Amazon's Choice: Traeger Grills Ranger Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker Review

Introduction

Are you in the market for a portable smoker that offers exceptional performance, precise temperature control, and incredible flavor? Look no further than the Traeger Grills Ranger Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker. This Black Small-sized powerhouse is packed with features that make it the ideal choice for grilling enthusiasts on the go.

Digital Arc Controller for Precise Temperature Performance

One of the standout features of the Traeger Grills Ranger is its advanced Digital Arc Controller. This controller utilizes advanced grilling logic to maintain a consistent temperature throughout your cooking process. Say goodbye to fluctuating temperatures and unevenly cooked food. With the Digital Arc Controller, you can trust that your salmon will be perfectly smoked every time.

Easy-to-Clean Porcelain-Coated Grill Grates & Separate Cast Iron Griddle Included

Cleaning up after a delicious barbecue can be a daunting task, but not with the Traeger Grills Ranger. It features easy-to-clean porcelain-coated grill grates, ensuring that your cooking surface remains spotless with minimal effort. Additionally, this versatile smoker comes with a separate cast iron griddle, allowing you to expand your culinary capabilities and cook a variety of dishes with ease.

Meat Probe & Keep Warm Mode

Achieving the ideal internal temperature for your salmon is crucial for a mouthwatering result. The Traeger Grills Ranger comes equipped with a meat probe, allowing you to monitor the internal temperature of your food without lifting the lid. This ensures that your salmon is cooked to perfection every time.

Furthermore, the Keep Warm Mode feature of this portable smoker keeps your food warm until you're ready to serve. No more rushing to get everything on the table at once. With the Traeger Grills Ranger, you can take your time and enjoy your perfectly cooked salmon at your leisure.

Extensive Grilling Area & Extended 8 lb Hopper

Despite its compact size, the Traeger Grills Ranger offers an impressive 176 square inches of grilling area. This means you can comfortably accommodate multiple salmon fillets or other dishes simultaneously.

Moreover, the extended 8 lb hopper allows for longer cooking sessions without having to worry about running out of pellets. With ample space and fuel, you can confidently host backyard gatherings or enjoy a peaceful barbecue for one.

Customer Reviews

But don't just take our word for it. Here are some reviews from satisfied customers:

• "Its a portable Traeger, can it get any better!? Easy to use, smokes great. It is heavy as indicated. 60lbs? Luckily my husband is the carrier when needed. Has kept its heat well in freezing weather. Very happy with the purchase."
• "So far so good. Did have some trouble getting to the desired temp. Figured out u have to turn it on high and then turn down when u want it around 225. Customer service was great. I love how easy this is. Also very quick cool down."
• "Its that digital controller, it was a steep upgrade but my PTG died after 5 seasons outside, excellent $300 purchase, but this ranger with digital controller is way better at temp control, and the larger hopper was a welcome upgrade. I have it next to my Masterbuilt Gravity series and I prefer the Traeger for quick meals, but for larger cooks and more intense (almost too intense) I do the masterbuilt gravity. Nice to have two grills and the ranger is portable, so that is a very nice plus."
• "I've had this for a month now, and have cooked burgers, dogs, steaks, and chicken breasts. The convenience of this unit is excellent, and the flavor is unsurpassed!"

As you can see, the Traeger Grills Ranger has garnered rave reviews from its users for its performance, convenience, and flavor-enhancing capabilities. Whether you're a seasoned pitmaster or a beginner grilling enthusiast, this portable wood pellet grill and smoker is sure to impress.

Product Overview

Product Description

The Traeger Grills Ranger Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker is a versatile and convenient option for outdoor cooking enthusiasts. With its compact size and lightweight design, it is perfect for camping trips, tailgating, or any on-the-go adventures. The grill features a digital arc controller with advanced grilling logic, ensuring precise temperature performance for consistent cooking results.

