Nice cook and very nice grill.
Though I do not have a Napoleon grill with a sizzle zone, I do have a Holland Apex grill with a Searmate and enjoy that grill immensely. Like you I factored in an external IR burner (Searmate) when making my decision to buy the Apex. I wanted IR burner and wanted it external of the grill's firebox so as not to lose any grate space. Have not regretted my decision one bit.