Napoleon Cast Iron Reversible Griddle for Prestige PRO 500 Review

For a PRO 500 owner who wants a griddle without buying a separate flat-top, yes. Napoleon lists the 56041 as compatible with the Prestige/PRO 500 and the LEX 485, 605 and 730 grills. We rate it on fit, cooking surface, drainage, and care.

Advantages and trade-offs

It suits the PRO 500 cook who wants one plate for breakfast and for searing, and who does not mind cast iron upkeep. It is a poorer fit if you want a surface that needs no seasoning at all.

When to consider another griddle

If you want a truly nonstick surface or a larger flat area, look elsewhere. The usable flat space can feel slightly smaller than half the grill, which is fine for a smash-burger setup but tight for a family breakfast. For stovetop options, see our best cast iron griddles.

This review covers the 56041 specifically. Napoleon also lists a 56040 for the PRO 500, Prestige 500 and LEX series, and one retailer lists a 56040PK4 under its own designation. No cross-reference we found proves these are the same product, so we keep them separate. Check the model number on the listing before you order.

56041, 56040, and 56040PK4: check the listing

The 56041 is the model we describe here. Treat any statement about the 56040 or 56040PK4 as unconfirmed for the 56041, and the reverse. The coating description also differs between sources for the 56040, so do not assume one model matches another.

Prestige PRO 500 fit, dimensions, and placement

The cooking surface measures 13 inches by 17.75 inches. It can replace the cooking grids or sit over them. Because it takes up only part of the grill, you can still grill conventionally beside it.

The two cooking faces suit different foods.

The flat side for breakfast, vegetables, and seafood

The flat face is the one we would use most. Napoleon points it at breakfast, onions, and seafood. It also works as a compact smash-burger surface and handles tortillas well.

The ribbed side for searing and sandwiches

The raised face puts sear marks on meat and presses panini. Flip the plate and the same weight that keeps heat steady on the flat side works for you here.

Grease drainage matters most when cooking on the ribbed face.

The drainage holes let fat escape from the cooking surface. They also leave larger food fragments behind, so scraping and wiping stay part of cleanup. We could not confirm the full path fat takes through a PRO 500 to the collection pan, so we do not promise a cleaner interior or fewer flare-ups.

Sticking and cleanup

The 56041 wipes clean without much trouble after most cooks, though sticky foods take more work. Chicken can stick even when you use oil, so the coating is no guarantee of easy release. Stuck chicken residue also makes cleaning in place awkward.

What we have not measured

We have not timed preheat, tracked how the coating ages, or confirmed the fat path to the PRO 500 collection pan, so we keep our cooking comments qualitative. The warranty term also differs between sellers, so confirm it for your purchase.

Treat it like cast iron, with a bit more care around the coating.

Seasoning and food release

Napoleon says the surface is designed to build seasoning through use and maintenance. Cleaning and release improve a lot once seasoning builds, and an unseasoned plate can be frustratingly sticky. After cleaning and drying, apply a thin layer of neutral, high-smoke-point oil, wipe off the excess until the surface looks matte, and heat it to set the seasoning.

Cleaning, drying, and storage

Hand-clean with hot water, mild dish soap, and a sponge or nylon brush. Skip soaking, the dishwasher, and abrasive pads. Dry it right away.

The 56041 suits a PRO 500 cook who accepts cast iron upkeep for a heavy, reversible plate. If you mostly cook sticky chicken, or want a hands-off surface, start with a different griddle. Buy it from a listing that names 56041 and confirm the warranty before you check out.