If you love outdoor adventures, then know that they’re never complete without a grill. Grills come in handy for cooking food and keeping warm. They are also great for entertaining guests and making them feel welcome. Traeger is one of the most recognized names in the grilling industry. Their line of grills includes gas-powered, charcoal, and portable models.
The two most competitive Traeger models are the Scout and the Ranger. They offer almost all the same features with some differences that make them ideal for specific purposes.
They are portable grills that can be used on any surface including grass, dirt, or gravel. Since both models have almost similar features, the best way to choose which model works best for your needs is by comparing the specific features, pros, and cons of each model.
We’ll review the main features of these two popular grills and give our opinion about which one is better suited for your needs.
Note, however, that the Ranger is slightly more expensive than the Scout because it has more advanced technology. We will compare their prices as well as other important aspects such as size, hoppers, heat probes, and temperature control.
Traeger Ranger Review
The Traeger Ranger is an excellent choice if you want a versatile grill that can handle multiple tasks. Weighing approximately 60 pounds, it has a large cooking space of 184 square inches, which is quite big for a portable grill. Its hopper can hold up to 8 pounds of wood pellets, meaning you don’t need to refill it often.
The maximum temperature is 450 degrees Fahrenheit, so this grill is suitable for smoking meat and roasting vegetables. The grill comes with a built-in digital arc controller that allows you to set up timers and monitor the internal temperatures.
You can easily set the temperature in 5 degrees increments. This feature makes it easier to cook different types of foods at the same time.
This unit is equipped with two temperature probes. These probes allow you to check the temperature of the meat and keep track of its progress throughout the cooking process. With this information, you’ll be able to determine whether the meat is done or not.
Traeger Ranger also features the warm mode, which keeps the food warm until you are ready to serve it. The warming function uses a convection heating system, which means the food stays warm even when there is no fire underneath.
The Traeger Rangers have an additional cast iron griddle that you can use to fry eggs and pancakes. It also has a drip tray for collecting grease and ash.
Features:
- 184 square inches of cooking area
- Digital Arc Controller – 5-degree temperature increment
- 2 temperature probes
- Warm mode
- Cast iron griddle
- 450 degrees Fahrenheit maximum temperature
- Overall weight of 60 pounds
- Dimensions – 20″ D x 21″ W x 13″ H
- 8 lbs hopper capacity
Traeger Scout Review
The Traeger Scout is a great option for those who want a lightweight grill but still have all the power and versatility of a larger model. It weighs about 45 pounds, making it easy to move around from one place to another. It has a cooking space of 184 square feet, which is quite big compared to other models.
It has a maximum temperature of 450 degrees Fahrenheit, which is perfect for smoking meats and roasting veggies. Unlike the Ranger, it has just one temperature probe, but you can still use it to control the temperature of your food. You can make temperature increments of 25 degrees.
This model is coated with porcelain, which makes it rust-resistant and easy to clean. It also has a nice design, with a sleek black finish.
The Traeger Scout has a small hopper that holds only 4 pounds of pellets. This may seem a little low, but it is more than enough to smoke most kinds of foods as it can last up to 3 hours without refilling.
Features:
- 184 square inch of cooking area
- Digital probe controller
- Single temperature probe
- 4-pound pellet hopper capacity
- Maximum temperature of 450ᵒ F
- Porcelain Coated Finish
- Dimensions – 20″ D x 21″ W x 13″ H
- Overall weight 45 pounds
What is the Difference Between a Traeger Scout and a Traeger Ranger?
The differences between these two units are pretty much the same as the difference between a regular smoker and a pellet grill. They both cook using wood pellets, but they do so in different ways.
Highlighted below are the differences in terms of weight, hopper capacity, number of meat probes, and temperature control. Differences are simplified in the table below:
| Traeger Ranger | Traeger Scout | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 60 pounds | 45 pounds |
| Dimensions | 21″W x 13″H x 20″D | 21″W x 13″H x 20″D |
| Cooking space | 184 square inches | 184 square inches |
| Hopper capacity | 8 pounds | 4 pounds |
| Number of probes | 2 probes | 1 probe |
| Grate material | Porcelain-coated steel | Porcelain-coated steel |
| Temperature range | 180°F – 450°F | 180°F – 450°F |
| Temperature control | 5-degree increment | 25-degree increment |
| Fuel type | Wood pellets | Wood pellets |
Weight
A Traeger Scout is lighter than a Traeger Ranger by about 15 pounds. The scouts weigh about 45 pounds while the Rangers weigh about 60 pounds. The scouts are easier to carry around because of their lightweight.
Hopper Capacity
Hopper capacity refers to how many pounds of pellets will fit into the unit at any given time. A Traeger Ranger has a hopper capacity of 8 pounds while a Scout has a hopper capacity that is half that size or 4 pounds. The Ranger can therefore hold twice as many pellets as the Scout, allowing you to smoke for longer periods.
Number of Meat Probes
Meat probes allow you to monitor the internal temperature of the meat inside the cooker. A Traeger Ranger comes with two meat probes while a Scout only comes with one. The extra meat probe allows you to monitor more keenly the internal temperature of each side of the meat.
