Napoleon Prestige 500 RSIB Natural Gas Grill review stainless steel performance tested

Description

Impressive Design and Build Quality

The Napoleon P500RSIBNSS-3 Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill is a true standout when it comes to durability and design. Crafted from high-quality stainless steel, this grill doesn’t just look sleek—it feels robust. I immediately noticed how well-constructed it is, from the stainless steel sear plates to the dual-level burners. The control knobs with the SafetyGlow feature are a thoughtful touch; they glow red when the burner is on, which is both a safety feature and a cool visual element. Even the rotisserie kit, included right out of the box, feels heavy-duty and well-made. It’s clear that this grill was designed with both aesthetic appeal and functionality in mind.

The 66.25-inch width and 50.25-inch height make it a substantial piece of equipment, but the free-standing design ensures it’s easy to position in your outdoor space. Every detail, even down to the ergonomic stainless steel handle, feels premium. If you’re someone who loves hosting BBQs or enjoys grilling year-round, this is a grill that will not only perform but also impress your guests with its professional look.

Performance That Packs a Punch

Performance-wise, this grill blew me away. The four stainless steel main burners deliver a powerful 48,000 BTU, which means you get consistent and even heat across the entire 500-square-inch cooking surface. That’s a lot of space—enough for 31 burgers at once. Yes, I tested that claim, and it’s absolutely true! The infrared rear burner, with an impressive 18,000 BTU, is perfect for rotisserie cooking, which I tried with chicken, and the results were mouthwatering.

The infrared side burner, also known as the “Sizzle Zone,” heats up to a scorching 1,800 degrees in just 30 seconds. This feature is a game changer for anyone who loves a good steak with a perfect sear. The Jetfire ignition system ensures that each burner lights up quickly and reliably. I didn’t have to play around with matches or worry about inconsistent flames. Everything about the grilling experience felt seamless and well-thought-out.

Favorable Aspects

This grill has quite a few winning points that make it worth considering:

• The SafetyGlow control knobs are not just functional but add a touch of sophistication to the design.
• With 500 square inches of main cooking space, it’s perfect for large gatherings.
• The rotisserie kit is included, saving you from an additional purchase.
• The Sizzle Zone side burner reaches an incredible temperature in seconds, perfect for quick sears.
• The stainless steel construction ensures durability and a premium feel.

Potential Downsides

No product is without its flaws, and this grill has a few areas of concern worth noting:

• It’s heavy at 196.6 pounds, making it less portable if you need to move it frequently.
• The assembly process can be time-consuming, especially if you’re not familiar with setting up grills.
• The rotisserie basket is not included and needs to be purchased separately, which feels like a missed opportunity given the price point.

Cooking Features That Stand Out

One of my favorite aspects of this grill is the dual-level sear plates, which are designed to provide even heat distribution. They also help create that signature BBQ flavor by vaporizing drippings and infusing the food with smoky goodness. The warming rack adds an extra 260 square inches of space, which came in handy when I needed to keep cooked food warm while grilling more items. The 120-inch hose length gives you flexibility in positioning the grill without feeling tethered to the gas source.

I also experimented with the rotisserie kit, and it’s a joy to use. The motor is quiet yet powerful, and it handled a full chicken with ease. While the rotisserie basket is sold separately, it’s worth considering if you want to expand your culinary options further. From grilling vegetables to cooking wings, this grill leaves plenty of room for creativity.

Competing Products

There are plenty of competing brands in the market, but this grill holds its own in several key areas. Compared to other natural gas grills like the Weber Genesis series, the Prestige 500 offers more cooking space and higher heat output per burner. The Sizzle Zone burner is a feature that many competitors lack, giving this grill an edge for high-temperature cooking. On the flip side, Weber grills are often praised for their ease of assembly and slightly lighter weight, which might appeal to those who prioritize portability.

Another competitor, the Broil King Regal, offers similar features but doesn’t match the build quality and sleek design of the Prestige 500. Broil King grills tend to have more plastic components, which don’t inspire the same level of confidence as the all-stainless-steel construction of the Napoleon grill.

Price Worthiness

The price to quality ratio of the Napoleon Prestige 500 is impressive. While it’s not the cheapest option out there, the features and build quality justify the investment. The stainless steel construction, combined with the variety of cooking options, makes this grill feel like a professional-grade kitchen. If you’re someone who grills regularly and values durability, this is a product that feels like it’ll last for years. It’s not often you find a grill that combines performance, aesthetics, and versatility as seamlessly as this one does.

Overall, the Napoleon Prestige 500 delivers on its promises, but it’s important to weigh the pros and cons to see if it fits your needs. Whether you’re searing steaks to perfection or slowly roasting a rotisserie chicken, this grill feels like a reliable partner in the kitchen—or, in this case, the backyard.

Additional information