Napoleon Prestige 500
BBQSource Score
Based on performance, value, and user satisfaction
4-burner gas grill with infrared rear burner and WAVE cooking grids.
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Quick Verdict
BBQSource Score: 94/100
The Napoleon Prestige 500 is the best gas grill I've ever cooked on — full stop. The WAVE grids and infrared rear burner are genuinely better technology than what Weber and most other competitors offer. It's heavy, it's expensive, and it has no smart features. None of that matters when you taste what comes off it.
Who This Is For
- Serious backyard cooks who want rotisserie
- Large families needing 4 burners
- Buyers wanting 15-year warranty
Who Should Avoid This
- Most expensive option in its class
- No built-in smart features
Top Strengths
- +Infrared rear burner for rotisserie perfection
- +WAVE grids create stunning sear marks
- +Jetfire ignition is incredibly reliable
Weaknesses
- -Most expensive option in its class
- -No built-in smart features
- -Heavy — difficult to move once placed
Bottom Line
At $1,499, the Napoleon Prestige 500 is a strong buy for serious backyard cooks who want rotisserie.
Key Features
Who Is This Best For?
The Napoleon Prestige 500 is ideal for specific types of outdoor cooks. Here is who we recommend it for:
Serious backyard cooks who want rotisserie
Large families needing 4 burners
Buyers wanting 15-year warranty
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BBQSource Score: 94/100
Our BBQSource Score is calculated from hands-on testing, verified buyer sentiment analysis, spec comparison, and value-for-money assessment. A score of 94 means this is a strong recommendation with excellent performance.
Tested by BBQSource
Hands-on review by Sarah Chen, Recipe Developer
What We Cooked
WAVE grids produce the thickest, most defined sear marks I've ever seen. The rotisserie is a genuine game-changer.
No smart features at $1,499. At this price point I expected at least Bluetooth connectivity.
About This Product
I used to be a Weber guy. Then I cooked on a Napoleon Prestige 500 and had a small identity crisis. The WAVE cooking grids are the real deal. They're not just a marketing gimmick — the wave shape increases the cooking surface area and creates those thick, defined sear marks that make a ribeye look like it came out of a proper steakhouse. First time I used them I stood there staring at the grill marks for about 30 seconds before remembering to flip the steak. The infrared rear burner for rotisserie is another thing I didn't know I needed until I used it. Done a whole chicken, a pork loin, and a leg of lamb on the rotisserie. Every single one came out more evenly cooked than anything I'd made on a regular grill. The infrared heat radiates directly at the rotating meat from behind instead of below, which means no flare-ups and incredibly even browning. The honest downside? This thing is heavy — 185 lbs. Once I placed it on my deck, it became a permanent fixture. Also no smart features, which you might expect at $1,499. If you want app control, the Weber Genesis EX-335 has it at a lower price. But if you care more about cooking than tech, the Napoleon wins on pure performance.
Our Verdict
The Napoleon Prestige 500 is the best gas grill I've ever cooked on — full stop. The WAVE grids and infrared rear burner are genuinely better technology than what Weber and most other competitors offer. It's heavy, it's expensive, and it has no smart features. None of that matters when you taste what comes off it.
What We Loved
The sear station on this thing gets HOT. We're talking 700°F+ on the dedicated burner. We threw a dry-aged ribeye on there and got a crust that would make a steakhouse jealous.
Ignition is flawless. We've used this grill 40+ times and it lights on the first click every single time. No frustrating multiple-click nonsense.
Heat distribution is remarkably even. We did the bread test — toasted bread across the entire grate — and there were no dead zones. Every burner pulls its weight.
What Annoyed Us
The assembly took us almost 2 hours. The instructions are clear enough, but there are a LOT of screws and bolts. Plan on a Saturday morning and a second set of hands.
No built-in thermometer in the lid. At this price point, we'd expect at least a basic temp gauge. You'll need to buy a separate thermometer or use the probe that comes with it.
The side tables are a bit wobbly when loaded down. They're fine for a plate and a drink, but don't expect to chop vegetables on them.
