Designed for groups up to 6 people, the Coleman Classic propane stove is an important asset to have while camping. High heat output and two burners deliver all the versatility you need to cook several meals simultaneously.
It works with standard propane tanks, it's relatively light, and easy to carry. Is it worth the hype? Read our Coleman Classic propane stove review to find it out.
Coleman Classic Propane Stove
Summary
Summary:
Generous cooking surface and separate controls for each burner make it easy to cook lots of different meals simultaneously. Removable chromed grate and aluminized cooktop boost durability and allow for easy cleaning. The stove is light and portable. Easy to use and maintain, it suits groups of up to 6 people.
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Comfort
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Set-up
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Quality
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Price
Overall
Pros
Reasons to Buy:
- Very easy to set up and maintain
- Boils water in under 5 minutes
- Suitable for groups of 6 people
- Adjustable burner controls
- Excellent performance in wind
- Overall great value for money
Cons
2 x 10,000 BTU
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1 x 10″ + 1 x 12″ pans
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2 Burners
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Propane
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Boil Time – 5 min
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Burn Time – 1 hour
Who Is Coleman Classic Propane Stove For?
The Coleman Classic propane stove is designed with small to mid-sized groups in mind. It is an excellent choice for families of four to six members, although it could feed larger gangs if you cook soups or stews.
Boasting a cooking surface of 21.9 by 13.7 inches, it can hold a 10-inch pan and a 12-inch pan simultaneously.
At this size, the stove appeals majorly to car campers. However, a weight of only 9.8 pounds without the gas tank also makes it a great choice for family backpacking trips.
Running on propane, the stove can be used at all heights and even in lower temperatures, so it's a great choice for 4-season camping.
Coleman Classic Propane Stove Features Quality Test
Easy to Use
Using the Coleman Classic is as simple as it gets. It comes pre-assembled, and all you have to do is to attach the fuel adaptor and propane tank to start cooking.
The stove doesn't come with an integrated lighter, which comes as a surprise, considering that most Coleman models feature the proprietary Instastart.
However, even if you have to use matches or a lighter to light it up, the appliance-like knobs make the process quick and easy.
The same knobs also allow you to adjust the temperature from high to low, while the large, adjustable windshields maintain cooking performance even in stronger gusts.
Time to Boil
The Coleman Classic propane stove boasts a high heat output of 20,000 BTU - 10,000 BTU for each burner. This may seem as little at first glance, but propane's efficiency shows off quickly, allowing you to bring a quart of water to a boil in around 5 minutes.
What impresses is the constant performance in all weather conditions.
Unlike other stoves that lose heat fast in the wind or when the temperature drops, the Classic stove from Coleman won't disappoint.
Burn Time
The burn time is not excessive, but it's not that bad either. Considering that it comes with two burners, you can enjoy up to an hour of cooking on high, on a single burner.
If you're cooking for a smaller gang and only use the stove for making breakfast or boiling water, then a tank could suffice for a 2-day trip.
Portability
Weighing 9.8 pounds and measuring 21.9 x 13.7 x 4.1 inches, this stove is not the most portable out there. It is an excellent choice for car camping and tailgating.
Nevertheless, its size and weight are not excessive, either. An adult could easily carry it in a backpack if you're planning to go hiking with a larger group or the extended family.
Wind Resistance
Coleman Classic's wind resistance is admirable. Compared to many similar stoves, it doesn't suffer too much from wind, delivering consistent performance in all weather conditions.
All this is possible thanks to the large windscreens covering three sides. Sure, you may struggle a bit to simmer in a breeze, but other than this, there are no major issues.
Stability
Coleman Classic stove boasts a tabletop design that is incredibly stable on all flat surfaces. You should place it on a table, but if the campsite is flat, you won't have any stability issues if you place it directly on the ground.
Four anti-skid legs further improve stability. Thanks to its low-profile design, this stove is not only an excellent portable solution, you can also mount it in an RV.
