5 Best Grills for 500 (2026 Guide)

The Napoleon Built-In 500 Series isn’t just a grill—it’s a culinary cornerstone for outdoor kitchens that demand precision and power. With 48,000 BTUs driving four robust stainless steel burners, this grill delivers searing heat stability across its 531 sq. in. cooking surface, making it ideal for high-volume entertaining or multi-zone grilling. Its marine-grade stainless steel construction stands up to coastal air and heavy use, solving the durability issues common in lesser built-ins. For homeowners crafting a permanent outdoor setup, this model offers commercial-grade resilience with residential elegance.

In real-world testing, the Napoleon BI32PSS maintains consistent flame distribution even during prolonged searing or indirect roasting, thanks to its layered sear plates that radiate heat evenly and reduce hot spots. The 7.5 mm stainless cooking grids retain heat superbly, delivering deep, restaurant-style sear marks on steaks and burgers without cold zones near the edges. While it lacks infrared tech or a rotisserie burner, its performance on direct grilling tasks is rock-solid. However, being a built-in only unit, it’s not portable and requires professional installation—limiting flexibility for renters or casual grillers.

Compared to freestanding models like the GRiliFE 22-inch or even the Ninja indoor grill, the BI32PSS is in a different class entirely: it’s engineered for permanence and integration into outdoor living spaces. It doesn’t compete on price or portability but wins on long-term value and build integrity. Ideal for serious backyard chefs investing in a custom kitchen, this Napoleon model outperforms in fit, finish, and heat control. While it lacks the bells and whistles of the Prestige RSIB line, it holds its own in precision and durability—offering a cleaner aesthetic and tighter engineering than most competitors at this tier.

The Ninja Sizzle GR100 redefines indoor grilling with its 500°F edge-to-edge heating, bringing restaurant-level char to your countertop without the smoke show. This isn’t just another electric grill—it’s a precision cooking engine designed to eliminate the mess and odor that usually come with indoor grilling. With a nonstick 14-inch plate and low-smoke technology powered by a perforated lid and grease trap, it tackles one of the biggest pain points for apartment dwellers and urban cooks: smoke alarms and greasy stovetops. It’s the go-to for health-conscious families wanting grilled flavor year-round.

During testing, the GR100 proved exceptional at uniform browning and quick searing, handling six chicken breasts or burgers with no cold zones thanks to its full-surface heating. The high-heat capability locks in juices and creates authentic grill-marked finishes, rivaling results from gas grills in summer. It excels at weekday dinners, meal prep, and small gatherings where outdoor grilling isn’t an option. However, while it’s low-smoke, it’s not completely smokeless under heavy use—especially with fatty meats—so ventilation still helps. Also, the nonstick surface, while easy to clean, isn’t induction or open-flame robust, limiting high-temp versatility.

Against outdoor contenders like the Napoleon P500RSIBPSS or GRiliFE charcoal grill, the Ninja GR100 isn’t meant to replace them—it complements them. It’s the ultimate off-season workhorse for indoor grilling, outperforming most electric grills in heat consistency and capacity. Compared to basic indoor units, it offers larger cooking real estate and smarter engineering. While it can’t replicate the smoky depth of charcoal or gas, it delivers unmatched convenience, cleanup speed, and countertop efficiency—making it a standout for urbanites, small households, or anyone prioritizing daily usability over backyard spectacle.

The GRiliFE 22-inch Charcoal Grill is a budget-savvy powerhouse that punches far above its price tag, offering over 500 square inches of double-decker grilling space for under $100. This kettle-style grill combines classic charcoal flavor with modern conveniences like dual dampers and a built-in thermometer, giving users precise temperature control without the complexity of high-end smokers. For beginners or occasional grillers who want authentic smoky taste without breaking the bank, this model is a game-changer, solving the affordability barrier that keeps many from exploring charcoal cooking.

In real-world use, the GRiliFE heats up quickly and holds temperature well, especially when using lump charcoal or briquettes with the adjustable top and bottom vents. The dual grilling levels allow for stacked cooking—sear on top, slow-roast below—making it surprisingly versatile for everything from weekend BBQs to tailgating. The wheels are rugged enough for grass or gravel, enhancing its portability for camping or park outings. However, the steel body, while durable, isn’t stainless, so it’s prone to rust over time without proper cover use. Also, heat distribution can be uneven if coals aren’t rotated, requiring more attention than gas grills.

