Napoleon Prestige 500 RSIB

If you ask any serious outdoor lover what the centerpiece of their patio is, they won’t say the furniture or the fire pit. It’s the grill. It is the hearth of the backyard, the engine of summer parties, and the tool that turns a regular Tuesday evening into a feast.

But not all grills are created equal.

If you’ve been browsing Amazon or hitting the forums looking for the “end-game” grill—the one that bridges the gap between big-box store mediocrity and professional outdoor kitchens—you have almost certainly stumbled upon the Napoleon Prestige 500 RSIB.

With a price tag that commands respect, it promises a lot. But does it deliver? Here is a deep dive into why this grill has a near-cult following and why, if you love the outdoors, this should be your next big investment.

1. The “Sizzle Zone”: A Steakhouse in Your Backyard

The single feature that converts most people to Team Napoleon is the Infrared Sizzle Zone™ Side Burner.

Most grills have a side burner that is essentially a weak indoor stove burner tacked onto the side. It’s okay for warming up a can of beans, but not much else. The Napoleon RSIB (Rear and Side Infrared Burner) changes the game entirely. This ceramic infrared burner heats up to 1,800°F (980°C) in about 30 seconds.

Why outdoor lovers love it:

• The Perfect Sear: You know that crust you get on a steak at a high-end steakhouse? That requires intense heat that standard gas burners struggle to reach. The Sizzle Zone creates that caramelized crust instantly, locking in juices before you move the steak to the main grill to finish cooking.

• Efficiency: It’s not just for steaks. It boils water for corn or crab boils faster than your kitchen stove.

2. Built Like a Tank (and Covered Like One)

Outdoor gear needs to survive the elements. Cheap grills rust out in three years; the Prestige 500 is built to inherit.

The construction is almost entirely high-grade stainless steel—from the tube burners and dual-level sear plates to the iconic 7.5mm WAVE™ cooking grids. Those wave-shaped grids aren’t just an aesthetic choice; they increase surface area for heat transfer and prevent smaller food (like asparagus or shrimp) from falling through the cracks.

The Warranty Factor: Napoleon offers a President’s Limited Lifetime Warranty on this model. This is a massive selling point. They cover the aluminum castings, stainless steel base, and stainless steel lid for life. This isn’t a disposable purchase; it’s a permanent fixture for your home.

3. Versatility: It’s Not Just a Grill

The “R” in RSIB stands for Rear Infrared Burner, and this is where the grill transforms from a burger-flipper to a culinary tool.

The grill comes standard with a heavy-duty rotisserie kit. If you have never cooked a rotisserie chicken or a prime rib roast in your backyard, you are missing out on one of the great joys of outdoor cooking. The rear infrared burner provides consistent, indirect heat that cooks meat evenly without flare-ups, while the rotisserie keeps it self-basting.

What you can do:

• Smoke: Add a smoker tube, and the lid seals tightly enough to hold smoke for low-and-slow ribs.

• Bake: With precise temperature control, it functions effectively as an outdoor oven for pizzas or pies.

• Charcoal Hybrid: Napoleon sells an optional charcoal tray that slides in, allowing you to use charcoal with the convenience of gas ignition.

4. The “SafetyGlow” Cool Factor

While performance is king, design matters. The Prestige 500 features SafetyGlow™ control knobs.

At first glance, this looks like a flashy gimmick: the knobs glow blue when the grill is off and red when the gas is on. But for the evening griller, it’s a brilliant safety feature. You can see from inside your house if you accidentally left a burner on after dinner. No more waking up to an empty propane tank.

5. The Verdict: Why Buy It?

The Napoleon Prestige 500 RSIB sits in the “Goldilocks” zone of premium grills. It is significantly better built than the standard $500 hardware store models, but it costs thousands less than the ultra-luxury built-in units found in custom outdoor kitchens.

Pros:

• Heat Output: 80,000 BTUs total output across 6 burners.

• Reliability: The JETFIRE™ ignition system shoots a jet of flame to light each burner individually (no clicking and praying).

• Capacity: You can cook up to 30 burgers at once on the main area and side burner combined.

Cons:

• Assembly: It is a complex machine; expect a couple of hours to put it together if you don’t pay for assembly.

• Learning Curve: The Sizzle Zone gets hot. You will burn your first steak if you aren’t paying attention.

Final Thoughts

If you view your backyard as an extension of your living space and grilling as a hobby rather than a chore, the Napoleon Prestige 500 RSIB is arguably the best value on the market. It offers the high-heat performance of a charcoal grill, the convenience of gas, and the durability of professional kitchenware.

For the outdoor lover, it’s not just a way to cook hot dogs; it’s an invitation to spend more time outside, experimenting with new recipes, and feeding the people you care about.

👉 Check the current price and reviews for the Napoleon Prestige 500 RSIB here