Napoleon Prestige 500 Propane Gas Grill Review

Introduction

The Napoleon Prestige 500 Propane Gas Grill stands out as a premium outdoor cooking appliance designed for grill enthusiasts who appreciate top-notch quality, durability, and convenience. Whether you're a casual backyard cook or a seasoned barbecue pro, this grill delivers exceptional performance. In this review, we’ll explore its key features, user experiences, and the various benefits that make it a versatile addition to any outdoor space.

Specifications

• Material: Built with high-quality stainless steel for superior durability, resisting rust and corrosion.
• Cooking Area: Total of 760 square inches, including a main grilling surface and a warming rack, providing ample space for various foods.
• Burners: Equipped with four main burners, a rear infrared burner, and a side infrared sizzle zone burner, combining for 66,000 BTUs for powerful, versatile cooking.
• Ignition System: The reliable JETFIRE™ ignition system ensures quick and easy start-ups with a simple push of a button.
• Temperature Control: The Accu-Probe™ temperature gauge allows for precise monitoring for accurate cooking.
• Grill Grates: WAVE™ stainless steel cooking grids ensure even heat distribution and perfect sear marks, while being easy to clean.
• Storage: Includes spacious side shelves, an integrated ice/marinade bucket, and a cutting board for added convenience.

Build Quality and Design

The build quality of the Napoleon Prestige 500 is immediately noticeable. Constructed from stainless steel, this grill is designed to endure a variety of weather conditions without showing wear or rust. Its modern, sleek appearance adds an aesthetic edge to any outdoor setup, but it's the craftsmanship and durability that really set it apart.

Grilling Performance

The grilling capabilities of the Prestige 500 are second to none. The four main burners ensure consistent, even heat distribution across the grilling surface, allowing you to cook multiple items simultaneously without concern for uneven cooking. The rear infrared burner is ideal for rotisserie-style dishes, providing the perfect golden-brown finish on meats. Additionally, the side infrared burner—known as the sizzle zone—offers intense heat, perfect for achieving restaurant-quality seared steaks.

Personal Experience with the Prestige 500

Assembling and using the Napoleon Prestige 500 was an exceptional experience from start to finish. The instructions for assembly were clear, and each component fit perfectly, making the setup process smooth and straightforward.

One of the most memorable occasions using the Prestige 500 was during a family summer barbecue. I was able to take full advantage of its versatility by grilling steaks on the sizzle zone, producing a perfect crust while maintaining tenderness inside. Simultaneously, I used the main burners to cook burgers, hot dogs, and vegetables—all of which cooked evenly thanks to the uniform heat distribution.

The rear infrared burner, combined with the included rotisserie kit, allowed me to slow-cook a whole chicken, achieving crispy skin while keeping the meat juicy and flavorful. The rotisserie feature has since become a favorite for cooking larger cuts of meat, consistently delivering excellent results.

Cleanup was much easier than expected for such a large grill. The WAVE™ stainless steel grids are simple to brush clean, and the stainless steel body wipes down easily, maintaining its pristine look. The integrated ice/marinade bucket is also a convenient feature, keeping essentials within arm’s reach while grilling.

Benefits and Use Cases

• Spacious Cooking Area: The 760 square inches of cooking space makes it perfect for large gatherings or family cookouts, allowing you to grill multiple items simultaneously.
• Versatile Cooking Options: With its four main burners, rear infrared burner, and side sizzle zone, the Prestige 500 can handle everything from high-heat searing to slow roasting and rotisserie cooking.
• Even Heat Distribution: The WAVE™ stainless steel grids ensure consistent heat across the cooking surface, providing reliable results every time.
• Durability: Built from high-grade stainless steel, this grill is designed to withstand outdoor elements while maintaining its top condition over time.
• Convenient Features: The integrated ice/marinade bucket, cutting board, and spacious side shelves enhance the overall grilling experience by making preparation and storage simple.

Conclusion

The Napoleon Prestige 500 Propane Gas Grill is an exceptional choice for those who are serious about outdoor cooking. Its combination of powerful burners, durable build, and versatile cooking options makes it a standout performer that can handle a wide range of tasks effortlessly. Whether you’re grilling steaks, cooking rotisserie-style meals, or catering to a large crowd, the Prestige 500 delivers consistent, high-quality results that will leave a lasting impression.

FAQ

Can the Napoleon Prestige 500 be converted to natural gas?
Yes, it can be converted to natural gas with a conversion kit that is available separately.

How do you clean the WAVE™ stainless steel cooking grids?
The grids can be cleaned with a grill brush while still warm. For a deeper clean, remove and soak them in warm soapy water before scrubbing with a non-abrasive pad.

Does the grill come with a rotisserie kit?
Yes, it includes a rotisserie kit with a heavy-duty motor and spit rod.

How does the JETFIRE™ ignition system work?
The JETFIRE™ system uses a push-button ignition for each burner, providing reliable start-ups quickly and easily.

Is the grill suitable for all weather conditions?
Its stainless steel construction makes it resistant to rust and corrosion, suitable for various weather conditions. However, a grill cover is recommended for added protection when not in use.

How long does it take to assemble the grill?
Assembly usually takes about 2-3 hours, depending on your experience with assembling similar products.

What kind of warranty does the grill come with?
The Prestige 500 comes with a limited lifetime warranty on specific parts. For detailed warranty information, consult the manufacturer.

Can the cooking grids be replaced?
Yes, replacement WAVE™ stainless steel cooking grids are available for the Prestige 500.

Is the grill easy to move around?
Yes, it has sturdy wheels that make it easy to move. The wheels can be locked to keep it in place during use.

Does the grill come with a cover?
No, the cover is sold separately, but a custom-fit cover can be purchased to protect the grill.