Scout or Ranger? Choosing the Perfect Traeger Grill for Your Outdoor Cooking Adventures

the Traeger Scout and Ranger, it's clear that both grills have their strengths and weaknesses. The Scout is a great option for those who want to use it in their backyard

traeger scout vs ranger

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Are you struggling to choose between the Traeger Scout and the Ranger? Do you find yourself scratching your head, wondering which one is right for you? Well, don’t worry because we’ve got your back!

Choosing a pellet grill can be an intimidating task, but it doesn’t have to be. And while both the Traeger Scout and Ranger are great options for on-the-go grilling or small space cooking, they do have their differences.

So if you’re ready to learn more about these two amazing grills before making a decision, then buckle up because we’re about to dive deep into the details so that by the end of this article – you’ll know exactly which one is right for YOU!

traeger scout vs ranger

Overview of Traeger Scout and Ranger

Traeger is a well-known brand when it comes to wood pellet grills and smokers. If you’re in the market for a portable grill, you may have come across their Scout and Ranger models.

The Traeger Scout is a compact model perfect for small spaces like balconies or patios. It has a cooking area of 184 square inches, which can fit up to eight burgers or six hot dogs at once. The hopper capacity is only 4 pounds, but it still allows for around two hours of continuous cooking time.

On the other hand, the Traeger Ranger has a slightly larger cooking area of 184 square inches with an additional warming rack that brings it up to 300 square inches in total. It also has a hopper capacity of 8 pounds allowing for longer cook times without having to refill.

Both models are designed for portability as they come with foldable legs and are relatively lightweight compared to other pellet grills on the market.

In terms of temperature range and controls, both models have digital controllers that allow you to set your desired temperature easily. However, the Traeger Ranger has more advanced features such as “keep warm mode” and “turbo temp.” Both models have a maximum temperature range of about 450°F which is suitable for most grilling needs.

When it comes down to price, the Traeger Scout is the more affordable option starting at around $299 while the Traeger Ranger starts at around $399.

Overall, both options are great depending on your specific needs whether you’re looking for something compact or something with more advanced features. In our next section we will compare these two models side by side so that you can decide which one makes sense for you!

Traeger Scout

Traeger Scout Pellet Grill Portable & Camping Grill - Traeger

Never leave your wood-fired flavor behind. Whether you’re cooking RV-side after a long day on the road, get to cooking!

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The Traeger Scout is a compact and portable pellet grill that’s perfect for small spaces or on-the-go cooking. It features a 184 square inch grilling area, which is enough to cook up to six burgers or two chickens at once. The Scout also comes with a digital controller that allows you to set the temperature from 150°F – 450°F and maintain it within +/-20 degrees.

One of the standout features of the Traeger Scout is its ease of use. The grill ignites quickly with the push of a button, and the digital controller takes care of temperature regulation automatically, giving you more time to focus on other tasks.

Despite its small size, the Traeger Scout has a hopper capacity of nine pounds, which means you won’t have to refill it as often as some other portable grills. And when it’s time to clean up, simply empty out any remaining pellets and brush off any residue from the grill grates.

Overall, if you’re in need of a smaller pellet grill that’s easy to transport but still offers great versatility in terms of cooking options, then the Traeger Scout may be just what you’re looking for!

Traeger Ranger

Traeger Ranger Portable Pellet Grill - Traeger Grills

Pack your wood-fired flavor wherever adventure takes you with the Ranger.

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If you’re looking for a compact and portable pellet grill that’s perfect for travel and tailgating, the Traeger Ranger might be just what you need. At just 21 inches tall and weighing in at only 60 pounds, this little grill packs a big punch.

The Ranger has a cooking area of 184 square inches, which is enough to cook up to six burgers or four steaks at once. It also features Digital Elite Controller with LED display able to maintain temperatures from 175°F up to 450°F. This allows you to easily control the temperature for whatever type of food you’re cooking.

One thing that sets the Ranger apart from other portable grills is its hopper capacity. With an eight-pound hopper, it can hold enough pellets to fuel your cookout all day long without having to constantly refill it. Speaking of cleaning out ash, with its sturdy design there won’t be much.

