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, there’s something about the aroma of grilling that always brings a smile to my face. As a true BBQ enthusiast, I’ve tried countless grills over the years, ranging from portable units to larger backyard cookers. However, my recent experience with the Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill has been nothing short of exceptional. I still remember the excitement when I saw the delivery truck pull up with my brand-new grill. I was ready to elevate my weekend cookouts, and little did I know, this grill would become a game-changer.
The moment I unboxed the grill, I was captivated by its sleek, stainless steel design. The high-quality construction was evident, and even before setting it up, I could tell that this was a solid piece of equipment. The grill was hefty, but everything about it screamed durability and style. The assembly took me about an hour, and considering its size, I was pleasantly surprised by how straightforward the process was. With each piece I put together, I could feel my anticipation building.
When it was finally ready to go, I wasted no time and fired up the grill for a family cookout. I decided to test its capabilities by preparing a wide range of dishes—juicy steaks, marinated chicken breasts, and an assortment of vegetables. As the first plumes of smoke rose and the aromas filled the air, I knew I was in for something special. The results spoke for themselves: perfect grill marks on the steaks, tender and flavorful chicken, and vegetables that were beautifully roasted. I was thoroughly impressed, and so was everyone else at the table.
First Impressions of the Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill
The Napoleon Prestige 500 is a grill that commands attention from the very first glance. Its modern, stainless steel design is both sleek and functional, making it the centerpiece of any outdoor kitchen. The grill boasts 500 square inches of primary cooking space along with an additional 260 square inches of warming space, which means you’ll have plenty of room whether you're cooking for an intimate family meal or a large gathering of friends.
With four stainless steel burners, an infrared rear burner, and a rotisserie kit, this grill offers a level of versatility that’s hard to match. The build quality is second to none—the 304-grade stainless steel ensures not only durability but also makes the grill resistant to rust and corrosion, perfect for withstanding the elements. I also appreciated the folding side shelves and integrated tool hooks that maximize functionality without taking up additional space.
Performance of the Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill
After assembling the grill, it was time for the moment of truth—the first cook. Firing up the grill was a breeze thanks to the Jetfire ignition system. I’ve used plenty of grills with unreliable ignitions, but this one lit up instantly every single time, saving me from the frustration I’ve experienced in the past.
The heat distribution was impressive right from the get-go. Whether I was cooking directly over the four stainless steel burners or slow-cooking using the rear infrared burner, the temperatures remained consistent and easy to control. The Accu-Probe temperature gauge was a lifesaver, as it allowed me to keep track of the internal temperature without having to constantly lift the lid and lose valuable heat. The entire grilling experience was hassle-free, which made it even more enjoyable.
Cooking Experience with the Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill
The Napoleon Prestige 500 shined brightest during my actual cooking sessions. The expansive cooking area and multiple heat zones gave me the flexibility I needed to prepare different types of dishes simultaneously. For one weekend barbecue, I used the grill's rotisserie feature to roast a whole chicken while grilling steaks and vegetables on the side. The chicken came out with a beautifully crisp skin and juicy interior, and the steaks had that perfect sear—everything looked and tasted restaurant-quality.
The infrared side burner also proved to be incredibly useful. It heats up quickly and reaches high temperatures that are ideal for searing steaks or boiling a pot of water for corn on the cob. The fact that I could do all of this on a single grill was a major advantage, making it much more than just a typical backyard BBQ setup—it was a complete outdoor kitchen experience.
Durability and Design: Built to Last
Durability is a crucial factor when selecting a grill, and the Napoleon Prestige 500 delivers impressively. Made from 304-grade stainless steel, it stands up well to outdoor conditions, resisting both rust and corrosion. I live in an area with humid summers and cold winters, and so far, the grill’s exterior has held up perfectly—there’s no sign of wear or tear after several months of regular use.
The porcelain-coated cast iron grates are another strong point of this grill. They’re not only non-stick but also retain heat extremely well, ensuring even cooking across the entire surface. After using the grill multiple times, I found the grates to be incredibly easy to clean, which makes regular maintenance a breeze. The removable drip tray further simplifies the cleaning process, catching all the grease and drippings for easy disposal.
