Napoleon Rogue XT 525 SIB vs Napoleon Professional 22 Charcoal Kettle
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Quick take: The Napoleon Professional 22 Charcoal Kettle costs $610 less; the Napoleon Rogue XT 525 SIB offers more cooking space (525 vs 360 sq in).
| Spec | Napoleon Rogue XT 525 SIB | Napoleon Professional 22 Charcoal Kettle |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$999 | ~$389 |
| Rating | 4.8★ (37) | 4★ (45) |
| Type | Gas Grill | Charcoal Grill |
| Cooking Area | 525 sq in | 360 sq in |
| Max Temp | 600°F | — |
| Fuel Type | Propane/Natural Gas | Charcoal |
| Build Material | Stainless Steel | Porcelain-Coated Steel with Cast Iron Grids |
| Hopper Capacity | — | — |
| Burners | 4 | — |
| WiFi / App | No | No |
| App control | No | No |
| Meat probe | No | No |
| PID controller | No | No |
| Side burner | Yes | No |
| Rotisserie | No | No |
| Searing | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions | 51 x 24 x 47 in | 23 x 28.5 x 42 in |
| Weight | 143 lbs | 49 lbs (packaged) |
| Warranty | 10 years | 10 years |
Pros & cons
Napoleon Rogue XT 525 SIB
- ✓The infrared Sizzle Zone side burner blasts past 1000°F for restaurant-quality steak searing, a feature most rivals can't match
- ✓Stainless steel construction across the lid and body looks premium and holds up to weather better than painted competitors
- ✓Four main tube burners plus the side burner give 48,000+ BTU and lots of zone-cooking flexibility
- ✓The signature WAVE cast-iron grates leave distinctive deep sear marks and feel substantial
- ✓JETFIRE individual burner ignition lights each burner instantly and reliably, even after long storage
- ✓Folding side shelves make it more compact for storage while still giving prep space when open
- ✓Napoleon's 10-year (or better, on some components) warranty signals confidence in the build
- ✓Even heat across the cooking surface makes it as capable a workhorse grill as it is a searing machine
- ✗At ~$1,000 it's a premium price, competing directly with Weber Genesis territory
- ✗The infrared side burner is fantastic but small, so you sear one or two steaks at a time, not a big batch
- ✗Some owners report the stainless lid showing heat discoloration and the grates needing diligent seasoning to avoid rust
- ✗It has no smart features, probe, or app - all manual control at a price where some expect more
- ✗Assembly is involved and the grill is heavy, requiring two people and time
- ✗The 525 sq in main area is mid-sized, so very large cookouts may want a bigger model
- ✗Napoleon's dealer and parts network in the US is thinner than Weber's, which can slow down replacements
- ✗The infrared burner adds another component that can fail and is pricier to replace than a standard tube burner
Napoleon Professional 22 Charcoal Kettle
- ✓Three grate heights — no Weber kettle at any price lets you move the food closer to the coals
- ✓Cast iron grids as standard, hinged for adding fuel, where Weber's Master-Touch 22 ships plated steel
- ✓The Vortex cone genuinely improves fuel efficiency and ash handling; it is the one design idea here that is not cosmetic
- ✓Smoke-stack chimney holds a steadier draw in wind than a flat lid damper
- ✓Integrated probe doors, so thermometer wires do not get pinched under the lid
- ✓10-year warranty, versus Weber's 10 years on the bowl and lid only
- ✗$389 puts it $160 above a Weber Original Kettle Premium 22 and $100 above a Master-Touch 22
- ✗4.0 across 45 reviews on Napoleon's own store is a middling score for a premium kettle
- ✗Rotisserie ring is 'rotisserie ready' but the kit is another $89.99
- ✗Napoleon's kettle accessory range is a fraction of Weber's, which is the practical cost of leaving the Weber ecosystem
- ✗Napoleon publishes no temperature range and no assembled weight, only a 49 lb packaged figure