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 immediately taken aback by how seamlessly the burners ignited. Thanks to the Jetfire ignition system, lighting the grill was as easy as turning a knob, and it sparked to life on the first try every time. As I began cooking, I noticed the heat was distributed fairly evenly, though the back of the grill ran slightly hotter. This minor difference didn’t hinder my cooking experience; rotating the food easily kept everything cooking consistently.
Another aspect that impressed me was the grill’s generous size. With a spacious 760 square inches of cooking area, I had no trouble fitting 20 burgers on the main grill during a recent family cookout. The extra room let me grill a mix of items at once, and the warming rack allowed side dishes to stay hot while the main course finished up. This flexibility makes the Napoleon Prestige 500 perfect for casual dinners and large gatherings alike.
Design and Build Quality of the Napoleon Prestige 500 Propane Gas Grill
The Napoleon Prestige 500 stands out with its sleek, stainless steel design. Built from high-grade 304 stainless steel, it has a modern appearance and is designed to endure the elements, ensuring long-term durability. From the cooking grates to the burners and sear plates, every part is crafted with longevity in mind.
One of my favorite design elements is the “Lift-Ease” roll-top lid. This double-walled, lightweight lid opens and closes with minimal effort. It also retains heat well, making it ideal for smaller outdoor spaces, as it requires little room behind the grill. The infrared burner and rotisserie system add versatility, allowing for various cooking methods, including searing and roasting.
Cooking Performance of the Napoleon Prestige 500 Propane Gas Grill
The Napoleon Prestige 500 truly excels in cooking performance. With four stainless steel main burners producing up to 48,000 BTUs and 760 square inches of cooking area, this grill competes strongly in its category. The wave-shaped cooking grids ensure even heat distribution, although the back does tend to run slightly hotter. Adjusting food placement easily compensates for this, resulting in consistently even cooking.
The infrared rear and side burners are perfect for achieving professional-level searing. The side burner reaches up to 1,800°F, letting me sear meats to perfection, locking in juices and enhancing flavor. The rear burner, paired with the rotisserie kit, is ideal for slow roasting. Whether I’m grilling burgers, roasting vegetables, or experimenting with rotisserie chicken, the Napoleon Prestige 500 consistently delivers outstanding results.
Infrared Burners and Searing Capabilities
One unique feature of the Napoleon Prestige 500 is its infrared burners. The 18,000 BTU side infrared burner has been a game-changer, allowing me to achieve a perfect sear on steaks, creating a beautifully caramelized crust. The adjustable grate also lets me switch to lower-heat settings, perfect for simmering sauces or warming sides. The infrared heat ensures even cooking and impressive sear marks, a signature of Napoleon grills.
Features That Enhance the Grilling Experience
Napoleon designed the Prestige 500 with convenience in mind. One standout feature is the SafetyGlow control knobs, which light up red when the burners are active. This is a thoughtful touch, providing peace of mind when I need to step away from the grill briefly. The reliable Jetfire ignition system guarantees start-up every time, even after extensive use.
Stainless steel sear plates minimize flare-ups by vaporizing drippings, enhancing food flavor while keeping the grill clean. The dual-level sear plates distribute heat evenly, ensuring no area becomes too hot or cold, making the grilling experience smooth and enjoyable.
Durability and Ease of Maintenance
A significant reason I appreciate the Napoleon Prestige 500 is its durability. Crafted from corrosion-resistant 304 stainless steel, it’s built to last. Maintenance is straightforward, thanks to features like the full-width drip pan and accessible grease tray, which make post-cooking cleanup quick and easy. This focus on ease of maintenance allows me to enjoy the grill without being concerned about upkeep.
The grill also comes with a limited lifetime warranty, which reinforces confidence in its longevity. Knowing that the manufacturer stands behind the product assures me that this grill is a smart investment for any outdoor cooking enthusiast.
Cooking Flexibility with the Napoleon Prestige 500
One of the biggest strengths of the Napoleon Prestige 500 is its cooking flexibility. The large cooking area comfortably accommodates small dinners and larger events alike. The main grill can hold up to 20 burgers simultaneously, and the warming rack provides additional space for sides or vegetables. With the infrared burners and rotisserie kit, I can sear, roast, and grill, adding versatility to my outdoor cooking setup.
Accessories and Extra Features
The Napoleon Prestige 500 stands out among grills due to its thoughtful extras. For instance, the included rotisserie kit enables slow roasting of whole chickens and other meats, expanding the range of cooking techniques at my disposal. Many other grills require you to purchase such accessories separately, making the Prestige 500 a particularly good value.
Additionally, the optional charcoal tray lets me convert the gas grill into a hybrid charcoal setup, adding a smoky flavor to dishes. These added features make the Napoleon Prestige 500 a well-rounded and versatile grill that offers more than just standard grilling.
Conclusion
The Napoleon Prestige 500 Propane Gas Grill is one of the best investments for any serious outdoor cooking enthusiast. Its superior build quality, excellent cooking performance, and user-friendly features, like the infrared burner and rotisserie kit, make it a standout grill. From hassle-free maintenance to impressive cooking versatility, this grill is built to deliver high-quality results for years to come.
If you’re seeking a top-tier, reliable, and versatile gas grill, the Napoleon Prestige 500 is an excellent choice that can elevate your grilling experience.
FAQs for Napoleon Prestige 500 Propane Gas Grill
Q: What is the cooking space available on the Napoleon Prestige 500?
A: The Napoleon Prestige 500 offers 760 square inches of total cooking space, including the main grilling area and warming rack. This space is spacious enough to grill up to 20 burgers at once, making it ideal for larger gatherings.
Q: Does the Napoleon Prestige 500 come with a rotisserie kit?
A: Yes, the Napoleon Prestige 500 includes a rotisserie kit with a 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 can reach up to 1,800°F, allowing for efficient searing of meats. The adjustable grate also allows for lower heat, ideal for simmering or preparing side dishes.
Q: Is the Napoleon Prestige 500 difficult to maintain?
A: No, the grill is easy to maintain. It features a full-width drip pan and an accessible grease tray, making cleanup simple. Its stainless steel construction resists corrosion and is easy to wipe down after use.
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 versions. A conversion kit (sold separately) is available for converting the propane model to natural gas.
Q: Does the grill come assembled?
A: The Napoleon Prestige 500 requires assembly. While it may take some time, the instructions are clear, and the process is manageable with basic tools.
Q: What is the warranty for the Napoleon Prestige 500?
A: The grill includes a limited lifetime warranty that covers major components like the burners and cooking grids, providing confidence in its durability.
Q: Are there hot spots on the Napoleon Prestige 500?
A: Yes, some users notice that the grill runs slightly hotter toward the back. However, adjusting food placement while cooking can easily manage this.