Grill Granary
Verdict
The Napoleon Prestige 500 delivers strong, consistent heat and premium build quality that justifies its mid-to-upper price range. It's a great pick for grilling enthusiasts who want reliable searing power, rotisserie capability, and generous cooking space without stepping into ultra-luxury territory. Ideal for backyard cooks who frequently host and want long-term durability.

Pros & cons

Pros

  • ✓ Even heat distribution across cooking surface
  • ✓ Durable stainless steel construction resists rust
  • ✓ Infrared rear burner excellent for rotisserie cooking
  • ✓ Large primary cooking area fits big gatherings
  • ✓ Easy ignition system starts reliably every time
  • ✓ Solid cart with enclosed cabinet for propane tank storage

Cons

  • ✕ Higher price point than entry-level grills
  • ✕ Assembly can take longer than expected
  • ✕ Side burner heats up quickly and may need practice to control
  • ✕ Porcelain grids can chip if scraped too aggressively

Specifications

Specification gauge
Napoleon Prestige 500
Primary Cooking Area600 sq in
Total Burners4 main + 1 infrared rear + 1 side
Heat Output75,000 BTU
MaterialStainless Steel
Weight245 lbs

Our full review

The Napoleon Prestige 500 is a full-featured gas grill built for backyard cooks who want restaurant-caliber results without complicated equipment. Constructed with durable stainless steel components, this grill offers four main stainless steel burners delivering robust, even heat across its generous cooking surface, along with an infrared rear burner ideal for rotisserie cooking and an infrared side burner for searing steaks at high temperatures. The cooking area accommodates a substantial amount of food at once, making it well suited for family gatherings or larger cookouts, while the WAVE cooking grids help retain juices and enhance flavor through consistent heat distribution. Beyond raw cooking power, the Prestige 500 is designed with convenience and control in mind. Features like the JETFIRE ignition system provide reliable, instant startup, while accurate temperature gauges and adjustable burner controls let users fine-tune heat zones for both direct grilling and indirect cooking methods, such as smoking or roasting larger cuts of meat. The grill also includes a rotisserie kit compatible with the rear infrared burner, allowing for slow-roasted chicken, pork loin, or other rotisserie favorites with minimal effort. Side shelves offer practical prep space, and integrated tool hooks keep grilling accessories within easy reach during use. Built to withstand outdoor conditions, the Napoleon Prestige 500 features a sturdy cart design with enclosed cabinet storage, keeping propane tanks or grilling tools protected from the elements. Its stainless steel exterior resists corrosion and maintains a clean, polished look season after season, while the overall build quality reflects Napoleon’s reputation for durability and performance in the gas grill market. Whether searing, slow-roasting, or grilling weeknight dinners, the Prestige 500 delivers the versatility and dependable output that serious backyard grillers expect from a premium gas grill.

4.5
Based on 4 verified owner reviews of the Napoleon Prestige 500.
Best grill I've owned — Mark T. (2024-06-12)
The heat distribution is incredible and the infrared rear burner makes rotisserie chicken taste like a restaurant meal. Build quality feels premium.
Great grill, tough assembly — Denise R. (2024-05-03)
Cooking performance is fantastic, very even heat and the searing station is a nice touch. Assembly took me almost three hours though.
Worth every penny — Carlos M. (2024-07-20)
Bought this after my old grill rusted out in two years. This one feels built to last, and the JETFIRE ignition never fails.
Excellent for large families — Sandra P. (2024-04-15)
We host often and the cooking area is huge. Only wish the side burner had finer temperature control.