Napoleon Prestige 500 vs Pro Grill: My Hands-On Experience

There are grills, and then there are grilling machines that feel like they were built to transform the way you cook outdoors. I’ve spent years testing different grills, but recently I found myself comparing two of Napoleon’s flagship models: the Prestige 500 and the Prestige Pro 500. Both promise exceptional performance, stainless steel durability, and professional-grade features. But are they really that different? And more importantly, which one should you invest in if you’re serious about grilling?

After weeks of testing both models, cooking everything from steaks to slow-roasted chicken, I’ve gathered my thoughts. Here’s my full breakdown of the Napoleon Prestige 500 vs Pro Grill experience.

Key Difference Between Napoleon Prestige 500 and Prestige Pro 500 Propane Grill

The Prestige 500 is designed as a reliable, high-performance grill for everyday backyard chefs. It offers infrared side and rear burners, illuminated knobs, strong storage options, and Napoleon’s signature Jetfire ignition. It’s sturdy, efficient, and straightforward.

The Prestige Pro 500, on the other hand, is like the luxury edition. It takes everything the Prestige 500 does and adds premium touches — chrome accents, interior storage lighting, soft-close doors, a built-in ice bucket, proximity lighting, and upgraded 9.5 mm wave cooking grids. It feels less like a backyard grill and more like a professional outdoor kitchen.

In short:

• Prestige 500 = Reliable Powerhouse.
• Prestige Pro 500 = Luxury Experience.

Quick Comparison Table: Napoleon Prestige 500 vs Pro Grill Propane Grill

Feature	Napoleon Prestige 500	Napoleon Prestige Pro 500
BTUs	80,000 (Infrared side + rear burners included)	80,000 (Infrared side + rear burners included)
Cooking Area	900 sq. in.	900 sq. in.
Cooking Grids	8.5 mm stainless steel	9.5 mm stainless steel (WAVE™ design)
Design Finish	Stainless steel, powder coat trim	Stainless steel + chrome accents
Control Knobs	LED SafetyGlow (red when gas is on)	LED Spectrum NIGHT LIGHT™ (color-changing + SafetyGlow)
Storage	Stow-away warming rack + tool hooks	Interior storage lights + soft close doors + ice bucket + cutting board
Mobility	Rugged locking casters	Rugged locking casters
Ignition	Jetfire ignition	Jetfire ignition
Price Point	More affordable	Premium tier
Check Latest Price	Buy on Amazon	Buy on Amazon

My Experience Cooking with Both Models

1. Design & Build Quality

When I first set eyes on the Prestige 500, it struck me as sleek and modern. The stainless steel body looks professional, and the illuminated knobs add a touch of class. It feels like the kind of grill you’d use for years without worrying about wear and tear.

The Pro 500, however, instantly feels like a showpiece. The chrome accents shimmer under the sun, and when the proximity sensor lights up as you approach, it creates a dramatic, almost futuristic vibe. The build quality feels heavier, more premium, and frankly, more impressive if you’re the type who likes to entertain.

Winner in Design: Prestige Pro 500.

2. Ease of Use

I loved how straightforward the Prestige 500 is. The Jetfire ignition works flawlessly every time. The knobs glow red when the gas is on, which honestly saved me from accidentally leaving it running a couple of times during testing. The tool hooks tucked under the shelf are a nice touch, keeping clutter to a minimum.

The Pro 500 takes ease of use further. The interior lighting is a game changer when grilling at night. The soft-close doors felt like a small but satisfying upgrade, and the integrated ice bucket with cutting board turned the prep process into something smoother and more enjoyable.

Winner in Ease of Use: Pro 500, though Prestige 500 is still very user-friendly.

3. Cooking Performance

Now, here’s where both models shine. The Prestige 500 handled everything I threw at it: perfectly seared steaks using the infrared side burner, slow-cooked ribs that came out juicy, and grilled veggies with consistent heat distribution. The 8.5 mm stainless steel grids held up beautifully and were easy to clean afterward.

The Pro 500 elevated the cooking experience even more. The 9.5 mm WAVE™ cooking grids gave me those restaurant-style grill marks that make food look as good as it tastes. I also noticed that the Pro held heat slightly better, probably thanks to its thicker grids and insulated lid. Plus, the illuminated cooking area was invaluable when grilling in the evening.

Winner in Performance: Pro 500 by a small margin.

4. Functions & Features

With the Prestige 500, I had all the essentials:

• Rotisserie burner with a heavy-duty kit (which I used for a whole chicken—absolutely mouthwatering).
• Infrared sear station for steakhouse-level sears.
• Plenty of storage and prep space.

The Pro 500 felt like an upgrade in every sense. Features like the proximity light, interior cabinet lighting, and the massive side shelves added a sense of luxury. The ice bucket became surprisingly useful during parties—it kept drinks cold right next to the action.

Winner in Features: Pro 500, hands down.

Napoleon Prestige 500 Propane Grill

Pros:

• Strong stainless steel build.
• Infrared side and rear burners included.
• Excellent value for the features.
• SafetyGlow knobs improve safety.
• Lifetime warranty.

Cons:

• No proximity or interior lighting.
• Lacks luxury touches like soft-close doors.
• Cooking grids slightly thinner than Pro 500.

Buy on Amazon

Napoleon Prestige Pro 500 Propane Grill

Pros:

• Premium build with chrome accents.
• Proximity sensor and interior lighting.
• 9.5 mm WAVE™ grids give professional sear marks.
• Integrated ice bucket and cutting board.
• Spacious storage with soft-close doors.
• Night Light™ control knobs with customizable colors.

Cons:

• More expensive.
• Heavier and bulkier (takes up more space).

Buy on Amazon

Final Verdict: Napoleon Prestige 500 vs Pro Grill

After grilling on both models, I’d say the Prestige 500 is the smart choice for most backyard chefs. It’s durable, powerful, and offers everything you need for an incredible barbecue without going overboard on price.

That said, if you’re the type who entertains often, values luxury features, and wants your grill to double as the centerpiece of your outdoor setup, then the Prestige Pro 500 is worth every penny. The extra features don’t just look fancy—they genuinely improve the cooking and hosting experience.

For me personally, if I were buying for regular family cookouts, I’d go with the Prestige 500. But if I wanted to wow my guests and treat myself to a professional-grade experience, the Pro 500 would be my choice.

Either way, Napoleon has created two grills that prove why they’re leaders in the gas grill market.