The Bottom Line
The Ultra Chef line from Napoleon is their entry level grills. Available in a number of configurations and mountings, this version, the U405 is their basic model. This is a no frills grill that has excellent heat output and cooking characteristics. The porcelain coated cast iron cooking grates hold heat and give you great contact with food for searing and high temperature cooking. With the 3-burner design and highly adjustable heat output this grill can do all your basic grilling tasks with ease. Since this grill is made by Napoleon (in Canada) it has a lot to back it up.
Pros
- High heat output
- Heavy cooking grates
- Good quality construction
Cons
- Limited features
Description
- Three 15,000 BTU stainless steel burners
- 405 square inches of primary grilling space with a total cooking area of 570 square inches
- 45,000 BTU maximum output from the main burners
- Porcelain coated cast iron reversible cooking grates
- Cast aluminum cooking chamber with stainless steel and powder coated steel body parts and food safe plastic side tables
- Electric (AA-battery type)ignition
- Two wheels and two locking casters
- Propane tank, cover, and rotisserie kit sold separately
- Made by Napoleon Grills in Canada
Guide Review - Ultra Chef U405 Gas Grill
Napoleon has been making some of the best gas grills on the market for many years. The Ultra Chef line is what people call their entry level grills, meaning they are not fancy, but not very expensive either. This model lists for around $500USD for the propane version and $500 for the natural gas version. Napoleon offers great warranties and excellent support for their products, so this is one grill you won't have to worry too much about.
It is the high quality of the internal components that make this grill stand out. The stainless steel burners are strong and well made so they will last for many years. The grease management does a very good job of reducing flare-ups and the porcelain coated cast iron cooking grates hold heat so you can get good searing and grill marks. This grill is built to cook and is perfect for the person who wants and inexpensive gas grill for doing some serious grilling. There are versions of this grill that have side burners, sear burners, and rotisserie burners if you are interested, but for what most of us grill, this is certainly a product to look at.
