Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 RSIB review

The Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 RSIB is a stylish gas barbecue offering a blend of high-end features and robust performance. Its sleek, matte black finish enhances any outdoor space, while the durable stainless steel construction ensures longevity. The grill includes innovative features such as the Infrared SIZZLE ZONE™ side burner for high-temperature searing, a rear infrared burner with a rotisserie kit, and stainless steel WAVE™ cooking grids for even heat distribution. The 500 square inch cooking area, plus a 240 square inch warming area, provides ample space for large gatherings.

Despite its impressive capabilities, the grill's advanced features might be overwhelming for beginners, and its substantial weight can make mobility challenging. Maintenance is straightforward, thanks to easy-to-clean components, but regular upkeep is necessary. Compared to competitors like the Weber Genesis II E-335 and Broil King Regal S590 Pro, it stands out for its technology and design, though it comes at a higher price point. Overall, the Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 RSIB is a worthy investment for serious grill enthusiasts seeking functionality and style.

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If you like this review, you might also like our review on the Napoleon Prestige PRO 665 or Napoleon Freestyle 425 SB or Napoleon Rogue 425.

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If you're in the market for a gas barbecue that combines style and functionality, the Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 RSIB might just be what you're looking for. This grill isn't just about looks; it's packed with features that cater to both novice grillers and seasoned pitmasters alike. With its sleek, matte black finish, it makes a bold statement in any backyard.

But it's not all about aesthetics. The grill boasts a robust construction, promising durability and long-lasting performance. It's clear that Napoleon has put a lot of thought into the design, aiming to deliver an exceptional grilling experience. However, while it excels in many areas, there might be some features that could leave you wanting more.

Is it the perfect grill for everyone? Maybe not, but it does offer a unique blend of high-end features and reliable performance that could make it a top contender for your next barbecue purchase. Let’s delve deeper to see what this grill has to offer and if it truly lives up to the hype.

When it comes to design and build quality, the Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 RSIB is a real head-turner. Right off the bat, you'll notice its sleek, matte black finish, which gives it a modern and sophisticated look. This isn't just for show; the matte coating helps resist fingerprints and smudges, keeping your barbecue looking pristine even after a feast. Underneath that stylish exterior, you'll find a sturdy construction. The grill is made from high-grade stainless steel, ensuring durability and resistance to rust and corrosion. This is especially important if you plan to leave it outdoors, exposed to various weather conditions. The stainless steel burners and sear plates are built to last, promising a long lifespan and consistent performance.

The grill's design also features stainless steel doors and a LIFT EASE roll top lid, adding a touch of luxury and practicality. No more slamming doors when you're in the middle of prepping your next culinary masterpiece The ergonomic control knobs, backlit with the SafetyGlow feature, are easy to grip and adjust, allowing you to fine-tune the heat with precision. However, the grill does have a few design aspects that might not suit everyone. At nearly 207 pounds, it's quite heavy, which can make moving it around a bit of a workout. While the four heavy-duty locking caster wheels do help, you might still need an extra hand if you're planning to shift its location frequently.

Overall, the build quality of the Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 RSIB is impressive, offering a perfect blend of style and substance. It's designed to withstand the test of time, providing you with a reliable and eye-catching centerpiece for your outdoor cooking setup.

Infrared SIZZLE ZONE™ Side Burner

One of the major highlights is the Infrared SIZZLE ZONE™ Side Burner. This feature uses infrared technology to achieve incredibly high temperatures, perfect for searing steaks to perfection. It heats up rapidly, saving you time and effort, and ensuring you can enjoy a delicious crust on your meats.

Rotisserie Kit with Rear Infrared Burner

If you're a fan of rotisserie cooking, you'll appreciate the integrated rear infrared burner. It comes with a rotisserie kit, allowing you to cook whole chickens or roasts evenly. The infrared heat ensures that your food is juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside.

Stainless Steel WAVE™ Cooking Grids

The Stainless Steel WAVE™ Cooking Grids not only look sleek but also prevent smaller food items from falling through the cracks. They provide even heat distribution, reducing the chances of hot spots and resulting in perfectly cooked meals every time.

Large Cooking Area

With a generous cooking area of 500 square inches for the main cooking area and 240 square inches for the warming area, this barbecue offers ample space to grill a feast for family and friends. Whether you're cooking a few burgers or an entire spread, you'll have the space you need without feeling cramped.

