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FireDisc vs Matador
The Rec-Tec Matador RT-G450 and the FireDisc are two increasingly popular outdoor propane griddles that have a lot of similarities and a few key differences. Both have 22-inch diameter concave griddle top surfaces.
Though they are made from slightly different types of steel, which influences how you season and maintain them. The updated models of the FireDisc and the Matador TR-G450 are 36-inches tall.
The burner element of the FireDisc is slightly hotter than the Matador.
Though this means it also burns through a 1-pound propane cylinder faster and doesn’t come with an adaptor. The Matador comes with an adaptor that lets you run it off a 1-pound cylinder or a larger propane tank.
While these are noticeable differences, some fine point details might also influence you to choose one over the other.
Rec Tec Matador Review
The Matador RT-G450 has a 22-inch diameter stainless steel griddle with a 3-inch-deep lip, that lets you use it as a traditional griddle as well as a deep fryer and more.
The manufacturer recommends that you season it like you would a cast iron griddle.
Though this is more about maintaining a protective non-stick layer of hydrocarbons rather than producing a built-up layer that enhances the flavor of the food being cooked.
The Matador has a 9-inch propane burner element with three heat settings.
On the highest flame, it is rated to produce up to 20,000 BTUs per hour. It comes setup to run on a standard 1-pound propane cylinder but also includes an adapter if you want to connect it to a larger propane tank.
The stainless steel pan is slightly concave, which lets you use it as a wok. It’s capable of creating dual heat zones. Though it is only a matter of minutes before the heat load spreads uniformly throughout the steel.
The Matador breaks down relatively easily, which makes it portable. It weighs 38 pounds when fully assembled and stands firmly at 36-inches high.
FireDisc Review
FireDisc also has a 22-inch diameter carbon steel, concave griddle top with a three-inch deep lip, that maximizes its versatility. The burner element under the FireDisc is rated to produce up to 30,000 BTUs on high.
The FireDisc is designed to run off a 1-pound propane cylinder.
You must buy an adaptor to run the FireDisc off a larger propane tank. Otherwise, you will only get around 40 to 45 minutes of run time before you have to switch out a typical 1-pound propane cylinder.
The FireDisc stand has been recently updated to make it up to 36-inches tall.
The stand is also adjustable, which lets you set it up to be as level as possible on uneven ground. This can come in handy if you are planning to use it as a camp stove or griddle.
The stand breaks down easily into three sections that you can stow easily. Though it does weigh 58-pounds in total.
FireDisc vs Matador Assembly
Both the FireDisc and the Matador are relatively easy to assemble and disassemble. The FireDisc breaks down into three separate sections and weighs 58-pounds, compared to the Matador’s 38-pounds.
Firedisc vs Matador Dimensions
The dimensions for the most updated models of the FireDisc and the Matador RT-G450 are very similar. Both have a 22-inch diameter concave griddle top with a three-inch lip. Both stand 36-inches tall when the stand is fully assembled.
The stand on the Matador is 26-inches wide. Whereas the stand on the FireDisc is 27-inches wide.
This is a minor difference, but when you consider that the FireDisc stand is more adjustable, it can be a factor if you are using it as a camp grill at a primate campsite with uneven ground.
FireDisc vs Matador Seasoning
The griddle tops for the FireDisc and the Matador both need to be seasoned. Though the materials they are made out of are slightly different, which can affect how you maintain that seasoning layer.
FireDisc’s griddle is made from carbon steel, which can maintain a built-up seasoning layer. This calls for three or four different seasoning sessions using a medium-high flame to create a polymerized layer of hydrocarbons.
A properly maintained seasoning layer helps prevent rust and corrosion while also making the griddle pan semi-nonstick.
Though you do have to be diligent about maintaining the seasoning layer on a carbon steel FireDisc griddle.
If you simmer water or use a water-based sauce, the seasoning layer will strip away easily and it will need to be seasoned again.
Investing in a FireDisc accessory cover will help protect the seasoning layer. It will also prevent dust, pollen and rain from affecting the griddle’s surface.
The Matador’s griddle pan also needs to be seasoned. Though polymerized hydrocarbon chains don’t adhere to stainless steel the way they do to the surfaces of carbon steel or cast iron. Instead, you need to coat every square inch of the pan with neutral-flavored cooking oil before using it, then wipe clean and reapply a protective layer before storing it.
FireDisc vs Matador Differences and Similarities
There are a lot of similarities between the FireDisc and the Matador RT-G450, as well as a few key differences that might influence which one is better suited to meet your needs.
Both have a 22-inch diameter concave griddle pan with a 3-inch lip. Though the FireDisc does a better job of maintaining a built-up seasoning layer on its carbon steel. The Matador’s stainless steel essentially needs to be well-oiled.
Both updated versions of the FireDisc and Matador RT-G450 stand 36-inches tall.
Though earlier models of the FireDisc were only 24-inches, some of these shorter models are still in circulation. FireDisc’s stand is also one inch wider and has adjustable feet.
The updated version of the Matador RT-G450 comes with a lid and two utensils. Though there aren’t a lot of optional accessories. The FireDisc doesn’t come with a lid, but there is an optional lid, as well as other accessories available to expand its versatility.
FireDisc’s burner is rated to produce 30,000 BTUs of heat per hour, which might be a little too hot.
Especially when you consider that it comes designed to run off a 1-pound propane cylinder. You have to purchase an adaptor to run it off a larger propane tank with a hose.
The burner element on the Matador RT-G450 is rated to produce up to 20,000 BTUs of heat per hour, which is still hot enough to cook anything you want on it.
It also comes with an adaptor to let you run it on a 1-pound propane cylinder or connect it to a larger tank.
The FireDisc tips the scales at 58-pounds. The Matador only weighs 38-pounds, without sacrificing stability or material build quality.
FireDisc offers a relatively inexpensive cover as an accessory. Though Rec-Tec doesn’t offer a specific cover for the Matador RT-G450.
The FireDisc is backed by a 5-year warranty, whereas the Matador is backed by a 2-year warranty. Both are American-based companies, and both models are made in China. Though FireDisc boasts that they were diligent in finding the best possible overseas manufacturer.
Final Thoughts
There is a lot to like about both the FireDisc and the Matador RT-G450. Though the minor differences might put one over the other based on how you use them. If you need a stable, versatile camp stove and griddle combo, then the slightly wider base and adjustable feet of the FireDisc might make it the better option.
You can level it on uneven ground in a primitive campground, at the beach, or a rough tailgating parking lot.
If you are diligent about maintaining the seasoning layer, and you purchase the accessory cover, it is just as deserving of living life on your deck as an everyday griddle.
The Matador is lighter, which might make it a better choice for a camp stove. Especially if you are an RV adventurer who needs to pack light.
The Matador arguably doesn’t need as much maintenance when it comes to the griddle’s seasoning. Though the lack of a branded custom cover means that you would have to bring it indoors after every use, which might not make it ideal for an everyday griddle that lives on your deck.
Robert is a certified Pitmaster, with over a decade of experience in smoking the best meats you’ll ever feast upon. He also has a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Texas at San Antonio. When he’s not researching technical topics, he’s most likely barbecuing in his backyard.