For more than half a century, Napoleon has been shaping the way people gather around fire — from cozy living rooms to backyard barbecues. What began as a small Canadian family business has grown into one of the world’s leading manufacturers of fireplaces, grills, and heating solutions.
As Napoleon celebrates its 50th Anniversary, it’s the perfect moment to look back at the journey that transformed a garage workshop into a global brand trusted by millions of homeowners and outdoor cooks.
A Canadian Beginning
The Napoleon story starts in 1976 in Barrie, Ontario, when Wolfgang Schroeter and his wife Ingrid founded a small steel fabrication company called Wolf Steel Ltd. In the early days, the business focused on manufacturing steel railings for local builders.
Everything changed when Wolfgang built a wood-burning stove for a family member. The design featured a cast iron frame with a glass door, allowing people to see the fire — something that was uncommon at the time. Demand quickly followed, and the company shifted its focus toward heating products.
That first stove helped spark a new direction for the company and laid the foundation for what would eventually become the Napoleon brand.
From Stoves to a Global Brand
Over the next decade, Wolf Steel continued innovating in the fireplace industry, developing high-efficiency heating solutions and expanding production.
In 1995, the company officially entered the outdoor cooking market with premium barbecue grills.
The move into outdoor cooking proved transformative. Napoleon grills quickly gained a reputation for their:
- Durable construction
- High-performance burner
- Thoughtful design features
- Premium materials built for longevity
Today, Napoleon produces a wide range of products including:
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Gas, Charcoal, and Electric grills
- Outdoor Kitchen Islands and Griddles
- Fireplaces and outdoor heating products including the Phantom Freestand
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HVAC and home comfort solutions
What began in a garage workshop now operates across multiple international facilities, employing more than 1,600 people and distributing products in dozens of countries worldwide.
A Family Business That Stayed True to Its Roots
Despite its global growth, Napoleon has always remained a family-owned company.
Wolfgang and Ingrid Schroeter built the business around strong values: craftsmanship, innovation, and a commitment to doing things the right way. Today, the next generation continues that legacy, with their sons Christopher Schroeter (CEO) and Stephen Schroeter (Executive Chair) leading the company.
This continuity has helped Napoleon maintain its long-standing reputation for quality while continuing to evolve with modern technology and design.
Innovation Built Better
Innovation has always been at the heart of Napoleon’s success.
From early stove designs to advanced grilling systems, the company has consistently pushed the boundaries of performance and engineering. Over the years, Napoleon has introduced numerous patented technologies and design features that improve heat control, cooking performance, and durability.
That commitment to engineering excellence is reflected in every product — whether it’s a high-performance grill, a stylish fireplace, or a heating solution built for modern homes.
50 Years of Fire, Food, and Connection
Napoleon’s story is ultimately about more than just manufacturing products. It’s about the moments people create around them.
- A backyard barbecue with friends.
- A family dinner cooked on the grill.
- A warm fireplace bringing people together on a winter evening.
For five decades, Napoleon has helped make those moments possible — and their commitment to innovation ensures the next generation of homeowners and grillers will continue to enjoy them.
Looking Ahead
As Napoleon celebrates 50 years of innovation, the company continues to invest in new technology, expanded manufacturing, and advanced design.
The vision and future remains an inspiration to future consumers much as it was to those in the past:
”Define the future of home living through innovation built better.”
And if the past 50 years are any indication, the next chapter of the Napoleon story is just getting started.
Celebrate Napoleon’s 50th Anniversary
To mark this milestone, Napoleon is celebrating with special limited-time offers and anniversary products that honour the brand’s legacy of craftsmanship and innovation.
The Napoleon 50th Anniversary Bundle
What began as a single spark has grown into five decades of innovation, design excellence, and enduring performance.
To celebrate this milestone, Napoleon is releasing a limited production of just 1,976 Anniversary grills — a tribute to the year the company was founded.
The Napoleon 50 Phantom Prestige Anniversary Edition captures the spirit that has defined Napoleon for half a century: precision engineering, mastery of flame, and the belief that the best moments are made around the grill.
From the first weld to the final polish, every detail reflects the craftsmanship and innovation that has driven the brand since 1976.
Each Anniversary grill also includes a commemorative bundle featuring:
- A premium Napoleon apron
- Professional grilling tool set
- Grill cover
- —> a $300 value included with the grill.
It’s more than just a grill - it’s a celebration of the legacy Napoleon has built and the community of grillers who have been part of the journey.
Experience Napoleon at Barbecues Galore - Canadian Showrooms
For 50 years, Napoleon has been pushing the boundaries of grill design, engineering, and performance.
If you’re looking to celebrate the milestone yourself, now is the perfect time to explore the anniversary offers and discover what makes Napoleon one of the most respected names in grilling.
👉 Visit your local Canadian Barbecues Galore showroom or browse our Napoleon collection online to learn more about the 50th anniversary offers.