Overall, if portability, ease-of-use and versatility are your primary concerns then Traeger Ranger is definitely worth considering as it offers impressive qualities on each category making make it accessible both home use or weekend camping trips alike.

Next we will take a closer look at how Traeger Scout compares with Traeger Ranger so that you can make an informed decision when selecting one over the other based on what fits your needs best!

Comparison between Traeger Scout and Ranger

If you’re trying to decide between Traeger Scout and Ranger, there are a few key differences to consider. Here’s a breakdown of how the two compare:

Cooking Area:

  • The Traeger Scout has a cooking area of 184 square inches, which is perfect for small families or solo use.
  • The Traeger Ranger, on the other hand, offers 184 square inches of grilling space as well but comes with an additional upper rack that expands its total cooking surface up to 369 sq. in.

Hopper Capacity:

  • The pellet hopper capacity for the Scout and Ranger are different.
  • The Traeger Scout features an eight-pound hopper best suitable for weekend get-togethers with friends and family.
  • On the other hand Ranger has less storage capacity; it can only hold about four pounds of wood pellets at once.

Portability and Weight:

  • Both models have legs that fold up so they’re easy to transport.
  • However, when it comes to size and weight – Traeger Scout takes the lead as it is more lightweight than Ranger weighing just above 45lbs making it easier to move around effortlessly.

Temperature Range and Controls: Both models offer similar temperature ranges between180°F – 400°F degrees Fahrenheit allowing you to grill almost anything under this temperature. However based on controls we need to note – -The Traeger ranger controller provides digital PID technology which measures internal temperature precisely by minimizing annoying fluctuations from wind while controlling your unit’s fuel feed rate automatically -On another side,Traegar Scouts come with Digital Pro Controller – A simple button push ignites your grill quickly giving consistent results time after time.

Price: Finally considering price when talking about ‘Traegar scout vs ranger’. Although pricing fluctuates according websites prices I checked suggest that generally speaking, The average retail price for a Traeger Scout is $299 (USD). The average retail price for a Trager ranger is $399 (USD).

Both Traeger Scout and Ranger are good options when it comes to choosing a pellet grill, but they have some distinct differences. Depending on your needs, you may want to consider the size of your party and portability of the unit before making a final decision.

Cooking Area

One of the key differences between Traeger Scout and Ranger is their cooking area. The Scout has a cooking area of 184 square inches, while the Ranger offers a slightly larger space with 184 to 300 square inches depending on the model.

The smaller size of the Scout makes it ideal for small families or individuals who want to cook few items at once. It’s also perfect for those living in apartments or condos where outdoor space may be limited.

On the other hand, if you plan to cook for larger groups or host outdoor parties frequently, then Ranger is a better choice as it offers more cooking area with its two models- 6-in-1 (184 sq.in.) and Ironwood (300 sq.in). This additional space will allow you to grill more food simultaneously and save time.

It’s important to note that both grills come with either one or two racks depending on the model which provides enough room for items like ribs, brisket, chicken pieces and even pizzas. With these features, both grills offer great versatility in terms of what kinds of meals you can prepare.

In conclusion, if you’re planning on using your Traeger grill primarily for personal use or small family gatherings, then Scout should suffice your needs however If you are planning large family get-togethers/rave parties/geeking out over meat complexity defined by science then go for Ironwood version in ranger series else standard Ranger will do good too!

Hopper Capacity

When it comes to pellet grills, the hopper capacity is an important factor to consider, as it determines how long you can cook without having to refill the pellets. In general, Traeger Scout has a smaller hopper capacity than Traeger Ranger.

The Traeger Scout has a hopper capacity of just 4 pounds, which means you’ll need to refill it more frequently if you’re cooking for longer periods of time. On the other hand, the Traeger Ranger has a larger hopper capacity of 8 pounds, which allows for longer cook times without worrying about running out of pellets.

It’s worth noting that the hopper size does not necessarily determine how much food you can cook at once – that depends on the size of the cooking area. However, having a larger hopper capacity can be convenient if you plan on doing extended cooking sessions or smoking large cuts of meat.

