Traeger Tailgater vs Traeger Ranger
Traeger's two portables side by side.
Affiliate disclosure: We earn a commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. It never affects our rankings, which come from the published scoring formula. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more.
Best for: A folding-leg Traeger for tailgates and camping
Check price at AmazonBest for: A briefcase-style tabletop Traeger
Check price at AmazonSpec-by-spec comparison
Green marks the better published figure. "Not listed" means the manufacturer doesn't publish it.
| Spec | Traeger Tailgater | Traeger Ranger | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total cooking areaTotal cooking area the maker lists. For combos it includes both the pellet and gas sides. | 300 sq in | 176 sq in | 30% |
| Pellet hopper capacityBigger hoppers mean fewer refills. Skipped for grills that don't use a hopper. | 8 lb | 8 lb | 10% |
| WeightMatters for portables you load into a car. Skipped when the maker doesn't list it. | 62 lb | 60 lb | 15% |
| Wi-Fi / app control (listed)Yes only when the maker lists app connectivity for this model. | No | No | 15% |
| Direct-flame searing (listed)Pit Boss Flame Broiler or a propane side lets you sear over a flame. | No | No | 10% |
| Gas grill or griddle sideCombos add a separate propane grill or griddle for burgers and breakfast while the pellet side smokes. | No | No | 10% |
| WarrantyMaker's warranty length on the main unit. Skipped when not stated for the model. | Not listed | Not listed | 10% |
| Cooking space | 300 sq in | 176 sq in | info |
| Hopper | 8 lb | 8 lb | info |
| Max temperature | 450 °F | 450 °F | info |
| Weight | 62 lb | 60 lb | info |
| Connectivity | Not equipped with WiFIRE (Traeger) | Not equipped with WiFIRE (Traeger) | info |
| Capacity (Traeger) | 12 burgers or 3 rib racks or 2 chickens | 6 burgers or 10 hot dogs | info |
| Grates | Not listed | Porcelain-coated steel | info |
| EmberPick score | 1.9/10 | 1.6/10 | 100% |
Where each one comes out ahead
Traeger Tailgater
Better published figure on: Total cooking area.
What we like
- Nearly double the Ranger's space for 2 lb more
- Folding legs
Watch out for
- No Wi-Fi
- Needs AC power
Traeger Ranger
Better published figure on: Weight.
What we like
- Compact tabletop design
- Meat probe included
Watch out for
- Smallest grill here
- No Wi-Fi
- Needs AC power
Verdict
Tailgater nearly doubles the space (300 vs 176 sq in) for 2 lb more; both have 8 lb hoppers and 450 °F max.
- Traeger Tailgater: Traeger: Tailgater capacity & specs
- Traeger Ranger: Traeger: Ranger capacity & specs
Related comparisons
Portable & Combo Pellet GrillsPit Boss PB150PSB Portable Battery-Powered Pellet Grill vs Traeger TailgaterPortable & Combo Pellet GrillsNinja Woodfire Pro Connect Premium XL Outdoor Grill & Smoker vs Traeger RangerPortable & Combo Pellet GrillsPit Boss Competition Series 1230CS1 Combo Grill vs Pit Boss DX Series 1020 Combo GrillPortable & Combo Pellet GrillsPit Boss DX Series 1020 Combo Grill vs Pit Boss Competition Series Pellet Grill & Gas Griddle Combo (PB1020CS2)Portable & Combo Pellet GrillsNinja Woodfire Pro Connect Premium XL Outdoor Grill & Smoker vs Pit Boss PB150PSB Portable Battery-Powered Pellet GrillPortable & Combo Pellet GrillsPit Boss Competition Series 1230CS1 Combo Grill vs Pit Boss Competition Series Pellet Grill & Gas Griddle Combo (PB1020CS2) Full rankingBest Portable Pellet Grills and Pellet/Gas Combo Grills (2026) TopicAll pellet grills & smokers