Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill Reviews

==>> It is currently in stock. Get it here from the best distributor

When it comes to grilling, I consider myself an enthusiast. Over the years, I’ve tested countless grills, each with its own set of features, benefits, and disappointments. My latest experience brought me face-to-face with the Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill—a high-quality grill designed for those who demand top performance and versatility. After a few weeks of cooking everything from steaks to pizzas, I think it’s time to share my honest review of this grilling powerhouse.

First Impressions of the Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill

Upon unboxing the Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill, I was immediately struck by its solid construction and sleek, stainless steel finish. The grill looked like it belonged in a professional kitchen rather than my backyard, and I could already imagine the impressive cookouts I'd host. Assembly was pretty straightforward for a grill of this caliber—the instructions were clear, and the parts were well-labeled, making it relatively easy to piece together in about an hour. The overall build quality gave me confidence that this grill was built to last.

One of the first things that caught my eye was the size. The Napoleon Prestige 500 isn’t your average backyard grill—with four main burners, an infrared side burner, and a rear rotisserie burner, it’s versatile enough to handle just about any type of cooking. The 500 square inches of cooking surface felt roomy, allowing me to grill for a crowd without feeling cramped. For someone who likes to host friends and family, this grill felt like the right choice.

Features that Make the Napoleon Prestige 500 Stand Out

Infrared Sizzle Zone™ Side Burner

One of the standout features of the Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill is the infrared Sizzle Zone™ side burner. I was skeptical at first, but I quickly came to love this burner. It heats up to an impressive 1,800°F in a matter of minutes. This feature is a game-changer if you’re into perfectly seared steaks. I threw a ribeye on the side burner, and the sear was easily one of the best I’ve managed at home. The crust was restaurant-quality, which instantly earned the Prestige 500 extra points in my book.

The Rear Rotisserie Burner

Another unique aspect of the Napoleon Prestige 500 is the rear rotisserie burner. I’ve always wanted to experiment more with rotisserie cooking, but I had never owned a grill with that capability—until now. I used the included rotisserie kit to cook a whole chicken, and it turned out juicy and evenly roasted with a beautiful golden-brown skin. The rotisserie burner adds an extra layer of versatility, allowing me to make dishes that I usually wouldn’t have even considered trying at home.

Solid Stainless Steel Construction

The build quality of the Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill deserves its own mention. It’s made from high-grade stainless steel, which makes it highly resistant to rust and corrosion. The grill grates are also made from stainless steel, providing consistent heat distribution and making them easy to clean. I’ve used cast iron grates in the past, and while they have their advantages, I found these stainless steel ones to be much lower maintenance. After a long grilling session, all I needed was a good grill brush, and they looked good as new.

Cooking Performance of the Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill

The Four Main Burners

The Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill boasts four main burners, providing a total of 48,000 BTUs. For those of us who love to entertain, this means cooking large quantities of food without any problem. I used the main burners to grill a variety of items—from burgers to vegetables—and everything turned out beautifully. The heat distribution was even, with no noticeable hot or cold spots. I could tell that Napoleon really paid attention to engineering a consistent cooking experience.

One of my favorite meals to prepare on this grill was a mix of chicken skewers and vegetable kebabs. Thanks to the precise temperature control of the four burners, I could set up multiple zones for indirect and direct cooking, which allowed me to get everything cooked perfectly at the same time. The chicken came out juicy, while the veggies had just the right amount of char.

Using the Side Burner for Versatility

In addition to the main cooking surface, the Napoleon Prestige 500 also features an infrared side burner that can double as a stovetop. This feature really came in handy when I needed to make a sauce or quickly boil some corn on the cob. Instead of running back and forth between my kitchen and grill, I could do it all in one place. The side burner has a surprising amount of power, so be sure to adjust accordingly—I learned that the hard way when I initially burned a pot of garlic butter.

Precision Heat Control

One of the aspects that I appreciate most about the Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill is the precision heat control. Each burner has its own temperature dial, giving me the flexibility to create multiple cooking zones. Whether I wanted high heat for searing or lower temperatures for slow-cooking, the Napoleon delivered. The ability to adjust each burner individually is a huge advantage, especially if you enjoy cooking a variety of dishes at once.

Maintenance and Cleaning the Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill

When it comes to grills, I’m always concerned about maintenance. I’ve had grills in the past that became more of a chore to clean than they were worth. Thankfully, the Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill is designed with maintenance in mind. The stainless steel grates are easy to brush down, and the drip tray slides out smoothly for quick disposal of grease.

Additionally, I appreciated that the stainless steel surfaces didn’t show smudges and dirt as prominently as other grills I’ve used. A quick wipe-down with a cloth was usually all it took to keep the grill looking pristine. Napoleon clearly designed this grill for serious enthusiasts who want high performance without high maintenance.

What I Didn’t Like About the Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill

No product is perfect, and the Napoleon Prestige 500 is no exception. One minor issue I encountered is that the side shelves, while sturdy, aren’t foldable. I have a relatively small patio, so it would have been nice to have the option to fold the shelves down to save space when the grill isn’t in use.