Of course, some users may prefer a smaller hopper capacity for reasons such as portability and ease of storage. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and intended use case – if you prioritize portability over long cook times or vice versa then one model might be better suited for your needs than the other.

Portability and Weight

Now, let’s talk about portability and weight – two important factors to consider when choosing between the Traeger Scout and Ranger.

The Traeger Scout is a more compact option, weighing in at just 45 pounds. Its smaller size makes it ideal for those who want something easy to transport or have limited outdoor space. It can easily fit in the back of your car and be taken on camping trips, picnics, or tailgating events.

On the other hand, the Traeger Ranger weighs around 60 pounds which is still quite manageable but not as portable as the Scout. Nonetheless, it has an ergonomic handle that provides a comfortable grip while carrying it around. You’ll probably need some assistance to move it into your car truck though.

In terms of storage and transportation, both models are designed with foldable legs for easy movement and packing.

When deciding which one is better suited for you make sure you take their respective weights into consideration along with how much you plan on moving them around.

If you’re mainly cooking at home or don’t mind heavier equipment a bit then perhaps opt for Traeger Ranger because of its larger cooking area (we’ll cover this next).

But if you are often on-the-go or have less storage space available then go ahead with Scout model without any second thoughts!

Temperature Range and Controls

Let’s talk about the temperature range and controls of the Traeger Scout and Ranger. Both grills have a temperature range of 165°F to 450°F, which is suitable for most types of cooking including smoking, roasting, baking, and grilling.

The temperature control system on both these grills is digital with an LED display. This makes it easy to set and monitor the temperature accurately. You can make adjustments using the +/- buttons on the control panel until you reach your desired setting.

The Traeger Scout has a meat probe included in its package while The Ranger doesn’t come with one. The meat probe allows you to monitor the internal temperature of your meat without having to open up the grill lid, which helps maintain consistent temperatures.

One thing worth noting here is that both these grills use Traeger’s signature auger-fed pellet system that automatically feeds pellets into the fire pot based on demand. This means there’s no need for manual adjustments or refueling during longer cooking sessions.

In conclusion, both these Traeger models are fairly similar when it comes to their temperature range and controls but they are slightly different in terms of added features such as included meat probes etc.

Let’s move onto our next section where we’ll compare their prices so you can decide which one suits your budget better!

Price

When it comes to price, there is a significant difference between the Traeger Scout and Ranger. The Traeger Scout is a more affordable option, with a lower price point than the Ranger.

However, keep in mind that this reflects the differences in features and cooking capabilities between the two models.

The Traeger Ranger may be pricier than its counterpart, but it offers additional features such as increased hopper capacity, greater temperature range control, and an expanded cooking area.

Additionally, its more advanced controllers allow for more precise temperature adjustments and monitoring of your food during cooking.

Overall, it really depends on what you’re looking for in terms of grilling experience when choosing between the Traeger Scout or Ranger.

If you’re just starting out or only need basic grilling abilities at home or camping trips with smaller groups of people, then perhaps opt for the cheaper scout model.

But if you intend to frequently grill/smoke larger quantities of meat while on-the-go functionality like foldable legs will come into play (portability), want greater control over temperature settings (widened temp range), and have space to accommodate bigger groups(Traeger ranger has 184 sq inches compared to Scouts 184 sq inches)then investing in the higher-priced Traeger Ranger might be worth considering.

To summarize, make sure you consider your needs before making any purchase decision based solely on cost – since that’s not always synonymous with value!

Pros and Cons of Traeger Scout

If you’re considering buying a Traeger grill, it’s important to know the pros and cons of each model. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of the Traeger Scout:

Pros:

  • Affordable price: The Traeger Scout is one of the most affordable models in the Traeger range. If you’re on a budget, this might be the perfect option for you.
  • Compact size: The Scout is small and compact, making it perfect for those who have limited outdoor space.
  • Easy to transport: Weighing only 45 pounds, you can easily move this grill from place to place. It’s ideal for camping trips, tailgating events and more.
  • Durable build quality: Despite its smaller size, the Scout is built with high-quality materials like powder-coated steel that ensure longevity.