When stacked against the Napoleon built-ins or even the Ninja indoor unit, the GRiliFE wins on value and versatility per dollar. It doesn’t have electronic ignitions or infrared burners, but it delivers true charcoal experience at a fraction of the cost. Compared to other budget kettles, it offers larger capacity and better airflow management. For families, campers, or first-time grillers, it’s the smart entry point into live-fire cooking. While it demands more skill and cleanup than gas or electric models, it offers flavor depth and flexibility that cheaper grills often lack—making it the top pick for those who want maximum grilling bang for minimal bucks.

The Napoleon P500RSIBNSS-3 is a gas grilling titan built for those who want pro-level performance without propane logistics. Running on natural gas, it delivers 48,000 BTUs through four stainless steel burners, backed by stainless sear plates that ensure even heat dispersion and flavor-rich searing. What sets it apart is its dual infrared system: the Sizzle Zone side burner hits 1,800°F in 30 seconds, perfect for steakhouse-quality sears, while the 18,000 BTU infrared rear burner powers a full rotisserie kit—ideal for slow-roasted chickens or pork loins. For natural gas users, this grill eliminates fuel swaps and offers uninterrupted grilling sessions.

In testing, the P500RSIBNSS-3 shines in multi-tasking scenarios: sear steaks on the main grates, caramelize veggies on the side burner, and rotate a whole turkey in the back—all at once. The 500 sq. in. primary cooking area handles 31 burgers effortlessly, while the warming rack adds 260 sq. in. for holding. The JETFIRE ignition is near-instant, and the cross-lighting backup ensures reliability even in damp weather. However, the natural gas setup requires plumbing, making it less ideal for renters or mobile setups. Also, the side burner’s high heat can overwhelm delicate foods if not monitored.

Compared to the propane-powered P500RSIBPSS, it’s nearly identical in features and performance—just fueled differently. Against the built-in BI32PSS, it offers more versatility with infrared and rotisserie capabilities. It outguns the GRiliFE and Ninja in sheer power and cooking modes, but demands more space and installation effort. For homeowners with a gas line, it’s the ultimate all-in-one outdoor kitchen centerpiece, blending power, precision, and pro features in one rugged stainless package. It doesn’t beat the propane model in performance, but wins on convenience for those already set up for natural gas.

The Napoleon P500RSIBPSS-3 is the undisputed king of propane grills, earning its title as the best overall with a flawless blend of power, precision, and pro-grade features. With 48,000 BTUs, a 500 sq. in. main cooking zone, and infrared technology on both side and rear burners, it handles everything from weeknight burgers to Thanksgiving turkey with ease. The Sizzle Zone side burner rockets to 1,800°F in 30 seconds, delivering perfect crusts on steaks, while the 18,000 BTU rear infrared burner runs a heavy-duty rotisserie—ideal for juicy, self-basting roasts. For versatility and reliability, this grill dominates the competition.

Real-world testing confirms its exceptional heat control and ignition consistency, thanks to the flame-throwing JETFIRE system and cross-burner lighting backup—no more failed startups in wind or rain. The stainless steel construction resists rust, and the 7.5 mm cooking grids retain heat beautifully for consistent searing. It handles high-volume cooking with room to spare, and the 31-burger capacity makes it perfect for large gatherings. The only caveat? The propane tank sits exposed, which affects aesthetics and requires occasional tank swaps—unlike natural gas models that run indefinitely.

Up against the P500RSIBNSS-3, it’s a wash in performance, but the propane version offers easier setup and portability for users without gas lines. Compared to the built-in BI32PSS, it adds infrared and rotisserie power missing in the simpler model. Against budget picks like GRiliFE or indoor options like Ninja, it’s in a league of its own: more powerful, more flexible, and built to last. For most serious grillers, this Napoleon propane model delivers the best balance of features, durability, and cooking mastery—making it the top choice for those who want everything a grill can offer without compromise.