Key Features

• Digital Arc Controller: The advanced grilling logic of the digital arc controller allows for precise temperature control, making it easy to achieve perfect cooking results every time.
• Easy-to-Clean Grill Grates: The porcelain-coated grill grates are not only durable but also easy to clean. They prevent food from sticking and ensure even heat distribution for thorough cooking.
• Separate Cast Iron Griddle: The included separate cast iron griddle expands the cooking options, allowing you to prepare a variety of dishes on the grill.
• Meat Probe: The built-in meat probe allows you to monitor the internal temperature of your food, ensuring that it is cooked to perfection.
• Keep Warm Mode: The keep warm mode helps to keep your food warm until you are ready to serve, ensuring that it stays fresh and delicious.
• Two Lid Latches: The two lid latches securely hold the lid in place during transport, providing added safety and convenience.
• Ample Grilling Area: With a grilling area of 176 square inches, the Traeger Grills Ranger provides enough space to cook for small gatherings or intimate meals.
• Extended Hopper: The extended 8-pound hopper allows for longer cooking sessions without the need for frequent refills.

The Traeger Grills Ranger Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker offers an excellent combination of portability and performance, making it a reliable choice for outdoor cooking. Whether you are camping, tailgating, or simply cooking in your backyard, this grill is designed to deliver exceptional results. Its advanced features and convenient design make it a standout option in the market.

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Review 1: So far so good

So far, the Traeger Grills Ranger Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker is performing well. The reviewer mentioned having a bit of trouble reaching the desired temperature, but found a workaround by turning the grill on high and then lowering the temperature to around 225 degrees. The customer service received was also commended, highlighting positive experiences with the company. The ease of use and quick cool-down of the grill were also appreciated.

Review 2: Impressive upgrade

Another reviewer shared their positive experience with the Traeger Grills Ranger. They had previously owned the PTG model, but found the Ranger to be a significant improvement in terms of temperature control, thanks to the digital controller. They also appreciated the larger hopper capacity, making it more convenient for longer cooking sessions. While they noted that the Traeger is their go-to grill for quick meals, they prefer their Masterbuilt Gravity series for larger cooks. The portability of the Ranger was a definite plus for this reviewer, as they mentioned having two grills and appreciating the convenience it brings.

Review 3: Perfect for on-the-go grilling

The final reviewer shared their satisfaction with the Traeger Grills Ranger, highlighting the versatility and convenience it offers. They mentioned previously owning a full-size Traeger but found it challenging to keep it dry when not in use. The portable Ranger solved this issue, allowing them to enjoy grilling without the worry of weather damage. The reviewer also mentioned weight as a consideration, but they didn't mind carrying it in and out of the garage. Being able to run an extension cord into the driveway for power made it even more accessible. They praised the simplicity of the grill, emphasizing its ease of use, ease of cleaning, and the delicious flavors it imparts. The reviewer recommended pairing the grill with Traeger brand seasonings and drip pan liners for an optimal grilling experience. Additionally, they advised against keeping the grill inside the house due to the lingering barbecue smell. Overall, this customer found the Traeger Grills Ranger to be the perfect grill for camping, tailgating, or any other outdoor activities. They stated their intentions to buy another one when the time comes.

Review 4: A beast on the road

The final reviewer shared their experience using the Traeger Grills Ranger on the road in their RV. They admitted to having low expectations initially, but were pleasantly surprised by the grill's performance. While acknowledging that no pellet smoker can fully replicate a stick smoker, they found the Ranger to come close. The reviewer listed a wide range of meats they had cooked on the grill, including ribs, pork butts, turkeys, ducks, chickens, roasts, and steaks, all with outstanding results. They praised the grill's durability, having used it extensively across different outside temperatures and cooking conditions. This reviewer expressed emotional attachment to the product and emphasized their intention to purchase another one when the time comes. They even humorously expressed the desire to hold a goodbye ceremony for the old grill, if allowed by their spouse. In conclusion, they highly recommended the Traeger Grills Ranger as a portable and impressive smoker.

Performance

When it comes to performance, the Traeger Grills Ranger Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker delivers in every aspect. Whether you're a seasoned griller or just starting out, this versatile grill will exceed your expectations.

Versatility

One of the standout features of this grill is its versatility. With a total of 176 square inches of grilling area, you have plenty of space to cook a variety of meats and vegetables. Whether you're grilling steaks, smoking salmon, or even baking a pizza, this grill can handle it all. The separate cast iron griddle that comes included also adds an extra dimension to your cooking possibilities.

Temperature Control

Achieving precise temperature control is crucial when it comes to grilling and smoking, and the Traeger Grills Ranger doesn't disappoint. Thanks to its Digital Arc Controller and Advanced Grilling Logic, you have the ability to set and maintain the desired temperature with ease. However, some users have experienced difficulty reaching their desired temperature initially, but have found that turning the grill on high and then lowering the temperature yields better results.

