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 the Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill arrived, I was eager to get it set up and start cooking. The moment I unboxed it, I was struck by its sleek, high-end design and solid stainless steel construction. The grill felt substantial and well-built, which gave me immediate confidence in its durability.
Assembly was straightforward, taking me about an hour. All the parts were neatly organized, and the instructions were easy to follow. I appreciated the thought put into the design; every component—from the burners to the control knobs—felt premium. Once fully assembled, the grill looked impressive, and I was excited to see how it would perform.
First Impressions of the Napoleon Prestige 500
The Napoleon Prestige 500 immediately impresses with its modern, professional appearance. The stainless steel body not only enhances its durability but also gives it a polished look that complements any outdoor setup. With 500 square inches of primary cooking space and an additional 260 square inches on the warming rack, this grill offers plenty of room for cooking large meals.
Equipped with four stainless steel burners, an infrared rear burner, and a rotisserie kit, this grill is versatile and perfect for a variety of cooking techniques. Whether you're grilling burgers, searing steaks, or slow-cooking a roast, the Prestige 500 has you covered.
Performance of the Napoleon Prestige 500
After setting up the grill, I was excited to see how it performed. The Jetfire ignition system was easy to use and worked flawlessly every time, igniting the burners quickly and without hassle. The grill heated up rapidly, reaching high temperatures in just a few minutes—perfect for getting a good sear on steaks or preparing delicate dishes that need precise heat control.
One feature I appreciated was the Accu-Probe temperature gauge, which allowed me to monitor the internal temperature of the grill without constantly lifting the lid. This made it easier to maintain consistent heat and cook food evenly.
Cooking Experience with the Napoleon Prestige 500
The Napoleon Prestige 500 truly shines when it comes to cooking. The four burners provide excellent control, allowing me to create different temperature zones across the grill. This feature was especially useful when I hosted a cookout for friends. I was able to sear steaks at high heat on one side while slow-cooking vegetables on the other. The infrared side burner quickly reached high temperatures, making it ideal for searing meats and locking in their juices.
One of my favorite cooking experiences with this grill was using the rotisserie. I had never used a rotisserie before, but the infrared rear burner cooked the chicken evenly, resulting in crispy skin and juicy, tender meat. This feature is a fantastic addition to the grill, elevating its versatility.
Durability and Design of the Napoleon Prestige 500
Built with 304-grade stainless steel, the Napoleon Prestige 500 is designed to withstand the elements. Its resistance to rust and corrosion makes it a durable choice, even for those who live in humid or coastal areas. The porcelain-coated cast iron grates are another highlight—they are non-stick, easy to clean, and retain heat well for consistent cooking results.
Additionally, the grill’s design is both functional and convenient. The side shelves fold down to save space, and the integrated tool hooks and towel racks are practical features that make grilling more enjoyable by keeping everything within arm's reach.
Versatility of Cooking Features
The Napoleon Prestige 500 excels in versatility. Whether you're grilling, roasting, or searing, this grill has the tools to handle it all. The infrared rear burner and rotisserie kit allow you to roast meats to perfection, while the infrared side burner heats up quickly, making it perfect for high-temperature dishes like stir-fry or for searing steaks.
This grill also offers the ability to create different cooking zones, making it easy to prepare multiple dishes at once. During a recent cookout, I had burgers grilling on the main burners, corn boiling on the side burner, and chicken on the rotisserie. The ability to multitask with this grill is one of its biggest advantages.
Ease of Cleaning the Napoleon Prestige 500
Grill cleanup can be a tedious task, but the Napoleon Prestige 500 simplifies the process. The porcelain-coated cast iron grates are non-stick, making it easy to brush off any leftover food. Additionally, the grill features a removable drip tray that collects grease and drippings, making cleanup even more manageable. Simply remove the tray, dispose of the contents, and give it a quick wipe down. Regular cleaning has kept the grill looking and performing like new.
Value for Money
While the Napoleon Prestige 500 is a premium grill with a higher price tag, it offers excellent value for the money. You're not just purchasing a grill—you're investing in a versatile, high-performance outdoor cooking station. The inclusion of the rotisserie kit and infrared burners further adds to its value, offering features typically found in much more expensive models.
With its durable construction and multifunctional capabilities, the Prestige 500 is an excellent long-term investment for anyone serious about outdoor cooking.
Conclusion
After extensively using the Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill, I can confidently say it’s one of the best grills on the market. Its versatility, durable construction, and high-level performance make it a standout choice for anyone who enjoys grilling. Whether you're a seasoned grill master or a beginner, this grill’s intuitive design and powerful features make it suitable for any cooking scenario, from casual family dinners to large gatherings.
With its ample cooking space, infrared burners, and rotisserie kit, the Napoleon Prestige 500 is more than just a grill—it’s a complete outdoor cooking solution. If you’re looking for a reliable, long-lasting, and high-performing grill, this model is worth every penny.
FAQs for Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill
Q1: Is the Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill easy to assemble?
A1: Yes, the grill comes with clear instructions, and most users can assemble it within an hour or two. Due to the grill's size and weight, it’s recommended to have two people for certain parts of the process, but overall, it’s straightforward.
Q2: Does the Napoleon Prestige 500 come with a rotisserie kit?
A2: Yes, the Napoleon Prestige 500 comes with a rotisserie kit, which allows you to roast meats using the infrared rear burner for even, flavorful cooking.
Q3: How many burners does the Napoleon Prestige 500 have?
A3: The grill features four stainless steel main burners, an infrared rear burner, and an infrared side burner, offering a variety of cooking options.
Q4: Is the Napoleon Prestige 500 suitable for cooking for large groups?
A4: Absolutely. With 500 square inches of primary cooking space and an additional 260 square inches on the warming rack, the grill is ideal for hosting large gatherings or family events.
Q5: How durable is the Napoleon Prestige 500 in outdoor conditions?
A5: The grill is constructed with 304-grade stainless steel, which is resistant to rust and corrosion, making it highly durable and well-suited for outdoor use in different weather conditions.
Q6: Does the Napoleon Prestige 500 have any warranty?
A6: Yes, Napoleon offers a limited lifetime warranty on the Prestige 500, covering most components, giving you peace of mind about its longevity.
Q7: Can I convert the Napoleon Prestige 500 from natural gas to propane?
A7: The Napoleon Prestige 500 is available in either natural gas or propane versions, but it cannot be converted between the two. Be sure to select the version that matches your fuel source.
Q8: How easy is it to clean the Napoleon Prestige 500?
A8: Cleaning is easy, thanks to the porcelain-coated cast iron grates that resist sticking, along with a removable drip tray that collects grease, making maintenance simple after grilling.
Q9: Does the grill come with a cover, or is it sold separately?
A9: The grill cover for the Napoleon Prestige 500 is sold separately, but purchasing one is highly recommended to protect your grill from the elements.
Q10: How efficient is the infrared side burner?
A10: The infrared side burner heats up extremely quickly and reaches high temperatures, which is perfect for searing meat or cooking dishes that require intense heat. It’s one of the standout features of this grill, providing excellent versatility.