When summer rolls around you’ll probably end up thinking about the best grills. And if you’re adventurous, you may start to wonder what an outdoor kitchen would be like in your backyard which will lead you to consider the best built-in grills. To this end, you would do well to check out the Napoleon Prestige 500.
Why We Like It – Napoleon Prestige 500
The Napoleon Prestige 500 is another in a long line of powerful Napoleon gas grills. It heats up quickly and can sear your meat to perfection with its awesome burners and wave cooking grids. And if you’re having a party there’s plenty of cooking space to feed all your guests. Although, for another powerful grill that works great for large gatherings, you’ll want to read our Lion Premium Grills 40″ natural gas grill review.
- Side, Rotisserie, and Rear Burners
- Propane or Gas Options
- Wave Cooking Grids
- Charcoal Tray Sold Separately
- No Under the Hood Lights
Power/Heating
The Napoleon Prestige 500 Gas Grill comes with four stainless steel main burners, one rear infrared burner (it acts as the infrared rotisserie burner), and an infrared side burner all of which total 66,000 BTUs which is right where the grill needs to be. If you prefer five main burners instead of the traditional for, or just looking to try it out, consider the Blaze Grill.
Related: If you like this grill, you might be interested in our Napoleon LEX 485 review.
Size/Versatility
Unlike the Royal Gourmet gas grill, Prestige 500 Napoleon Grills has a cooking area of 760 square inches. You’ll be able to fit 20 four-inch burgers on the grill without issue. If you don’t need something that book, consider the Bull Grill. The Prestige also comes in either natural gas or propane or, with the Cast Iron Charcoal Tray, you can even cook with charcoal. It is sold separately though.
Durability
At 105 pounds, the Prestige 500 weighs much less than Napoleon’s other built-in grill, the Napoleon Burners Prestige PRO 665 Natural Gas Grill. The Prestige 500 is constructed with high-quality stainless steel and even includes a roll-top lid, and double wall, to capture heat and distribute even heat across your food. The stainless steel sear plates also help to prolong the life of the burner. While these features are great, you’ll find similar and additional features with the Stok Quattro grill.
Related: Also check out our Northfire Inferno grill review.
Ease of Use
Speaking of the sear plates, they also work to catch any drippings and deliver that flavor back to the meat. The Prestige 500 comes built with Napoleon’s iconic wave cooking grids which serve two functions. It stops thinner items like vegetables from falling through into the fire and allows meat to be cooked more thoroughly because it will receive more contact with the grates.
Value
The kit included control knobs include a nighttime safety glow feature so you can see what you’re doing even when the sun sets. But only the knobs are lit up. There’s no under the hood lights, so be careful. Further, the grill has the potential to become very hot very quickly so make sure you are extra cautious if you have your kids around it.
Napoleon Prestige 500 Wrap Up
The Napoleon Prestige 500 may be a little adventurous for your first outdoor kitchen, but what’s life without a little fun? The fact of the matter is that the Napoleon Prestige 500 would be an excellent choice for anyone, experienced or new, looking to have an outdoor kitchen.
