Napoleon Prestige 500 Propane Gas Grill Review

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The moment I laid eyes on the Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill, I was captivated by its distinctive appearance. It wasn’t just another shiny chrome or stainless steel grill—this one had a matte black finish that instantly stood out. The sleek, modern design made a bold statement, positioning the grill as a true centerpiece for any outdoor setting.

I’d been using a fairly basic grill for years, and I was excited to see if this stylish, high-end model lived up to its reputation. After all, a grill’s appearance is just the beginning; it’s the performance that really matters. I couldn’t wait to put it to the test.

Assembling the Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill

Assembling the Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 turned out to be a surprisingly smooth experience. Even though I wouldn’t consider myself mechanically inclined, I found the instructions easy to follow. To my relief, many of the parts were pre-assembled, leaving me to handle the legs, side shelves, and a few other components. In total, it took about two hours to get the grill fully set up.

It’s worth noting that this grill is hefty. If you’re assembling it by yourself, moving it into place can be challenging, so it might be wise to recruit a friend for assistance. The solid build quality is apparent from the moment you start putting it together.

Cooking Surface and Capacity of the Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill

When it comes to cooking space, the Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 offers a generous 500 square inches of primary grilling area. This amount of space makes it easy to cater to medium to large gatherings. During one family barbecue, I managed to cook 20 burgers at once, with room left for veggies and skewers on the side. The additional 260 square inches of warming rack is perfect for keeping food warm while you continue grilling.

One of the standout features for me was the infrared side burner. This burner heats up quickly and gets incredibly hot—perfect for searing steaks to perfection without needing to use the main grilling area.

Heat Performance of the Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill

The heat distribution on the Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 is where this grill truly shines. I’ve owned grills before where one side would be much hotter than the other, leading to uneven cooking. However, with this model, I experienced consistent heat across the entire surface. The burners are designed to distribute heat evenly, ensuring everything from ribs to vegetables cook uniformly.

Each of the four main burners produces 12,000 BTUs, and the rear infrared burner adds another 18,000 BTUs of power. This grill can handle anything, from slow-cooking ribs to searing steaks with ease.

Innovative Features of the Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill

The Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 is packed with innovative features that elevate the grilling experience. One feature I particularly love is the wave-shaped grates. Not only do they prevent smaller foods like vegetables or shrimp from falling through, but they also distribute heat more effectively and leave those perfect, professional-looking sear marks on your meat.

Another impressive feature is the Night Light control knobs. Initially, I thought this was just a cool aesthetic addition, but they became invaluable during an evening barbecue. The soft glow of the knobs helps identify which burners are on, and they add a great ambiance to nighttime grilling.

Durability of the Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill

After several months of regular use, I’m happy to report that the Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 holds up extremely well. The high-quality stainless steel construction combined with the Phantom edition’s matte black finish offers excellent resistance to rust and wear. It has weathered several rainstorms without showing any signs of corrosion.

The cast iron grates are another testament to its durability. They retain heat well and remain sturdy, even with frequent use. I haven’t noticed any warping or cracking, which is a common issue with cheaper grills.

How Does the Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill Compare to Other Grills?

When compared to other high-end models, such as those from Weber and Traeger, the Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 certainly holds its own. Its standout feature is the stylish matte black design, which is something you won’t find with most other brands. Performance-wise, it’s right on par with these top competitors, but it offers extra features like the wave-shaped grates and infrared side burner, which genuinely enhance the grilling experience.

Although it’s priced at the premium end, the extra features, aesthetic appeal, and performance make it a worthy investment for serious grillers.

Grilling Experience with the Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill

My overall grilling experience with the Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 has been transformative. The precision temperature control and dual-level sear plates allow for better management of flare-ups, which keeps grease from dripping onto the burners. This means I spend less time worrying about flare-ups and more time enjoying the process.

I also appreciate the JETFIRE ignition system. Unlike other grills I’ve used that required matches or finicky ignition switches, this system works instantly, making it easy to get started on cooking.

Cleaning and Maintenance of the Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill

While cleaning a grill is rarely the highlight of a barbecue, the Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 makes maintenance relatively simple. The porcelain-coated cast iron grates resist sticking, and a quick brush after cooking usually does the trick. The removable drip tray catches grease and food particles, making cleanup more manageable.

For deeper cleaning, I recommend soaking the grates every few weeks, especially if you grill often. This helps maintain their longevity and ensures optimal performance.

Is the Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill Worth It?

If you’re passionate about grilling and appreciate both style and performance, the Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 is absolutely worth the investment. It is on the pricier side, but with features like the wave-shaped grates, infrared side burner, and sleek design, it offers value that justifies the cost. Every time I use it, it feels like I’m grilling on a luxury piece of equipment, and it consistently impresses my guests.

Conclusion

The Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill is an exceptional choice for grill enthusiasts seeking a high-performing, stylish, and durable product. From its matte black design to its powerful burners and innovative features, this grill delivers an outstanding grilling experience every time.

Although it comes with a premium price tag, the quality, performance, and aesthetics make it well worth the investment. Whether you’re searing steaks, grilling veggies, or slow-cooking ribs, the Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 will exceed your expectations.

FAQs for Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill

Q1: What is the primary difference between the Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 and other Prestige models?
A1: The main differences are the matte black finish and enhanced features like the Night Light control knobs, wave-shaped grates, and soft-close doors, which provide a premium feel compared to the standard stainless steel models.

Q2: Can the Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 be converted from natural gas to propane?
A2: No, the Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 cannot be converted between fuel types. Make sure to choose the correct model for your specific gas type.

Q3: How many burners does the Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 have?
A3: It features four main burners, an infrared side burner, and a rear infrared burner, providing versatile cooking options.

Q4: Does the Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 come with a rotisserie kit?
A4: No, the rotisserie kit is sold separately, though the grill is designed to accommodate one.

Q5: How do the wave-shaped grates benefit grilling?
A5: The wave-shaped grates prevent small food from falling through, provide even heat distribution, and create perfect sear marks.

Q6: Is the Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 weather-resistant?
A6: Yes, its stainless steel construction and matte black finish make it resistant to rust and corrosion, but it’s advisable to use a grill cover for extra protection.

Q7: How difficult is it to clean the Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500?
A7: It’s relatively easy to clean, thanks to the porcelain-coated cast iron grates and removable drip tray.

Q8: How quickly does the infrared side burner heat up?
A8: The infrared side burner heats up in just a few minutes, making it perfect for high-heat searing.

Q9: Is the Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 suitable for large gatherings?
A9: Yes, with 500 square inches of primary cooking space and an additional warming rack, it’s great for medium to large gatherings.

Q10: What warranty comes with the Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill?
A10: It comes with a limited lifetime warranty, covering key components like burners and cooking grids. Specific parts may have shorter warranty periods.