Traeger Grills Ranger Portable Wood Pellet Grill Review

Jul 5, 2023

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You’re searching for the ultimate portable wood pellet grill that can follow you on every adventure, turning each trip into a gourmet experience. But let’s face it, most portable grills fall short ruining an otherwise great day. Enter the Traeger Grill Ranger – your new best friend in portable grills.

As a seasoned griller, I’ve put this compact warrior through its paces, and it’s time to share the lowdown. Whether you’re a die-hard grilling expert or a weekend warrior seeking the finest flavors on the fly, this is for you. Imagine smoking a brisket or that perfect sear on a ribeye, all while basking in the great outdoors. Sounds like a dream? The Traeger Ranger turns it into reality, and I’m here to walk you

The sleek, compact design of the Traeger Ranger portable pellet grill is only part of its popularity. In this review, we will explore the pros and cons of the Traeger Ranger pellet grill. Today, your journey with outdoor grilling reaches a new level.

The Traeger Ranger Portable Wood Pellet Grill Specifications

Brand	Traeger Grills
Model Name	Ranger Grill
Power Source	Wood Pellet
Color	Black
Outer Material	Iron
Item Weight	54 Pounds
Item Dimensions LxWxH	20 x 21 x 13 inches
Inner Material	Stainless_steel
Fuel Type	Wood Pellet
Product Dimensions	20″D x 21″W x 13″H

Compact Versatility In The Traeger Ranger Pellet Grill

You have been anticipating using your Traeger Ranger portable wood pellet grill. This portable pellet grill is up to the task of grilling just like its larger cousins. It has an 8-pound hopper for your pellets and can go for hours before having to reload.

The Ranger is remarkable because it allows you to grill or smoke just like its larger cousins. Great smoke or grilling has found you while when you were on the go. Now, road trips have just become more enjoyable.

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You will need to plug your Traeger Ranger in to use. You will need to have access to 120 current, a constant power source is needed. For on-demand power consumption, it would be wise to invest in a 12-volt inverter as a backup.

Your Display Window On The Go

The arc digital controller starts your pellets with ease. In addition to the Advanced Grilling Logic, you have the meat probe to help you reach that perfect grill with your food.

Your display window displays your temperature when smoking or grilling. This allows you to change your settings at a glance this is done in 5-degree increments for maintaining the perfect temperature.

For fast easy cleanup, your Traeger Ranger comes equipped with porcelain-covered grill grates. Clean-up is a breeze.

In addition to that, you have a keep warm feature, this is genius. Your food stays warm while you clean up for your meal.

Finally, with the genius Traeger often displays, they put two latches on the lid to help reduce the likelihood of accidents. Storing your Ranger is so easy. Firmly secure the latches on your Traeger Ranger and place in storage for your next outing.

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Advantages	Disadvantages
1. Portability: Designed to be portable for tailgating, picnics, and camping trips.	1. Small Cooking Area: You are limited to 184 sq inches for cooking. This may not be large enough for some of your meals.
2. Versatility: Allows you to grill, braise, smoke, and barbeque for that wood flavor you desire.	2. Pellet Consumption: Wood pellets may cost more than either charcoal or propane. The Ranger small hopper size may require refills.
3. Wood Pellet Flavor: Infuses your food with the rich-smoky flavor to enhance your dining pleasure.	3. Power Source Dependency: The Traeger Ranger pellet grill is dependent upon having electricity to power the temperature control system.
4. Temperature Control: You control the desired cooking of your food by setting the desired temperature.	4. Price: The Traeger Ranger may be considered to be more expensive than traditional grills. The additional features and the Traeger reputation may contribute to the higher price.

My Thoughts On The Traeger Ranger Wood Pellet Grill

I have found the Traeger Ranger Portable grill to be a welcome addition to my weekend getaways. It is easy to pack for weekend trips and to store when I return home.

At first, I felt it would be difficult to set up for use. Setting up the Ranger was a breeze. It was easy to place it on the tabletop in just the right spot for my grilling needs.

