Quick Summary: Napoleon Prestige 500 Propane Gas Grill
Price: $1,499.00
Pros:
- High-Quality Construction: The Napoleon Prestige 500 is made from durable 304 stainless steel, ensuring longevity and resistance to corrosion.
- Infrared Side Burner: The infrared burner provides intense heat for perfect searing and can be adjusted for more delicate cooking.
- Even Heat Distribution: The unique wave-shaped grids help distribute heat evenly across the cooking surface, preventing hot spots.
- Versatile Cooking Options: With a large grilling area, a rotisserie kit, and multiple burners, this grill offers a variety of cooking methods, including roasting, grilling, and searing.
- Ease of Maintenance: The removable drip tray and stainless-steel components make cleanup simple and convenient.
Cons:
- Hot and Cool Spots: The grill tends to run hotter at the back, which may require food to be repositioned for even cooking.
- High Price: The Napoleon Prestige 500 is relatively expensive compared to other grills in the same category.
The first time I fired up the Napoleon Prestige 500, I was excited to see how it performed. I’d heard great things about the grill’s design, but I was most impressed by the ease of use right out of the box. With just a simple turn of the knob, the Jetfire ignition system kicked the burners into action, and to my surprise, they ignited immediately on the first try—something that hasn’t always been the case with other grills I’ve used.
As I started grilling, I noticed the heat distribution was remarkably even, though there was a minor temperature variation toward the back of the grill. Rotating the food as it cooked solved this issue, and I didn’t find it to be a significant problem. During a family cookout, I was able to fit 20 burgers on the main grilling area with no problem, and thanks to the 760 square inches of cooking space, I had room to spare for veggies on the warming rack. The versatility and size of this grill made it perfect for both everyday meals and large gatherings, and it quickly became a staple of my outdoor kitchen.
Design and Build Quality of the Napoleon Prestige 500 Propane Gas Grill
The Napoleon Prestige 500 makes a strong first impression with its sleek, modern design. Crafted from high-grade 304 stainless steel, it not only looks premium but is also built to last. Its sturdy construction ensures long-term durability, with every component—from the stainless steel cooking grates to the sear plates—designed to withstand frequent use and exposure to the elements.
One feature that stood out to me was the “Lift-Ease” roll-top lid. Double-walled and lightweight, this lid makes opening and closing the grill effortless, while also retaining heat exceptionally well. Additionally, its compact design minimizes the space needed behind the grill, making it ideal for smaller patios or balconies. I also appreciated the versatility of the grill’s infrared burner and rotisserie system, which gave me the freedom to experiment with searing steaks or slow-roasting a whole chicken.
Cooking Performance of the Napoleon Prestige 500 Propane Gas Grill
When it comes to performance, the Napoleon Prestige 500 delivers consistently impressive results. The grill features four stainless steel main burners, which produce up to 48,000 BTUs, and the spacious 760-square-inch cooking surface easily accommodates large quantities of food. While the back of the grill does tend to run slightly hotter, adjusting food placement was a simple way to ensure even cooking.
The infrared burners on the side and rear add a professional touch to the grill’s capabilities. The side infrared burner can reach temperatures up to 1,800°F, perfect for creating that restaurant-quality sear on steaks, locking in juices and flavors. The rear burner, when used with the rotisserie kit, is fantastic for slow roasting. I’ve had great success grilling everything from burgers and vegetables to rotisserie chicken, and the cooking results have been consistently excellent.
Infrared Burners and Searing Capabilities
One of the key features that makes the Napoleon Prestige 500 stand out is its infrared burners. The side burner, in particular, has transformed how I grill. With 18,000 BTUs of heat, this burner reaches incredibly high temperatures, making it ideal for searing steaks. I’ve been able to achieve that perfect caramelized crust on my steaks every time, while still keeping the inside tender and juicy.
The adjustable grate on the infrared burner allows for versatile cooking, whether you’re searing at high heat or simmering sauces at a lower temperature. This combination of power and flexibility really enhances the overall grilling experience, delivering restaurant-quality results right in your backyard.
Features That Enhance the Grilling Experience
The Napoleon Prestige 500 isn’t just about cooking power; it also comes equipped with several features designed to make grilling more convenient. The SafetyGlow control knobs, which light up red when the burners are in use, are both a practical and aesthetic addition, providing peace of mind when I’m grilling at dusk or when I need to step away for a moment.
The Jetfire ignition system, which has been reliable even after months of use, ensures that I never struggle with getting the grill started. Another standout feature is the stainless steel sear plates, which effectively vaporize drippings to minimize flare-ups. These sear plates also help distribute heat evenly across the grill, ensuring consistent results with every cook.