Flavor

Nothing beats the smoky flavor that comes from cooking with wood pellets, and the Traeger Grills Ranger ensures that you get that authentic taste every time. The grill's extended 8 lb hopper allows for longer cooking sessions without the need for constant pellet refills. Plus, with the included meat probe and Keep Warm Mode, your food will stay perfectly cooked and flavorful until you're ready to eat.

Convenience

Convenience is key, especially when you're on the go. The Traeger Grills Ranger is designed with portability in mind, making it a perfect companion for camping trips, tailgating, or any outdoor adventure. Weighing in at 60 lbs, it may be heavy, but its compact size and easy-to-carry design make it manageable. Additionally, the easy-to-clean porcelain-coated grill grates make cleanup a breeze, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your meal.

the Traeger Grills Ranger Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker offers exceptional performance in terms of versatility, temperature control, flavor, and convenience. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned griller, this grill is sure to satisfy your culinary needs. So, why wait? Start grilling and smoking your favorite dishes with the Traeger Grills Ranger today and experience the difference it can make in your outdoor cooking adventures.

Ease of Use

Simple Operation

When it comes to ease of use, the Traeger Grills Ranger Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker truly shines. With its Digital Arc Controller Advanced Grilling Logic, you can easily set and maintain a precise temperature for your cooking needs. Whether you're grilling, smoking, or baking, this grill makes it simple to achieve consistent and delicious results every time. Just set the temperature, let it heat up, and you're ready to go. No complicated controls or guesswork involved.

Cleaning

Cleaning up after a grilling session is often a hassle, but not with the Traeger Grills Ranger. It features easy-to-clean porcelain-coated grill grates that make scraping off residue a breeze. Simply use a grill brush or scraper to remove any debris, and you're good to go. Additionally, this grill comes with a separate cast iron griddle for added versatility in your cooking. When it's time to clean the griddle, a little soap and water is all you need.

Pellet Consumption

One concern many people have with pellet grills is the amount of pellets they consume. Thankfully, the Traeger Grills Ranger has an extended 8 lb hopper, allowing you to grill for longer periods without needing to refill. According to reviews, the pellet consumption is reasonable, with about 1 lb of pellets used per hour when smoking at low temperatures. When using higher temperatures, the pellet usage is even lower, making this grill an economical choice for your cooking needs.

the Traeger Grills Ranger Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker offers a user-friendly experience. It is highly praised for its simplicity of operation, easy cleaning process, and efficient pellet consumption. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned grilling enthusiast, this grill is designed to make your cooking experience enjoyable and hassle-free. So, why wait? Get your hands on this portable and versatile grill today and enjoy flavorful meals wherever you go.

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Portability

Design

The Traeger Grills Ranger Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker boasts a design that is perfect for those who are constantly on the go. With its compact size and sleek black exterior, this grill is both stylish and functional. It is designed to be easily transported and can fit perfectly in the trunk of your car or the back of your truck. The grill also features two lid latches, ensuring that it remains securely closed while you're on the move.

Weight

When it comes to portability, the weight of a grill is a crucial factor to consider. The Traeger Grills Ranger Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker strikes a perfect balance between size and weight. While it is not the lightest grill available, its weight is reasonable for its size. This allows you to comfortably carry it to your desired location without straining yourself.

Suitability for Travel

One of the standout features of the Traeger Grills Ranger Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker is its suitability for travel. Whether you're camping, tailgating, or enjoying a day at the beach, this grill is the perfect companion. Its small size and portability make it easy to transport, while the extended 8 lb hopper ensures you have enough fuel to cook for long periods. With the Traeger Grills Ranger, you can enjoy delicious grilled food wherever your adventures take you.

the Traeger Grills Ranger Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker is a highly portable option that combines convenience and functionality in one compact package. Its design, weight, and suitability for travel make it an ideal choice for those who love to grill on the go. Whether you're exploring the great outdoors or simply want a versatile grill for your backyard, the Ranger's portability makes it a top contender in the market.

