects and premium design, Blaze proves that real outdoor cooking excellence comes from craftsmanship, heat consistency, and long-term value. For serious grillers who demand durability and control, Blaze is the clear choice.
Shop Blaze Professional Lux Grills
Shop Napoleon Prestige Pro Series
Frequently Asked Questions
Matthew Jackson
At the heart of our business is Matthew Jackson, the founder and owner of BBQ Kitchen Pros. With an impressive 20 years in design, construction, and implementation of outdoor kitchen spaces, Matthew brings a wealth of knowledge, skill, and a deep-seated passion to the table. It's not just about selling products; it's about crafting a lifestyle. Outdoor cooking isn't just our business; it's our way of life, ingrained in every recommendation we make and every product we offer.