Napoleon Prestige 500 RSIB Propane Gas Grill review with Infrared Burners and Rotisserie

Description

The Napoleon P500RSIBPSS-3 Prestige 500: My Honest Take on Stainless Steel Grilling

Aesthetics & Build Quality: A Stainless Steel Marvel
I’ve always been a sucker for sleek, sturdy designs, and the Napoleon P500RSIBPSS-3 Prestige 500 delivers in spades. The stainless steel construction screams durability and elegance at the same time. This grill is not just a cooking machine; it’s a statement piece for any backyard. I couldn’t help but notice the glowing control knobs, thanks to the “Safety Glow” feature. It’s both functional and cool-looking, especially when grilling after dusk. At nearly 200 pounds, this isn’t the kind of grill you casually wheel around. However, that weight comes with a sense of confidence—like it’s built to withstand years of use.

Cooking Space & Versatility: Grilling for an Army
The sheer 500 square inches of primary cooking area is mind-boggling. I tested the claim that you could fit 31 burgers at once, and while I didn’t have that many patties on hand, I got close. If that’s not enough, there’s an additional 260 square inches on the warming rack and another 140 square inches on the infrared side burner. Honestly, it felt like I was running a small BBQ restaurant right in my backyard. The rotisserie kit included was an absolute game-changer for me. Rotisserie chicken and even vegetables cooked evenly, thanks to the 18,000 BTU infrared rear burner.

Performance: Searing, Heating, and Everything in Between
Performance-wise, this grill is a beast. The JETFIRE ignition system is a lifesaver—no more fumbling with lighters or matches. Each burner lights up instantly. Speaking of burners, the four stainless steel main burners heat up quickly and distribute heat evenly across the cooking surface. What really stole the show for me was the infrared Sizzle Zone side burner. It heats up to an insane 1800 degrees in 30 seconds, which made searing steaks an absolute breeze. The results were restaurant-worthy, with a perfect crust on the outside and a juicy interior.

Positives
This propane grill has its fair share of highlights:

• Build Quality: The stainless steel design is both durable and visually striking.
• Massive Cooking Area: Perfect for large gatherings or meal prepping.
• Infrared Technology: Both the rear and side burners bring high heat for specialized cooking techniques.
• Reliable Ignition System: The JETFIRE ignition system never failed me.
• Rotisserie Kit Included: Not an extra purchase, which is always a bonus.

Caveats
No product is perfect, and this grill has a few hurdles to consider:

• Weight: At nearly 200 pounds, moving this grill isn’t for the faint-hearted.
• Assembly: While not overly complex, the setup took longer than I anticipated.
• Price: The premium features come with a price tag that might not suit everyone’s budget.

Competing Products: How Does It Stack Up?
Compared to the Weber Genesis E-335, the Napoleon grill offers more cooking space and the added benefit of the infrared side burner, which Weber lacks. However, Weber’s assembly process is easier, and its customer service is highly regarded. On the other hand, the Char-Broil Performance 4-Burner Grill is more budget-friendly but doesn’t come close to the Napoleon’s build quality or advanced features like the rotisserie kit and Sizzle Zone. For those eyeing luxury and performance, the Napoleon model is the clear winner, but it’s not the most affordable option out there.

Value for Money
Is this grill worth the investment? For me, absolutely. The Napoleon P500RSIBPSS-3 Prestige 500 balances premium features with exceptional performance. Sure, it’s not the cheapest on the market, but the build quality and versatility make it a long-term investment. If you’re someone who loves to entertain or takes grilling seriously, this grill justifies its price. While budget-conscious buyers may hesitate, the value proposition here is undeniable.

Overall, I find myself reaching for this grill more often than I thought I would. It’s not just a cooking tool; it’s a full-fledged outdoor kitchen. Whether you’re searing steaks on the Sizzle Zone or slow-cooking a rotisserie chicken, it feels like this grill was designed with every type of griller in mind.

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