Quick Summary:
Price: $2,549.00
Pros
- Versatile Cooking Options: With four burners, an infrared rear burner, and a rotisserie kit, this grill offers a wide range of cooking options, from searing steaks to slow-cooking roasts.
- Large Cooking Space: The grill provides 500 square inches of primary cooking space, which is ideal for cooking for larger groups or family gatherings.
- Durable Construction: Built with high-quality stainless steel, the grill is designed to last and withstand the elements, especially in outdoor environments.
- Quick Ignition System: The Jetfire ignition system makes lighting the grill fast and easy, ensuring a seamless grilling experience every time.
- Easy to Clean: With porcelain-coated cast iron grates and a removable drip tray, cleaning up after grilling is simple and hassle-free.
Cons
- Price: The Napoleon Prestige 500 is on the higher end of the price spectrum, which may not be ideal for those on a tighter budget.
- Heavy and Bulky: Its solid construction makes it heavy, which could make it challenging to move around if you need portability in your grill setup.
When it comes to outdoor cooking, I believe the right grill can make all the difference. Today, I want to share my personal experience with the Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill, which I've been using for several months. This grill has quickly become a staple in my backyard, and I’ve got plenty of insights to offer. Whether you’re a grilling enthusiast or simply someone in need of an upgrade, I think this review might help you decide if the Napoleon Prestige 500 is right for you.
Why I Chose the Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill
Before diving into my detailed experience, I think it’s worth explaining why I decided on the Napoleon Prestige 500 in the first place. I’ve owned a handful of grills over the years, from budget propane models to charcoal-based units, but I was looking for something that could provide more control, efficiency, and versatility. I wanted a natural gas grill to avoid constantly refilling propane tanks, and Napoleon’s reputation for quality construction and innovative features sealed the deal for me.
Initial Impressions of the Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill
When I first unboxed the Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill, I was immediately impressed by its sleek design and sturdy build. The brushed stainless steel finish gave off a professional vibe that wouldn’t look out of place in a restaurant kitchen. It’s always nice to see a product that balances aesthetic appeal with a robust structure—Napoleon certainly accomplished that here.
What also stood out was how well-packed the components were. Assembly took me about an hour, and while that might sound like a lot, the instructions were straightforward and easy to follow. It didn’t require any specialized tools—just the standard screwdriver and a bit of patience. By the time I had it all set up, I could already feel a rush of excitement for my first grilling session.
Performance and Heat Distribution
The most important factor for any grill, in my opinion, is performance—especially how evenly it can cook various foods. The Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill does not disappoint. The grill boasts four main burners, each pumping out up to 12,000 BTUs, and let me tell you, I’ve never had a problem achieving and maintaining high temperatures.
What I found particularly outstanding was the wave-shaped stainless steel cooking grids. At first, I thought they looked a bit gimmicky, but these grids actually do a phenomenal job of delivering even heat. No more playing "musical steaks" to make sure everything is evenly cooked. I’ve grilled everything from thick ribeyes to delicate vegetables, and every time, the grill has provided consistent, reliable results.
The Sizzle Zone and Infrared Burner Features
Another standout feature of the Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill is the Sizzle Zone infrared side burner. At first, I wasn’t sure if I’d use it all that much, but it's now one of my favorite features. This burner can reach temperatures as high as 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit, which makes it ideal for quickly searing steaks.
In my experience, using the Sizzle Zone to get that delicious crust on my steaks made a huge difference compared to just cooking them on the standard grill. I was able to lock in juices and create those attractive sear marks that are almost obligatory in every perfect steak photo I’ve ever taken.
Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill Reviews: Ease of Use and Versatility
I should also mention the versatility that the Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill brings to my outdoor cooking. Aside from grilling steaks, I’ve roasted whole chickens, baked pizzas, and even smoked a rack of ribs. It was almost like this grill had the perfect setting for every type of dish I wanted to make.
This versatility is due in part to the integrated rotisserie kit that comes with the Prestige 500. I’ve only used the rotisserie a few times, but it’s easy to set up and delivers results that rival what you’d find at a high-end restaurant. The slow rotation ensures that every part of the chicken or roast gets equal exposure to the heat, resulting in juicy, evenly cooked meat every time.
Cleaning and Maintenance
The ease of cleaning and maintaining the Napoleon Prestige 665 is another big plus. The stainless steel components are easy to wipe down after use, and the removable wave cooking grids make cleaning a hassle-free task. The drip tray slides out effortlessly, simplifying grease disposal, and the porcelain-coated warming rack resists food sticking, making it easier to clean.
Regular maintenance is crucial for extending the life of a grill, and this model’s thoughtful design makes it much easier to keep in top condition without excessive effort.
What Sets the Napoleon Prestige 665 Apart from Competitors
Having used several premium grills over the years, the Napoleon Prestige 665 stands out due to its blend of power, versatility, and ease of use. It maintains a consistent temperature with minimal adjustments, allowing me to focus more on the cooking rather than managing the grill’s settings.
The backlit control knobs are a small but valuable feature for evening grilling, enhancing the overall experience. This attention to detail is what sets this grill apart from other models on the market.
Additionally, the included rotisserie kit opens up even more cooking possibilities. I’ve used it to slow-cook everything from chickens to pork roasts with excellent results. The rear infrared burner ensures consistent heat, making rotisserie cooking easy and delicious.
Versatility of the Napoleon Prestige 665
The versatility of this grill is one of the main reasons I’ve come to love it. Whether it’s a quick burger night or a more elaborate smoked ribs cookout, the Napoleon Prestige 665 handles it all. The infrared side burner, smoker box, and rotisserie kit allow me to experiment with various cooking techniques.
