Traeger Tailgater vs Traeger Ranger
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Quick take: The Traeger Ranger costs $20 less; the Traeger Tailgater offers more cooking space (300 vs 176 sq in).
| Spec | Traeger Tailgater | Traeger Ranger |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$500 | ~$480 |
| Rating | 3.8★ (268) | 3.9★ (196) |
| Type | Pellet Grill | Pellet Grill |
| Cooking Area | 300 sq in | 176 sq in |
| Max Temp | 450°F | 450°F |
| Fuel Type | Wood Pellets | Wood Pellets |
| Build Material | Powder-Coated Steel | Powder-Coated Steel |
| Hopper Capacity | 8 lb | 8 lb |
| Burners | — | — |
| WiFi / App | No | No |
| App control | No | No |
| Meat probe | Yes | Yes |
| PID controller | No | No |
| Side burner | No | No |
| Rotisserie | No | No |
| Searing | No | No |
| Dimensions | — | — |
| Weight | 62 lbs | 60 lbs |
| Warranty | 7 years | 7 years |
Pros & cons
Traeger Tailgater
- ✓300 sq in is roughly double what most portable pellet grills offer
- ✓EZ-Fold legs collapse without tools and the body is one-person liftable at 62 lbs
- ✓Covered by Traeger's 7-year non-connected grill warranty, not a short portable-only term
- ✓Uses the same Traeger pellets and porcelain grates as the full-size line
- ✓Simpler controller means fewer of the firmware complaints that dog the WiFIRE models
- ✗Digital Arc controller swings wider than the WiFIRE boards and has no app, alarms or remote monitoring
- ✗8 lb hopper is roughly four hours at smoking temperatures, so it needs babysitting
- ✗Needs a 120V outlet or an inverter — not a charcoal-style grill you can run anywhere
- ✗450°F ceiling and no sear zone
- ✗3.8 out of 5 across 268 reviews on Traeger's store, with auger and igniter complaints recurring
Traeger Ranger
- ✓Smallest real wood-pellet cooker Traeger makes — fits on a tailgate or a camp table
- ✓Cast iron griddle insert is included, so it doubles as a flat top for breakfast
- ✓Same 7-year warranty as the full-size non-connected grills
- ✓Digital Arc controller with Keep Warm mode, not a simple three-position smoke dial
- ✓Locking lid and a carry handle make it genuinely transportable, unlike cabinet grills with casters
- ✗60 lbs for a 176 sq in tabletop grill — heavier than most two-burner portable gas grills
- ✗176 sq in holds roughly six burgers; it will not cook for a group
- ✗No WiFi, app or wireless probe support
- ✗Requires 120V power, so it is unusable at a campsite without shore power or a generator
- ✗$480 for 176 sq in is the highest price per square inch in the Traeger line