Jetfire™ Ignition System

The Jetfire™ Ignition System ensures a quick and reliable start every time. No more fumbling around with matches or lighters; just turn the knob, and you're ready to grill. This feature is especially handy when you're eager to get cooking.

Integrated Storage and Shelving

Storage is another area where this barbecue excels. With ample shelving, enclosed storage, and folding shelves with integrated utensil holders, you can keep your grilling tools and accessories organized and within easy reach. The side shelves also provide extra prep space, which is always a bonus.

SafetyGlow Night Light™ Control Knobs

Grilling isn't just a daytime activity, and the SafetyGlow Night Light™ Control Knobs make evening barbecues a breeze. The knobs illuminate, turning from blue to red when a burner is in use, allowing you to adjust the temperature accurately even in low light conditions. However, it's worth noting that, while the technology is top-notch, the abundance of features might be overwhelming for beginners. It might take a bit of time to get familiar with everything it offers.

Additionally, the high-tech components can require more careful maintenance to ensure their longevity. Overall, the Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 RSIB combines innovative technology with practical features to enhance your grilling experience, making it a solid choice for those who love to barbecue.

The performance and cooking experience with the Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 RSIB is nothing short of impressive. This grill offers a powerful cooking system that caters to both casual grillers and BBQ enthusiasts alike. With its 80,000 BTUs and a total of six burners (four main burners and two infrared burners), it provides ample heat for a wide range of cooking techniques, from searing to slow roasting.

Heat Distribution

Heat distribution is excellent, thanks to the stainless steel wave cooking grids. These grids not only ensure even heat but also create those perfect sear marks that everyone loves. The grill heats up quickly, allowing you to get cooking without much delay. However, the back of the grill tends to get a bit hotter than the front, so you might need to adjust your food accordingly for even cooking.

Infrared Side and Rear Burners

The infrared side and rear burners are game-changers when it comes to versatility. The side burner, capable of reaching up to 1800°F, is perfect for high-heat searing, locking in juices and flavors. Meanwhile, the rear burner, with 18,000 BTUs, is ideal for rotisserie cooking, giving you that authentic rotisserie taste. The combination of these features makes it easy to experiment with different styles and recipes.

Cooking Space

With 500 square inches of primary cooking space and an additional 240 square inches of warming rack space, you have plenty of room to grill for a crowd. Add to that the side shelves, and you’ve got a setup that can handle a backyard barbecue with ease. The dual-level stainless steel sear plates help reduce flare-ups, although managing them can still be tricky if you’re not paying attention.

Efficiency and Fuel Consumption

The grill is relatively fuel-efficient, but as with most high-performance models, it can consume a fair bit of gas if you’re using all the burners at high heat. It’s something to keep in mind if you plan on grilling frequently. Overall, the Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 RSIB delivers a top-notch grilling experience with a few minor quirks that are easily manageable. It's a solid choice for anyone looking to elevate their outdoor cooking game.

So, you're ready to fire up your new grill and you're probably wondering what's included in the box. Here's a quick rundown of what you can expect when you unbox the Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 RSIB.

• Grill Unit: The main star of the show, this grill comes with a solid build and sleek design. It's mostly pre-assembled, so you won't spend hours trying to figure out what goes where.
• Side Shelves: These handy shelves are perfect for keeping your grilling tools and ingredients within arm's reach. They’re also foldable, which is a nice touch for saving space.
• Infrared Sizzle Zone™ Side Burner: A standout feature, this burner is included and ready to sear your steaks to perfection.
• Main Burners: The grill comes equipped with four main burners, offering a versatile cooking experience.
• Rear Infrared Rotisserie Burner and Kit: If rotisserie cooking is your preference, you'll be happy to find a rotisserie kit included in the package. It’s a nice addition for those who love slow-roasting meats.
• Grease Management System: The box includes a full-width removable drip pan to help with cleanup after your culinary adventures.
• Assembly Tools: Basic tools are included to assist with any assembly needed. However, you might want to have a screwdriver handy for the best experience.
• Owner's Manual: The manual provides clear instructions and tips to help you get the most out of your new grill.

While the Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 RSIB offers a lot straight out of the box, some users have noted that the assembly might take a bit longer than anticipated. It's not a deal-breaker, but be prepared to spend some time putting it all together. Overall, the package contents set you up nicely for a top-notch grilling experience.

The Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 RSIB is designed with user convenience in mind, making it quite straightforward to operate and maintain. Let's break down why this grill stands out in these areas.