The weight of the Ranger concerned me so I had a friend help me place it on the tabletop, but I could have done it myself. Before long, I had the hopper filled. The hopper holds up to 8 pounds of pellets. That is enough for some of the longer cook times.

The inverter I had purchased worked great and allowed me to begin my first grill. It was great to have a power source readily available for the Ranger.

Before long, the ribs we wanted to smoke were on the grill. Even though the size of the grill is small, with some planning, you will be able to smoke almost anything. It handles steaks, chicken, brats, and burgers with no problem. If you find that your playtime is going a little long, there is a warming feature available keeping your food hot until you are ready.

Cleaning your Traeger Ranger is so easy. Using hot soapy water on your grill porcelain-coated grill grates. Do this as soon as the grates are cool enough to handle and the food particles just fall off. Besides the ease of cleanup, storage is no longer a problem.

Value For The Size

This amazing grill is definitely worth the price. If you like to go on weekend getaways, this is the grill for you. You will be able to grill most of your favorites with little to no problem. I would not do any long smoking because of the limited hopper capacity.

Meanwhile, competitors are looking for ways to meet the challenge Traeger Ranger presents to them.

Meanwhile, you find more uses for your Traeger Ranger.

Finally, the Traeger Ranger tops the competition for quality and design. Some of the features the Traeger Ranger has are being introduced into the latest models of the competition. In fact, the Traeger Ranger leads the way.

The Traeger Ranger In Action

Comments

20 responses to “Traeger Grills Ranger Portable Wood Pellet Grill Review”

LineCowley

07/05/2023

We are embarking on a camping trip in September and I was looking for a portable barbeque that uses wood, so I am very pleased that I came across this review on the Traeger wood pellet grill. It certainly looks like a great portable grill for trips away.

I am slightly concerned though that the Traeger grill will require to be plugged into a power source to use. As we plan on going off-grid and use portable solar panels on our trip, can the Traeger grill be plugged in with solar panels? Thank you.

Reply
1. Jerry McCoy
  
  07/05/2023
  
  Line,
  
  I am not sure if they can be plugged into solar panels, but an inverter can also be attached to a 12-volt battery. Some of the off-grid sites may have outlets for electricity. I have noticed that many now have some electrical outlets. Some portable wood pellet grills also come with battery packs. You may want to check out which ones have the battery pack available.
  
  Jerry
  
  Reply
Stratos K

07/05/2023

This looks like a fantastic portable grill. I am a big fan of grill cooking but I never liked these big grill smokers that are cumbersome and not easy to handle around. But this one is small enough, easy to handle and I like its pellet storage which makes thing cleaner and easier to clean than normal smokers.

Reply
1. Jerry McCoy
  
  07/05/2023
  
  Stratos,
  
  You will find the ability to change the position of this grill very easy to do. A larger smoker/grill may not give you the ability to change locations. The Traeger Ranger allows you to take it on trips or just put it on a side table on your patio. You have the ability to grill most of the same items you would on a larger grill. The options for your use are great and still have the flavors you desire.
  
  Jerry
  
  Reply
Joseph

07/05/2023

Man, I really need to invest in one of these pellet grill/smokers Jerry, I’ve been hearing about them for yrs now and just haven’t been able to pull the trigger yet. I have to admit that I bought into the rhetoric when they first came out and didn’t believe that you could accomplish the same results with the pellet smoker that got could with the real wood burning type but everyone I know it’s now using one and the ruins and brisket that I have had from them is every bit as this as from a traditional smoker.

The Traeger Grills Ranger Portable Wood Pellet Grill would not only be easier than burning real split wood but the portable nature of this grill would provide all kinds of convenience in many different outdoor settings!

Reply
1. Jerry McCoy
  
  07/05/2023
  
  Joseph,
  
  I was fortunate enough to have been gifted a pellet grill almost a year ago. I have found them to be very reliable and easy to use. The thing I recommend to everyone is to keep it clean and full of pellets. My reasoning for this is simple, my wife loves how well it works and has turned most of the cooking over to me. By keeping my grill clean, all I have to do is preheat and get started grilling.
  
