Napoleon Mirage Gas Grill Model# M485RB

Napoleon gas grills are amongst the best you can buy, but they tend to be expensive. The Mirage line is Napoleon's more affordable collection of gas grills, and this one, the M485RB, is the most basic and least expensive yet it still lists for nearly $900USD. That makes it more expensive than comparable Weber or Broil-King grills. This gas grill is a 3-burner unit with an infrared rotisserie burner (but the rotisserie kit is extra but a dealer might cut you a deal).

Napoleon is Canada's premier maker of gas grills. Making grills ranging from around $900USD to over $3,000USD they have an impressive range of products. The Mirage line from Napoleon is their Chinese made "discount" line offering Napoleon engineering at a more reasonable price. This 3-burner grill is large and powerful and offers a rear mounted infrared rotisserie burner (but the rotisserie kit is extra). This is a good grill, comparable in every way to some of the best gas grills under $1,000. Comparable in every way except one, price. That is really the issue with Napoleon. Great products but not so great as to turn you from some just as good but less expensive.

The Mirage M485RB is made in China by Napoleon and while it incorporates the best of Napoleon engineering it has been cut down to reduce weight. The burners are thick, 304 stainless steel, and the cooking grates and heavy stainless steel rod. It isn't in the cooking system that shortcuts have been taken, it is in the cabinetry. The doors are lightweight and tend to move around a little so they don't always line up. The firebox is well insulated and makes the most of the 99 BTUs per square inch though the heating can be a little uneven and you might be a little more prone to flare-ups.

So why buy this grill? Well, it is a good grill for the price and yes, Napoleon's competitors are also making cut backs in materials and quality. The one trick with this is that Napoleon doesn't have the best distribution, particularly in the U.S. If there is a dealer in your area you can go in and kick the casters, otherwise you are forced to do your shopping online. Remember that online sales do not have the same support that dealer sales will so don't expect Napoleon to jump through hoops to help you out with a problem you have with a grill you buy online.