Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill Reviews

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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, nothing compares to the experience of grilling. As someone who loves barbecues, I’ve had the pleasure of trying out several grills over the years. Recently, I had the opportunity to test the Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill, and I’m excited to share my experience with you. From its design to its performance, this grill exceeded my expectations in many ways.

I was eager to get my hands on the Napoleon Prestige 500 as soon as it arrived. Unboxing it felt like a special occasion. The sleek and stylish stainless steel finish immediately caught my eye, and its weight was a clear indication of the durable construction. Inside the box, everything was neatly packed and organized, and the instructions for assembly were straightforward. I had the grill up and running in about an hour, which was surprisingly quick given the size of the grill.

Right from the start, I could tell that this was a high-quality product, built with premium materials. The attention to detail in every part, from the burners to the knobs, gave me confidence that I had made a great choice for my outdoor kitchen.

First Impressions of the Napoleon Prestige 500

The Napoleon Prestige 500 stands out with its impressive design. Its stainless steel body not only looks modern and sleek but also adds to its durability, making it a solid investment for outdoor grilling. One of the first features I appreciated was the grill’s large cooking area. With 500 square inches of primary cooking space and a total of 760 square inches when including the warming rack, I knew I had plenty of room to grill for family and friends during gatherings.

The grill also comes equipped with four stainless steel burners, providing excellent heat distribution across the cooking surface. It includes an infrared rear burner and a rotisserie kit, making it incredibly versatile. Whether I wanted to grill burgers, sear a steak, or even slow-cook a roast, all the tools I needed were right there.

Performance of the Napoleon Prestige 500

Once I had the grill assembled, it was time to put it to the test. I fired up the Napoleon Prestige 500 and was immediately impressed with how quickly it heated up. Within just a few minutes, it reached the high temperatures needed for searing steaks, as well as the lower settings required for more delicate foods.

The Jetfire ignition system made lighting the grill effortless. I’ve had experiences with other grills where unreliable ignition systems became a major frustration, but with the Napoleon Prestige 500, starting the grill was seamless every single time. This reliability made cooking much more enjoyable, as I didn’t have to deal with the hassle of struggling to light the burners.

Another standout feature is the Accu-Probe temperature gauge, which allowed me to easily monitor the internal temperature. This made it simple to manage heat levels, ensuring that all my food was cooked perfectly without the need to constantly lift the lid and let precious heat escape.

Cooking Experience with the Napoleon Prestige 500

The real test of any grill is its performance during actual cooking sessions, and the Napoleon Prestige 500 did not disappoint. The four burners gave me total control over different cooking zones, which allowed for indirect cooking on one side while searing on the other—a versatility that I truly appreciated. Cooking different types of food at varying temperatures at the same time made hosting barbecues much simpler.

One evening, I decided to prepare a mixed grill for some friends. I had steaks on one side at high heat, vegetables on another side at a lower temperature, and used the rotisserie to cook a whole chicken. The infrared side burner, which reaches high temperatures within seconds, was a game-changer for quick searing and locking in the juices of my steaks. Meanwhile, the warming rack kept cooked food warm without overcooking it.

This ability to multitask made a huge difference in my cooking experience, especially when entertaining guests. The Napoleon Prestige 500 transformed what used to be a juggling act into a well-orchestrated process.

Durability and Design of the Napoleon Prestige 500

Durability is one of the most common questions about any grill, and I can confidently say that the Napoleon Prestige 500 is built to last. The 304-grade stainless steel construction not only gives it a premium look but also provides excellent resistance to rust and corrosion—a huge plus for me since I live in an area where humidity is sometimes an issue.

The cast iron cooking grates are another highlight. They’re porcelain-coated, making them non-stick and incredibly easy to clean. Even after several grilling sessions, the grill still looks as good as new with only minimal maintenance. The side shelves also add to the practicality of the grill. They fold down easily, which is ideal if you’re short on space, and the integrated tool hooks and towel racks are thoughtful touches that make the grilling experience even more enjoyable. Everything I need is within arm’s reach, making the entire cooking process smooth and efficient.

Versatility of Cooking Features

What sets the Napoleon Prestige 500 apart from other grills is its versatility. The infrared rear burner and rotisserie kit are features that add tremendous value. I had never used a rotisserie before owning this grill, but it quickly became one of my favorite ways to cook.

One weekend, I cooked a whole chicken on the rotisserie, and the results were nothing short of incredible. The chicken came out with a perfectly golden, crispy skin on the outside, while the meat inside was tender and juicy. The even heat from the infrared burner ensured that the entire chicken was cooked uniformly. It was easy to achieve restaurant-quality results, right at home.