Pros and Cons

Pros

The Traeger Grills Ranger Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker offers numerous advantages to enhance your grilling and smoking experience:

1. Digital Arc Controller Advanced Grilling Logic: With precise temperature performance, this feature ensures that your food is cooked to perfection every time. The advanced technology takes the guesswork out of grilling, allowing you to achieve consistent and delicious results.
2. Easy-to-clean porcelain-coated grill grates: Cleaning up after a barbecue session is a breeze with the porcelain-coated grill grates. They are designed to minimize sticking and make maintenance a hassle-free task.
3. Separate Cast Iron Griddle Included: In addition to the grill grates, the Traeger Grills Ranger comes with a cast iron griddle. This versatile accessory expands your cooking options, allowing you to sauté vegetables, cook breakfast, or create flavorful stir-fries.
4. Meat Probe: The built-in meat probe ensures that your meats are cooked to the ideal internal temperature. This feature takes the guesswork out of grilling, guaranteeing juicy and tender results.
5. Keep Warm Mode: No more worrying about your food getting cold while you prepare other dishes. The Keep Warm Mode allows your food to stay warm until you're ready to eat, ensuring that each bite is as satisfying as the first.
6. 176 sq in Grilling Area: Despite its compact size, the Traeger Grills Ranger offers a generous grilling area of 176 square inches. This allows you to cook for a small group of friends or family without compromising on flavor or capacity.
7. Extended 8 lb hopper: The large hopper capacity means you can enjoy extended grilling sessions without constantly refilling the pellet supply. This feature is particularly convenient for camping trips and tailgating events.

With all these features, it's easy to see why the Traeger Grills Ranger is a favorite among grill enthusiasts.

Cons

While the Traeger Grills Ranger offers plenty of benefits, there are a few drawbacks to consider:

1. Some heft to it: The grill's weight may pose a challenge when securing it on certain vehicles or transporting it. However, with due care, it can be easily managed.
2. No handles for portability: The lack of handles makes the grill less portable than desired. Transporting it may require additional assistance or creative solutions.
3. Temperature variations: Some users have reported variations in temperature when setting absolute temperatures. This can be addressed by using the meat probe and following Traeger-specific recipes for more consistent results.
4. Clumsy probe design: The probe provided with the grill is designed for larger payloads, making it somewhat cumbersome for smaller cuts of meat. However, alternative wireless temperature monitoring options can be added for more convenience.
5. Rubber feet may fall off: The rubber feet on the grill have a tendency to fall off during transport. Using adhesive or wire to secure them can prevent any loss.

Despite these minor drawbacks, the Traeger Grills Ranger remains a reliable and efficient option for those on the move or looking for a compact and versatile grill. Its high-quality construction and advanced technology make it a worthwhile investment for any outdoor cooking enthusiast.

FAQs

Is the temperature control accurate?

Yes, the Traeger Grills Ranger Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker features advanced grilling logic for precise temperature performance. The digital arc controller ensures that you can set your desired temperature and maintain it consistently throughout your cook. This means you can trust that your food will be cooked to perfection every time.

Can it be used in a small outdoor space?

Absolutely! The Traeger Ranger is designed to be portable and compact, making it ideal for small outdoor spaces such as balconies, patios, or even camping trips. Its small size does not compromise its cooking capabilities, as it offers a generous 176 square inches of grilling area. You can enjoy the smoky flavors of your favorite foods wherever you go.

Does it come with a cover?

While the case for the Traeger Grills Ranger is currently out of stock, you can easily find a suitable cover elsewhere to protect your grill from the elements. This will ensure that your investment remains in great condition for years to come, whether you're using it at home or on your outdoor adventures.

Are additional accessories available?

Yes, there are additional accessories available for the Traeger Grills Ranger. You can enhance your grilling experience with accessories such as a grease drip tray liner and a metal drain tray cover. These accessories make cleaning up after your cook a breeze and help to maintain the longevity of your grill.

