Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill Review

Introduction

The Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill is a high-end option for grilling aficionados seeking a combination of durability, versatility, and premium quality. Its sleek design, robust performance, and range of features make it a standout choice for anyone serious about outdoor cooking. Whether you're searing, slow-cooking, or roasting, this grill delivers professional-level results. In this review, we’ll dive into the specifications, share user experiences, and highlight its key benefits.

Specifications

• Material: High-grade stainless steel for resistance to rust and corrosion.
• Cooking Area: 760 square inches, including both the main grilling surface and a warming rack.
• Burners: Four main burners, a rear infrared burner, and a side infrared sizzle zone, totaling 66,000 BTUs.
• Ignition System: JETFIRE™ ignition system for quick, reliable start-ups.
• Temperature Control: Accu-Probe™ temperature gauge for precise monitoring.
• Grill Grates: WAVE™ stainless steel cooking grids ensuring even heat distribution and top-notch searing.
• Storage: Includes spacious side shelves, an integrated ice/marinade bucket, and a cutting board.

Build Quality and Design

Built from high-grade stainless steel, the Napoleon Prestige 500 boasts impressive durability, capable of withstanding harsh outdoor conditions. Its sleek, modern design not only looks elegant but also maximizes functionality, with ample cooking space and storage areas that seamlessly blend into any outdoor setup.

The construction is robust, promising long-lasting performance. The stainless steel finish gives it an upscale look, making it a focal point in your outdoor kitchen. The spacious side shelves offer plenty of room for meal prep, while the integrated ice/marinade bucket and cutting board add convenience to your cooking process.

WAVE™ stainless steel cooking grids ensure even heat distribution across the grill, helping you achieve perfectly cooked food every time. With its thoughtful design and user-friendly features, the Prestige 500 sets the bar for outdoor grills.

Performance

The Napoleon Prestige 500 delivers stellar performance with its powerful burners and versatile cooking options. With four main burners, a rear infrared burner, and a side infrared sizzle zone, this grill covers all your cooking needs, from searing to slow roasting. Its 66,000 BTUs ensure you can grill like a pro, whether you’re making steaks, veggies, or rotisserie chicken.

A standout feature of this grill is its even heat distribution, courtesy of the WAVE™ stainless steel cooking grids. These grids provide excellent searing and ensure food cooks uniformly without hot or cold spots.

The JETFIRE™ ignition system guarantees quick and reliable start-ups, lighting each burner individually with just the push of a button. Whether grilling for a quick dinner or hosting a backyard feast, the Prestige 500’s performance remains consistently impressive.

Personal Experience

After using the Napoleon Prestige 500 extensively, I can confidently say it has taken my outdoor cooking to a new level. Its spacious cooking area and powerful burners make hosting gatherings a breeze. One memorable instance was a family barbecue where I prepared seared steaks, grilled vegetables, and rotisserie chicken simultaneously. The side sizzle zone was particularly impressive, delivering perfectly crusted steaks while keeping the interior juicy.

The even heat distribution across the cooking surface was a game changer—everything cooked uniformly without needing constant adjustments. The rear infrared burner was perfect for the rotisserie, producing crispy, golden skin on the chicken while keeping the meat tender and juicy.

Cleaning the grill after use is also easy. The WAVE™ cooking grids require just a quick brush, and the stainless steel surfaces wipe clean effortlessly. The integrated ice/marinade bucket added convenience, making food prep and grilling more efficient. Overall, the Napoleon Prestige 500 exceeded my expectations in performance and ease of use.

Benefits

• Spacious Cooking Area: The 760 square inches of cooking space are ideal for handling multiple dishes simultaneously, perfect for large family gatherings or parties.
• Versatile Cooking Options: The combination of four main burners, a rear infrared burner, and the side sizzle zone provides endless possibilities, from grilling and searing to rotisserie cooking.
• Even Heat Distribution: The WAVE™ stainless steel cooking grids distribute heat evenly across the surface, ensuring perfectly cooked food every time.
• Durable Construction: Made from high-grade stainless steel, this grill is built to withstand years of outdoor use, even in tough weather conditions.
• Convenient Features: The integrated ice/marinade bucket, side shelves, and cutting board make food prep and storage seamless, enhancing your grilling experience.

Conclusion

The Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill is a superior choice for those who value high performance, versatility, and durability in their outdoor cooking appliances. Its powerful burners, quality construction, and ample cooking space make it ideal for everything from intimate meals to large gatherings. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a beginner, the Prestige 500 consistently delivers professional-grade results.

FAQ

Q1: Can the Napoleon Prestige 500 be converted to propane gas?
Yes, it can be converted to propane gas with a separate conversion kit.

Q2: How do you clean the WAVE™ stainless steel cooking grids?
Brush the grids while they are warm. For a deeper clean, soak them in warm soapy water and scrub with a non-abrasive pad.

Q3: Does the grill come with a rotisserie kit?
Yes, the Napoleon Prestige 500 includes a rotisserie kit with a heavy-duty motor and spit rod.

Q4: How does the JETFIRE™ ignition system work?
The JETFIRE™ ignition system lights each burner individually with the push of a button, ensuring a reliable start every time.

Q5: Is the grill suitable for all weather conditions?
Its stainless steel construction resists rust and corrosion, making it suitable for outdoor use in various weather conditions. Using a grill cover is recommended for added protection.

Q6: How long does it take to assemble the grill?
Assembly typically takes 2-3 hours, depending on experience.

Q7: What warranty comes with the Napoleon Prestige 500?
It usually comes with a limited lifetime warranty on specific parts. Check with the manufacturer for detailed information.

Q8: Can the cooking grids be replaced if they wear out?
Yes, replacement WAVE™ stainless steel cooking grids are available for purchase.

Q9: Is the grill easy to move?
Yes, it features sturdy wheels for easy movement. The wheels can be locked to secure the grill in place during use.

Q10: Does the grill come with a cover?
No, but a custom-fit cover is available for purchase to protect the grill from the elements.