Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill Review

The moment I laid eyes on the Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill, I knew it was different. The distinct matte black finish instantly stood out, a stylish departure from the common shiny chrome and stainless steel grills. This isn’t just another grill—it’s a centerpiece for any backyard, adding a sense of luxury to the space. The sleek, modern design gives it an undeniably cool and visually striking presence, one that makes a bold statement from the start.

But aesthetics can only take a grill so far. My curiosity was piqued to see if the performance would live up to this stylish appearance. After spending a few months with it, I can say with confidence that it’s not just a pretty face—this grill delivers where it counts.

Assembling the Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill

Assembling the Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 was an experience in itself. Despite not being very mechanically inclined, I found the instructions surprisingly easy to follow—a rare quality among products that require extensive assembly. The entire process took about two hours, which was manageable, especially considering that many of the key parts come pre-assembled. I only had to attach the legs, side shelves, and a few smaller components.

It's important to note, however, that the grill is quite heavy. If you’re setting it up alone, you might want to consider asking a friend for help, particularly when moving it into place. The solid construction contributes to its durability, but it does make maneuvering the grill challenging.

Cooking Surface and Capacity: Grilling Without Limits

The Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 offers an impressive 500 square inches of primary cooking space, making it ideal for medium to large gatherings. During one of my recent cookouts, I was able to grill 20 burgers at the same time, with plenty of room left for skewers and vegetables. The additional 260 square inches of warming rack space was a real lifesaver, keeping food warm without drying it out while I finished cooking other items.

One of my favorite features is the infrared side burner. It heats up incredibly fast and gets hot enough to sear steaks to perfection without using the main grill surface. This feature alone has completely transformed how I approach grilling, allowing me to quickly and easily achieve those restaurant-quality sear marks.

Heat Performance: Consistency at Its Finest

Heat distribution is often the Achilles' heel of many grills, but the Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 excels in this area. With this model, I didn’t experience the common frustration of uneven cooking—where one side is scorching while the other side barely warms up. The burners are designed to evenly distribute heat across the entire surface, which meant that everything from thick-cut steaks to delicate vegetables cooked perfectly.

Each of the four main burners produces 12,000 BTUs, and when combined with the rear infrared burner’s 18,000 BTUs, this grill becomes a true powerhouse. Whether I was slow-cooking ribs or searing thick steaks, the grill handled it all effortlessly, giving me confidence regardless of what I was cooking.

Innovative Features: Elevating the Grilling Experience

This grill is packed with thoughtful, innovative features that elevate the overall grilling experience. The wave-shaped grates are among my favorite design elements—they prevent smaller foods from falling through, a common annoyance with other grills. Not only are they practical, but they also help with even heat distribution and leave the perfect sear marks on meat.

Another standout feature is the Night Light control knobs. Initially, I assumed they were simply an aesthetic touch, but they quickly proved incredibly useful during a late-night barbecue. The soft blue glow helps identify which burner is on and adds a nice ambiance, making nighttime grilling both easy and enjoyable.

Durability: Built to Last

After several months of consistent use, the Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 has shown impressive durability. The high-quality stainless steel construction and the Phantom edition’s matte black finish provide excellent resistance to rust and wear. Even after exposure to heavy rain and intense heat, there are no signs of rust or degradation.

The cast iron grates are another testament to the grill’s durability. They retain heat well and are robust enough to withstand frequent, heavy use without warping or cracking. I’ve grilled everything from thick steaks to delicate fish, and the grates have held up perfectly.

How the Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 Compares to Other Grills

The Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 stands out for its aesthetics and innovative design, which are virtually unrivaled among high-end grills, even when compared to brands like Weber and Traeger. Its performance is on par with these top-tier brands, but it offers additional features such as the wave-shaped grates and the infrared side burner, both of which genuinely enhance the grilling experience.

While the Phantom Prestige 500 is priced at the premium end, I believe that its combination of aesthetics, performance, and unique features makes it a worthwhile investment for anyone serious about grilling. It’s more than just a grill—it’s a statement piece for any outdoor space.

My Grilling Experience: Transformative and Enjoyable

The Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 has truly transformed my grilling experience. The precision temperature control and dual-level sear plates make it easy to manage flare-ups, which keeps grease from dripping directly onto the burners. This means I can grill without the constant need for vigilance, which is a welcome change compared to some of the more basic grills I’ve used in the past.