Versatility of Cooking Features
The Napoleon Prestige 500 is more than just a grill—it’s a versatile outdoor cooking station. One of the standout features is the rotisserie kit, which, combined with the infrared rear burner, allows for perfectly roasted chickens or larger cuts of meat. I had never really tried cooking with a rotisserie before, but after seeing the juicy results from this grill, I am completely sold on it.
Another great feature is the infrared side burner. It’s perfect for quickly searing a piece of meat to lock in the juices or even boiling a pot of water. I found myself using this burner more than I expected, and it’s particularly helpful when multitasking during a large cookout. This added versatility elevates the grill to something beyond your standard backyard cooker—it’s capable of handling just about any cooking challenge.
Ease of Cleaning
One of the most dreaded aspects of grilling is the cleanup, but the Napoleon Prestige 500 makes it surprisingly easy. The porcelain-coated cast iron grates ensure that food doesn’t stick too much, and a quick brush immediately after cooking is often all that’s needed to keep them in top condition. The removable drip tray catches most of the drippings, making disposal simple and keeping the grill’s interior relatively clean.
What I particularly like is that there are minimal components that require deep cleaning. Most parts are accessible and easy to wipe down, which is great because it reduces the overall maintenance time. Knowing that cleanup is hassle-free makes it much more likely that I’ll fire up the grill without worrying about the work that comes afterward.
Value for Money
The Napoleon Prestige 500 is definitely an investment, but I firmly believe it’s worth every penny. With high-quality construction, versatile cooking features, and top-notch performance, this grill is built to last. The stainless steel construction, porcelain-coated grates, rotisserie kit, and infrared burners are all premium features that add substantial value.
Considering how often I use it, the grill has already proven to be a worthwhile addition to my outdoor space. It’s not just about the food—it’s about the experience of outdoor cooking, and this grill enhances that experience tenfold. With proper care and maintenance, I can see this grill providing incredible cookouts for many years to come.
Conclusion: Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill
After months of cooking on the Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill, I can confidently say it’s one of the best investments I’ve made for my outdoor cooking setup. From its stylish, durable design to its versatile cooking features and ease of use, this grill stands out in every way. It’s powerful enough to handle large gatherings, yet easy enough to use for a casual weeknight meal.
If you’re serious about grilling and want something that will not only elevate your cooking but also stand the test of time, the Napoleon Prestige 500 should be at the top of your list. It’s more than a grill—it’s a complete outdoor cooking solution that delivers exceptional results every time you use it.
FAQs for Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill Reviews
Q: Is the Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill easy to assemble?
A: Yes, the grill is relatively easy to assemble, with clear instructions. It may take around one to two hours to set up, and having an extra set of hands can make the process smoother.
Q: Does the Napoleon Prestige 500 come with a rotisserie kit?
A: Yes, the grill comes with a rotisserie kit, which works seamlessly with the infrared rear burner for perfectly even cooking of larger cuts of meat.
Q: How many burners does the Napoleon Prestige 500 have?
A: The grill features four main stainless steel burners, an infrared rear burner, and an infrared side burner, giving you multiple options for different cooking styles.
Q: Is the Napoleon Prestige 500 large enough for big gatherings?
A: Absolutely. With 500 square inches of primary cooking space and an additional 260 square inches on the warming rack, the grill is more than capable of handling large gatherings.
Q: Is the Napoleon Prestige 500 durable in outdoor conditions?
A: Yes, the 304-grade stainless steel construction is highly resistant to rust and corrosion, making it perfect for outdoor use even in challenging weather conditions.
Q: Does the Napoleon Prestige 500 come with a warranty?
A: Yes, Napoleon offers a limited lifetime warranty on this grill, covering most of its components and giving you added peace of mind.
Q: Can the Napoleon Prestige 500 be converted from natural gas to propane?
A: No, the grill is available in either a natural gas or propane model. Make sure to choose the correct version for your fuel source.
Q: How easy is it to clean the Napoleon Prestige 500?
A: Cleaning is straightforward thanks to the porcelain-coated cast iron grates and the removable drip tray that catches grease and drippings, making maintenance quick and easy.
Q: Does the grill come with a cover?
A: The cover is sold separately, but it’s highly recommended to protect the grill from the outdoor elements when not in use.
Q: How efficient is the infrared side burner?
A: The infrared side burner heats up very quickly and reaches high temperatures, making it ideal for searing meats or preparing dishes that need intense heat.