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 struck by the ease of ignition. Thanks to the innovative Jetfire ignition system, lighting this grill was as simple as turning a knob, sparking the burners to life on the first attempt. I immediately appreciated the even heat distribution across the cooking surface, though I did observe a slight temperature variance towards the back. This didn’t pose much of a challenge, as rotating the food helped maintain consistent cooking results, making this minor quirk barely noticeable.
One of the features that truly impressed me was the grill's spacious design. With a total of 760 square inches of cooking area, I easily fit 20 burgers on the main grill during a recent family cookout. This ample space allowed me to cook a variety of dishes simultaneously. The warming rack came in handy for keeping side dishes hot while I wrapped up the main course. This flexibility makes the Napoleon Prestige 500 perfect for both casual weeknight dinners and larger gatherings alike.
Design and Build Quality of the Napoleon Prestige 500 Propane Gas Grill
The Napoleon Prestige 500 stands out with its sleek, all-stainless-steel design that not only looks sophisticated but is built to endure the elements. Crafted from high-quality 304 stainless steel, this grill exudes a modern aesthetic and offers robust durability. Every component, from the cooking grates to the burners and sear plates, is thoughtfully constructed to withstand long-term use.
One of my favorite features is the “Lift-Ease” roll-top lid. This double-walled, lightweight lid makes opening and closing the grill a breeze, retains heat well, and doesn’t require much space behind the grill—perfect for more confined outdoor areas. Additionally, the infrared burner and rotisserie system add incredible versatility, letting me experiment with various cooking methods like searing and slow roasting, all with minimal hassle.
Cooking Performance of the Napoleon Prestige 500 Propane Gas Grill
In terms of cooking power, the Napoleon Prestige 500 ranks among the best. It features four stainless steel main burners delivering up to 48,000 BTUs of heat and a generous cooking space of 760 square inches. The wave-shaped cooking grids ensure even heat distribution, though the back of the grill tends to run a bit hotter. Adjusting the placement of food helps manage this, resulting in evenly cooked meals every time.
The infrared rear and side burners are fantastic for creating restaurant-quality sears. The side burner can reach an impressive 1,800°F, locking in juices and enhancing flavor with a perfect caramelized crust. The rear burner is excellent for slow roasting, especially when using the included rotisserie kit. Whether I’m grilling burgers, slow-roasting veggies, or experimenting with rotisserie chicken, the Napoleon Prestige 500 consistently delivers exceptional results.
Infrared Burners and Searing Capabilities
The Napoleon Prestige 500's infrared burners are among its most distinctive features. The 18,000 BTU infrared side burner has revolutionized my grilling, enabling me to achieve a beautifully charred crust on steaks. The adjustable grate is versatile, allowing me to switch seamlessly to lower-heat cooking methods for tasks like simmering sauces or warming up side dishes. The infrared heat provides consistent cooking temperatures and produces impressive sear marks, a hallmark of Napoleon grills.
Features That Enhance the Grilling Experience
This grill is designed with convenience in mind, with several standout features that enhance the user experience. One such feature is the SafetyGlow control knobs, which illuminate red when the burners are in use—a helpful safety measure and a stylish touch. The Jetfire ignition system ensures reliable startup every time, even after extended periods of use.
To reduce flare-ups, the Napoleon Prestige 500 is equipped with stainless steel sear plates that vaporize drippings, enhancing the grilled food’s flavor while minimizing cleanup. These dual-level sear plates distribute heat evenly, ensuring that no single area becomes overly hot or cold, which makes grilling a pleasure each time I fire it up.
Durability and Ease of Maintenance
One aspect I truly appreciate about the Napoleon Prestige 500 is its durability. Constructed from corrosion-resistant 304 stainless steel, this grill is built to last. Cleaning and maintenance are made easy with a full-width drip pan and an accessible grease tray, which streamline the post-cooking cleanup process. This ease of maintenance allows me to focus more on enjoying the grill rather than worrying about its upkeep.
The grill also comes with a limited lifetime warranty, which provides added assurance of its longevity. Knowing the manufacturer stands behind the product adds confidence to my investment, making the Napoleon Prestige 500 a reliable choice for any dedicated outdoor cooking enthusiast.
Cooking Flexibility with the Napoleon Prestige 500
The versatility of the Napoleon Prestige 500 is one of its strongest assets. With ample cooking space, I’ve been able to cook comfortably for both intimate dinners and larger gatherings. The main grilling area can handle up to 20 burgers simultaneously, and the warming rack provides extra space for vegetables, bread, or side dishes. The infrared burners and rotisserie kit expand cooking possibilities, allowing for everything from high-heat searing to low-and-slow roasting, all within a single, highly adaptable grill.
Accessories and Extra Features
What sets the Napoleon Prestige 500 apart from other grills are the additional thoughtful extras. For instance, the included rotisserie kit allows for slow-roasting whole chickens and other meats, expanding my range of cooking options. Unlike many other grills that require separate purchases for such accessories, the Prestige 500 offers great value with its included features.
Another fantastic option is the optional charcoal tray, which allows me to convert the gas grill into a hybrid charcoal grill. This feature enables me to add a smoky flavor to my dishes, making the Napoleon Prestige 500 even more versatile and well-rounded.
Conclusion
After extensive use, I can confidently say that the Napoleon Prestige 500 Propane Gas Grill is an outstanding choice for any serious outdoor cooking enthusiast. Its combination of durable construction, high-performance cooking capabilities, and convenient features like the infrared burner and rotisserie kit make it a truly exceptional grill. With its easy maintenance, impressive versatility, and reliable ignition system, the Napoleon Prestige 500 is built to deliver top-quality grilling experiences for years to come.
If you’re in the market for a premium, reliable, and multi-functional gas grill, the Napoleon Prestige 500 is an excellent investment that will undoubtedly enhance your outdoor cooking experience.
FAQs for Napoleon Prestige 500 Propane Gas Grill
Q: What is the total cooking space available on the Napoleon Prestige 500?
A: The Napoleon Prestige 500 offers 760 square inches of total cooking space, including both the main grilling area and the warming rack. This space accommodates up to 20 burgers at once, making it ideal for larger gatherings.
Q: Does the Napoleon Prestige 500 include a rotisserie kit?
A: Yes, the Napoleon Prestige 500 comes with a heavy-duty rotisserie kit, including a rotisserie motor, spit rod, counterweight, and forks. The rear infrared burner is perfect for slow roasting meats on the rotisserie.
Q: How does the infrared side burner work?
A: 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.
Q: Is the Napoleon Prestige 500 easy to maintain?
A: Yes, this grill is relatively easy to maintain. It features a full-width drip pan and an accessible grease tray, simplifying cleanup. The stainless steel construction is also corrosion-resistant and easy to clean.
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 version, it can be converted to natural gas using a conversion kit (sold separately).
Q: Does the grill come pre-assembled?
A: No, the Napoleon Prestige 500 requires assembly. However, users report that while assembly may take some time, the instructions are clear, and the process is manageable with basic tools.
Q: What is the warranty on the Napoleon Prestige 500?
A: The grill comes with a limited lifetime warranty covering major components like burners and cooking grids, ensuring the durability and reliability of the product.
Q: Are there any hot spots on the Napoleon Prestige 500?
A: Some users have noted that the grill runs slightly hotter toward the back, but this can be managed by adjusting food placement while cooking.