Matador Boss
20 reviews
- See all
- +1
Disappointed – This is my second matador outdoor kitchen, first one was sold after about 7 years to buy the matador boss 6 Not even 5 years old and is now unusable.Garth have rejected my warranty claim due to maintenance Consumer affairs will now be involved. Show details
Not bad quality, bad heating – I bought the bbq about 2 years ago, always out in the weather, but mostly have cover on when not in use. Biggest issue is it does not get very hot, since new. Can never get a good seer on the hot plate. Show details
Preventative Maintenance – Great BBQ. Have had it for over 5 years now and it still works like new. Have read a lot of reviews about poor workmanship/design but I can't fault it. I don't think it's poor design, more like poor preventative maintenance. Good maintenance is cleaning the burners and everything else as well as the plates. Show details
INFERIOR QUALITY MATERIALS. RUST WITHIN 1 YEAR – On 16th December 2019, I purchased a "6 burner Matador Outdoor Kitchen Boss 900 series" from Bunnings Warehouse North Toowoomba. On Tuesday May 3rd this year I began correspondence with the Lifestyles Coordinator, [Name Removed], from Bunnings, North Toowoomba. In short, I was dissatisfied with the amount of rust which had built up throughout… Read more
the entire structure of the BBQ over a period of less than 2 years. I stated that the hot plates were always cleaned after cooking and the BBQ remained covered when not in use. I had read the terms of the Warranty and believe this is a valid claim. She requested details and photographs which I supplied. The photographs were taken after a Christmas gathering on the 19th December 2021 when I decided to remove the hotplates and grills and clean inside as the burners had been very difficult to light and some of the holes were blocked so gas emission was sporadic. There was significant rust damage to the gas pipelines which explains why fire was escaping from that area. The oil channel has always been a problem to clean but has now totally rusted as have the side supports.
The whole structure is made of very poor quality materials and does not live up to its claims of being "always ready for the main event". I know, because my Christmas BBQ was a disaster due to problems lighting the barbecue and maintaining a constant temperature. One of their brochures states that the BOSS range has Enamel Cast Iron Burners and a Satin Enamel Cooking Surface As enamel cast iron does not rust this can only be called "false advertising'. The brochure also boasts a Self-Cleaning Hood - this is also untrue - my hood even resists cleaning with normal cleaning products and elbow grease!
The complaint was passed on to GARTH, the manufacturer, who stated: "Our assessment is that deterioration of the BBQ could have been prevented if care and regular maintenance was undertaken. Mr x advised that BBQ is cleaned regularly according to directions in the supplied manual under “Maintaining Your Barbecue” As stated by other dissatisfied owners the grills and plates WERE cleaned regularly. The manual states: “Under normal usage, your barbecue should be left burning for five minutes after cooking has ceased.” It goes on to say: “Occasionally, after long cooking sessions, excess fats, juices and marinades can clog the burners. Remove the burners ,….and after brushing with a barbecue brush, wash in hot water and detergent- ensuring that all ports are free from detergent.” It was, upon removal of the grills, plates and foil that I was confronted with the amount of corrosion around the burners, rails, fat tray and other metal parts. This occured Conclusion. They then concluded that "maintenance of the internal parts of the BBQ frame has not been done as evidenced in the photos provided." This is conjecture only, and judging from the comments of others, who have also maintained their BBQs as required, it is a standard comment, used as an excuse to abnegate responsibility for poor workmanship and materials.
I have read and copied many complaint letters about Matador barbecues similar to mine from your website. Most of them are complaining about rust and poor quality materials and most are under 3 years old. Their warranty claims have also been refused. The attached photos are after a large amount of food was cooked pre Christmas 2021. I was shocked when I removed the grill and plates next day - food had collected in the oil drainer , which explained the random fire that occasionally escaped through the grids. It's not what's on the outside that counts!
As one of the many reviewers said “Shoulda bought a Weber”.