  The Traeger Ranger is an excellent way to take your grill with you on those weekend getaways and enjoy some of your favorite grilled foods. I especially like the warmer setting, this way I can play just a little longer without worrying about my food burning or getting cold.
  
  Jerry
  
  Reply
Dave

07/05/2023

From the moment I laid eyes on the Traeger Grills Ranger, I was captivated by its sleek design and compact size. The portability factor is a game-changer, allowing me to take my love for grilling to picnics, camping trips, tailgate parties, and beyond. It’s the perfect companion for those who refuse to compromise on taste, even while on the move.

What sets the Traeger Grills Ranger apart is its ingenious use of wood pellets as the fuel source. The use of hardwood pellets imparts a distinct and unparalleled smoky flavor to the food, enhancing the grilling experience to new heights. The versatility of wood pellet grilling allows me to experiment with various flavors, from hickory and mesquite to apple and cherry, and truly elevate the taste profile of my dishes.

An aspect that I appreciate about the Traeger Grills Ranger is its easy cleanup. The porcelain-coated grill grates and drip tray make cleaning a breeze, saving valuable time and effort. Additionally, the hopper’s capacity for wood pellets ensures a continuous supply, reducing the need for frequent refills during longer grilling sessions.

Here’s to igniting flavor on the go and embracing the joy of outdoor cooking with the Traeger Grills Ranger!

Reply
1. Jerry McCoy
  
  07/07/2023
  
  Dave,
  
  You will love how easily you can transport the Ranger and set it up at your campsite. It is easy to assemble, transport, and store.
  
  After you have put it together and done your first burn, you will be ready to explore even more. Cleanup is easy and with the availability of the different wood pellets, you can enjoy as many different recipes on the Ranger as on its larger cousin.
  
  Fire it up and enjoy the smoke,
  
  Jerry
  
  Reply
Michel Maling

07/06/2023

These pellet grills seem to be the rage in the US, but I have yet to see one here in South Africa. Maybe they haven’t taken off yet, as people here tend to light fires to cook their meat. I love the ease of use of the griller, and you can even set the temperature, which is something you can’t do on a fire.

Does the food cooked in the pellet griller have a more smoked taste than if you cook the food over an open fire?

Reply
1. Jerry McCoy
  
  07/07/2023
  
  Michel Maling,
  
  Pellet grills are on a trend for the future of grilling. In the beginning, many people thought pellet grills were just a fad but they have become a mainstay of the grilling industry. There are more and more features being added to pellet grills. One constant with pellet grills is having the ability to have that smokey flavor whenever you want it. More people are using pellet grills than ever before. My wife has begun asking me to use our pellet grill more often because she enjoys the flavor it brings to the table. Having different flavored wood pellets also keep the flavor from becoming just a one-note dish. The different flavors help you expand your taste buds for new and exciting flavors.
  
  Jerry
  
  Reply
Liam Tremblay

07/06/2023

Hello there, I’m one of the big fun of off-road, And all the time searching for this type of stuff. When you cook something on them, They smell interesting. You said the “Traeger grill” needs power for its temperature controlling system and my question is: can I use the car’s battery for its power?

Reply
1. Jerry McCoy
  
  07/07/2023
  
  Liam,
  
  Yes, you can use the car battery if you purchase and inverter. You have two options when doing that. First, some inverters plug into the power outlet while others require you to attach it with alligator clamps. Then the grilling begins.
  
  Jerry
  
  Reply
Steve Steve

07/06/2023

I had the pleasure of reading the review on the Traeger Grills Ranger Portable Wood Pellet Grill from Thrill for the Grill, and I must say it left me impressed. The author provides an in-depth analysis of this portable grill, highlighting its standout features, performance, and overall grilling experience. Thank you so much for the helpful article!

Reply
1. Jerry McCoy
  
  07/07/2023
  
  Steve Steve,
  
  I am thankful you found this article informative. There are many features of the Traeger Ranger that you will understand once you begin using it. I hope you have many great grilling experiences in the future.
  