Cons:

  • Small cooking area: One downside of the Traeger Scout is that it has a smaller cooking area than some other models. You may not be able to cook as much food at once as you would like depending on your needs
  • Limited hopper capacity: Another drawback of this model compared to others in their lineup is that its hopper capacity is below average – up to 5 pounds only!

Overall, if portability and affordability are what matters most to you, then go for Traeger scout otherwise there are other alternative options available too (like Ranger which we’ll discuss below).

Next we’ll dive into our analysis about another popular option from TRAEGER which will help further decide between both options!

Pros

Let’s take a closer look at some of the pros of both Traeger Scout and Ranger models.

Traeger Scout:

  • Compact size makes it perfect for small spaces like balconies, patios, or camping trips.
  • Easy to transport with its lightweight design (45 pounds) and convenient handle.
  • Precise temperature control allows you to cook a variety of dishes with consistent results.
  • Large cooking area (184 square inches) can accommodate up to six burgers or 10 hot dogs at once.

Traeger Ranger:

  • Portable and easy to carry around with its compact size and durable handles.
  • Generous hopper capacity (8 pounds) means less time spent refilling pellets during longer cooks.
  • Digital controller lets you set temperatures from 165°F all the way up to 450°F, giving you plenty of flexibility in what you cook on the grill.
  • Large cooking surface area (184 square inches), perfect for hosting intimate gatherings while traveling.

As you can see, both models have their benefits depending on your specific needs. The Traeger Scout is great for those who want something compact and portable that still offers precise temperature control.

On the other hand, the Traeger Ranger has more space in its hopper which means it will need less attention throughout longer cooks.

Ultimately your choice will depend on how much food you want to cook at one time, how often you plan on using it, and where exactly you’ll be taking your grill.

Cons

While the Traeger Scout and Ranger are both fantastic portable pellet grills, they do have their fair share of cons.

One major downside to the Traeger Scout is its limited cooking area. With only 184 square inches of cooking space, you’ll be hard-pressed to cook for more than a few people at a time.

It’s also worth noting that while the hopper can hold up to 4 pounds of pellets, this may not be enough for longer cooks without having to refill mid-cook.

On the other hand, the Traeger Ranger has a slightly larger cooking area with 184 square inches as well as an impressive hopper capacity of 8 pounds. However, one issue with the Ranger is its weight which may be too heavy for some users to easily transport.

Another con shared between both models is their temperature range and controls. While both are capable of reaching temperatures up to 450°F, there have been reported issues with maintaining consistent heat levels in windy conditions or extreme cold temperatures.

Lastly, it’s important to note that these pellet grills come at a high price point compared to other portable grills on the market. If budget is a deciding factor in your purchase decision, then these may not be ideal options for you.

While these cons may deter some buyers from choosing either model, it’s important to weigh them against each grill’s pros before making your final decision.

Pros and Cons of Traeger Ranger

If you’re considering purchasing a Traeger Ranger, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons. Here are some of the top factors to consider:

Pros

  • Portability: The Traeger Ranger is designed for ultimate portability, making it perfect for tailgating or camping trips. Its lightweight design and compact size make it easy to transport.
  • Versatility: Despite its small size, the Traeger Ranger can still cook a variety of foods using different cooking methods such as grilling, smoking, roasting, and baking.
  • Digital Controls: The digital controls make it easy to set your desired temperature without any guesswork. Plus, the controls will maintain that temperature throughout the cooking process.
  • Durability: The Traeger Ranger is built with high-quality materials that are meant to last.

Cons

  • Cooking Area Limitations: With only 184 square inches of cooking area, the Traeger Ranger is limited in terms of how much food you can cook at once. It may not be suitable for large groups.
  • Hopper Capacity Limitations: The hopper capacity on the Traeger Ranger is smaller than other models which means more frequent pellet refills during longer cooks.
  • Temperature Range Limitations: While adequate for most common recipes like burgers or steaks but lacking upper-end control limits smoking options.

Overall, if you prioritize portability and versatility over larger cooking area then this model might be just right for you.