If you were to put a meat thermometer directly into the center of the meat, you would not be able to tell if the temperature was even across the entire piece of meat. With the extra meat probe on the Ranger, you can easily check the temperature of the top and bottom of the meat.
Temperature Control
Temperature control refers to how accurately the temperature of the meat or whatever is cooking can be controlled. Both models have digital controls on them. However, the Scout uses the digital pro-control while the Ranger uses digital arc control.
With the digital arc technology, you can make temperature increments of 5 degrees while the digital pro-technology allows for 25 degrees temperature increment.
So what does this mean? Simply, with a Ranger, you can control the temperature in a better way.
FAQs
Is the Traeger Ranger Worth It?
Yes! The Traeger Ranger is worth every penny you spend on it. It is easy to use, cooks evenly, and produces delicious results. It also controls heat very well. Additionally, you’ll also not need to keep adding wood pellets every so often because the amount of pellets that come out of the hopper is enough to last several hours.
In fact, we like the Ranger set up so that we can turn down the temperature when we’re doing something else (like cleaning) and then turn it back up when we need to finish smoking the briskets. We highly recommend it to anyone who wants to start smoking.
How Do You Season A Traeger Ranger?
To season a Traeger Ranger, you start by plugging it in the open lids, then turn the power on and turn the switch to smoke. This makes sure that the hopper is moving and the air is circulating. Then add pellets to the hopper until full, and then turn the dial to high and watch to see the pellets filtering in.
To restart, turn the dial back to the shutdown cycle and then turn it to smoke and wait for flames. Then turn it back to shut down cycle after the Traeger shut down, turn it back to smoke, and wait to see white grey smoke.
Shut the lid and wait for approximately 45 minutes before you can start cooking. Watch out this video for more information:
Can You Grill on a Traeger Ranger?
It’s absolutely fine to grill on a Traeger Ranger. You can grill on a Traeger Ranger just as you would on any other grill. There are no problems with having a gas grill on a Traeger. Just remember to follow all safety precautions. For example, never leave your grill unattended. Also, always unplug the grill from the wall outlet before you move it.
How Do You Smoke on a Traeger Ranger?
The best way to smoke on a Traeger Ranger is to cook low and slow. To put your Traeger in smoke mode, open the lid and then dial to smoke, then wait for a few minutes before you can see whitish-grey smoke. Then, place your meat on the smoker grate and close the lid.
After about 30-45 minutes, take the meat off the smoker and let rest for at least 10 minutes before serving.
What Fits On a Traeger Ranger?
You can fit any type of food on a Traeger Ranger. Some examples include chicken, ribs, beef, pork chops, turkey breast, fish, vegetables, etc. The large cooking area of 184 square feet can allow you to cook larger, or more items at a go than most other grills.
How Hot Does a Traeger Ranger Get?
A Traeger Ranger gets hot. The maximum temperature is around 450 degrees Fahrenheit. If you want to know exactly how hot the Traeger is, just check the temperature gauge inside the unit. Too high a temperature can be dangerous if the Traeger is mishandled. But if you’re careful, you won’t burn yourself.
When using a Traeger, you should wear oven mitts, long sleeves, and pants. Make sure you don’t touch the sides of the unit when you remove the lid. If you do, you could get burned.
Can You Grill on a Traeger Scout?
Yes! You can even grill multiple foods at once. However, there are some things to consider. First, make sure that the firebox is clean. Second, make sure that the vents are clear. Third, make sure that the grill has been properly maintained. All these factors will affect the performance of the grill.
How Long Will Traeger Ranger Pellets Last?
Depending on whether you’re grilling on high heat or smoking/low heat, your pellets can last anywhere between 5 hours to 8 hours when the hopper is full. The frequency of use also affects the amount of time that your pellets last.
Can You Cook A Brisket on a Traeger Ranger?
Yes! You can cook briskets on a Traeger Ranger, but it takes longer than normal. You have to keep an eye on the temperature of the grill because it can easily exceed 400 degrees Fahrenheit. And you need to be very careful not to overcook the meat.
How Do You Clean a Traeger Ranger?
To clean a Traeger Ranger, simply run water through the vent holes. This will help rinse out the ash and debris that may accumulate over time. Be careful not to spray too much water into the unit. This video provides a complete guide on cleaning the Traeger ranger:
Conclusion
The Traeger Ranger and the Scout are two different models. They both have their advantages and disadvantages. Both units are great choices for beginners who are looking to start grilling.
The Ranger is a little advanced than the Scout, so it’s recommended that you buy this model only after you’ve mastered the basics. The Ranger comes with a built-in thermostat that helps regulate the temperature. This makes it easier to control the temperature.
The Ranger is perfect for those who like to experiment with different recipes. It allows you to add ingredients such as spices, herbs, and marinades without having to worry about adjusting the heat.
On the other hand, the Scout is easy to operate. Although it has just one meat probe, it does come with a thermometer. This makes it easier for newbies to determine the right temperature for cooking.
It’s important to note that both models work well. They also require regular maintenance. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Also, remember to maintain the proper airflow to prevent overheating.
Which one would you choose? That’s up to you. We hope our review helped answer your questions.