  Jerry
  
  Reply
Tony

07/06/2023

This comprehensive review of the Traeger Grills Ranger Portable Wood Pellet Grill was a delightful read for a grilling aficionado like myself. Your meticulous breakdown of its features, pros, and cons gives a balanced perspective, which is greatly appreciated.

Your firsthand experience with the grill adds a layer of authenticity and reliability to the review. The emphasis on its portability and versatility certainly piques my interest as someone who enjoys outdoor cooking and camping.

Reply
1. Jerry McCoy
  
  07/07/2023
  
  Tommy,
  
  You will find the Traeger Ranger is easy to transport and store. It is easy to set up and use. There are many recipes designed for the larger cousin that can also be done on the Ranger which makes it a must for those day-trips or camping trips where you want grilled food.
  
  Jerry
  
  Reply
Herman

07/06/2023

I completely understand your preference for a portable grill that is easy to handle. The good news is that there are plenty of fantastic portable grill options available that can still provide you with a great grilling experience. These grills are designed to be compact and lightweight, making them perfect for on-the-go cooking or smaller outdoor spaces.

One popular option is a portable gas grill. These grills use propane as a fuel source, allowing for quick and easy heat-up times. They often come with foldable legs or wheels, making them easy to transport and store. Portable gas grills also offer precise temperature control, so you can achieve that perfect sear or cook your food evenly.

Another option is a portable charcoal grill. These grills use charcoal briquettes or lump charcoal as a fuel source, giving your food that smoky, authentic flavor. While they may take a bit longer to heat up compared to gas grills, they are still relatively quick and offer excellent heat retention. Portable charcoal grills are often lightweight and compact, making them ideal for camping trips or picnics.

Reply
1. Jerry McCoy
  
  07/07/2023
  
  Herman,
  
  It is true that portable gas grills and charcoal grills are easy to use but often they lack the ability to offer as many features as a pellet grill. Pellet grills are also lightweight and easy to use but offer the ability to not only smoke but to bake as well. This makes them great for some of the recipes that are often overlooked when camping or on short trips.
  
  Many people prefer pellet grills for their ease of use and precise controls that other brands don’t offer. The lighter smoke flavor appeals to many people instead of the heavier smoke flavor from charcoal. Gas grills you often have to add an additional pan with wood chips or inject smoke flavor into your food.
  
  Jerry
  
  Reply
John

07/06/2023

The Traeger Ranger indeed seems to have carved a niche for itself in the market, particularly among outdoor enthusiasts and those who enjoy camping, tailgating, and picnicking. Its portability combined with versatility allows it to deliver a range of cooking options, from grilling and smoking to barbecuing and braising, and all infused with that desirable smoky wood flavor.

The power dependency on an electrical source and its pellet consumption rate might seem like disadvantages, but given its purpose as a portable grill, these issues could be viewed as part of the trade-off for the convenience and versatility it offers. The pellet consumption even contributes to the grill’s signature smoky flavor, which could be a valuable selling point for some consumers.

Interestingly, as you pointed out, the Traeger Ranger’s innovative design and features seem to be setting a trend within the industry. Other brands are likely taking note and looking for ways to incorporate similar elements into their own products. This competitive response not only speaks to the effectiveness and desirability of the Ranger’s design but also to the dynamism of the portable grill market.

This competitive environment is beneficial to the consumers as it encourages the companies to innovate and improve upon their products continually. However, it’s crucial for brands like Traeger to continue investing in research and development to stay ahead of the curve and maintain their market leadership.

The Traeger Ranger, with its compact design, innovative features, and quality build, has raised the bar for what a portable grill can be. It will be interesting to see how the competition responds and what new advancements will be brought to the market in the future.

Reply
1. Jerry McCoy
  
  07/07/2023
  
  John,
  
  Traeger has been at the leading edge of grill research and development for the last several years. It is critical for any company today to find ways to be innovative for today’s market and for the future.
  
  Jerry
  
  Reply