Pros

Both the Traeger Scout and Ranger come with their own set of pros. Let’s take a closer look at what makes each of these pellet grills so popular:

  • Traeger Scout: One of the biggest advantages of the Scout is its compact size. It’s perfect for small patios or balconies, making it an ideal choice for those who live in apartments or have limited outdoor space. Despite its smaller size, it still offers a decent cooking area that can accommodate up to 6 burgers or 10 hot dogs at once.
  • Traeger Ranger: The Ranger is designed with portability in mind and is equipped with legs that fold up for easy storage. It’s lightweight enough to carry around with you on camping trips, tailgating events, or picnics. Although it has a slightly larger cooking area than the Scout (up to 8 burgers), it still remains relatively compact.
  • Both models are constructed from high-quality materials and feature durable powder-coated finishes that will stand up to years of use. They also both come with digital controllers which allow you to set your desired temperature easily and accurately.

Overall, choosing between the two comes down to personal preference and intended use. If you’re looking for something small and compact for home use, the Scout may be your best bet. On the other hand, if portability is important to you as well as having a slightly larger cooking area then the Ranger would be ideal.

Whether you choose either one though doesn’t matter because they both offer excellent wood-fired taste no matter where you take them!

Cons

While Traeger Scout and Ranger are both great options for outdoor cooking, they do have some drawbacks. Let’s take a closer look at the cons of both models.

Starting with the Traeger Scout, one of its biggest downsides is its limited cooking area. With just 184 square inches of space, it may not be enough if you plan on cooking for a larger group. Additionally, while it does have a folding leg design that makes it more compact for storage and transport, it doesn’t come with wheels which can make moving it around somewhat difficult.

Meanwhile, the Traeger Ranger has a similar issue with its hopper capacity which is only 8 pounds compared to larger models which can hold up to 20. This means that you’ll need to refill the pellets more often during longer cook times.

Another drawback of both these portable grills is their price point. While they are packed with convenient features such as digital temperature control and WiFi connectivity, they aren’t exactly budget-friendly options in comparison to other portable grill brands in the market.

Overall though, despite these limitations both models still provide excellent performance and convenience when it comes to outdoor cooking. So if you’re willing to overlook these minor drawbacks or work within them accordingly – either model could be an excellent choice.

Which Traeger grill is better for outdoor cooking adventures, the Ironwood or the Timberline?

When it comes to outdoor cooking adventures, the traeger ironwood vs timberline grill showdown is worth considering. Both grills offer exceptional cooking capabilities and advanced features. While the Ironwood provides versatile cooking options, the Timberline boasts superior temperature control. Whichever you choose, Traeger ensures a fantastic grilling experience.

Which One Should You Buy?

So, you’re in the market for a Traeger pellet grill and trying to decide between the Scout and Ranger models. Both have their pros and cons, but ultimately it comes down to your specific needs and preferences.

For home use, the Traeger Scout is a great choice if you don’t need a lot of cooking space. It has 184 square inches of grilling area which can comfortably cook up to 6 burgers or 10 hot dogs at once. Plus, it’s more affordable than the Ranger.

On the other hand, if you often entertain outdoors or have a larger family, then the Traeger Ranger may be more suitable for your needs. With its larger cooking area of 184 square inches (expandable up to 399 square inches with an additional rack) and higher hopper capacity of 8 pounds (compared to Scout’s 4-pound capacity), it can easily handle bigger batches of food.

If you’re someone who loves traveling or tailgating with your grill then there’s no doubt that the compact size and portability features of both these models will suit your needs perfectly! However, when it comes to this aspect specifically – we’d recommend going with Traeger Scout as it weighs only around 45 pounds whereas Ranger is comparatively heavier at around 60 pounds.

Keep in mind that temperature control is crucial when using any grill – especially pellet grills like these two models from Traeger. The Scout has a maximum temperature range of 450°F while on the other hand The Ranger model goes up till max temp range from170° F –400° F so make sure that either one meets your preferred range before making a choice.

When considering price point alone – Traeger Scout wins again as they are less expensive compared to their counterparts- perfect for those looking for good quality without breaking budget.

