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.
I’ve had my fair share of grills over the years, but few have impressed me quite like the Napoleon Prestige 500. As a practical yet discerning griller, I look for a grill that can handle everything from delicate veggies to thick steaks. I enjoy the balance between straightforward grilling and high-end features, and the Prestige 500 has managed to combine both well.
The Grilling Space and Capacity
What initially caught my eye was the sheer cooking space. With a primary cooking area of 500 square inches, I can easily grill around 24 standard burgers simultaneously—ideal for larger gatherings. There’s also a 260 square-inch warming rack, which I found incredibly useful for keeping finished items warm while I tended to other foods. This capacity makes the Napoleon Prestige 500 a grill I feel confident using for big family gatherings or neighborhood cookouts.
In addition, I’ve found the side burner to be more versatile than expected. This 14,000 BTU infrared burner isn’t just there to sear meats; I’ve used it to cook vegetables and even to keep a pot of beans warm while I grilled. It’s flexible and gives the whole setup an extra edge that I hadn’t anticipated.
. I was also able to maintain a low temperature by simply adjusting the burners or switching some off entirely.
Performance and Heat Control in Real-Life Scenarios
One of the first things I tested was the grill’s temperature control, as this is often where gas grills fall short. Preheating the grill took around 15 minutes, and it reached an average temperature of 522°F, with peaks around 578°F, which was excellent for searing
While some reviews mention slight temperature discrepancies, particularly in the front-right section, I didn’t find this to be much of an issue. Yes, the front area did tend to run slightly cooler, but for me, it’s easy enough to work around by rotating food as needed. This isn’t uncommon with gas grills, and the variance is manageable if you’re mindful of your cooking zones.
Infrared Burners: A Game Changer for High-Heat Cooking
The Prestige 500’s infrared burner on the side is one of its stand-out features, and it’s more than just a novelty. I love using it to sear thick steaks, and it’s been a game changer for adding that professional-grade crust to my meats. Infrared burners use intense heat for fast searing, and I appreciate that I can adjust the grates on this burner, raising or lowering them as needed. It’s versatile, whether I’m using it for a perfect sear or to add an extra layer of heat for dishes like fajitas that benefit from a little char.
In addition, there’s an infrared rotisserie burner at the back of the grill. I’ve used this rotisserie for slow-cooking meats and even roasting whole chickens. The counterweighted rotisserie setup is smooth, and I don’t have to constantly monitor it to ensure even cooking. For anyone who likes the option of slow-roasting, this is a fantastic addition.
Convenience and Maintenance of the Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill
When it comes to cleaning and maintenance, the Napoleon Prestige 500 has a couple of thoughtful features. The drip pan is accessible from the front, making it easy to empty without having to move the grill or reach around the back—a common inconvenience with many grills I’ve used. Cleaning the stainless steel grates is also relatively simple. With just a bit of oiling and an occasional deep clean, they’ve held up well, resisting rust and retaining their smooth surface even after months of grilling.
The SafetyGlow knobs are also a small but practical feature I’ve come to appreciate. They glow red when the burners are active, which is helpful for quickly checking if everything is off before I leave the grill unattended. It’s a simple feature, but it adds an extra layer of peace of mind that I hadn’t realized I would value so much.
Drawbacks: What to Consider Before Buying the Napoleon Prestige 500
Although I’m largely impressed with the Napoleon Prestige 500, it’s worth mentioning a few potential drawbacks. The most notable one is the cooler front section of the grill. This isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker, but if you’re looking for absolutely even heat distribution, it’s something to keep in mind. It’s also heavier and bulkier than some other models, so it may be less ideal if you need a grill that can be easily moved.
Another minor drawback is that the warming rack is prone to warping if used too frequently with the high-heat rotisserie burner directly below it. I generally remove the warming rack when using the rotisserie to avoid this, but it’s worth noting if you plan on frequently using the rotisserie option.
Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill Reviews: Real-World Value and Final Thoughts
The Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill isn’t just a grill; it’s a versatile cooking station that caters to a wide range of grilling preferences. From the spacious cooking area to the high-quality infrared burners, this grill provides the tools I need for varied and consistent cooking experiences. While it does have a few quirks, such as the front heat variation, these are minor compared to the many conveniences and high-level performance this grill offers.
Overall, I’d recommend the Napoleon Prestige 500 to anyone who’s serious about grilling and values versatility in their setup. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a larger event, this grill handles it all with finesse, giving you ample control over your cooking space and temperature. It’s a reliable and enjoyable addition to any outdoor kitchen, bringing a level of professional-grade grilling to the home that’s hard to find.
FAQs for Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill
Q1: What are the main features of the Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill?
A1: The Napoleon Prestige 500 includes a 500-square-inch primary cooking area, four main burners, an infrared side burner, and a rear infrared rotisserie burner. It also has SafetyGlow knobs that change color when in use, stainless steel wave cooking grids for even heating, and a Jetfire ignition system for easy startup.
Q2: How easy is it to maintain and clean the Napoleon Prestige 500?
A2: Maintenance is relatively easy due to the stainless steel construction and a slide-out drip pan that makes grease disposal convenient. Cleaning the wave grids is straightforward with regular oiling, and the stainless steel finish requires occasional wiping to avoid staining.
Q3: Is there a difference in temperature across the cooking surface?
A3: Yes, some users report that the front-right corner of the grill tends to be slightly cooler than the rest of the cooking area. However, this temperature variation is typically manageable and does not significantly affect overall cooking performance.
Q4: What kind of warranty does Napoleon offer for the Prestige 500?
A4: The Napoleon Prestige 500 comes with a limited lifetime warranty, covering various parts of the grill to ensure long-term durability and support.
Q5: Can the infrared side burner be used for more than just searing?
A5: Absolutely. The 14,000 BTU infrared side burner can be used for high-heat searing, as well as cooking small pots, warming sauces, and even for wok cooking. This versatility makes it useful for a variety of cooking needs.
Q6: Does the Napoleon Prestige 500 come with a rotisserie?
A6: Yes, the grill includes a rear infrared rotisserie burner and comes with a rotisserie kit that includes a motor, rod, counterweight, and forks. This feature allows for slow roasting large cuts of meat or whole chickens with even cooking.
Q7: Can this grill be converted to use propane if it’s configured for natural gas?
A7: The Napoleon Prestige 500 model is designed specifically for either natural gas or propane, depending on the version you purchase. While some grills are convertible, this model generally requires buying the correct version based on the gas type you intend to use.
Q8: Is the warming rack durable when using the rotisserie burner?
A8: The warming rack can be prone to warping if it’s left in place during high-heat rotisserie cooking, as noted in the manual. It’s recommended to remove the warming rack when using the rotisserie burner to avoid this issue.
Q9: How portable is the Napoleon Prestige 500?
A9: While the Napoleon Prestige 500 is equipped with wheels for easier movement, it’s a fairly heavy unit due to its stainless steel construction, so it’s more suited to a semi-permanent location rather than frequent moving.
Q10: Are there additional accessories available for this grill?
A10: Yes, Napoleon offers several compatible accessories, including a charcoal tray, smoke tube, grill cover, and various cooking tools. These accessories expand the grill's functionality, allowing for charcoal grilling and enhanced smoke flavor when desired.