Everyone loves a hot meal back at camp after a long day hiking, biking, or out on the water. Food always seems to taste better when you’re camping, but a cold sandwich doesn’t quite hit the same way that a warm dish does.
This leads us to the first gear review for The Occasional Camper!
Today we’re going to be looking at the classic Coleman 2-burner propane stove. This stove has long been a staple for campers of all levels, and hasn’t changed much, if at all, over the years. In fact, the one that my family had when I was growing up is identical to the one that I purchased as an adult!
Classic Coleman 2-burner propane stove features and specs
Here are some of the basic specs for this unit:
| Weight | 11.9 pounds |
| Dimensions (when folded) | 21.9 inches (W) x 13.7 inches (D) x 4.1 inches (H) |
| Material | Steel |
| Number of burners | 2 |
| Max heat output | 20,000 BTU |
| Fuel | Propane/ LP gas |
| Price | Around $45 at major retailers |
Stove features:
This stove is definitely a no-frills model, however, there are two notable features:
- PerfectFlow mechanism, which ensures a steady stream of propane, even in cold temperatures or high altitudes
- Wind panels, which protect your flame (and food) from windy conditions
There’s no electric starter on this stove, so you’ll need a lighter or match to get the flame started.
The stove runs off of 1lb propane bottles, which run about $4-$5 at big brand retailers and outdoor stores. With both burners wide open, a 1 lb propane canister will last about an hour, hour and a half max. However, rarely do you run both burners on high heat for a long period of time. In my experience, one bottle is usually plenty for a weekend trip.
If you have a larger 20 lbs propane tank and want to use that, you can purchase an additional propane regulator, hose, and adapter to make it work.
Classic Coleman stove review
This gear review will be short and sweet.
My metrics are simple:
Does the classic Coleman 2-burner propane stove get the job done?
Yes! I’ve successfully cooked and warmed many meals over this stove.
Is it reliable?
Yes, it’s worked every time I’ve tried to use it without fail. Even if it’s been sitting in the garage for months, it performs without issue.
Is it easy to use?
Absolutely. Even as someone who is generally cautious around flames and is always afraid something is going to explode, I am able to operate this stove with confidence.
Is it well-built?
Yep! It has a sturdy steel construction. I’ve used both heavy cast-iron and stainless steel pots and pans, and the stove has been able to support everything I’ve put on it!
When it comes time to clean, the metal grate comes right off, allowing you to scrub it down and clean around the burners.
Is it an occasional camper must-have?
In my opinion, yes! Of course a “must-have” is subjective, so you may be able to do without or prefer a different model. Though smaller stove and burner options can get the job done, this stove sits at the intersection of affordability and capability.
How portable is it?
The Coleman stove folds up nicely, but is a little clunky. I definitely wouldn’t recommend this if you’re backpacking, but it’s perfect for car camping.
What are the drawbacks?
As I mentioned earlier, this is definitely a no-frills stove. Here are a few drawbacks to keep in mind.
- No starter: As I mentioned earlier, there is no built-in starter, so you’ll need to be sure to bring matches or a long lighter.
- It gets hot: When I first got the stove, I wasn’t aware of just how hot the burners get, even on an apparently low flame. I’ve burned my fair share of pancakes on this stove.
But as with many things in life, with a little practice, you can be a master at operating this stove.
So to sum things up:
| Does it get the job done? | Yes |
| Is it reliable? | Yes |
| Is it easy to use? | Yes |
| Is it well-built? | Yes |
| Is it an occasional camper must-have? | Yes |
| How portable is it? | Perfect for car camping, but not backpacking. |
| What are the drawbacks? | No built-in starter; can be hard to control low flame |
Keep the fun going with warm meals
Home cooked meals always taste better in the great outdoors. The Coleman 2-burner stove gives you the heat you need to heat up and cook great dishes when you’re out camping. It’s reliability and affordable price point makes it perfect for the occasional camping trip and the occasional camper!