- +2
Warning: safety hazard, significant rust caused this BBQ to go up in flames! Useless warranty – Three years ago I purchased a Matador 6 burner Boss from Bunnings. The BBQ was kept under cover and closed at all times when not in use. About a week ago whilst BBQing red meat a fire suddenly started coming through the 3rd and 4th front controllers. The BBQ went up in flames! With the controllers rendered useless I had to switch the gas of at the… Read more
gas bottle to get the fire under control The fire has rendered the whole BBQ useless and created a dangerous situation. This definitely was no fat flare up fire.
When I opened the BBQ to my surprise I discovered significant rust damage to the gas pipelines that feed the gas burners. On top of it, the rust caused holes to form in the gas pipelines (please see attached pictures). It’s obvious that this rust issue causing holes in the gas pipelines feeding the gas burners could have resulted in a gas explosion which could have resulted in injury.
There is a similar review on this site that discuss very significant rust issues to a similar BBQ that resulted in a failed warranty claim after 1 year siting maintenance issues.
Similarly Garth did not honour my warranty claim. Garth claimed it’s a maintenance issue and that the fire was caused by fat flare up. Go figure! Blatant ignorance towards the rust issue to the gas pipelines which obviously caused the gas fire that could have resulted in bodily harm.
In conclusion I have seen a few reviews that substantiate my claim that Matador products suffer from significant rust issues. My advice is not to spend your money on Matador BBQ’s . They look nice and work well initially; however they have underlying workmanship issues. Even lower end Jambuck BBQ’s is a better buy and last for longer and they are safer buy for less money.
TERRIBLE WARRANTY! – If you're looking for a reliable BBQ with a warranty that can be relied on for faulty parts, then don't buy this BBQ. First Bunnings will send you back and forward not knowing where to direct your enquiry. Then, when you finally get in contact with the right person from Matador (Garth) only to receive a standard email saying: "Based on the… Read more
available information we determine that the root cause of the reported deterioration to cross lighter and burners is a direct result of lack of reasonable steps taken regarding care and maintenance. The corrosion would not have occurred if precautionary steps had been done as directed in the attached page of the Product Manual." This bbq was used a maximum of 15 times over the past 2 years. And it was the top of the range $899 BBQ, upsold with accessories by the Bunnings Team. Below is a video demonstrating the burners from it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2c1Yrr1HOFU I've had positive experiences with Bunnings in the past regarding faulty products and parts, with never a problem or poor customer experience such as this one. Do yourself a favour and peace of mind. Buy another brand.
Rust bucket – Spent £800 on my matador and covered it with a matador cover for circa £40, the cover let’s water in which has caused determination to the top of the door, base and frame and to top it all the fat tray has rottted out completely very disappointed Show details
Poor instructions – The instrcution manual didnt reflect what need to be done, I wanted to convert it from LPG to Natural Gas , after spending $100 for a couple of jets and a hose the procedure in the manual didnt work, we had to find a special spanner to change the jets... then there is a special tray which doesnt fit anywhere and we cant any information on it Show details
My Matador Boss burners rusted out in one year – Bought from Bunnings Oct 2018 $1099. Took about five hours to assemble it. Clean the BBQ grills and plates regularly but a month ago, decided to remove the grills, plates and was shocked to see the amount of corrosion around the burners, and chassis rails. The BBQ is not subject to weather, not near the seaside. Took pics and emailed Bunnings… Read more
who forwarded my email and pics to Garth, the manufacturer/importer.
Despite it having a 5 year warranty, Garth rejected my warranty claim saying I didn't clean it properly. Seriously?
I pressured Bunnings who offered to give me an exchange or a credit. I decided I could not bring myself to get a replacement imagining me thinking all the time "will this rust out like the last one?".
Decided to spend a few more bucks and buy a Crossray. I am SO glad I did. Big tick for Bunnings, big fail for Matador/Garth.
One more design flaw. The burner knob for the side burner is not of the right, it's second from the right.Very poor design. Caught my son out who cooked the side burner lid.
