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 used the Napoleon Prestige 500, I was immediately impressed by how quickly the burners ignited. Thanks to its Jetfire ignition system, lighting the grill was as simple as turning a knob, and it consistently started on the first try. I noticed the heat distribution was even, though there was a slight temperature difference toward the back of the grill. However, rotating the food helped maintain consistent cooking, so this was a minor issue for me.
One of the standout features is the grill's generous size. With 760 square inches of cooking space, I had no problem fitting 20 burgers on the main grill during a recent family gathering. This extra space allowed me to grill a variety of items simultaneously, and the warming rack kept side dishes warm while I finished grilling the main courses. The flexibility of the Napoleon Prestige 500 makes it ideal for both casual weeknight meals and larger gatherings.
Design and Build Quality of the Napoleon Prestige 500 Propane Gas Grill
The Napoleon Prestige 500 makes a bold statement with its sleek, all-stainless-steel design. Made from high-grade 304 stainless steel, it not only looks modern but is also built to withstand the elements, ensuring long-term durability. Every component, from the cooking grates to the burners and sear plates, is designed for longevity.
One of my favorite features is the “Lift-Ease” roll-top lid, which is double-walled and lightweight, making it easy to open and close. The lid also retains heat well and requires minimal space at the back of the grill, making it perfect for tight outdoor spaces. Additionally, the grill’s infrared burner and rotisserie system provide incredible versatility, allowing me to experiment with different cooking techniques like searing and roasting.
Cooking Performance of the Napoleon Prestige 500 Propane Gas Grill
The Napoleon Prestige 500 excels in cooking performance. With its four stainless steel main burners producing up to 48,000 BTUs and 760 square inches of cooking space, this grill is easily one of the best in its class. The wave-shaped cooking grids ensure even heat distribution, though the back of the grill tends to run slightly hotter. Adjusting food placement helps manage this, resulting in evenly cooked meals.
The infrared rear and side burners are exceptional for achieving professional-level searing. The side burner can reach up to 1,800°F, which allowed me to sear meats perfectly, locking in juices and flavor. The rear burner is ideal for slow roasting, especially with the included rotisserie kit. Whether I’m grilling burgers, roasting veggies, or experimenting with rotisserie chicken, the Napoleon Prestige 500 performs consistently well.
Infrared Burners and Searing Capabilities
One of the most unique features of the Napoleon Prestige 500 is its infrared burners. The 18,000 BTU side infrared burner has been a game-changer for my grilling, allowing me to achieve the perfect sear on steaks, with a beautifully caramelized crust. The adjustable grate also makes it easy to switch to lower-heat cooking methods, such as simmering sauces or warming side dishes. The infrared heat ensures even cooking and impressive sear marks, which are characteristic of Napoleon grills.
Features That Enhance the Grilling Experience
The Napoleon Prestige 500 is designed with user convenience in mind. One standout feature is the SafetyGlow control knobs, which light up red when the burners are in use. This is both a practical and aesthetic touch, providing peace of mind when I step away from the grill momentarily. The Jetfire ignition system also ensures reliable start-up every time, even after extended use.
Flare-ups are minimized thanks to the stainless steel sear plates, which vaporize drippings and enhance the flavor of grilled food while keeping the grill clean. These dual-level sear plates evenly disperse heat, ensuring no single area becomes too hot or cold, making the grilling experience enjoyable every time.
Durability and Ease of Maintenance
One of the reasons I love the Napoleon Prestige 500 is its impressive durability. Made from corrosion-resistant 304 stainless steel, this grill is designed to last. Regular maintenance is easy, thanks to features like the full-width drip pan and accessible grease tray, making post-cooking cleanup a breeze. This ease of maintenance lets me focus on enjoying my grill rather than worrying about its upkeep.
The grill comes with a limited lifetime warranty, which offers added confidence in its longevity. Knowing that the manufacturer stands behind the product ensures that this grill is a solid investment for any outdoor cooking enthusiast.
Cooking Flexibility with the Napoleon Prestige 500
The flexibility offered by the Napoleon Prestige 500 is one of its greatest strengths. With a large cooking area, I’ve been able to comfortably cook for both small dinners and larger events. The main grilling surface accommodates up to 20 burgers at a time, and the warming rack provides extra space for vegetables, bread, or sides. The infrared burners and rotisserie kit offer additional cooking options, allowing me to sear, roast, and grill all in one unit. This versatility has completely transformed the way I approach outdoor cooking.
Accessories and Extra Features
What truly sets the Napoleon Prestige 500 apart from other grills are the thoughtful extras that come with it. For instance, the included rotisserie kit allows for slow roasting whole chickens and other meats, adding new cooking techniques to my repertoire. Many other grills require you to purchase this accessory separately, making the Prestige 500 a great value.
Additionally, the optional charcoal tray is a fantastic feature that lets me convert the gas grill into a hybrid charcoal setup, adding a unique smoky flavor to my dishes. These additional features 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 one of the best investments for any serious outdoor cooking enthusiast. Its combination of superior construction, cooking performance, and thoughtful design features, like the infrared burner and rotisserie kit, make it a standout grill. From easy maintenance to impressive versatility, this grill is built to deliver top-tier results for years to come.
If you’re looking for a high-quality, reliable, and multi-functional gas grill, the Napoleon Prestige 500 is an excellent choice that will elevate your grilling experience.
FAQs for Napoleon Prestige 500 Propane Gas Grill
Q1: What is the cooking space available on the Napoleon Prestige 500?
A1: The Napoleon Prestige 500 offers 760 square inches of total cooking space, including the main grilling area and the warming rack. This space is ample enough to grill up to 20 burgers at once, making it ideal for larger gatherings.
Q2: Does the Napoleon Prestige 500 come with a rotisserie kit?
A2: Yes, the Napoleon Prestige 500 comes with a heavy-duty rotisserie kit, which includes a rotisserie motor, spit rod, counterweight, and forks. The rear infrared burner is perfect for slow roasting meats on the rotisserie.
Q3: How does the infrared side burner work?
A3: The infrared side burner on the Napoleon Prestige 500 reaches extremely high temperatures (up to 1,800°F), allowing for quick and efficient searing of meats. The adjustable grate also allows you to lower the heat for simmering or cooking side dishes.
Q4: Is the Napoleon Prestige 500 difficult to maintain?
A4: No, the grill is relatively easy to maintain. It features a full-width drip pan and an easily accessible grease tray, both of which make cleanup simple. The stainless steel construction also resists corrosion and is easy to wipe down after use.
Q5: Can I use the Napoleon Prestige 500 with natural gas instead of propane?
A5: Yes, the Napoleon Prestige 500 is available in both propane and natural gas versions. If you purchase the propane model, you can also convert it to natural gas using a conversion kit (sold separately).
Q6: Does the grill come assembled?
A6: The Napoleon Prestige 500 requires assembly. However, users have noted that while assembly may take some time, the instructions are clear, and the process is manageable with basic tools.
Q7: What is the warranty for the Napoleon Prestige 500?
A7: The grill comes with a limited lifetime warranty, covering major components like the burners and cooking grids, providing confidence in the durability of the product.
Q8: Are there hot spots on the Napoleon Prestige 500?
A8: Yes, some users have noticed that the grill tends to run slightly hotter toward the back. However, this can be managed by adjusting the placement of food while cooking.