Traeger Scout Vs Ranger: Which Should to Buy in 2026

For outdoor cooking, the most important thing that you can get your hands on is a good quality smoker. Now, because grilling and barbecuing is such a common and well-loved hobby all around the country, there are a lot of smoker options to choose from.

Two of the most popular smokers in the market right now are the Traeger Scout and Ranger. These two models are quite popular amongst home cooks all over the country.

But, to the naked eye, both of these smokers can look awfully similar! Now, which one should you purchase? Which one will be better for what kind of grilling? We’re sure these questions are eating you up.

Well, not to worry, we’ve got you covered. Here in this Traeger Scout vs Ranger, we will cover all that you need to know about both of these models. We’re sure by the end of this article you’ll be able to make a smart choice.

So what are we waiting for? Let’s get started.

A Brief About Traeger Scout

The Traeger Scout pellet grill is a smoker that is well known for adding an intense smoky flavor to your food.

The small size of the smoker allows you to use it for RV side cooking. If needed, you can also take this device to your next camping trip. It has multiple advantages such as a meat probe, and also a digital pro controller.

Benefits Of Traeger Scout

To understand the product better, we need to look at the benefits that Traeger Scout provides. Here are a few things about the model that we absolutely love!

1. Good Enough Cooking Space

The Traeger Scout gives you about 184 square inches of cooking space. On the unit, you can fit about six burgers at the same time. If needed, you can also cook 10 sausages or a half-size rack of ribs on the unit.

It is said that the smoker can cook for about 1 to 4 people at the same time.

2. Lightweight

Next, what we like about the Traeger Scout is that it is lightweight. The unit weighs only 45 lb. Therefore, it is very travel friendly and can be taken on any camping trip.

3. Durable

The Traeger Scout comes with a grate that is constructed out of very high quality, porcelain-coated steel. Therefore, the grates don’t get too rusty easily.

The exterior of the barbecue is also made out of powder-coated steel. This makes the component very durable and therefore great for traveling with.

Disadvantages of Traeger Scout

Now let’s get into the features that are lacking on the Traeger Scout. There are many advantages to this unit, but sadly there are a few disadvantages as well. Let’s see what they are.

1. Temperature Restrictions

The Traeger Scout is Traeger’s first-generation smoker. Therefore, it is equipped with the first generation pro digital controller.

While this controller can very easily cook up any kind of meal, it does put you under a small restriction. You can only change the temperature in increments of 25° F.

This is not a big issue, but some people like to cook their meals at very set and certain temperatures. So, with such a long-range increment, you cannot always cook your meals at your desired temperature. It will mostly be cooked at a few degrees more or less.

2. No Accessories

The amount of accessories that you get with the purchase is limited. You don’t get the griddle plates free with purchase on a Traeger Scout. But, you can surely buy them separately.

3. Small Hopper

Another thing that you should know about the Traeger Scout is that it only comes with a 4 lb hopper.

This will be enough for some people, but for people who want to use the smoker for slow cooking, the hopper can be a bit too small. With one full hopper, you can use the smoker for about 4 hours straight. Then, you will have to open the lid and refill the hopper. This can lower the temperature significantly, and can also be a hassle to do midway through cooking.

Traeger Scout Review

Specifications

• Comes with a digital pro controller
• 184 square inch cooking space
• Porcelain-coated grill grates
• Added lid latches for protection

The Traeger Scout has been a fan favorite for quite some time now. A lot of at-home cooks swear by this smoker.

This Traeger Scout TFT18PLDO is a small and compact smoker that has 21 x 20 x 16-inch dimensions. Also, the unit weighs just 45 lb. Therefore, it is the perfect model for traveling. It can be added to RVs and can be taken on camping trips.

The smoker is operated with wood pellets. This can add a very nice and rich smoky flavor to your food.

When it comes to construction, the exterior of the grill is made with very high-quality steel. It will not rust so easily. Even the grates inside are porcelain coated. So you can expect this unit to last you a very long time.

