The key difference between the two grills is that the Traeger Scout is more compact and affordable, while the Ranger has a slightly bigger hopper size. Also, the Ranger is made from more heavy-duty material and has a few more advanced features. So, in my opinion, the Ranger is the better option overall, but both have their pros and cons.
As an avid griller and outdoor cooking enthusiast, I have extensively tested and compared various pellet grills, including the Traeger Scout and the Traeger Ranger.
So, in this Traeger Scout vs. Ranger comparison article, I’ll take a closer look at the differences between the Scout and Ranger and help you decide which one is right for you. I’ll cover things like cooking space, temperature range, temperature control, and everything that makes them different and special so you can make an informed decision.
The Scout and Ranger are portable wood pellet grills of the same dimension, temperature range, and cooking space.
Both have a dimension measuring 21 inches in width, 13 inches in height, and 20 inches in depth. However, the Traeger Ranger pellet grill has more hopper capacity.
The Traeger Scout Pellet Grill is about 15 pounds lighter due to its lightweight construction, making it ideal for those who want to use it on the go.
Still, both offer wood-fired cooking for added flavor, but the Ranger has a more versatile range of cooking options. For instance, with the cast iron griddle on the Ranger, you can sear food to perfection. Cast iron is an excellent conductor of heat, which means that it can get hot and stay hot.
In addition, the Ranger has a Keep Warm function to keep your food warm until dining time. The Scout pellet grill on the other hand doesn’t have both functions.
The better option between the Scout and Ranger depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a lightweight, affordable, and portable pellet grill, the Scout may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a better quality and easier-to-use grill with more bells and whistles, the Ranger wood pellet grill is the better choice.
Both the Traeger Ranger and Scout have a temperature range of 165°F to 450°F, allowing a wide range of cooking options. So, whether you want to smoke a brisket, bake a pizza, or sear some steaks, the temperature range makes it possible.
With this range, you can cook your food low and slow or quickly sear at high heat. Consistent temperature control, made possible by digital controllers, ensures that your food is cooked evenly and to your desired doneness.
Temperature controller is one of the key differences between the two models.
The Scout features the 1st Generation Digital Pro Controller, a simple yet effective way to regulate the temperature.
With its easy-to-read display, you can quickly adjust the temperature to your desired setting and monitor it throughout the cooking process.
The Pro Controller is also equipped with a meat probe, so you can watch the internal temperature of your food without having to open the lid.
The Ranger features the Digital Arc Controller which is a more advanced temperature control system. It also provides more detailed information about the cooking process, such as the current temperature, the set temperature, and the elapsed cooking time. With its advanced features and connectivity, the Digital Arc Controller offers a more convenient and intuitive cooking experience.
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The Ranger and Scout feature a durable iron outer material and a stainless steel interior. This combination provides both strength and longevity, ensuring that these pellet grills will last for many seasons to come. However, it does look like the iron used for the Ranger is sturdier which is why it’s more durable and 15 pounds heavier.
In terms of design, the Ranger has a slightly more modern look with its angular lines and better-looking finish. This might be because the Ranger is the more premium option. In any case, both are designed to look like a suitcase in size and portability.
Another essential aspect to consider is the cooking grates. Both the Ranger and Scout have porcelain-coated steel grates and cast iron griddles which are easy to clean and provide an even cooking space.
When it comes to the grilling area, both the Ranger and Scout are equal, with a 184 square-inch cooking space. This size is suitable for cooking up to six burgers, 10 hot dogs, or a rib rack at a time, making it an excellent choice for small families or couples.
In terms of cooking performance, both portable pellet grills offer consistent heat and the ability to achieve a wide range of temperatures, making them suitable for a variety of cooking methods. So, if the grilling area is a key factor for you, rest assured that both the Ranger and Scout offer enough space to cook up your favorite dishes.
Regarding weight and portability, there are some key differences between the Traeger Ranger vs Scout. The Scout weighs in at 45 pounds, making it a lightweight option that’s easy to move around. This makes it an excellent choice for those who want to take their pellet grill on the go, whether it’s to a camping trip, a tailgate, or just to a friend’s backyard.
On the other hand, the Ranger weighs 60 pounds, making it a bit heavier and less portable. However, its larger cooking area and built-in pellet hopper make it a more versatile option for those who plan to use it more frequently and for various cooking methods.
