Char-Griller AKORN 20-inch Kamado Grill vs Napoleon Prestige P500 Gas BBQ (2026)

✍️ By the 247Verdict Editorial Team📅 Updated 05 October 2026

Which is better? We compared both on score, owner ratings, pros and cons.

Char-Griller AKORN 20-inch Kamado Grill

8.9/10 Great

4.6★ (6,800 owners)

Triple-wall steel kamado, 200-750°F range, dual dampers, 314 sq in, 97lbs. Budget kamado BBQ.

Full Review

Napoleon Prestige P500 Gas BBQ

8.9/10 Great

4.5★ (2,800 owners)

5 burners, reversible cast iron grates, rear infrared rotisserie, JETFIRE ignition. Feature-rich alternative.

Full Review

At a Glance

	Char-Griller AKORN 20-inch Kamado Grill	Napoleon Prestige P500 Gas BBQ
247Verdict Score	8.9/10	8.9/10
Owner Rating	4.6★ (6,800)	4.5★ (2,800)
Verdict	Great	Great
Weight	97lbs (moveable)	72kg

Quick Verdict

This is a genuine draw — both score within 0.15 points of each other. Char-Griller AKORN 20-inch Kamado Grill: Triple-wall steel kamado, 200-750°F range, dual dampers, 314 sq in, 97lbs. Budget kamado BBQ. Napoleon Prestige P500 Gas BBQ: 5 burners, reversible cast iron grates, rear infrared rotisserie, JETFIRE ignition. Feature-rich alternative. Choose based on your specific needs. Check the current price on Amazon →

Pros & Cons Side by Side

Char-Griller AKORN 20-inch Kamado Grill

Triple-wall steel construction achieves ceramic kamado heat retention at 40% of Big Green Egg's price
200-750°F range covers low-and-slow smoking through high-heat searing in one grill
Dual dampers provide precise temperature control comparable to ceramic alternatives
At 97lbs significantly lighter than ceramic kamados — repositionable without specialist lifting equipment
Under £350 — the most affordable kamado-style BBQ with genuine performance characteristics

Steel rather than ceramic — heat retention less efficient than Big Green Egg or Kamado Joe
Rust risk in UK climate requires seasoning and cover maintenance
Less community and recipe ecosystem than the established ceramic brands

Napoleon Prestige P500 Gas BBQ

Rear infrared rotisserie burner creates genuine rotisserie cooking without external heat source
Reversible cast iron grates flip between flat griddle and raised grill surfaces
JETFIRE instant push-button ignition — fastest and most reliable ignition system available
Dual level cooking with warming rack
Napoleon's 25-year North American BBQ heritage at premium price point

More complex than Weber Spirit — more features means more to clean and maintain
Heavier at 72kg — not easy to reposition in the garden
Price premium over Weber Spirit requires valuation of the rotisserie feature specifically

FAQ

Which is better, Char-Griller AKORN 20-inch or Napoleon Prestige P500 BBQ?

Is the Char-Griller AKORN 20-inch worth the extra cost?

The Napoleon Prestige P500 Gas BBQ matches or exceeds it at a potentially lower price point.

Who is the Char-Griller AKORN 20-inch best suited to?

Triple-wall steel kamado, 200-750°F range, dual dampers, 314 sq in, 97lbs. Budget kamado BBQ.

Who is the Napoleon Prestige P500 BBQ best suited to?

5 burners, reversible cast iron grates, rear infrared rotisserie, JETFIRE ignition. Feature-rich alternative.

What are the main downsides of each?

Char-Griller AKORN 20-inch Kamado Grill: Steel rather than ceramic — heat retention less efficient than Big Green Egg or Kamado Joe; Rust risk in UK climate requires seasoning and cover maintenance. Napoleon Prestige P500 Gas BBQ: More complex than Weber Spirit — more features means more to clean and maintain; Heavier at 72kg — not easy to reposition in the garden.

Do owner ratings agree with our verdict?

Largely, yes — Char-Griller AKORN 20-inch Kamado Grill sits at 4.6★ from 6,800 verified Amazon owners, and Napoleon Prestige P500 Gas BBQ at 4.5★ from 2,800.

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