Another thing that we love about this unit is that it comes with a meat probe. You can keep an eye on the temperature of the meat without having to hover over the grill.

Highlighted Features

• Very durable and sturdy build
• Lightweight and easy to travel with
• Comes with a meat probe
• Adds a rich and smoky flavor to your food

A Brief About Ranger Smoker

Now let’s talk about the Traeger Ranger. This is a model that is newer than the Traeger Scout. People are more into this newer version of the Traeger smoker because it comes with a digital arc controller. With precise temperature control, you can cook a variety of meals to perfection.

Besides that, the unit also has a very sturdy construction, also has a few accessories free during purchase.

Benefits Of Ranger Smoker

Let’s look at some of the advantages that the Traeger Ranger has to offer. This will give us a better understanding of why and how this smoker can be beneficial to us.

1. Capacity

Similar to the Traeger Scout, the Ranger also offers 184 square inches of cooking space. With this cooking space, you can cook about 4 to 6 steaks at the same time. If needed, you can also fit in a whole chicken or a medium-sized pork butt on the grill.

2. Large Hopper

The Traeger Ranger comes with an extra box that is placed on top of the hopper. Unlike the Scout which only comes with a 4 lb. hopper, this grill can give you a longer amount of cooking time.

With a larger hopper, you will not have to open the lid midway through cooking and refill the hopper with pellets. This can be a very beneficial feature to have if you plan on using the smoker for slow roasting.

With a Traeger Ranger, you get about 7 to 8 hours of cooking time with one filling.

3. Temperature Control

One of the main reasons why people choose to buy the Traeger Ranger is because it has an amazing temperature control system.

The Traeger Ranger comes with a digital arc controller. This lets you set the smoker at the temperature that you need. It does not have a long-range increment.

With good-quality temperature control, you also have the option to keep your dinner warm inside the cooker. The ‘keep warm’ mode can be handy in any type of situation where you’ve cooked the meal way ahead of time.

4. Extra Goodies

When you buy the Traeger Ranger, you get a few accessories free with the purchase. This includes a very handy cast iron griddle. The griddle is porcelain coated, and will not rust so easily.

With the Traeger Ranger, there’s not much that you have to purchase separately.

Disadvantages of Ranger Smoker

The Traeger Ranger does not have that many disadvantages. But there are a few small ones that we would like to discuss.

1. Heavy Weight

The newer Traeger Ranger is a little bit heavier compared to its older Scout version. It weighs about 60 lb.

Wildest might not be a very huge weight, It can become a bit unbearable with the weight of your luggage when traveling.

Sometimes, the weight of the smoker can make it unusable on RVs as well.

2. Price

The Traeger Ranger can be a bit too expensive for a smoker that’s small in size. But, of course, the unit does give you amazing benefits and very cool features. But, if needed, several other affordable options in the market can give you the same benefits.

Traeger Ranger Review

Specifications

• 184 square inches of cooking space
• 5 degrees F cooking temperature increment
• Advanced temperature control system
• Weighs 60 lbs

The Traeger Ranger is the newer smoker from the brand. People have really good opinions on this smoker, so you can trust this smoker to serve you well.

This smoker has a very good temperature control system. The advanced system has a small 5 degrees F increment. So you can choose whatever temperature of cooking you’d like.

With your purchase, you get a good-quality, rust-resistant cast iron grate. The cooking area is 184 square inches and can accommodate about 4 to 6 steaks at the same time.

A large hopper allows you to use the smoker for slow cooking without having to worry about refilling. There is a cooking timer that can inform you when it’s time to check the meat, or when it’s time to add sauces.

Besides being made with very high-quality material, the exterior is also very easy to clean.

Highlighted Features

• Very easy to clean
• Grates are made with high-quality material
• Comes with a free cast iron cooking griddle
• Cook timer helps you monitor cooking time for meat

Comparing Traeger Scout Vs Ranger

So, we’ve learned in-depth about the benefits and disadvantages of both the Traeger Scout and Ranger. But, which smoker should you purchase? Let’s look at a comparison of a few features of smokers to understand the aspects better.