Ease of Use

First off, the Jetfire ignition system ensures a reliable and quick start every time. No more fiddling with matches or lighters—just turn the knob, and you're good to go. The control knobs are intuitive, allowing you to adjust the temperature with precision, which is great for both beginners and seasoned grillers. These knobs also feature the SafetyGlow Night Light, which turns from blue to red when a burner is in use.

The 7.5mm stainless steel Iconic WAVE™ cooking grids are a thoughtful touch. They not only heat evenly but also help prevent smaller foods from falling through. Plus, the infrared side burner is perfect for searing steaks to perfection, giving you that restaurant-quality finish. The grill also includes a rear infrared rotisserie burner for slow roasting.

Maintenance

Maintenance can often be a chore, but with this grill, it's pretty manageable. The full-width removable drip pan collects grease efficiently and is easy to slide out and clean. Just remember to check it regularly to avoid buildup. The stainless steel construction not only looks sleek but is also rust-resistant, which means less worry about wear and tear over time.

However, the sheer size of the grill might be a bit overwhelming for some when it comes to cleaning. It's important to keep the burners and grids clean to ensure optimal performance. A quick brush down after each use and a deeper clean every few weeks should do the trick.

Helpful Tips

• Use a grill cover to protect it from the elements when not in use.
• Regularly check the propane levels to avoid sudden run-outs during a barbecue session.
• Keep a grill brush handy for quick clean-ups after cooking.

Overall, the Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 RSIB strikes a good balance between ease of use and maintenance, making it a reliable choice for anyone who loves to grill without too much hassle. While it's not completely maintenance-free, the thoughtful design features make it a breeze compared to other models out there.

Weber Genesis II E-335

The Weber Genesis II E-335 is often mentioned in the same breath. Both grills offer impressive cooking power and similar price points. However, while the Weber features a strong build and reliable performance, it lacks the sleek, matte black finish and infrared side and rear burners that the Phantom Prestige boasts. The Weber Genesis II E-335 includes features like a sear station, side burner, and porcelain-enameled, cast-iron cooking grates, but it does not have infrared burners. The Genesis E-335 is equipped with a built-in lid thermometer, stainless steel side tables, and a 10-year warranty on all parts of the grill.

Broil King Regal S590 Pro

Another competitor, the Broil King Regal S590 Pro, offers a similar cooking area and is known for its solid construction and powerful burners. However, the Phantom Prestige edges it out with its additional features like the integrated smoker tray and proximity lighting for nighttime grilling. The Broil King, while robust, doesn't offer the same level of innovative technology.

Char-Broil Performance 650

The Char-Broil Performance 650 is a more budget-friendly option, providing ample cooking space. Yet, it lacks the premium build quality and advanced features found in the Phantom Prestige. If cost is a significant factor, the Char-Broil might appeal, but it compromises on durability and tech enhancements that some grill enthusiasts might find indispensable.

The Phantom Prestige 500 RSIB excels in areas like advanced tech and sleek design, but it does come at a higher price point compared to some competitors. For those prioritizing innovation and style, it's a top contender. However, if budget constraints are a priority, exploring other options might be worthwhile.

Video by: Napoleon Products

Wrapping up, the Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 RSIB is a solid choice for anyone serious about their grilling. Its sleek and sturdy design is a real head-turner, while the array of features ensures a versatile cooking experience. Whether you're searing steaks or slow-cooking ribs, this grill has got you covered. The performance is remarkable, with even heat distribution and powerful burners making grilling almost effortless.

The infrared side and rear burners, including the 14,000-BTU ceramic infrared side burner and the 18,000-BTU rear infrared rotisserie burner, bring added flexibility, allowing for a variety of cooking techniques. However, the learning curve for these features might require a bit of patience for beginners.

Maintenance is straightforward, thanks to its easy-to-clean components, such as the slide-out drip pan and the removable cooking grids. However, be ready to spend some time on regular upkeep to keep it in top shape. The grill's size might be a bit overwhelming for those with limited space, so it's worth measuring your outdoor area before committing. Compared to its competitors, it stands out with its unique design and feature set, although it comes with a higher price tag.

If you're looking for a high-end gas barbecue that combines style, functionality, and performance, the Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 RSIB should definitely be on your radar. In conclusion, while it may require a bit more investment and space, this grill delivers an exceptional cooking experience that justifies its price and presence in your backyard.

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