Solid BBQ & happy with it, but has its faults/improvements-especially Matador Customer Service-useless!! – Purchased the Matador Boss4 around April 2019 from Bunning ($600) and have quite happy with the performance. But it was time consuming to put together. - The soft closing drawer works (just) but not like the Matador video. - The BBQ is on wheels which can lock from the rear 2 wheels, but if BBQ is against a wall it is very difficult to lock… Read more
the wheels (locks should be on the front with a cut out in the frame to access). - The chrome drip 'panel' I had to bend so it would fit/grip better as it kept sliding off. - One big disappointment is the advertised "Self Cleaning Hood" - that is a big crock as was one big plus for my purchase. I contacted 'Garth Group Company' that produce the BBQ, and they said 'No, the whole does not self clean, only the 2 little side metal sides' So you need to clean the glass and all other areas! - It can be difficult to get the grill and hotplate out as they need to sit under an 'edge'. - I purchased their charcoal tray, again another plus for buying the BBQ due to being able to use charcoal. Problem on first use - the tray cracked. Garth were good and sent another quickly. Used the tray a 2nd time and on 1st use it cracked again. (someone else on product review has mention the same problem). -Also purchased a tool 'holder' accessory that grips to side shelf - I took it back due the side shelves being curved, the tool holder wont grip and falls off.
Yes there are some negatives or improvements they could make it better, but I'm happy with BBQ. It cooks steaks well, vegies, snags etc. Yet to use the rotisserie but one day. Purchase a cover for it as well which looks good and has velco straps at both sides to hold the cover on.
Update: Matador promote a Cool to Touch Hood - FALSE - the hood does not stay cool as they advertise even doing a low & slow.
Contacted Matador Customer Service and because they know they promoted wrongly (+ the self cleaning hood above), they do not return any replies to my emails asking for clarification ... nothing. Customer Service at Matador is the worst I have ever encounted --- should have got a Weber ;)
Great bbq fault with charcoal trays – Cooks well and made of good quality material. Assembly was tricky (4 burner took about 4 hours). One tip, make sure you cut the cable tie and drop the gas regulator hose through the hole at bottom of the cupboard before fastening screws otherwise it will get trapped inside bbq. I had to undo the screws to the side table and wok burner and bbq and… Read more
lift it all up, cut cable tie and feed it through the hole and reassemble it again. Another negative is that we have been through two charcoal trays, as they keep cracking when heating up the charcoal with the two burners. Instructions are poor but following the basic instructions ends up cracking the tray. Lucky it's under 5 year warranty and Bunnings have replaced one but now I have to take another back. I don't know if this is a common fault or not. I was able to keep using the charcoal trays and the food turns out beautiful. Cleaning is relatively easy but if you use charcoal allow about an hour or so for charcoal to go out and for extra cleaning.
Good bbq , Poor instructions and after sales service – Good bbq , great to cook with and nice even heat . Negative is the lack of assembly and operating instructions along with the poor responses from matador about this issue . It’s the same with accessories like the rotisserie. I eventually got it sorted by researching other models instructions. Show details
Great BBQ – First time I have been able to afford a quality bbq. Used 3 times thus far. Looks great. My friends are envious! Works great. Love the oil disposal system and self cleaning aspects. Only complaint, it now part of my outdoor setting. The glass and stainless steel construction requires constant cleaning to give it the look a quality bbq deserves. Very happy cook. Big discount from Bunnings, due to damages to box. Show details
Find out how Matador Boss compares to other Gas BBQs
Know better, choose better.