Simmering
Large, appliance-like knobs and good wind resistance can only mean good simmering capability. Indeed, the flame intensity is quite easy to adjust, so you can match the temperature to the dish being cooked.
Like most stoves with small burners, though, this one creates a hot spot in the center of the pan.
Due to this reason, it adjusting to a lower temperature is sometimes tricky, especially when cooking in windy conditions.
All in all, simmering is satisfactory, but you should keep an eye on your food to prevent burning it.
Features We Love
Innovative Technologies
Coleman brand is renowned worldwide for its innovative camping gear, and the Classic propane stove is no different.
PerfectFlow and PerfectHeat technologies make it stand out. The former ensures consistent performance in all conditions, a feature confirmed by the stove's impressive abilities in wind and cold weather.
The latter delivers more effective cooking and higher fuel efficiency, increasing burn time.
Durable Cooktop
Wind and corrosive elements - above all, water droplets when camping near the sea or ocean - can easily damage the cooktop of most steel camp stoves.
To prevent this issue, Coleman equipped its Classic stove with an aluminized steel cooktop that not only resists rust and corrosion, but that is also very easy to clean.
Adjustable Controls
The two 10,000 BTU burners come with separate and easy to adjust controls. This stove allows you to create two temperature zones, for seamless cooking of various meals simultaneously.
Easy Maintenance
Cleaning the stove is a breeze. Not only the aluminized cooktop is very easy to clean with lukewarm water and a sponge, we also like that it comes with a removable, chromed grate.
What Buyers Say About Their Coleman Classic Propane Stove?
There seems to be a general consensus among users when it comes to the quality and durability of the Coleman Classic propane stove. This camp stove is judged as performing and dependable.
Most users like its performance in wind, praising its larger-than-average windshields.
The size and weight are also acclaimed by users, the stove being considered portable.
Criticism regards the poor adjustment to lower temperatures. Even if simmering is possible, the hot spot in the center of the pan still makes it a hassle to slow cook.
Overall, most users would recommend this stove, though. Below, some detailed pros and cons.
Pros
- Fuel adaptor is very easy to thread on, compared to other brands
- High fuel efficiency
- Lightweight and compact for a 2-burner stove
- Attractive price tag
- Adjustable windscreens
- High-quality grate and cooktop
Cons
- No auto-ignition
- Low BTU compared to similar stoves
- Carrying case is not comfortable
What is Included?
- 2-burner stove with windshields
- Fuel adaptor
Technical Specs
- Fuel type - Gas cylinder
- Fuel - Propane
- Auto ignition - No
- Heat output - 2 x 10,000 BTU
- Burn time (Max flame) - 1 hour
- Average boil time (1L) - 5 minutes
- Dimensions - 21.9" x 13.7" x 4.1"
- Weight - 9.8 lb
Coleman Classic Propane Alternatives
| Name | Coleman Triton+ Propane Stove | Jetboil Genesis Basecamp Stove | Eureka! Ignite Portable Stove | Camp Chef Explorer Stove |
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| Fuel Type | Gas cylinder | Gas cylinder | Gas cylinder | 20 lb propane tank |
| Fuel | Propane | Propane | Propane | Propane |
| Heat Output | 2 x 11,000 BTU | 2 x 5,000 BTU | 2 x 10,000 BTU | 2 x 30,000 BTU |
| Burn Time | 1 hour | 1 hour | 1 1/2 hours | 15 hours |
| Auto Ignition | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Average Boil Time (1L) | 4 minutes | 5 minutes | 5 minutes | 3 minutes |
| Packed Size | 23" x 5.9" x 14" | 9.8" x 9.8" x 4.6" | 23" x 12.8" x 4" | 34" x 14" x 29" |
| Name | Photo | Fuel | Average Boil Time (1L) |
| Coleman Triton+ Propane Stove | | Propane | 4 minutes |
| Jetboil Genesis Basecamp Stove | | Propane | 5 minutes |
| Eureka! Ignite Portable Stove | | Propane | 5 minutes |
| Camp Chef Explorer Stove | | Propane | 3 minutes |