Quick Summary:
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 blown away by how effortlessly it started. With its Jetfire ignition system, lighting the grill was as simple as twisting a knob, and it ignited on the first try every time. As I began grilling, I quickly noticed how evenly the heat was distributed across the cooking surface, though I did observe a slight temperature variation toward the back. However, rotating the food solved this issue, ensuring consistently cooked meals throughout.
During a recent family cookout, I took full advantage of the grill’s generous size. With 760 square inches of cooking space, fitting 20 burgers on the main grilling surface was no problem, and I even had space to keep sides warm on the built-in warming rack. The spaciousness and flexibility of the Napoleon Prestige 500 make it perfect for everything from quick weeknight dinners to larger family gatherings.
Design and Build Quality of the Napoleon Prestige 500 Propane Gas Grill
The Napoleon Prestige 500’s design immediately catches the eye with its sleek, stainless-steel construction. Built with high-grade 304 stainless steel, it not only has a modern, polished look but is also designed to withstand harsh outdoor conditions, promising long-lasting durability. Every component, from the burners to the cooking grates and sear plates, is crafted to withstand regular use and exposure to the elements.
One standout design feature is the “Lift-Ease” roll-top lid. This lid is double-walled, lightweight, and easy to open and close, and it also retains heat exceptionally well. Because it requires minimal clearance at the back, it’s perfect for compact outdoor spaces. Additionally, the grill’s infrared burner and rotisserie setup allow for diverse cooking techniques, whether you’re searing steaks or slow-roasting meats.
Cooking Performance of the Napoleon Prestige 500 Propane Gas Grill
When it comes to cooking performance, the Napoleon Prestige 500 excels. Its four stainless steel main burners, delivering a powerful 48,000 BTUs and coupled with 760 square inches of cooking space, make this grill a top contender in its class. The wave-shaped cooking grids contribute to even heat distribution, though the back tends to run slightly hotter. Adjusting food placement helps manage this heat variation, ensuring an evenly cooked meal.
The grill’s infrared side and rear burners elevate the cooking experience. The side burner can reach temperatures up to 1,800°F, which is ideal for professional-level searing that locks in juices and flavors. The rear burner, especially when used with the rotisserie kit, makes slow-roasting a breeze. Whether grilling burgers, searing steaks, or roasting a rotisserie chicken, the Napoleon Prestige 500 consistently delivers delicious results.
Infrared Burners and Searing Capabilities
The infrared burners on the Napoleon Prestige 500 are among its most unique features. The 18,000 BTU infrared side burner is perfect for achieving a beautiful caramelized crust on steaks. This burner’s adjustable grate makes it easy to switch to lower-heat cooking modes, ideal for simmering sauces or keeping side dishes warm. The high-intensity infrared heat ensures even cooking and creates those sought-after grill marks that Napoleon grills are known for.
Features That Enhance the Grilling Experience
The Napoleon Prestige 500 offers several features designed to make grilling easier and more enjoyable. One of the most practical additions is the SafetyGlow control knobs, which light up red when the burners are active. This feature not only looks stylish but provides peace of mind if you need to step away from the grill briefly. The reliable Jetfire ignition system ensures a smooth startup, even after prolonged periods of use.
The grill’s stainless steel sear plates minimize flare-ups by vaporizing drippings, adding flavor to the food while maintaining a clean cooking surface. These dual-level sear plates evenly distribute heat, preventing any single area from getting too hot or too cold, which makes for a stress-free grilling experience every time.
Durability and Ease of Maintenance
One of the main reasons I appreciate the Napoleon Prestige 500 is its outstanding durability. Constructed from corrosion-resistant 304 stainless steel, this grill is built to last. Maintenance is straightforward, thanks to a full-width drip pan and an accessible grease tray, which make post-grilling cleanup quick and easy. This ease of maintenance allows me to spend more time enjoying the grill rather than worrying about its upkeep.
The grill also comes with a limited lifetime warranty, adding to its appeal as a long-term investment. Knowing that Napoleon stands behind the product reinforces its value and reliability for any outdoor cooking enthusiast.
Cooking Flexibility with the Napoleon Prestige 500
The Napoleon Prestige 500 offers incredible cooking flexibility, one of its defining characteristics. The large cooking surface comfortably accommodates meals for both small dinners and larger gatherings. The main grilling area fits up to 20 burgers, and the warming rack provides extra room for vegetables, bread, or sides. The addition of infrared burners and a rotisserie kit further enhances its versatility, allowing you to sear, roast, and grill all with a single unit. This adaptability has transformed the way I approach outdoor cooking, letting me explore a variety of techniques.
Accessories and Extra Features
What sets the Napoleon Prestige 500 apart from other grills are the extra features included with it. The grill comes with a rotisserie kit, complete with a motor, spit rod, counterweight, and forks, making slow roasting simple and adding more cooking methods to my repertoire. Unlike other grills, which may require you to purchase this separately, the Prestige 500 includes it, offering great value.
The optional charcoal tray is another feature I love, allowing me to switch between gas and charcoal grilling. This versatility lets me infuse my dishes with a smoky flavor when desired, further expanding my culinary options. These thoughtful extras make the Napoleon Prestige 500 a well-rounded and versatile grill.
Conclusion
After extensive use, I can confidently say that the Napoleon Prestige 500 Propane Gas Grill is a top choice for anyone serious about outdoor cooking. Its combination of high-quality construction, exceptional cooking performance, and thoughtful design features—such as the infrared burner and rotisserie kit—set it apart from other grills. With easy maintenance and impressive flexibility, this grill is designed to deliver outstanding results for years to come. If you’re in search of a high-quality, dependable, and multifunctional gas grill, the Napoleon Prestige 500 is an excellent investment that will undoubtedly elevate your grilling experience.
FAQs for Napoleon Prestige 500 Propane Gas Grill
Q: What is the cooking space available on the Napoleon Prestige 500?
A: The Napoleon Prestige 500 offers a total of 760 square inches of cooking space, including the main grilling area and warming rack. This ample space allows you to grill up to 20 burgers simultaneously, making it ideal for larger gatherings.
Q: Does the Napoleon Prestige 500 come with a rotisserie kit?
A: Yes, the grill includes a heavy-duty rotisserie kit with a motor, spit rod, counterweight, and forks. The rear infrared burner works perfectly with this setup for slow-roasting meats.
Q: How does the infrared side burner work?
A: The infrared side burner reaches temperatures up to 1,800°F, enabling quick and efficient searing of meats. Additionally, the adjustable grate allows you to lower the heat for simmering or cooking side dishes.
Q: Is the Napoleon Prestige 500 difficult to maintain?
A: No, the grill is easy to maintain. It features a full-width drip pan and accessible grease tray, both of which make cleaning up after cooking simple. The stainless steel construction also resists corrosion and wipes down easily.
Q: Can I use the Napoleon Prestige 500 with natural gas instead of propane?
A: Yes, the Napoleon Prestige 500 is available in both propane and natural gas models. If you purchase the propane model, it can be converted to natural gas with a conversion kit (sold separately).
Q: Does the grill come assembled?
A: The Napoleon Prestige 500 does require assembly. However, the instructions are straightforward, and with basic tools, assembly is manageable, even if it may take some time.
Q: What is the warranty for the Napoleon Prestige 500?
A: The grill includes a limited lifetime warranty covering key components like the burners and cooking grids, providing reassurance in its durability.
Q: Are there hot spots on the Napoleon Prestige 500?
A: Some users have noticed a slight temperature increase toward the back of the grill. This can be managed by adjusting food placement during cooking.