We sold our house and set out on the road in an RV. I left behind my $6,000 stick smoker and searched for something to satisfy my obsession to smoke meat, on the road. While skeptical, I took a chance on this Traeger Ranger. My expectations were low but I was desperate. This thing is a beast. No pellet smoker is ever going to replicate a stick smoker. But this little hero comes close. We’ve smoked everything from ribs, pork butts, turkeys, ducks, chickens, Cornish hens, standing prime rib roasts, and steaks on it. We’ve seared steaks, fish, sausages, and scallops. If it walked on two legs or swam we cooked it on this unit. The results were always outstanding. I’ve abused this little guy over hundreds of cooks in every outside temperature. It never failed. I’m emotionally attached to this product. It’s rare that you find something that does what it claims it will do, let alone exceeds those claims. When this little guy finally dies, I will buy another one. I might hold an emotional goodbye ceremony, if the wife allows it. You want a portable kick-butt smoker? Buy it. This is one of the rare times I think a product is underpriced.

Simplicity, Function, Portability, Flexibility, Control.... Can’t say enough about this pellet grill... If you want a small pellet grill that has quality control consistency and huge flexibility for a small “relatively portable size” don’t hesitate. Read and follow the instructions!! We bought the tray and grease catch liners, and the cover!!! This is an Overlanders dream grill/griddle!!!

We are 6 weeks into use... Ok, simple word description... amazing! The only complaint is the cheap, falling off rubber feet covers... seriously could have done better. We travel 10 months a year in an rv. We have tried several camp chefs and the grill that came with rv. We are done shopping. So far, we have cooked steaks, roasts, meatloaf, pancakes, chicken, full breakfast( eggs, toast, bacon), poppers, several dump cakes, canned biscuits, grilled veggies, grilled potatoes and sausage, baked potatoes, quesdillas, burritos, NACHOS, some of these several times. The results have been shocking. When smoking (just meaning low temp) totally perfect. Every bit as good as my huge smoker at home. When grilling on higher temps, 325 to 450, minimal smoke, no smoke flavor on food, perfectly even surface temps. It is a bit heavy, remove griddle, prob 45lbs. Fits perfectly in our rv slideout. The case for this seems to be out of stock. The case for my Camp Chef Oven fits nicely. The day cover works well once set up. The additionsl metal drain tray cover is just foil, way over priced, just use foil. The griddle is cast iron, wonderful quality. So, to say we are pleased is an understatement. If smoking, pellet use is about 1lb per hour. When using more like an oven, fraction of that. We have used everyday for nearly 6 weeks, some days more than once, used about 45lbs of pellets. Just use Traeger pellets, burn evenly and completely. We are looking at the bigger model for home. A serious 5 star review!

Bought this as a portable smoker I could take camping and things. It's not exactly portable because it doesn't have any type of handles and it can be heavy as well when loaded with pellets. Besides that it cooks good and easy to use. Just set temp and go. I've only used Traeger pellets and they burn fine from what I can tell. Nice smoke flavors. You do have to clean it like any other wood fire grill it builds oils. This is normal and anyone complaining about that doesn't clean BBQ equipment after buying it. With some trimming I was able to fit 2 racks of ribs. Works great for me.

Conclusion

The Traeger Grills Ranger Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker is an excellent choice for those who want a convenient and flavorful grilling experience. With its advanced grilling logic and precise temperature control, you can achieve the perfect cook every time. Whether you're cooking burgers, dogs, steaks, chicken breasts, or even long smokes like corned beef brisket and pork shoulder, this unit delivers exceptional taste.

One of the standout features of this grill is its ease of use. Simply set the desired temperature and let the grill do the rest. The digital arc controller ensures accurate and consistent temperature performance, while the porcelain-coated grill grates are easy to clean. The included separate cast iron griddle is a welcome addition for those who want more versatility in their cooking.

The meat probe and keep warm mode are also convenient features that allow your food to stay warm until you're ready to eat. While the Ranger may not reach the high temperatures needed for a hard sear on chicken breast, it excels at producing juicy and flavorful results. If you prefer a natural gas grill for searing, you can easily finish your cook on the Ranger for added convenience.

In terms of portability, it's important to note that the Ranger is on the heavier side and lacks handles. However, it is still suitable for transferring to a vehicle and taking camping or on other outdoor adventures. It's important to keep in mind that regular cleaning is necessary, but this is the case for any wood fire grill.

Overall, the Traeger Grills Ranger Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker is a high-performing unit that is built to last. Its complex technology is packed into a small space and can withstand extreme temperatures. Though it may have some minor downsides, such as the lack of wireless options and a short press delay on the display, the Ranger is a reliable and versatile grill that delivers excellent results. Give it a try and experience the convenience and flavor for yourself.

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