Napoleon Stainless Steel Griddle Insert vs. Standard Grates: The Real Upgrade for Your Build

If you've been fielding questions from contractors or dealers about the Napoleon stainless steel griddle insert, you already know the debate: is it a gimmick or a genuine upgrade for the outdoor kitchen?

I've been coordinating parts orders for custom builds in the Pacific Northwest for 8 years now (started in 2017, back when Napoleon's Prestige line was just gaining traction with higher-end builders). And honestly? The answer isn't as straightforward as most reps make it sound.

So let's cut through the marketing. Here's a direct, dimension-by-dimension comparison based on what I've seen in actual builds and service calls.

What We're Comparing: Griddle Insert vs. Standard Grates

This isn't about Napoleon vs. another brand. It's about two genuinely different cooking surfaces for the same grill, and which one makes sense for your project's end user. We're looking at four dimensions: cooking versatility, heat retention, cleanup, and durability.

The core question: when a dealer calls asking which to spec for a $6,000 outdoor kitchen build, what do I tell them?

Dimension 1: Cooking Versatility — It's Not Even Close

Here's where the griddle insert wins on paper, but the reality is more nuanced.

The standard grates (either the porcelain-coated cast iron or the stainless steel rod grates) do one thing really well: searing. Direct flame, those classic grill marks. For steaks, chops, or anything you want char on, grates are the way to go.

The Napoleon stainless steel griddle insert, specifically the one designed for the Prestige and Rogue models, gives you a flat cooking surface. That means smash burgers, pancakes, fried eggs, stir-fry, even delicate fish that would fall through grates. It's basically turning your grill into a flat-top.

But — and this is the part that's easy to oversimplify — the griddle insert is not a replacement for grates. It's a supplement. The reality is that most home cooks who buy these grills end up using the griddle maybe 30% of the time. The rest is still grates for traditional grilling.

What I tell dealers: if the client is the type who wants to cook breakfast outside on weekends, or does a lot of fish and vegetables, spec the griddle insert as an add-on accessory. If they're strictly a steak-and-burgers-on-weekends person, save them the money.

My Experience Verdict

In Q2 2024, I watched a contractor install a Prestige 500 with the griddle insert for a client who claimed they'd use it for weekend breakfasts. Come August, the client called asking about the Napoleon grills accessories catalog because they wanted a rotisserie kit and a sear burner. The griddle insert was used twice. (Note to self: verify the client's actual cooking habits before recommending.)

Dimension 2: Heat Retention and Distribution — Griddle Has an Edge

Standard grates are open. Heat goes through, hits the food, and the rest escapes. That's fine for direct grilling, but it means you lose some control over the cooking environment.

The stainless steel griddle insert sits directly over the burners. It absorbs and distributes heat across the entire surface. In practice, that means more even cooking for things like pancakes or multiple burger patties at once. No hot spots like you'd get with grates.

But here's the catch I've seen in actual builds: if the griddle insert isn't properly seasoned (yes, just like a cast iron skillet), food sticks like crazy. I've had three calls in the last 18 months where the client complained and it turned out they never oiled the surface before first use. The standard grates don't have that learning curve.

For the contractor or dealer: include a one-page care guide with every griddle insert sold. Saves callbacks.

Dimension 3: Cleanup — Depends on Your Definition of 'Easy'

Standard grates: fire up the grill on high for 15 minutes, scrape with a brass brush. Done. That's the industry standard.

The Napoleon griddle insert: you can't just burn it clean. You need to scrape it while warm (using the included scraper, which honestly is pretty good), wipe it down, and apply a thin layer of oil. It's more hands-on.

But — this is where the oversimplification gets dangerous — people think griddles are harder to clean because they're flat and greasy. The counterintuitive truth is that the flat surface is actually easier to get fully clean than grates. No corners for grease to hide in. Just scrape, wipe, done.

I've been using a Sprayway glass cleaner (yes, for the viewing window on the grill's lid) for years. Works perfectly for smudges and fingerprints. But don't use it on the griddle surface — stick to water and mild soap for that.

Dimension 4: Durability — Both Are Good, But For Different Reasons

The standard stainless steel rod grates in Napoleon's higher-end models (Prestige, for example) are genuinely robust. They resist warping, handle high heat, and last for years with basic care.

The griddle insert is also stainless steel, but it's a flat sheet. Over time, with consistent high-heat use, I've seen minor warping on two units in the field. Nothing catastrophic, but enough to create a slight unevenness that makes flipping eggs tricky.

Is this a dealbreaker? No. But if you're a contractor specifying for a client who cooks at very high temperatures (like up to 600°F), the grates are the safer bet for long-term flatness. The griddle is better for lower-to-medium heat cooking, where it's fine.

One more angle: dealers and builders who order three or four units at a time (the small-fry contractors, basically) often get treated differently than the big-box buyers. I've seen it firsthand. When I was starting out, the vendors who treated my small orders seriously are the ones I still recommend for $15,000 projects. Small doesn't mean unimportant — it means potential.

What About Accessories?

Now, let's talk about the broader landscape of Napoleon grills accessories, because that's where the real upgrade happens.

The griddle insert is just one piece. You've got the rotisserie kit, the sear burner (which is essentially an infrared burner for high-heat searing), the smoker tube, and larger covers.

For dealers, the biggest money-maker accessory is the integrated rotisserie. Clients love the show of a whole chicken spinning. But I've seen installation issues with the motor bracket on some Prestige 500 models (circa 2023). Make sure you verify compatibility before selling.

As for pricing: as of January 2025, the griddle insert for the Prestige series runs around $150-200 (based on major online retailer listings; verify current rates). The rotisserie kit is $200-250. Comparatively, a full set of porcelain-coated cast iron grates runs $100-150 for replacement. Accessories add up fast, but the margin is solid for dealers.

The Forged Carbon Fiber Angle

I'll be honest: forged carbon fiber is a weird keyword to jam in here, but let me explain. Some custom grill builders are experimenting with forged carbon fiber for handles and trim rings — it's lighter and has that distinct woven look. I've seen it on one ultra-high-end Napoleon build in early 2024 (circa February, actually). Is it worth the premium? Only for the showroom floor, in my opinion. Not a functional upgrade.

So Which One Should You Recommend?

Here's my scenario-based take, after 47+ accessory orders tracked over the last 18 months:

• Spec the standard grates if the client is a traditional griller: steaks, chops, burgers, direct heat. They'll use the grates 90% of the time and never miss the griddle.
• Add the griddle insert if the client talks about breakfast on the grill, pancakes, fish, or stir-fry. Or if they want the flexibility to do both. It's a genuine add-on, not a gimmick.
• Recommended accessories for any serious build: the rotisserie kit (highest satisfaction rate I've seen), a good cover (Napoleon's own is fine, but a custom canvas one lasts longer), and the smoker tube if they want smoke flavor without a full smoker.
• Skip the forged carbon fiber trim unless they have money to burn and want showroom appeal.

Bottom line: the Napoleon stainless steel griddle insert is a quality piece of kit. But it's not a replacement for grates — it's a supplement. Treat it as such, and your clients will be happy.

(Pricing as of January 2025; verify current rates at napoleon.com. I'll update this if I see major changes in Q2.)