BBQ does not generate heat – Beef and chicken are useless the bbq does not generate enough heat spent money on another gas line stilll fails hopefully this is a defective unit Why can i not submit Show details
Fantastic everyday BBQ – I have had a quite a few BBQ's and this one by far is the best. It is solid, looks great and has been fault free since new. I had a small warranty issue with rusting under the powdercoating ( cosmetic only) and this was rectified very quickly by the manufacturer. It has a great drainage system which eliminates a lot of mess and is easy to clean. overall I highly recommend this product. Show details
Love this barbecue! – Best BBQ I've ever had...easily! I have never before been able to achieve what I regard as the perfect restaurant standard steak...crisply seared on the outside but pink and juicy on the inside. The Boss 3 delivers that every time. There are lots of features I love about this model, but at the end lf the day it's the cooking results that matter most. Show details
Lives up to its name, a Great Barbeque! – The “Matadore Boss” 3 burner was the preference, designed in Melbourne. Very well engineered, a lot of thought has gone into producing this BBQ, from the “Smart Grills” that drain the fat to the front then into a pan, to the intelligent range of accessories to make Grilling easy and fun. It took me almost three hours to assemble, being very… Read more
particular in order to make a good job.
End result? Looks stunning! heavy construction, heavy but well balanced hood, plenty of workspace with the side tables, good paper towel shelf that clips in, holds six tools as well plus the shelf. Changed out the one “Hotplate” for a second “Grill”. Since found Hotplates are better for cooking Vegetables to retain moisture and flavour.
How does it cook? Recorded the temp and time to judge the ability of temperature varience. At the “Hood” after 3/4 hour on low with one burner was 85 degrees celcius, more than low enough for slow cooking - my aim with this test, 107 degrees being ideal. I also checked the Temperature 30mm above the Grill with a digital thermometer, BBQ Buddie, which was 40% higher, or 146 degrees. Most methods use the “Hood Thermometer” as the reference. On high this BBQ gets very hot, so plenty of scope there for “Slow cooking”, “Roasting” or “Grilling”. I use the BBQ Buddie when cooking meat to get the correct internal temperature.
Results;
Cooked Hamburgers, Steaks to perfection after watching the “Matadore video” on cooking steaks, Roasted a Chicken, Sausages and Ribs. All cooked at differing temperatures and techniques. The Meat was moist and flavoursome, steaks would rate as he best I have ever eaten. Have cooked the most amazing Tomatoe halves, cut side down with herbs and butter on the Hotplate, than have ever achieved before on the grill, where the juices can drop through. The Tomatoe skin seals in the full of flavour and retains the moisture.
Very easy BBQ to use and clean up. Know your product, this takes time and experience or trial and error! I make a note book of my experiences for reference. Paper towel shelf and Bottle opener are brilliant! Good choice of BBQ, I think this BBQ is as good as it gets and I’ve owned all the major brands over the past 30 years. The Matadore lives up to it’s name “The sign of a Great Barbeque”. Very happy!
06.10.2018. Have since cooked almost every major cut of meat Lamb, Chicken, beef, Pork with great results! Tried not so well know cuts,
It doesn't disappoint!
Brilliant! – Fantastic BBQ. Looks amazing, with even heat distribution, and great heat control. The whole unit looks and feels high quality, with a much more heavy and sturdy feel than the other models we were considering. Assembly was straightforward, and everything we needed was in the box. It's a bit more expensive than some of the other units, but in our opinion, worth the extra expense. Show details
Major installation problem – We purchased the Matador 4 Burner Boss built in BBQ to replace our old leaking BBQ, the plumber came to convert it from LPG to Natural Gas and had nothing but problems from start to finish, he almost needed a pilots license to install it, but now it’s done, we are very happy with the BBQ
Good for cooking – So far, great cooking experience. Heats up fast, grills are good at draining fat as is hotplate owing to grooves moving fat to front then into trough to collector. Wok burner is very hot and therefore good for stirfries. Surfaces are easy to clean so far. Downside - first time use of Wok burner.... the gas knob is NOT the last one but the 2nd… Read more
last one on right... makes for a frustrating time. Or worse, lighting the RH burner using the 2nd last knob makes for a hot Wok burner lid! be careful. A different coloured knob would have made perfect sense.
I am very pleased with the BBQ and would recommend it.
Extra Information
ProductReview.com.au has affiliate partnerships. These do not influence our content moderation policies in any way, though ProductReview.com.au may earn commissions for products/services purchased via affiliate links.