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.
For anyone passionate about grilling, there’s something unmatched about the experience of cooking outdoors. As a barbecue enthusiast who has tried many grills, I recently had the pleasure of testing the Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill. From design to performance, this grill surpassed my expectations in many areas, making it a worthy addition to any outdoor setup.
Here’s my experience with this grill and why it might be the ideal choice for your backyard.
First Look: Unboxing and Setup of the Napoleon Prestige 500
Unboxing the Napoleon Prestige 500 felt like a special event. Its stainless steel finish exudes a sleek, high-quality aesthetic, and the grill’s weight signals its durable construction. Each component was neatly packed, and assembly instructions were clear and easy to follow. To my surprise, setup took under an hour—impressively fast for a grill of this size and capability.
From its premium materials to the fine craftsmanship of every detail, I immediately felt confident that this grill was a solid choice for my outdoor kitchen.
Distinct Design and High-Quality Build
The Napoleon Prestige 500 is a striking addition to any patio with its robust stainless steel body. Not only is it stylish, but it’s also built to withstand outdoor conditions, making it a durable investment. The expansive cooking area was the first feature I truly appreciated—offering 500 square inches of primary cooking space and an additional 260 square inches on the warming rack. This size made it clear I’d have ample room for hosting gatherings.
Equipped with four stainless steel burners, along with an infrared rear burner and rotisserie kit, the grill offers versatility for all types of grilling. Whether you’re grilling burgers, searing steaks, or roasting a whole chicken, this model has everything you need.
Impressive Heat Performance and Quick Ignition
When it was time to fire up the Napoleon Prestige 500, I was immediately impressed with how quickly it reached high temperatures. Within minutes, it was ready for searing steaks, while also capable of sustaining lower heat levels for delicate dishes.
The Jetfire ignition system makes lighting the grill effortless every time. In the past, unreliable ignitions on other grills became a frustrating obstacle, but with the Prestige 500, startup was flawless, contributing to an overall enjoyable cooking experience.
Another feature I enjoyed was the Accu-Probe temperature gauge, which made it easy to monitor heat levels. This detail allowed me to control the temperature without repeatedly opening the lid, which helps maintain consistent cooking heat.
Versatile Cooking Experience with the Napoleon Prestige 500
During real-life cooking sessions, the Napoleon Prestige 500 truly showed its value. The four burners provide separate cooking zones, so I could set up indirect cooking on one side and high heat on the other. For a recent barbecue, I used one side for searing steaks, another for grilling vegetables, and the rotisserie for slow-cooking a whole chicken.
The infrared side burner, which heats up in seconds, was a standout feature for quick searing, locking in flavors and juices in my steaks. Meanwhile, the warming rack kept finished items hot without overcooking them. This ability to multitask effortlessly was a game-changer, making the cooking process organized and efficient.
Built to Last: Durability and Practical Design
Durability is a key concern with any outdoor grill, and the Napoleon Prestige 500 delivers. Made from 304-grade stainless steel, this grill resists rust and corrosion, ideal for outdoor conditions. The porcelain-coated cast iron grates add to its durability and non-stick benefits, making cleanup easy. After several sessions, my grill still looked new, thanks to its minimal maintenance needs.
The fold-down side shelves are another great feature, especially if space is limited. Integrated tool hooks and towel racks make it convenient to keep essentials close at hand, enhancing the overall cooking experience.
Expanded Cooking Options
The Napoleon Prestige 500 stands out with its versatility, offering unique features that elevate the cooking experience. The infrared rear burner and included rotisserie kit opened up new possibilities for me. Using the rotisserie for the first time, I was able to achieve a perfectly roasted chicken with golden, crispy skin and juicy, tender meat. This feature brings restaurant-quality results to your backyard, offering consistent, even cooking that’s usually hard to achieve with a standard grill.
Additionally, the infrared side burner reaches high temperatures rapidly, perfect for dishes that need intense heat, such as seared meats or stir-fry. This burner also proved useful for boiling water for side dishes like corn on the cob. The grill’s versatility allows for seamless multitasking, making it feel like a complete outdoor kitchen rather than just a grill.
Hassle-Free Cleanup
Cleaning up after grilling can be a chore, but the Napoleon Prestige 500 makes it simple. The porcelain-coated cast iron grates are non-stick, so food remnants easily brush off. After each session, a quick scrape with a grill brush is usually enough to keep it in top shape.
The removable drip tray is another thoughtful touch. It collects grease and drippings, so all I need to do after cooking is remove it, empty the contents, and wipe it clean. This efficient design saves time and effort, keeping the grill looking and performing well with minimal fuss.
Worth the Investment
The Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill may come at a higher price point, but it offers tremendous value for the quality, durability, and versatility it provides. With features like the rotisserie kit and infrared burners, it’s more than just a grill—it’s a fully equipped outdoor cooking station. For anyone who grills frequently, this model is a wise investment that will deliver reliable, top-quality performance for years.
If you want a grill that combines excellent cooking results with a variety of features, the Napoleon Prestige 500 is a choice you won’t regret.
Conclusion
After extensive use of the Napoleon Prestige 500, I can confidently say that this grill is an outstanding option for serious outdoor cooks. Its versatility, premium construction, and impressive performance set it apart from other models.
Whether you’re a grilling pro or just starting out, this grill offers a great blend of power and precision. The spacious cooking area, multiple burners, and additional features like the rotisserie and infrared side burner make it ideal for everything from casual dinners to large family gatherings.
In summary, the Napoleon Prestige 500 has exceeded my expectations. If you’re in the market for a high-performing, durable, and versatile grill, this model is a top choice that brings unparalleled quality to your outdoor cooking experience.
FAQs for Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill
Is assembly for the Napoleon Prestige 500 easy?
Yes, the grill includes clear instructions, and most users can assemble it in an hour or two. Due to its size and weight, having two people can make the process easier.
Does the Napoleon Prestige 500 come with a rotisserie kit?
Yes, this model includes a rotisserie kit, allowing you to roast with the infrared rear burner for perfectly even cooking.
How many burners does the Napoleon Prestige 500 have?
The grill features four main stainless steel burners, an infrared rear burner, and an infrared side burner, providing flexibility for various cooking styles.
Can the Napoleon Prestige 500 handle cooking for large gatherings?
Absolutely. With a 500-square-inch primary cooking area and an additional 260 square inches on the warming rack, it’s ideal for entertaining larger groups.
Is the grill durable for outdoor conditions?
Yes, it’s constructed from 304-grade stainless steel, resistant to rust and corrosion, which is perfect for outdoor use, even in humid areas.
Is there a warranty on the Napoleon Prestige 500?
Yes, Napoleon offers a limited lifetime warranty on this model, covering key components for long-lasting peace of mind.
Can I switch the Napoleon Prestige 500 between natural gas and propane?
The grill is designed specifically for either natural gas or propane, and it cannot be converted between the two.
How easy is it to clean?
The porcelain-coated cast iron grates and removable drip tray make cleaning straightforward and efficient after each use.
Is the cover included with the grill?
No, the cover is sold separately but is highly recommended to protect the grill from the elements.
How powerful is the infrared side burner?
The infrared side burner heats up quickly and reaches high temperatures, perfect for searing meats or other high-heat cooking methods. It’s one of the standout features of this grill.