The grill’s versatility doesn’t end there. The infrared side burner is ideal for searing meat quickly or even making high-temperature dishes like stir-fry. I’ve used it to boil a pot of water for corn on the cob while grilling burgers on the main burners—something that’s extremely convenient when trying to coordinate a full meal. Being able to multitask on this grill is a huge bonus, and it’s something I haven’t experienced with other grills in the same price range.

Ease of Cleaning

Cleaning up after grilling can be tedious, but the Napoleon Prestige 500 makes it as easy as possible. The porcelain-coated cast iron grates are non-stick, which means that food doesn’t get stuck often, making cleanup easier. After cooking, I just use a grill brush to scrape off any remaining bits, and that’s usually enough to keep it in good condition.

The removable drip tray is another feature that simplifies cleaning. It collects all the grease and drippings, and once I’m done cooking, I simply remove it, empty the contents, and give it a quick wipe. This thoughtful design reduces the time and effort needed to maintain the grill, keeping it performing well and looking great.

Value for Money

The Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill is not an inexpensive grill, but it is worth every penny. The combination of durability, versatility, and performance makes it an excellent long-term investment for any serious griller. With all of the included features, such as the rotisserie kit and infrared burners, it’s not just a basic grill—it’s a multi-functional outdoor cooking station.

If you’re looking for a grill that will last for years, provide excellent cooking performance, and offer a variety of cooking features, then the Napoleon Prestige 500 is an investment you won’t regret.

Product Review Conclusion: Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill

After spending considerable time using the Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill, I can confidently say that this grill is a top contender for anyone serious about outdoor cooking. Its versatility, high-quality construction, and powerful performance make it stand out from the competition.

Whether you’re an experienced grill master or just starting out, this grill provides an excellent balance of power and precision. The large cooking area, multiple burners, and extra features like the rotisserie and infrared side burner make it suitable for any grilling task, from simple weeknight dinners to larger gatherings with family and friends.

In summary, the Napoleon Prestige 500 exceeded my expectations in every way. If you’re in the market for a reliable, high-performing, and durable grill, I highly recommend considering this model for your outdoor cooking setup. It’s more than just a grill—it’s an investment in memorable grilling experiences for years to come.

FAQs for Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill

Q1: Is the Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill easy to assemble?
A1: Yes, the grill comes with clear instructions, and most users can assemble it within an hour or two. Some parts may require two people due to its size and weight, but overall, the process is straightforward.

Q2: Does the Napoleon Prestige 500 come with a rotisserie kit?
A2: Yes, the Napoleon Prestige 500 comes with a rotisserie kit included, which allows you to roast meats using the infrared rear burner for even cooking.

Q3: How many burners does the Napoleon Prestige 500 have?
A3: The grill features four stainless steel main burners, along with an infrared rear burner and an infrared side burner, providing versatile cooking options.

Q4: Is the Napoleon Prestige 500 suitable for cooking for large groups?
A4: Absolutely. With 500 square inches of primary cooking space and an additional 260 square inches on the warming rack, it’s large enough to cook for big gatherings or family events.

Q5: How durable is the Napoleon Prestige 500 in outdoor conditions?
A5: The grill is constructed from high-quality 304-grade stainless steel, which is resistant to rust and corrosion, making it well-suited for outdoor use, even in humid or coastal environments.

Q6: Does the Napoleon Prestige 500 have any warranty?
A6: Yes, Napoleon offers a limited lifetime warranty on the Prestige 500, which covers most components of the grill, giving you peace of mind regarding its longevity and durability.

Q7: Can I convert the Napoleon Prestige 500 from natural gas to propane?
A7: The Napoleon Prestige 500 is designed to be either natural gas or propane, but it cannot be converted between the two. You need to choose the correct version when purchasing.

Q8: How easy is it to clean the Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill?
A8: The grill features porcelain-coated cast iron grates that are easy to clean, and it also has a removable drip tray to collect grease and drippings, making maintenance simple after grilling sessions.

Q9: Does the grill come with a cover, or is it sold separately?
A9: The cover for the Napoleon Prestige 500 is sold separately, but it's highly recommended to protect the grill from the elements when not in use.

Q10: How efficient is the infrared side burner?
A10: The infrared side burner heats up very quickly and reaches high temperatures, which is excellent for searing meats or cooking dishes that require intense heat. It’s one of the standout features of this grill.


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