We put two of the best pellet smokers face to face today when looking for the best portable pellet grill. We are talking about Traeger Ranger vs Z Grills Cruiser 200A. You’ll find many articles on our site in which we’ve used smokers & grills from Traeger and Z Grills.
You want to compare these two because you are considering buying the best tabletop pellet grill. The difference between Traeger Ranger and Z Grills Cruiser 200A cannot be summed up.
Today we are going to compare these two and will discuss the features, performance, and some other scenarios where you can consider them the best truck tailgate grill. Both are small pellet grills from market-leading brands.
If you plan for a tailgate, camping, or outdoors, and you have an RV trailer or truck, which is the best ideal choice for you? The Traeger and Z grills both have a wide range of well-spaced pellet grills, though they are all overweight and not designed for your pick-up or RV. The Ranger and Cruiser 200A takes up the least amount of space in your vehicle.
Traeger Ranger vs Z Grills Cruiser 200A – Head To Head
Traeger Ranger Pellet Grill
The Traeger Ranger Pellet Grill is the market leader in our category so we’ll start with that.
The Traeger Grill Ranger is great in the portability section, with the structure being mostly coated cast iron, while higher-gauge stainless steel is used elsewhere. The sturdy cooking area is made of ceramic coated cast iron which is great for heat distribution. But here is the concern about the composition content.
The Ranger comes with only 184 square inches which is less but it is great for 2 people and sometimes 2 more kids. In terms of flavor, it will give you 100% natural hardwood smoke flavor in your food.
This portable pellet grill is designed for outdoor grilling. It has a lid with a latch that keeps the smoke and temperature in. It comes with an advanced Grilling Logic digital ARC controller that maintains accurate temperature all the time.
Meat Probe offers you to monitor the internal temperature of your cooking meat and makes it easy to control the temperature. The temperature range is 180 to 450 degrees.
Here you are free to worry about the food getting cold. It has a warming mode that keeps your food warm without overcooking the food. Hopper capacity is 8 pounds. This tabletop pellet grill comes with a total weight of just 60 pounds which is easy to lift.
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Easy to use
- Excellent temperature control
- Value for money
- 3-Years limited
Cons
- Sometimes meat probes do not work properly
Z Grills Cruiser 200A Pellet Grill
Cruiser 200A is a new model in the market which has been launched by Z Grills. Similar to the Traeger Ranger, this model is a compact, durable-built pellet grilling unit designed to take you anywhere you go. Made of steel and durable powder-coated finished cruiser 200A.
Z Grills Cruiser 200A Cooking Grates are made of porcelain-coated steel wire mesh. It offers 202 square inches of cooking space which is best for 3 persons. The porcelain coat provides great heat distribution evenly over the cooking area.
Coming to the temperature control system, comes with a dial-in digital controller that guarantees you reliable temperature control while maintaining a precise temperature within +/- 15 °F for perfect results every time.
This Z Grills Cruiser 200A portable pellet grill lid is included with a lathe that prevents heat and smoke from leaking out. The temperature range is 180 to 450 degrees but it doesn’t have meat probes.
This portable Table Top Pallet Grill has 8 pounds in hopper capacity, so 4 to 6 hours of long family time will last your family time, once the hopper is full and its portability gives it its weight and edge that’s just 40 pounds. After completing camping it is very easy to clean with the grease management system.
Pros
- Compact & Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Price
- 3-years limited warranty
- Excellent control of heat
Cons
- +/-15 °F which is not good for temperature accuracy
Features
| Features | Traeger Ranger Portable Pellet Grill | Z Grills Cruiser 200A Portable Pellet Grill |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |  |
| Temperature Controller | ARC Digital controller | Dial-in Digital controller |
| Temperature Range | 180 - 450°F | 180 - 450°F |
| Cooking Area | 174 Square inches | 202 Square inches |
| Lid Lock | Yes | Yes |
| Meat Probe | Yes | No |
| Cleaning | Grease Management System | Grease Management System |
| Price | Check Current Price on Amazon | Check Current Price on ZGrills.com |
Quick Specification: Z Grills Cruiser 200 vs Traeger Ranger
| Traeger Ranger | Z Grills Cruiser 200A | |
|---|---|---|
| Total Cooking Area | 184 Square inches | 202 Square inches |
| Grill Dimensions | 20 x 21 x 13 inches | 25 x 20 x 13 inches |
| Weight | 60-pounds | 40-pounds |
| Construction Materials | Steel, Cast iron | Steel |
| Temperature Range | 180 – 450°F | 180 – 450°F |
| Temperature Control System | ARC Digital controller | Dial-in Digital controller |
| Cord Management | No | Yes |
| Power | 120V | 110V |
| Grease Management System | Yes | Yes |
| Meat Probes | Yes | No |
| Hopper Capacity | 8-lbs | 8-lbs |
| Warranty | 3-year limited warranty | 3-year limited warranty |
| Price | View On Amazon | View On Z Grill.com |
Compare By Photo – Z Grills Cruiser 200A vs Traeger Ranger
After comparing the features and specifications of both the tabletop pellet grill, here are some pictures that can be compared to each other, which will give you a clear vision of them.
Traeger Ranger
Z Grills Cruiser
Final Verdict
I hope all your questions have been answered. Although you know that both are from different brands and Traeger Ranger vs Z Grill Cruiser there are some similarities and some differences which meet and affect the needs of different people.
Both the portable pellet grills are almost identical in terms of start, fuel system, portability, hopper capacity, robustness, cleanliness, temperature range, warranty, and easy setup, but the Z Grill Cruiser has more cooking area which makes an impact while camping.
If we talk about temperature accuracy then Traeger Ranger gives excellent control over heat. Z Grills Cruiser provides +/- 15 °F temperature info which is not good for temperature accuracy.
The Traeger Ranger is a great choice in terms of temperature control, performance, and durability among all others. The Z Grill Cruiser is also a better option in terms of price, cooking area, portability, performance, and durability.
If you have 2 people, the Traeger Ranger Portable Pellet Grill is the perfect choice for your next camping trip. Everything else depends on your discretion.
Traeger Ranger Manual
If you’re having trouble setting up this portable grill, download the Traeger Ranger Pellet Grill Manual.
Z Grills Cruiser 200A Manual
If you’re having trouble setting up this tabletop pellet grill, download the Z Grills Cruiser 200A Manual.
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