Napoleon (company)

Napoleon began as a small welding and metal fabrication shop in Barrie, Ontario, founded by Wolfgang Schroeter, a German immigrant. The company initially produced custom metal parts before pivoting to wood-burning fireplaces in the late 1970s, capitalizing on the growing demand for energy-efficient home heating. By the 1980s, Napoleon had introduced its first gas fireplaces, which became a cornerstone of its growth. In 1994, the company expanded into outdoor cooking with its first gas grill, the Prestige series, which quickly gained a reputation for high-end performance.³ Over the decades, Napoleon acquired several competitors, including the Continental Fireplaces brand, and invested heavily in automated manufacturing and robotics at its Canadian plants. Today, the company remains family-owned, with Schroeter's children involved in leadership, and operates facilities in Barrie and nearby Collingwood, Ontario.¹

Napoleon's product portfolio spans indoor and outdoor categories, with a strong emphasis on design and efficiency. The fireplace division offers gas, wood, pellet, and electric models, including linear, see-through, and built-in configurations. The company's JET CONNECTOR technology, introduced in the 2000s, allows for flexible venting that simplifies installation in tight spaces.⁴ In grills, Napoleon is known for its Infrared SIZZLE ZONE, a side burner that delivers intense heat for searing, and its WAVE cooking grids, which reduce flare-ups. The Prestige PRO series, launched in 2018, features Wi-Fi connectivity and app-controlled rotisserie motors, reflecting a broader trend toward smart outdoor cooking. Napoleon also produces outdoor kitchens, pizza ovens, and accessories, and its electric fireplaces incorporate LED flame technology that mimics realistic combustion without venting.

Napoleon competes directly with brands like Weber, Traeger, and Heat & Glo, but distinguishes itself through a combination of Canadian manufacturing and premium features. The company has received numerous industry awards, including the 2020 Vesta Award for its Ascent linear fireplace and multiple Red Dot Design Awards for grill aesthetics. In consumer reviews, Napoleon grills often rank highly for heat distribution and build quality, though some users note that assembly can be complex. The brand's market share in Canada is particularly strong, where it is a leading fireplace manufacturer, and it has expanded aggressively into the U.S. and European markets. Napoleon's commitment to domestic production is a key selling point, with the company employing over 1,000 workers in Ontario and exporting to countries such as the UK, Germany, and Australia.¹

Beyond its mainstream products, Napoleon has a history of niche innovations and corporate quirks. The company once produced a line of wood-burning stoves with catalytic combustors, a technology more common in the 1980s, and it still offers a limited selection of pellet stoves. In 2015, Napoleon introduced the Rogue XT series, which featured a unique "X"-shaped burner design that improved heat distribution but was discontinued after a few years. The company also holds patents for a smoke-free grill system that uses a water pan to reduce flare-ups, a feature not widely advertised. On the corporate side, Napoleon's parent, Wolf Steel Group, is known for its secretive ownership structure, with Wolfgang Schroeter maintaining a low public profile despite the brand's prominence. Additionally, Napoleon has a small but dedicated following among outdoor chefs who modify their grills with aftermarket parts, a community that the company occasionally engages with through sponsored events.⁵

JET CONNECTOR

A flexible venting system for gas fireplaces that simplifies installation in confined spaces.

Infrared SIZZLE ZONE

A high-heat side burner on Napoleon grills that uses infrared technology for searing.

WAVE cooking grids

Stainless steel grill grates with a wave-shaped design that reduces flare-ups and improves heat retention.