The JETFIRE ignition system is another small but essential feature that deserves mention. It lights up the grill instantly, making it easy to start grilling without needing matches or dealing with unreliable ignitions. This convenience adds to the overall ease and enjoyment of using the grill.

Cleaning and Maintenance: Hassle-Free Grilling

Let’s be honest—nobody enjoys cleaning up after grilling, but maintaining the Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 is straightforward and hassle-free. The porcelain-coated cast iron grates are easy to clean with a simple brush after cooking, and the removable drip tray collects grease efficiently, making post-cook cleanup a breeze.

For a deeper clean, I occasionally soak and scrub the grates, especially if I’ve been grilling fattier cuts of meat. The durable materials ensure that the grill maintains its like-new condition even after repeated use and cleanings.

Is the Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill Worth It?

If you’re passionate about grilling and value style, performance, and durability, the Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 is a fantastic investment. Yes, it is pricier than some other models, but the combination of its aesthetics, power, and innovative features make it worth the premium price. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed using it, and it never fails to impress friends and family during gatherings.

Conclusion

The Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill is an outstanding choice for grill enthusiasts looking for a high-performing, stylish, and durable product. From its sleek matte black design to its powerful burners and innovative features, this grill offers an exceptional grilling experience. Whether you’re searing steaks, slow-cooking ribs, or grilling veggies, this grill delivers consistent and professional-quality results every time.

Although the price may be higher than some other models, the quality, versatility, and performance of this grill make it well worth the investment. If you’re looking for a natural gas grill that stands out in both looks and performance, the Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 is definitely one to consider. Happy grilling!

FAQs for Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill

Q1: What is the primary difference between the Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 and other Prestige models?
A: The main difference lies in the aesthetic design and a few enhanced features. The Phantom model features a sleek matte black finish, while the standard Prestige models come in stainless steel. Additionally, the Phantom edition includes premium features like Night Light control knobs, wave-shaped grates, and soft-close doors, giving it a more premium feel and improved functionality.

Q2: Can the Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 be converted from natural gas to propane?
A: No, the Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 comes in separate models for natural gas and propane. If you purchase the natural gas version, it cannot be converted to propane and vice versa. Be sure to choose the right model for your specific fuel type.

Q3: How many burners does the Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 have?
A: The grill comes with four main stainless steel burners, an infrared side burner, and a rear infrared burner. This provides a wide range of cooking versatility, from searing to slow cooking.

Q4: Does the Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 come with a rotisserie kit?
A: No, the rotisserie kit is sold separately. However, the grill is equipped with a rear infrared burner specifically designed for rotisserie cooking, and Napoleon offers a compatible rotisserie kit that can be purchased as an accessory.

Q5: How do the wave-shaped grates on the Phantom Prestige 500 benefit grilling?
A: The wave-shaped grates are designed to provide even heat distribution and prevent smaller foods, like vegetables or shrimp, from falling through. This unique design also contributes to those perfect sear marks on your meat while improving overall cooking performance.

Q6: Is the Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill weather-resistant?
A: Yes, the Phantom Prestige 500 is built with high-quality materials such as stainless steel components and a durable matte black finish. These materials are resistant to rust and corrosion, making the grill suitable for outdoor use in various weather conditions. However, it’s still recommended to use a grill cover for added protection.

Q7: How difficult is it to clean the Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500?
A: The grill is relatively easy to clean, thanks to the porcelain-coated cast iron grates that resist sticking and can be brushed down after cooking. Additionally, the grill includes a removable drip tray that collects grease and food particles, making it easy to dispose of after a cooking session. For deeper cleaning, the cast iron grates can be soaked and scrubbed to remove any tough residue.

Q8: How quickly does the infrared side burner heat up?
A: The infrared side burner heats up very quickly, reaching high temperatures in just a few minutes. It is ideal for searing steaks or quickly cooking foods that require high, direct heat.

Q9: Is the Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 suitable for large gatherings?
A: Yes, with 500 square inches of primary cooking space and an additional 260 square inches on the warming rack, the Phantom Prestige 500 is ideal for cooking large quantities of food. You can easily grill enough for medium to large gatherings, making it perfect for parties and family cookouts.

Q10: What warranty comes with the Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill?
A: Napoleon offers a limited lifetime warranty on the Phantom Prestige 500, covering the main components such as the burners, cooking grids, and stainless steel parts. Some other parts may have shorter warranty periods, so it’s best to check the specifics in the warranty documentation.