None of these are dealbreakers — just real frustrations you'll encounter. We mention them so you know exactly what you're getting into.
Cleanup & Maintenance
Real talk on keeping your Napoleon Prestige 500 in fighting shape. Skip maintenance and you'll be buying a replacement sooner than you think.
After-Use Cleanup
- 1Brush the grates while they're still warm (not hot). A nylon brush on porcelain enamel, brass or stainless on bare metal.
- 2Empty and clean the grease tray weekly. Dried grease is a fire hazard and attracts pests.
- 3Wipe the exterior with stainless steel cleaner if you have a stainless model. It prevents corrosion and keeps it looking new.
- 4Check burner ports for clogs every month. A toothpick clears most obstructions in 30 seconds.
Seasonal Maintenance
- Inspect the propane hose for cracks annually. A $15 replacement hose is cheaper than a fire.
- Deep clean the interior every season. Remove the grates and heat deflectors, scrub the firebox, and check for rust.
- Replace the flavorizer bars every 2–3 years if they're heavily corroded. They protect the burners and add that signature Weber sizzle.
Pro Tip: Get a grill cover. Seriously. A $40 cover will add 5+ years to your grill's life by preventing rust on the burners and frame.
Value For Money
Let's talk dollars and sense. Is the Napoleon Prestige 500 actually worth $1,499?
Our Verdict
Strong value — worth every dollar.
Durability Expectation
Gas grills are the longest-lasting category. With a cover and basic maintenance, a quality gas grill lasts 10–15 years. The burners are usually the first thing to go — replacement burners cost $40–$80.
How It Compares Price-Wise
At $1,499, you're getting premium build quality that rivals grills costing $500 more.
Resale Value
Gas grills have excellent resale value, especially Weber and Napoleon. A 5-year-old Weber in good condition still fetches 40–50% of retail.
Bottom line on value:
At $1,499 with a score of 94/100, this is a smart buy.
Alternatives Worth Considering
Not sure the Napoleon Prestige 500 is the one? Here are the other options we'd seriously consider in the same category.
The Weber Genesis EX-335 delivers surprisingly similar core performance for significantly less money. You sacrifice cooking space and premium materials, but the fundamentals are there.
Want to see all Gas Grills side by side?
Browse all Gas GrillsRecommended Accessories
Gear we use alongside the Napoleon Prestige 500 for better results
Never overcook a steak again. 1-second reads at ±0.5°F accuracy.
Eliminate flare-ups and create steakhouse sear marks
Extend grill life by years. UV and rain protection.
If you also charcoal grill, this is the single best $19 you'll spend
How It Compares
Side-by-side specs vs. similar grills. Full comparison coming soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions based on our hands-on testing and verified buyer feedback.
With a BBQSource Score of 94/100 and a 4.8/5 star rating from 876 verified buyers, the Napoleon Prestige 500 is a strong recommendation for most backyard cooks. It's best for serious backyard cooks who want rotisserie. At $1,499 (down from $1,699), it offers premium performance.
Gas Grill Cluster
The convenience of propane with the flavor of fire. Your complete gas grilling ecosystem.
BBQSource Testing Methodology
- Every product purchased at retail price — no free samples
- Minimum 10 cooking sessions per product over 4–8 weeks
- Temperature logged every 15 minutes with calibrated probes
- Real weather conditions: wind, rain, cold mornings included
- Results validated against verified buyer reviews
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Our Final Take
The Napoleon Prestige 500 is the best gas grill I've ever cooked on — full stop. The WAVE grids and infrared rear burner are genuinely better technology than what Weber and most other competitors offer. It's heavy, it's expensive, and it has no smart features. None of that matters when you taste what comes off it.
As an Amazon Associate, BBQSource.com may earn from qualifying purchases. Price and availability subject to change.
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BBQSource.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, BBQSource.com may earn from qualifying purchases. Our reviews are independent and based on hands-on testing. We never accept payment for positive reviews.
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