Multiple cooking zones mean I can grill different foods simultaneously without worrying about uneven cooking. The grill heats up quickly and distributes heat evenly, making it reliable for any type of meal, large or small.
Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill Reviews: Cooking Experience in Different Seasons
One of the more surprising things I noticed about the Napoleon Prestige 500 is its ability to perform well in all kinds of weather. I’ve grilled during cold winter evenings and hot summer afternoons, and the results have been consistently great.
I was worried that the grill wouldn’t heat up properly in winter, especially given the chilly temperatures in my region, but the JETFIRE ignition and well-insulated hood worked wonders. The grill reached my desired cooking temperature quickly, and it was easy to maintain even when the air was brisk.
Cooking for Large Gatherings with the Napoleon Prestige 500
One of the standout features for me has been how easy it is to cook for larger groups with the Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill. Last summer, I hosted a family reunion with around 20 people, and this grill handled it beautifully. With its 500 square inches of main cooking area plus the warming rack, I had enough space to cook burgers, hot dogs, and even some veggie skewers all at once.
What also helped was the side shelves, which provided a decent workspace for prepping and seasoning food. Having enough space to lay things out properly made the process a lot less stressful. In the past, I often found myself juggling trays and plates, but the Prestige 500’s design really improved the overall flow of grilling for a crowd.
Comparing the Napoleon Prestige 500 to Other Grills I’ve Used
It’s always helpful to have a comparison, so let me take a moment to discuss how the Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill stacks up against other grills I’ve used in the past. Before upgrading, I had a standard propane grill that was much more basic—two burners, no bells or whistles, and definitely no Sizzle Zone.
The biggest difference, besides all the cool features, is the level of control I get over my cooking with the Napoleon. Temperature adjustments are precise, the lid thermometer is reliable, and I love the addition of the warming rack. My old grill often left me with dried-out burgers and overdone veggies because I simply didn’t have the control I needed. With the Prestige 500, I feel like I’m genuinely in charge of every dish I create.
Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill Reviews: My Favorite Recipes to Cook
Another aspect I want to touch on is how the Napoleon Prestige 500 has enabled me to explore different types of dishes. One of my favorite things to make on this grill is a marinated pork tenderloin. Using the main burners, I can get a perfect sear on the outside before moving it over to the warming rack for a more gentle finish.
I’ve also experimented with pizza on the grill, which was a revelation. The high temperatures of the Prestige 500 mimic a pizza oven really well, and I’ve been able to get that crispy crust that I could never achieve in my indoor oven. I use a pizza stone, and within minutes, I’m serving up personal-sized pizzas that are always a hit at gatherings.
Final Thoughts on the Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill
Now that I've shared my experiences, I think it’s only fitting to offer my conclusion.
Product Review Conclusion
The Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill is, in my opinion, an excellent choice for both grilling novices and experienced backyard chefs. It combines performance, versatility, and durability in a well-designed package that’s built to last. It is a premium grill, no doubt about it, but you truly do get what you pay for—whether that’s the even heat distribution, the convenience of the Sizzle Zone, or the sheer amount of grilling space.
For anyone who enjoys outdoor cooking and is looking for a dependable grill that delivers consistent results, I would wholeheartedly recommend the Napoleon Prestige 500. It’s transformed my grilling experience, and I imagine it could do the same for yours.
FAQs for Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill Reviews
Q1: How difficult is it to assemble the Napoleon Prestige 500?
A1: The Napoleon Prestige 500 requires about an hour for assembly. The instructions are clear, and it doesn't need any special tools—just a screwdriver and a bit of patience. You might find it easier with a second person to help, especially when positioning some of the larger components.
Q2: Does the Napoleon Prestige 500 perform well in cold weather?
A2: Yes, the Napoleon Prestige 500 performs well in cold weather. The JETFIRE ignition system makes lighting easy even in low temperatures, and the insulated hood ensures that the grill reaches and maintains the desired cooking temperature without much hassle.
Q3: How easy is it to clean the Napoleon Prestige 500?
A3: The grill is relatively easy to clean. The stainless steel cooking grids can be brushed clean after cooking, and running the burners for 10 minutes helps to burn off any remaining residue. The grease tray is removable, making it easy to dispose of excess grease and maintain the overall cleanliness.
Q4: Can I cook different types of food on this grill?
A4: Absolutely. The Napoleon Prestige 500 is highly versatile and can handle various types of food, including steaks, pizzas, whole chickens, and smoked ribs. The rotisserie kit and Sizzle Zone infrared burner add even more cooking options.
Q5: Is the Napoleon Prestige 500 worth the price?
A5: While the Napoleon Prestige 500 is a premium grill and comes at a higher cost, it provides great value for those who enjoy outdoor cooking frequently. The even heat distribution, solid build quality, and added features like the Sizzle Zone and rotisserie make it a worthwhile investment for serious grillers.
Q6: How does the Sizzle Zone infrared burner work?
A6: The Sizzle Zone infrared burner reaches temperatures as high as 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit. It's perfect for searing steaks quickly to lock in juices and flavor. It’s one of my favorite features and really adds a professional touch to backyard grilling.
Q7: How much cooking space does the Napoleon Prestige 500 offer?
A7: The grill has 500 square inches of main cooking space, plus an additional warming rack. This provides plenty of room for cooking for large gatherings, which makes it perfect for hosting family and friends.
Q8: How durable is the Napoleon Prestige 500?
A8: The Napoleon Prestige 500 is made from high-quality stainless steel that is resistant to corrosion. It’s built to withstand various weather conditions, and with proper maintenance, it should last for many years without any significant issues.