1. Uses

Both the Traeger Scout and Ranger can be used for baking, grilling, smoking, and even slow cooking.

You can use the smokers to cook any kind of food as well. But, the Traeger Ranger is better equipped for slow cooking, as it has a better temperature control system.

2. Price

If you are on a budget, you should surely purchase the Traeger Scout. It is the previous model of the brand and is, therefore, a little bit more affordable.

But, if you don’t have a budget restriction, we would surely recommend purchasing the Traeger Ranger. It does have a few extra benefits that can make your barbecue experience much more enjoyable.

3. Cooking Space

Both the Traeger Ranger and the Scout offer the same amount of cooking space. You get 184 square inches of cooking space on the smokers.

Therefore, both of these smokers can handle about 4 to 6 steaks, a rack of half ribs, six burgers, or 10 sausages at the same time.

4. Pellet Hopper

The pellet hopper on the Traeger Scout is a bit smaller than the one on the Traeger Ranger.

The Traeger Scout only comes with a 4 lb hopper. Therefore, the unit is not well suitable for slow-cooking food. It can run for 4 hours straight before it has to be opened and refilled.

On the other hand, the Traeger Ranger comes with an extra box on the hopper that can hold more pellets. Therefore, the unit can run for about 7 hours straight without needing a refill.

5. Weight

Both of these models are the same size. But, the difference is in the weight.

While the Traeger Scout weighs only 45 lb., the Traeger Ranger weighs about 60 lb. This is not that much of a difference, but it can be quite a hassle if you’re trying to cook on an RV.

Also, the larger weight makes it difficult for you to travel with the Traeger Ranger.

6. Temperature Control

Next, we have the biggest feature that differentiates the two models.

On the Traeger Ranger, you get a digital arc control system. This lets you choose any temperature that you would like to cook your meat at. It does not have a very large increment range. The range is only 5° F.

On the other hand, with the Traeger Scout, you get a very huge 25° F increment range. This can at times make or break a dish. This limits your ability to choose your desired temperature of cooking.

7. Build

Both the Traeger Ranger and the Scouts are made with similar materials. The grate is made out of porcelain-coated steel, while the barbecue is made out of powder-coated steel.

Both the units are protected against rusting.

8. Accessories

With the Traeger Ranger, you get a few free accessories with your purchase. For example, a very high-quality, rust-resistant handy cast iron griddle is included with the purchase. But, with the Traeger Scout, you have to purchase these accessories separately.

You can also see this details video for more information:

Frequently Asked Questions

1. For How Many People The Traeger Ranger Can Cook At The Same Time?

Answer: Both the Traeger Ranger and the Scout can cook for 1 to 4 people at the same time. Of course, this range will differ from person to person as not everyone has the same appetite.

2. Which Traeger Model Is Better?

Answer: This depends on your budget. If you have a budget restriction, you should surely go with the Traeger Scout.

But, if you don’t have a budget restriction, and don’t plan on traveling with the smoker that often, the Traeger Ranger will be the better option.

It has a much better temperature control system and also has a larger hopper for slow cooking.

3. What Are The Power Requirements For Traeger Ranger And Scout?

Answer: Both the smokers can be operated on a standard 110 AC power cable.

Which One Is The Best For You?

Comparing the Traeger Ranger vs Scout can be difficult at times. They can look very similar to the naked eye. But, when looked at in-depth, the units actually have a few differences.

To conclude, we would say that the Traeger Ranger is the better option for you. This is given that you don’t have a budget restriction.

The main reason why we would recommend this smoker to you is that it does not have a large temperature range increment. The temperature control is superior, and the unit also has a larger size hopper. Therefore, you can slow cook on this unit more easily. But, if you’re on a budget you can go with the Traeger Scout for sure. It is quite an amazing smoker; it just doesn’t have very good temperature control.

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