Napoleon LEX/Mirage 485RB Gas Grill

Manufacturer: Napoleon

Napoleon is a Canadian company that manufactures a wide variety of grills, smokers, accessories and books. They started in 1976 as a small steel fabrication company in Ontario, Canada, then branched out into making fireplaces and grills. Although Napoleon sightings are rare south of the Canadian border, they produce quality products and are essentially Canada's answer to Weber. In fact it's hard not to draw comparisons between Napoleon and Weber, even their logo and website are similar. But Napoleon comes up with just enough distinctive ideas to make them a viable contender.

Napoleon LEX/Mirage 485RB Gas Grill

photo of napoleon wave cooking grids Napoleon is renaming Mirage to LEX worldwide and keeping Mirage in the description during the transition. The LEX/Mirage 485RB 3-Burner Gas Grill is a sweet looking cooker, built solid with a few nice extras thrown in. Stainless steel construction all around including the main tube burners, "sear plates" aka heat tents and Napoleon's characteristic Wave Cooking Grids pictured at the right.

LP and NG models of the 485RB may be purchased freestanding on a double door cart or as a drop-in for installation. Burner output is 16,000 BTU each and a 13,500 BTU ceramic IR backburner is included, although the rotisserie kit is optional. Jetfire ignition at each control knob makes start-up a snap and each knob is backlit.

A double walled hood aids heat retention. Two side shelves include wrap around condiment trays and tool hooks. A slide out drip pan funnels into a disposable aluminum foil catch tray that is accessible from the front of the cart.

napoleon smoker and charcoal tray An optional cast iron smoker/charcoal tray promises to turn one side of the firebox into a charcoal grill with the possibility of doing a little smoking as well. Just remove one of the grates, rest the charcoal tray on the sear plates and ignite with the burner. We have to wonder how effective this device is, given the different requirements for air flow between charcoal and gas, but it certainly looks good and we've only seen this type of feature on a few luxury gas grills.

Optional cabinets that fit under the side shelves and a sink on a cart are available. The warranty is good, but just a little stingy, covering much of the body and SS burners for as long as you own the grill, but then charging you 50% on all of the above after five years.

Not available at big box stores in the USA, you can get Napoleon on line and at a limited number of independent dealers.

Price:

$999 Manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP), actual price may vary.

Where To Buy (Buying from these suppliers supports this website):

Amazon

BBQGuys: Free Shipping

Hayneedle

Primary Function:

Grill

Drop-Ins

Fuel:

Propane Gas

Natural Gas Capable

Primary Capacity:

405 square inches ( about 20 burgers )

Secondary Capacity:

165 square inches

Main Burners:

Additional Burners:

Rotisserie

Manufacturer claims that all or practically all of this device is made in the USA

BTU:

48,000

Heat Flux:

119. Heat Flux is the BTU per square inch and is a more useful measure of how much heat a grill delivers than BTU alone.

Review Method:

Looked Closely At It

We have seen this product up close and we have also gathered info from the manufacturer, owners, and other reliable sources.

Read these related articles

Remember, using our links keeps this site free. Amazon and many other suppliers pay us a fee when you click our link to them or if you purchase from them. Please also copy the link here, save it, and use it every time you go to Amazon. http://tinyurl.com/amazingribs They pay us a small referral fee on anything from grills to diapers and it has zero impact on the price you pay.

Stainless steel. Is it a good choice for your new grill or smoker?

Calibrating and breaking in your new grill or smoker. Bought it? Check. Put it together? Check. Ready to cook? Not so fast! First you need to season and calibrate your new prize.

2-zone and indirect cooking. These are vital techniques that your grill must support.

Thermodynamics of cooking. You can make a better buying decision if you understand how heat and meat interact.

Best BBQ accessories & gadgets. Tools and toys that make you a better outdoor cook.

Required kitchen accessories & tools. What every kitchen needs.

Guide to grill grates. Which are best, which are worst. Guess which category cast iron is in.

How to start a charcoal fire. One method is best, one method is worst, the others, meh.

Gas, charcoal, pellets, electricity? Which fuel is right for you? The pros and cons of each.

Got a Weber Kettle? You need a Smokenator. This inexpensive device converts grill into a smoker in minutes. Whether you currently own a Weber Kettle or not, this is an economical way to get the best of both worlds.

The Zen of wood and smoke. What is smoke and how does it work?

Fact or fiction? You must soak wood before using it. Hint: Why do you think they build boats from wood?

Smoke wood suppliers. Suppliers of everything from alder to guava wood.

Designing an outdoor kitchen. How to plan an outdoor cooking space.

What you need to know about grills

How to buy a grill. So many grills, so many sizes, so many options. Here's a list of tips for when you go shopping for grills.

Charcoal grill vs. gas grill throwdown! The fight between charcoal purists and gas grill hotheads has been raging for decades. Let's settle this once and for all.

Buying guide to charcoal grills. Still the champ when it comes to flavor and still the best way to sear a steak.

How to set up a charcoal grill. Important to know before you buy.

Buying guide to gas grills. Nothing beats gassers for convenience and ease of use.

How to set up a gas grill. Important to know before you buy.

Eggs, kamados, and ceramics. These charcoal fueled devices are superb smokers, bread bakers, and pizza ovens, but we have some cautionary notes before you buy.

What the best thing to put in the water pan? Water? Apple juice? Beer? Sand?

Controlling temperature with vents. Control air and you control temperature on charcoal and wood burning cookers.

Please read this before posting a comment or question

grouchy? 1) Please use the table of contents or the search box at the top of every page before you ask for help, then please post your question on the appropriate page.

2) Please tell us everything we need to know to answer your question such as the type of cooker and thermometer you are using. Dial thermometers are often off by as much as 50°F so if you are not using a good digital thermometer we probably can't help you. Please read this article about thermometers.

3) If you post a photo, wait a minute for a thumbnail to appear. It will happen even if you don't see it happen.

4) Click here to learn more about our comment system and our privacy promise. Remember, your login info for comments is probably different from your Pitmaster Club login info if you are a member.