Both the Ranger and Scout come with a meat probe, which is an essential tool for any grill master. The meat probe allows you to monitor the internal temperature of your food without having to open the lid and release the heat. This way, you can cook your meat to perfection without the risk of over or under-cooking.
Even though the Scout has a meat probe, it doesn’t come with a griddle plate that is available on the Ranger. This is a flat cooking surface that can be used for a variety of dishes, such as pancakes, eggs, bacon, and more.
This added feature provides even more versatility to your cooking options and makes the Ranger a great choice for those who want to take outdoor cooking to the next level.
Regarding the pellet hopper size, there is a clear advantage with the Traeger Ranger vs Scout. The Ranger has a built-in hopper that can hold up to 8 pounds of wood pellets, while the Scout only has a 4-pound pellet hopper capacity.
This difference in hopper size can have a significant impact on your grilling experience. With a larger hopper, you’ll have more fuel on hand and won’t have to refill it as frequently. This can be especially useful if you’re cooking for a crowd and don’t want to interrupt your cooking process to add more fuel.
Additionally, the larger hopper on the Ranger makes it easier to store and transport your wood pellets, as you won’t have to worry about transferring them to a separate container. This can be a convenient feature for those who plan to take their pellet grill on the go or those with limited storage space.
When it comes to price, the Scout is more budget-friendly, while the other offers more features and capabilities at a higher cost.
A 3-year warranty backs the two portable pellet grills, but the more feature-rich option provides a larger hopper and a more advanced temperature controller. When considering which pellet grill to purchase, it’s essential to think about what you’ll be using it for and what your budget is.
If you want a wood-fired grill, the Traeger Scout TFT18PLDO is worth considering. This pellet grill packs a punch with a temperature range of 165 to 450 degrees. It can smoke, bake, roast, grill, and braise with just the push of a button.
One of the standout features of the Scout is its 1st generation Digital Pro Controller. This makes it easy to maintain a consistent cooking temperature. The built-in meat probe ensures that your food is cooked to perfection. The pellet hopper holds just four pounds of pellets for a few hours of cooking time.
With its 184 sq. in. cooking area, the Traeger Ranger pellet grill provides ample space to cook various dishes for a small crowd. Thanks to the built-in 8 pounds hopper, you don’t have to worry about running out of fuel in the middle of cooking.
The Ranger also has a temperature range of 165°F to 450°F, making it suitable for a wide variety of cooking methods. Whether you want to smoke a brisket, bake a pizza, or sear some steaks, the Ranger has you covered.
I’ve used the Ranger for everything from burgers and hot dogs to wood-fired pizzas and even smoked brisket. It’s been a great addition to my grilling arsenal, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a tabletop pellet grill.
With proper care and maintenance, a Scout can last you six to seven years. Remember that I mentioned Traeger offering a 3-year warranty on the Scout and Ranger.
This indicates that they expect the pellet grill to last at least that long under regular use. To extend the life of your Traeger Scout, it’s essential to clean it regularly, store it properly when not in use, and replace any worn or damaged parts promptly.
No, the Traeger Scout does not have WiFi connectivity. The Scout model (and the Ranger) is a basic small-sized grill that does not have advanced features like WiFi connectivity. If you’re looking for a Traeger pellet grill with WiFi capabilities, you might consider the Traeger Pro 780, one of the Ironwood Series, Timberline Series, or other higher-end models which offer WiFi connectivity and app control.
Yes, the Ranger can smoke. Traeger pellet grills, including the Scout and Ranger model, are known for their ability to smoke and grill, bake, braise, and roast food.
The Ranger uses wood pellets as fuel, which not only provide heat but also infuse food with a rich, smoky flavor. By controlling the temperature and cooking time, you can easily smoke a variety of foods, such as brisket, pork shoulder, and salmon, to create delicious and flavorful dishes.
The Ranger and Scout are great options for those looking for a high-quality pellet grill. Both pellet grills offer solid cooking performance and versatile cooking options but with different advantages in terms of ease of use, weight, advanced features, and price.
In this Traeger Ranger vs Scout comparison article, I’ve shown how either of these pellet grills can help you achieve your cooking goals. It comes down to whether you prefer cooking with an affordable and portable grill or a sturdier and more feature-rich option. It’s essential to carefully consider your needs and preferences when choosing between the two to ensure that you select the grill that’s right for you.
