Portable pellet grills allow you to easily take wood-fired flavor on the go. Two popular options are the Nomad Grill and Traeger Ranger. While both offer convenient cooking on-the-move, there are some key differences to consider.
In this comparison guide, we’ll highlight the pros, cons, features, and real user experiences of the Nomad Grill Vs. Traeger Ranger. By the end, you’ll know which pellet grill is the better fit for tailgating, camping, RVing, and other outdoor cooking adventures.
Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Nomad Grill | Traeger Ranger |
| Cooking Area | 183 square inches | 184 square inches |
| Weight | 57 pounds | 62.5 pounds |
| Hopper Capacity | 10 pounds | 8 pounds |
| Temperature Range | 160°F to 500°F | 165°F to 500°F |
| MSRP Price | $799 | $399 |
Overview Of The Nomad Grill
The Nomad Grill first arrived on the portable pellet grill scene in 2020. It was created by renowned manufacturer Ooni as a more compact, lightweight alternative to full-size pellet smokers.
This grill offers 183 square inches of cooking space in the main compartment. An additional warming rack adds 55 square inches for a total of 238 square inches of total cooking area.
Despite the smaller size, the Nomad Grill retains key functionality like precise temperature control and wood-fired flavor. It has a sturdy double-wall stainless steel build and attaches to a sturdy stand with foldable legs.
With a hopper capacity of 10 pounds, you can smoke low and slow for hours before needing to refill pellets. The Nomad Grill reaches temperatures between 160°F for slow smoking all the way up to 500°F for direct and indirect grilling.
This portable pellet grill is priced at a premium point of $799. However, fans praise the quality construction and consistent performance akin to full-sized pellet grills.
Pros:
- High-end construction from a leading brand
- Large 10 lb pellet hopper
- Wide temperature range from 160°F to 500°F
- Large 183 sq. in. main cooking area
- 55 sq. in. warming rack
- Sturdy folding stand included
Cons:
- Expensive at $799 MSRP
- Still heavy at 57 lbs for a portable grill
- Can’t be battery powered
Overview Of The Traeger Ranger
The Traeger Ranger has been a popular portable pellet grill option since its release in 2018. It offers Traeger’s famous easy-to-use design in a scaled-down model.
At 62.5 pounds, this grill is lightweight enough for RV trips and tailgates while still being sturdy. The Ranger has 184 square inches of cooking surface in the main barrel grill. An additional removable shelf expands the workspace.
This grill features Traeger’s Digital Arc Control for setting and maintaining precise temperature. The Ranger reaches up to 500°F for searing while also smoking low and slow.
With a hopper capacity of 8 pounds, you’ll get several hours of cook time before a refill is needed. The Ranger can’t run off a battery and requires access to an AC power outlet.
At only $399, this grill costs about half the price of the Nomad while still offering Traeger quality. This makes it one of the most affordable portable pellet grills.
Pros:
- Trusted Traeger design at lower cost
- 184 sq. in. cooking surface plus shelf
- Digital Arc Control for precision
- Portable at 62.5 pounds
- Wide temp range from 165°F to 500°F
Cons:
- Lower capacity 8 lb hopper
- Still heavy for true portability
- Requires access to AC power
Cooking Area Size
The Nomad Grill and Traeger Ranger offer similar cooking areas despite the size difference.
The Nomad has 183 square inches in the main barrel grill. A 55 square inch warming rack brings the total area to 238 square inches.
The Ranger also has 184 square inches of primary cooking space. Instead of a warming rack, it has a removable utility shelf that can hold food or accessories.
Both grills provide enough space to cook around 6 burgers or 2-3 steaks at once. The Nomad may have slightly more capacity for larger cooks with the warming rack. But the Traeger Ranger matches it closely in main barrel size.
Portability
One of the main reasons to get a portable pellet grill is the ability to cook on-the-go. These grills slim down the size so you can bring wood-fired BBQ anywhere.
The Nomad Grill clocks in at 57 pounds without fuel. The foldable stand adds stability but isn’t considered in the weight. This makes it one of the heavier portable pellet grills. But customers are willing to accept the heft in return for better construction.
Meanwhile, the Traeger Ranger weighs 62.5 pounds by itself. This is still reasonable for a portable grill with pellet hopper and high cooking temperatures. The Ranger has two wheels that helps with moving it.
Both of these grills take commitment to transport compared to ultra-portable charcoal models. But the convenience of pellet smoking makes it worthwhile for BBQ fans. Overall, the Nomad gets a slight edge for weighing a few pounds less.
Ease Of Use
Traeger pellet grills are beloved for their easy, set-and-forget operation. Owners can load the hopper with pellets, set a target temp, and walk away. The Traeger Ranger cooking process is no different.
The Ranger uses Digital Arc Control to automatically maintain set temperature. Keeping temperatures steady is crucial for optimal smoking and prevents flare-ups.
By comparison, the Nomad Grill doesn’t have powered auto-regulation. Instead, it has a manually controlled knob that keeps the fire burning at your chosen setting. You’ll need to periodically check and adjust to hold target temperature.
Both grills are beginner-friendly overall. But the Traeger Ranger offers a simpler pellet grill experience for set-and-forget smoking sessions.
