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 it comes to outdoor cooking, few things beat the thrill of grilling. As an avid barbecue enthusiast with plenty of grilling experience, I was thrilled to test out the Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill. From the moment it arrived, I could tell it was something special. Its sleek design, solid construction, and promise of versatility immediately drew me in, and I was eager to put it to the test.
In this review, I’ll share my personal journey with the Napoleon Prestige 500, examining everything from its design and features to performance and durability. By the end, you'll know if this grill is the right choice for your outdoor cooking adventures.
Personal Experience with the Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill
The excitement began as soon as I unboxed the Napoleon Prestige 500. The stainless steel body immediately struck me with its sleek, modern look and substantial weight—a clear indicator that this grill is built to last. Assembly was straightforward, thanks to the clear instructions and well-organized parts. Despite its complexity, I had it fully assembled within an hour. The entire setup felt sturdy, from the control knobs to the lid, and I quickly recognized that this grill was a step above many others I’d used before.
First Impressions of the Napoleon Prestige 500
The first thing that caught my eye was the expansive 500-square-inch cooking area, which stretches to 760 square inches when the warming rack is included. This amount of space is perfect for hosting larger gatherings or even a casual family dinner. Its contemporary design and stainless steel construction make it both visually appealing and exceptionally durable—definitely a grill that could withstand years of use.
Equipped with four main stainless steel burners, an infrared rear burner, and a rotisserie kit, the Prestige 500 is set up to handle an impressive variety of cooking styles. Whether I wanted to grill burgers, sear steaks, or roast a chicken, this grill seemed capable of doing it all.
Performance of the Napoleon Prestige 500
Once everything was set up, I fired up the Napoleon Prestige 500 to test its performance. The Jetfire ignition system was simple to use and reliably sparked each time, eliminating the typical hassles of ignition issues I’ve faced with past grills. Within minutes, the grill reached high temperatures, which was ideal for searing steaks and keeping consistent heat for more delicate dishes.
The Accu-Probe temperature gauge is another noteworthy feature, making it easy to monitor the grill’s temperature without lifting the lid. This helped maintain an even cooking environment, preventing heat loss and ensuring that food came out perfectly cooked.
Cooking Experience with the Napoleon Prestige 500
Using the Napoleon Prestige 500 felt like having a complete outdoor kitchen at my fingertips. The four main burners allowed for excellent heat control, enabling me to create different cooking zones. This feature was especially useful when I needed to cook a variety of foods simultaneously, like high-heat searing for steaks on one side and lower temperatures for vegetables on the other.
During one of my favorite cookouts, I prepared a mixed grill for friends. Steaks sizzled on one side while vegetables roasted on the other, and a rotisserie chicken spun slowly, cooking to golden perfection. The infrared side burner was an extra bonus—it heats up quickly and is perfect for high-temperature searing, locking in flavors and juices.
Durability and Design of the Napoleon Prestige 500
When investing in a grill, durability is a top priority. Fortunately, the Napoleon Prestige 500 is crafted from 304-grade stainless steel, which resists rust and corrosion, making it ideal for various climates. The cast iron cooking grates are porcelain-coated for a non-stick surface, which simplifies cleanup and maintains the grill’s appearance over time.
The folding side shelves and integrated hooks for tools and towels add to its convenience, allowing me to keep everything within reach while grilling. Despite regular use, the grill still looked like new after several sessions, a testament to its excellent build quality.
Versatility of Cooking Features
One of the Napoleon Prestige 500’s most impressive features is its versatility. The grill includes both an infrared rear burner and a rotisserie kit, expanding the range of cooking options. While I initially hesitated to try the rotisserie, it quickly became one of my favorite ways to cook.
One weekend, I tried roasting a chicken on the rotisserie, and the results were outstanding. The chicken came out golden brown with tender, juicy meat inside, thanks to the consistent heat from the infrared rear burner. The infrared side burner further added to the versatility, allowing for high-temperature cooking, perfect for searing or even boiling.
Ease of Cleaning the Napoleon Prestige 500
While I love grilling, cleaning up has never been my favorite part. Thankfully, the Napoleon Prestige 500 makes cleanup straightforward. The porcelain-coated cast iron grates resist sticking, so a quick brush-down after cooking typically does the trick. Additionally, the removable drip tray catches grease and drippings, making disposal easy.
This grill's thoughtful design simplifies maintenance, ensuring it stays in great shape without excessive effort. After each session, cleaning takes just a few minutes, making the experience of using the Prestige 500 even more enjoyable.
Value for Money
Though it comes with a premium price tag, the Napoleon Prestige 500 offers exceptional value. With its durable construction, versatile features, and superior performance, this grill is an investment for serious outdoor cooks. It’s more than just a grill—it’s a full outdoor cooking station that will last for years and deliver excellent results with each use.
Conclusion
After spending ample time grilling with the Napoleon Prestige 500, I can confidently say it’s an exceptional choice for anyone serious about outdoor cooking. With its solid build, versatility, and performance, it stands out among grills on the market. Whether you're an experienced griller or a beginner, the Napoleon Prestige 500 offers the power, precision, and flexibility needed to make outdoor cooking enjoyable and successful.
The large cooking area, multiple burners, rotisserie kit, and infrared side burner make it suitable for every occasion, from casual family dinners to large parties. If you’re looking for a high-performing, durable, and versatile grill, I highly recommend the Napoleon Prestige 500. It’s more than just a purchase; it’s an investment in years of memorable outdoor cooking experiences.
FAQs for Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill
Q: Is the Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill easy to assemble?
A: Yes, the grill is designed for straightforward assembly, and most users can complete it within an hour or two. It’s helpful to have an extra set of hands for setup, but the instructions are clear.
Q: Does the Napoleon Prestige 500 include a rotisserie kit?
A: Yes, the grill comes with a rotisserie kit, allowing you to roast meats using the infrared rear burner for evenly cooked, flavorful results.
Q: How many burners does the Napoleon Prestige 500 have?
A: The Prestige 500 includes four main stainless steel burners, an infrared rear burner, and an infrared side burner, offering various cooking options.
Q: Is this grill suitable for cooking for large groups?
A: Absolutely. With a primary cooking space of 500 square inches plus an additional 260 square inches on the warming rack, it’s ideal for hosting gatherings.
Q: How durable is the Napoleon Prestige 500 in outdoor conditions?
A: Constructed from 304-grade stainless steel, the Prestige 500 resists rust and corrosion, making it highly durable for all climates.
Q: Does the Napoleon Prestige 500 have any warranty?
A: Yes, Napoleon provides a limited lifetime warranty, covering major components for added peace of mind.
Q: Can the Napoleon Prestige 500 be converted from natural gas to propane?
A: No, it’s sold in either natural gas or propane versions. Be sure to select the model that matches your fuel source.
Q: How easy is it to clean the Napoleon Prestige 500?
A: Cleaning is easy, with non-stick porcelain-coated cast iron grates and a removable drip tray that collects grease for simple maintenance.
Q: Does the grill come with a cover, or is it sold separately?
A: The cover is sold separately, but purchasing one is highly recommended to protect the grill from outdoor elements.
Q: How efficient is the infrared side burner?
A: The infrared side burner heats up rapidly and reaches high temperatures, making it perfect for searing or high-heat cooking. This feature is a major asset, enhancing the grill’s versatility.