Additionally, while the grill is equipped with a reliable ignition system, I did experience a slight hiccup with the side burner. On one occasion, it didn’t ignite immediately, and I had to give it a few tries. It’s a small inconvenience, but worth mentioning for anyone who expects flawless performance every time.

Additional Thoughts on Using the Napoleon Prestige 500

Grilling for Large Gatherings

One of the major benefits of the Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill that I haven't touched on enough is just how fantastic it is for entertaining large groups. Recently, I hosted a backyard gathering, and this grill performed beyond my expectations. I was able to cook a variety of items at once—burgers, hot dogs, corn, and veggie kebabs—without missing a beat. The spacious cooking area and the multiple burners made it easy to cook for a crowd without anyone having to wait long for their food.

Cooking Different Cuisines

Another great use case for the Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill is experimenting with different cuisines. I’ve made everything from traditional barbecue to more exotic dishes like tandoori chicken and grilled pita bread. The infrared Sizzle Zone™ was perfect for getting that characteristic charred texture on the bread, and the rotisserie burner allowed me to make a tender and flavorful tandoori-style chicken. I loved that I could use this grill to recreate dishes I usually only enjoy at specialty restaurants.

Durability in Different Weather Conditions

Living in an area with unpredictable weather, I also appreciate how well this grill holds up against the elements. I’ve left the Napoleon Prestige 500 out during a few rainstorms, and its stainless steel construction hasn’t shown any signs of wear. Some grills I’ve used in the past have developed rust spots after just one season, but this one looks as good as the day I assembled it. For those who are concerned about longevity, it’s clear that this grill is built to withstand the elements.

How the Napoleon Prestige 500 Enhances the Grilling Experience

Experimentation and Creativity

I found that using the Napoleon Prestige 500 really encouraged me to get more creative with my grilling. The versatility of the grill made it possible to experiment with different cooking techniques—whether it was using the rear rotisserie burner for slow-roasting or searing with the infrared side burner. I even tried my hand at making a grilled pizza, which turned out beautifully crisp thanks to the precise heat control. Having a grill that offers so many cooking options can inspire anyone, from beginners to seasoned grill masters, to try something new.

Quality You Can Taste

The quality of the grill itself translates directly into the quality of the food. The even heating and high temperatures helped me achieve results that I usually only see at professional restaurants. Steaks had that perfect crust while still remaining juicy inside, and vegetables had a consistent char that enhanced their natural sweetness. Overall, having a high-performance grill like the Napoleon Prestige 500 has definitely upped my cooking game, and I can taste the difference.

Who Will Benefit Most from This Grill?

The Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill is well-suited for a wide range of users. If you’re a beginner, the easy ignition and precise temperature control make it approachable. If you’re an experienced griller, the additional features like the rotisserie and infrared burners will expand your cooking possibilities. And if you’re someone like me, who loves entertaining and making food that impresses guests, this grill is a dream come true. It’s also a great fit for anyone who doesn’t want the hassle of constant maintenance—cleaning is easy and straightforward, and the stainless steel construction means it will stay looking great for years.

Product Review Conclusion: Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill

After spending several weeks cooking with the Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill, I can confidently say it’s one of the best grills I’ve ever used. Its versatility, quality construction, and impressive performance make it a standout choice for grill enthusiasts. The infrared side burner and rear rotisserie offer features that extend beyond your typical backyard grilling, opening up new culinary possibilities.

While the lack of foldable side shelves and an occasional ignition glitch were slight downsides, they were by no means dealbreakers. If you’re looking for a durable, feature-rich grill that’s going to elevate your cooking experience, the Napoleon Prestige 500 is a fantastic option. I’ve truly enjoyed my time with it, and I can see myself using this grill for many years to come.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely. If you want to take your grilling game to the next level, the Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill is definitely worth the investment. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this grill has the capacity, versatility, and performance to exceed expectations.

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, including the main grilling area and the warming rack. This space is enough to grill 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, including a motor, spit rod, counterweight, and forks. The rear infrared burner is perfect for slow roasting meats on the rotisserie.

Q3: How does the infrared side burner work?
A3: The infrared side burner reaches extremely high temperatures (up to 1,800°F), allowing for quick and efficient searing of meats. The adjustable grate also enables lower-heat cooking for simmering or warming side dishes.

Q4: Is the Napoleon Prestige 500 difficult to maintain?
A4: No, it’s relatively easy to maintain. It features a full-width drip pan and an accessible grease tray, making cleanup simple. The stainless steel construction also resists corrosion and wipes down easily after use.

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, a conversion kit (sold separately) allows you to switch to natural gas.

Q6: Does the grill come assembled?
A6: The Napoleon Prestige 500 requires assembly. While the process may take some time, users have reported that the instructions are clear and the assembly 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 such as the burners and cooking grids, ensuring long-term durability.

Q8: Are there hot spots on the Napoleon Prestige 500?
A8: Yes, the back of the grill tends to run slightly hotter. However, this can be managed by adjusting food placement while cooking to ensure even results.