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 knew I was in for a treat. The Jetfire ignition system worked flawlessly, allowing me to light the burners with a simple turn of the knob. It ignited on the first try, without fail, which impressed me right off the bat. As I started grilling, I noticed that the heat distribution across the cooking surface was impressively even, though there was a slight temperature difference near the back. This was easily managed by rotating the food, and the end results were perfectly cooked.
During a recent family barbecue, I took advantage of the grill’s 760 square inches of cooking space, managing to fit 20 burgers on the main grill without any issues. The extra space allowed me to grill a variety of items at once, including chicken, veggies, and even some side dishes. The warming rack was a lifesaver, keeping my side dishes warm while I finished grilling the main course. The versatility of the Napoleon Prestige 500 is what truly sets it apart—it’s ideal for both small weeknight dinners and larger family gatherings.
Design and Build Quality of the Napoleon Prestige 500 Propane Gas Grill
The sleek, all-stainless-steel design of the Napoleon Prestige 500 immediately makes a strong impression. Crafted from high-grade 304 stainless steel, it not only looks stylish but is built to last. Each component, from the cooking grates to the burners and sear plates, has been carefully designed for durability, ensuring the grill can withstand outdoor conditions for years to come.
One feature I particularly love is the “Lift-Ease” roll-top lid. It’s double-walled and lightweight, which makes opening and closing it effortless. The design also helps retain heat and doesn’t require a lot of space behind the grill, making it a great option for smaller outdoor areas. The addition of the infrared burner and rotisserie system adds incredible cooking versatility, allowing me to try out techniques like searing and roasting without needing multiple appliances.
Cooking Performance of the Napoleon Prestige 500 Propane Gas Grill
When it comes to cooking performance, the Napoleon Prestige 500 shines. The four stainless steel main burners produce up to 48,000 BTUs, ensuring plenty of power to handle any type of meal. The 760 square inches of cooking space, paired with the wave-shaped grids, ensures even heat distribution, though, as mentioned, there’s a slight heat discrepancy toward the back. However, with some minor adjustments in food placement, I was able to achieve perfectly cooked meals.
The grill’s infrared rear and side burners are where things get really exciting. The side burner can reach a blistering 1,800°F, making it ideal for searing meats to lock in those delicious juices and flavors. The rear infrared burner is perfect for slow roasting, especially when using the included rotisserie kit. Whether I’m grilling burgers, roasting vegetables, or experimenting with a rotisserie chicken, the Napoleon Prestige 500 consistently delivers outstanding results.
Infrared Burners and Searing Capabilities
One of the standout features of the Napoleon Prestige 500 is its infrared burners. The 18,000 BTU side infrared burner has been a game-changer for my grilling. It reaches extremely high temperatures, which is perfect for searing steaks with a beautifully caramelized crust. I can also adjust the grate to switch from high-heat searing to lower-heat cooking, making it ideal for simmering sauces or keeping side dishes warm. The even heat distribution from the infrared technology ensures that my food is perfectly cooked, with those signature Napoleon grill sear marks.
Features That Enhance the Grilling Experience
The Napoleon Prestige 500 is packed with features designed to make grilling more convenient. One of my favorites is the SafetyGlow control knobs. They light up red when the burners are in use, which is a practical and stylish feature. It provides peace of mind, especially when I need to step away from the grill momentarily. Another favorite feature is the Jetfire ignition system, which ensures that the grill lights up reliably every time, even after prolonged use.
Flare-ups are a common issue with grills, but the stainless steel sear plates on the Napoleon Prestige 500 help reduce them significantly. These sear plates vaporize drippings, adding flavor to the food while keeping the grill clean. The dual-level design also helps evenly distribute heat, ensuring no single area gets too hot or too cold, making every grilling session a breeze.
Durability and Ease of Maintenance
One of the main reasons I’m so fond of the Napoleon Prestige 500 is its durability. Made from corrosion-resistant 304 stainless steel, this grill is built to last. The maintenance process is also hassle-free. With a full-width drip pan and easily accessible grease tray, cleaning up after a grilling session is quick and easy. I can focus more on enjoying the food and less on worrying about cleanup.