In short: If you’re looking for something smaller but still able enough for most household uses go with scout. but if you want something bigger with higher hopper capacity and extra adjustable racks, go with Ranger.

For Home Use

If you’re looking for a Traeger grill to use primarily at home, both the Scout and Ranger models are great options. However, there are some key differences between the two that may influence your decision.

Firstly, let’s talk about cooking area. The Ranger has a larger surface area of 184 square inches compared to the Scout’s 184 square inches. This means that you’ll be able to cook more food on the Ranger at one time, making it ideal for those who frequently entertain guests or have larger families.

Next up is hopper capacity. The Ranger has a larger hopper capacity of 8 pounds compared to the Scout’s 4 pound hopper capacity. This means that you’ll need to refill the hopper less frequently with the Ranger, which can save you time and hassle in the long run.

Another factor to consider is portability and weight. While both grills are designed with portability in mind, the Scout is slightly lighter and more compact than its counterpart. This makes it easier to move around and store when not in use.

When it comes to temperature range and controls, both grills offer similar features with adjustable digital controllers allowing for precise temperature control up to 450°F. However, some users prefer the simplicity of manual controls found on older Traeger models like Pro Series.

Lastly, price may also be a deciding factor for many homeowners who are looking for an affordable option without sacrificing quality or performance. In general terms ranger provides better QPRICE while scout provides better QVALUE as per their performances vs price ratio.

Overall, whether you choose Traeger Scout or Ranger depends on your particular needs- Are you looking for more cooking space? Greater Hopper Capacity?

Or do You Need A Grill That Is Lightweight And Easy To Move Around? Conducting thorough research will help ensure that you find an excellent model that meets all your requirements while staying within budget limits

For Travel and Tailgating

If you’re someone who loves to spend time outdoors and wants to take your grilling game on the road, then both the Traeger Scout and Ranger are great options. However, there are some key differences between the two that might make one more suitable for your needs than the other.

In terms of portability, both models are designed to be easy to transport. The Scout is slightly smaller and lighter than the Ranger, making it a good choice if you want something that’s really easy to carry around. It also comes with a convenient carrying handle that makes it easy to move from place to place.

The Ranger is a bit larger and heavier than the Scout, but it still has plenty of portability features that make it an excellent choice for tailgating or camping trips. It has all-terrain wheels that can easily navigate rough terrain, plus foldable legs for easier storage when not in use.

When it comes to cooking capacity, both grills offer plenty of space for grilling up delicious meals on-the-go. The Scout has 184 square inches of cooking space while the Ranger provides 184 square inches as well with an additional rack option taking its total cooking area up-to 338 sq inches.

Ultimately, which grill you should choose depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you value maximum portability above all else, then go with the Traeger Scout.

But if you want a bit more cooking space or plan on doing some serious tailgating or camping where rough terrain is involved then consider going with Traeger Ranger instead!

Which Traeger Grill Model is Best Suited for Outdoor Cooking Adventures?

When comparing Traeger Ironwood vs Timberline models, it’s important to consider key features like size, temperature control, and cooking capabilities. The Ironwood offers a larger grilling area and constant temperature monitoring, while the Timberline excels in insulation and smoke flavor. Both are great options for outdoor cooking adventures.

Conclusion

After comparing the Traeger Scout and Ranger, it’s clear that both grills have their strengths and weaknesses.

The Scout is a great option for those who want to use it in their backyard or patio due to its compact size and affordable price tag.

On the other hand, the Ranger is perfect for those who love tailgating, camping, or outdoor picnics because of its portability.

When deciding which grill to buy, consider your needs carefully. If you’re looking for a grill that you can easily move around with you on your travels, then the Ranger is definitely worth considering.

However, if you just need a basic pellet grill that won’t take up too much space in your yard or patio area, then the Scout should be more than adequate.

Overall though, both grills are well-made and offer great features such as temperature control settings so you can achieve perfect cooking results every time. Ultimately it comes down to personal preference and what you plan on using your new pellet grill for.

Thanks for reading our comparison between the Traeger Scout vs Ranger! We hope this guide has helped clarify some of the key differences between these two fantastic products from Traeger Grills.