Durability and Ease of Maintenance
Durability is one of the major reasons why the Napoleon Prestige 500 has become my go-to grill. Made from corrosion-resistant 304 stainless steel, this grill is designed to withstand harsh weather and regular use without rusting or deteriorating. The full-width drip pan and easily accessible grease tray make cleaning up after a barbecue a breeze, which is a huge plus for me.
Maintenance is straightforward, and I love that I can focus more on cooking and less on upkeep. The grill even comes with a limited lifetime warranty, which speaks volumes about its long-term reliability. Knowing that Napoleon stands behind their product gives me the confidence that this grill will be a mainstay in my outdoor setup for years to come.
Cooking Flexibility with the Napoleon Prestige 500
One of the greatest strengths of the Napoleon Prestige 500 is its flexibility. With its large cooking area, I’ve been able to prepare meals for everything from weeknight dinners to large family gatherings. The main grilling surface accommodates up to 20 burgers at once, and the warming rack is perfect for keeping side dishes warm or grilling vegetables and bread.
The infrared burners and rotisserie system provide additional cooking options. Whether I’m searing a steak, slow-roasting a chicken, or grilling veggies, the Napoleon Prestige 500 offers a wide range of techniques that keep cooking interesting and enjoyable.
Accessories and Extra Features
Beyond its impressive core features, the Napoleon Prestige 500 also comes with some thoughtful extras. The included rotisserie kit, complete with a motor and spit rod, adds a whole new dimension to outdoor cooking, allowing me to experiment with slow roasting meats and achieving that perfect, juicy result. Most other grills require you to purchase a rotisserie kit separately, so this inclusion adds significant value to the grill.
Another accessory that I’ve found incredibly useful is the optional charcoal tray, which transforms the gas grill into a hybrid charcoal setup. This feature adds a distinct smoky flavor to dishes, offering even more variety and control over how I prepare my meals.
Conclusion
After extensive use, I can confidently say that the Napoleon Prestige 500 Propane Gas Grill is one of the best investments for any serious outdoor cooking enthusiast. Its superior construction, versatile cooking options, and thoughtful design features—like the infrared burner and rotisserie kit—set it apart from other grills in its class. Whether you’re grilling for a small family dinner or hosting a large gathering, this grill delivers exceptional performance every time.
If you’re in the market for a high-quality, reliable, and multi-functional gas grill, the Napoleon Prestige 500 is an excellent choice that will elevate your grilling experience.
FAQs for Napoleon Prestige 500 Propane Gas Grill
Q1: What is the cooking space available on the Napoleon Prestige 500?
A1: The Napoleon Prestige 500 offers 760 square inches of total cooking space, including the main grilling area and the warming rack. This space is enough to grill up to 20 burgers at once, making it ideal for larger gatherings.
Q2: Does the Napoleon Prestige 500 come with a rotisserie kit?
A2: Yes, the Napoleon Prestige 500 comes with a heavy-duty rotisserie kit that includes a motor, spit rod, counterweight, and forks. The rear infrared burner is perfect for slow roasting meats on the rotisserie.
Q3: How does the infrared side burner work?
A3: The infrared side burner on the Napoleon Prestige 500 reaches extremely high temperatures (up to 1,800°F), allowing for quick and efficient searing of meats. The adjustable grate also allows you to lower the heat for simmering or cooking side dishes.
Q4: Is the Napoleon Prestige 500 difficult to maintain?
A4: No, the grill is relatively easy to maintain. It features a full-width drip pan and an easily accessible grease tray, both of which make cleanup simple. The stainless steel construction also resists corrosion and is easy to wipe down after use.
Q5: Can I use the Napoleon Prestige 500 with natural gas instead of propane?
A5: Yes, the Napoleon Prestige 500 is available in both propane and natural gas versions. If you purchase the propane model, you can also convert it to natural gas using a conversion kit (sold separately).
Q6: Does the grill come assembled?
A6: The Napoleon Prestige 500 requires assembly. However, users have noted that while assembly may take some time, the instructions are clear, and the process is manageable with basic tools.
Q7: What is the warranty for the Napoleon Prestige 500?
A7: The grill comes with a limited lifetime warranty, covering major components like the burners and cooking grids, providing confidence in the durability of the product.
Q8: Are there hot spots on the Napoleon Prestige 500?
A8: Yes, some users have noticed that the grill tends to run slightly hotter toward the back. However, this can be managed by adjusting the placement of food while cooking.