Temperature Range
A versatile pellet grill needs to reach both high searing heat and low smoking temperatures. This allows you to use direct or indirect heat for different recipes.
The Nomad Grill reaches a maximum of 500°F. While its lowest setting is 160°F for ultra-low BBQ smoking. This wide spectrum lets you precisely dial in the right temp for what you’re cooking.
Similarly, the Traeger Ranger has a minimum temperature of 165°F for low and slow smoking. It can heat up to the same maximum 500°F as the Nomad for searing steaks or burgers.
Both grills provide enough temp range to smoke sausages at 225°F or grill chicken thighs at 350-400°F. Ultimately it’s a tie when it comes to hitting necessary barbecue temperatures.
Also watch the video about Traeger Ranger!
Construction Quality
Portable grills will face bumps, knocks, and outdoor elements. A sturdy, durable build is essential for any grill you’re transporting.
As an Ooni product, the Nomad Grill is crafted to high standards. It has double-walled stainless steel construction and parts like the hopper are built solidly. Owners say it feels as sturdy and well-designed as full-sized pellet grills.
The Traeger Ranger also receives positive marks for its construction. The barrel and interior are made of thick, powder-coated steel. And Traeger has an established reputation for making long-lasting pellet grills.
Overall, both the Nomad and Ranger have the appropriate level of durability for a portable pellet smoker. The Ooni brand may inspire just a little more confidence but you can’t go wrong with either.
Fuel Source
Pellet grills use compressed hardwood pellets for low-maintenance, wood-fired flavor. Simply load pellets into the hopper and the electric auto-feed system takes care of the rest.
Both the Nomad Grill and Traeger Ranger run exclusively on wood pellets. This pellet-only design means you must keep a sufficient pellet supply on hand during your cooks.
Some competing portable grills support multiple fuel types like charcoal or propane. This provides flexibility but dilutes the authentic wood-fired taste. The Nomad and Ranger stay committed to pellet purism for consistency.
While pellet-only, neither grill can operate on battery power. You need access to 120V AC electrical power such as a generator or outlet. This can limit use in truly remote areas. But it also enables precise temperature control.
Hopper Capacity
The larger the pellet hopper, the longer you can cook before having to refill with more fuel. Hopper capacity is especially important for maintaining low, slow smoking temperatures.
The Nomad Grill is the clear winner when it comes to hopper size. It can hold a full 10 pounds of pellets in the hopper barrel. At smoking temperatures, this will last 8+ hours typically.
Meanwhile, the Traeger Ranger hopper has significantly less capacity at just 8 pounds of pellets. You’ll likely need to refill after 4-6 hours when smoking low and slow. The Ranger’s smaller overall size constrains the hopper dimension.
For shorter cooks, the Ranger’s capacity is fine. But the Nomad’s bigger hopper is a major advantage for all-day smoking or unattended cooking.
Price And Value
Portable grills make an investment in your outdoor cooking capabilities. With any major purchase, it’s worth comparing value against the price.
Without question, the Nomad Grill is the pricier option with an MSRP of $799. However, customers routinely describe it as a price-worthy investment. The premium build quality and versatile cooking make it a long-term asset.
At only $399, the Traeger Ranger provides an affordable entry point to Traeger’s famous pellet grills. You’ll enjoy wood-fired cooking in a proven design at a budget-friendly cost. It’s half the price of the Nomad for a comparable cooking experience.
Ultimately it comes down to your budget and how much value you place on premium construction Vs. cost savings. The Nomad Grill justifies its price but the Traeger Ranger is the wallet-friendlier option.
FAQs
Traeger’s biggest competitor is Green Mountain Grills. Both brands specialize in pellet grills and have battled to lead the industry. Other major players like Camp Chef and Pit Boss also vie for pellet grill market share against Traeger.
Yes, the Nomad Grill consistently receives positive reviews from owners. They praise its high-quality stainless steel build, versatile temperature range, and large pellet hopper capacity. While expensive, it delivers excellent performance comparable to full-sized pellet smokers.
The main competitors that match or surpass Traeger grills in quality and features are:
Green Mountain Grills – Excellent temperature control and smoke flavor
Z Grills – Well-built pellet grills with lots of cooking space
Camp Chef – Reliable performance at more affordable pricing
Weber – Their pellet grills are on par with Traeger quality
Yes, the Traeger Ranger can absolutely be used for low and slow smoking. It reaches a minimum temperature of 165°F, which is perfect for smoking items like brisket, pulled pork, or sausage. The Ranger’s 8-Lb hopper allows 4-6 hours of smoking time before a refill is needed.
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Conclusion
Both the Nomad Grill and Traeger Ranger provide versatility for cooking on-the-go. The Nomad wins out for its larger hopper capacity, wider temperature range, and premium construction quality. But it comes at a steep price. The Traeger Ranger competes closely on cooking performance at just half the cost. It packs Traeger’s famous set-and-forget ease into a portable package.
Ultimately, the Nomad Grill is ideal for those prioritizing craftsmanship and extended runtime. Meanwhile, the Traeger Ranger hits the sweet spot of portability and functionality for a budget buy. Choosing between these two excellent portable pellet grills comes down to your needs and budget. Either option will fulfill your appetite for wood-fired flavor at campsites, tailgates, picnics, and everywhere in between