Additionally, the grill comes with a limited lifetime warranty, which speaks volumes about the confidence Napoleon has in the product’s longevity. Knowing that the grill is backed by such a strong warranty gives me peace of mind, making it a great investment for any outdoor cooking enthusiast.
Cooking Flexibility with the Napoleon Prestige 500
The Napoleon Prestige 500 excels when it comes to cooking flexibility. With a spacious cooking surface, I’ve been able to cook for small family dinners and larger gatherings with ease. The main grilling surface can handle up to 20 burgers at once, and the warming rack provides additional space for veggies, bread, or side dishes.
The infrared burners and rotisserie kit add even more versatility, allowing me to sear, roast, and grill all on one unit. Whether I’m cooking for two or hosting a backyard barbecue, this grill handles everything effortlessly.
Accessories and Extra Features
The thoughtful extras included with the Napoleon Prestige 500 really make it stand out. One of the most useful accessories is the rotisserie kit, which includes everything needed for slow roasting meats. Many grills require you to purchase this separately, but it’s included with the Prestige 500, which adds to its overall value.
Another standout feature is the optional charcoal tray, which allows me to convert the gas grill into a hybrid charcoal grill. This gives me the ability to infuse a smoky flavor into my dishes, adding even more depth to the grilling experience. These additional features make the Napoleon Prestige 500 a well-rounded and versatile grill that enhances any outdoor cooking session.
Conclusion
After extensive use, I can confidently say that the Napoleon Prestige 500 Propane Gas Grill is a top-tier investment for anyone serious about outdoor cooking. Its superior construction, excellent cooking performance, and versatile features like the infrared burners and rotisserie kit set it apart from the competition. The grill is not only durable but also easy to maintain, providing a seamless and enjoyable grilling experience for years to come.
If you're in the market for a reliable, high-quality grill that offers flexibility and outstanding performance, the Napoleon Prestige 500 is an excellent choice. It will elevate your grilling game and make outdoor cooking a joy.
FAQs for Napoleon Prestige 500 Propane Gas Grill
Q1: What is the cooking space available on the Napoleon Prestige 500?
A1: The Napoleon Prestige 500 offers 760 square inches of total cooking space, which includes the main grilling area and the warming rack. This is ample space to cook up to 20 burgers at once, making it ideal for larger gatherings.
Q2: Does the Napoleon Prestige 500 come with a rotisserie kit?
A2: Yes, the grill comes with a heavy-duty rotisserie kit, which includes a motor, spit rod, counterweight, and forks. The rear infrared burner is perfect for slow roasting meats using the rotisserie.
Q3: How does the infrared side burner work?
A3: The infrared side burner reaches high temperatures of up to 1,800°F, allowing you to sear meats quickly and lock in juices. It also has an adjustable grate, enabling you to lower the heat for simmering or warming side dishes.
Q4: Is the Napoleon Prestige 500 difficult to maintain?
A4: No, the grill is designed for easy maintenance. It features a full-width drip pan and a grease tray that are easy to access, making post-cooking cleanup simple. The stainless steel construction is also resistant to corrosion.
Q5: Can I use the Napoleon Prestige 500 with natural gas instead of propane?
A5: Yes, the Napoleon Prestige 500 is available in both propane and natural gas versions. If you purchase the propane model, you can convert it to natural gas using a separate conversion kit.
Q6: Does the grill come assembled?
A6: The Napoleon Prestige 500 requires assembly, but users have noted that the instructions are clear, and the process is manageable with basic tools.
Q7: What is the warranty for the Napoleon Prestige 500?
A7: The grill comes with a limited lifetime warranty, covering major components like the burners and cooking grids, which ensures durability and long-term use.
Q8: Are there hot spots on the Napoleon Prestige 500?
A8: Yes, some users report that the grill tends to run slightly hotter toward the back, but this can easily be managed by adjusting food placement during cooking.