Portability

This Coleman stove looks more or less like a briefcase when it is all packed up. You simply fold in the wind-blocking panels, close the top, and secure the latch. There is even a small handle that allows you to easily carry it - like a briefcase. However, depending on how you prefer to pack and carry your gear, I should tell you that the handle is not big enough to put a rope or bungee cord through.

As for the weight of the stove, Amazon claims it is only .7 ounces. This would be shocking if it were true. The true approximate weight is around ten pounds. An extra ten pounds on a week-long trek could be difficult, but for a short hike from the car, it’s nothing.

It should be noted that while this stove can be carried like a briefcase through the mountains, you should be cautious not to slam it against rocks and boulders. It is made from what could be described as a durable sheet metal material. If you’re not careful, it could be dented easily. The measurements of the camping stove when folded up are 4” x 21.9” x 13.7”.

Ease of Use

Assuming you have boiled water successfully on the stove at home, this camping stove will be easy for you to use. The propane line is included, but the propane itself is not. Connecting the propane is simple, but doesn’t always feel sturdy. It’s a good idea to strategically set it up so that the tank is supported.

While it’s definitely not a deal-breaker, both heat adjustment knobs are on one side. This doesn’t affect the ease of use but just takes some getting used to. One other minor point of complaint is that there is no ignition button. You need to separately pack a long lighter to ignite the gas.

Coleman claims that you can fit a twelve-inch and a ten-inch pan on this stove at the same time. While that is true, it’s a very tight squeeze. I recommend using a maximum of two ten-inch pans simultaneously. Imagine the delicious meals you can make with twenty or “twenty-two” inches of cooking area!

Reliability

If you’ve gotten to this point, you already know that the stove is easy to use and works well. But how well, exactly?

First, let’s discuss BTUs. BTU stands for British Thermal Unit. This measurement is used to showcase the heat output of a stove or grill. To make it simple, think of one BTU as the equivalent of one burning match. While big grills (with tops that can be closed) can get away with having a lower BTU, it is important for an open stove like this to have an impressive number. This Coleman camping stove boasts 10,000 BTUs per burner, which is similar to the burners in your kitchen at home.

To get an idea of how much propane you’ll be using, you can use both burners on high for one hour straight and it will cost you 16.4 ounces of propane. Unless you’re cooking a masterpiece for an extended family reunion, you’ll likely only be able to cook about eight to ten meals on one tank. This may also be a good time to mention, if you use both burners on high simultaneously, the flames will not be as strong as usual.

The PerfectFlow technology, AKA the included pressure regulator, ensures a consistent output in any situation. You can count on a consistent flame, despite the weather or the amount of propane you have left- unless you have none. Then, obviously, the stove will not function.

Some people have complained about the valves of the stove, making it somewhat difficult to control the flame. This can be fixed by cleaning the valves every so often, including before the first use. It seems as though the Coleman factory uses thick lubrication that causes a build-up on the valve. After removing the excess lubrication, the knobs will be much easier to use and you’ll be able to set the heat to a simmer without an issue.

Without this routine cleaning, it may be difficult to set the flame to your desired temperature, and the temperature you set the flame to may change slightly as you walk away. Apart from this minor inconvenience, you can depend on this stove to help you produce great meals for every camping trip.

Versatility

The adjustable, yet not removable, wind-blocking panels allow this product to be used in many different environments. When cooking with high winds, position the back of the stove (or the top of the “briefcase”) towards the direction of the wind. This trick, along with the panels, will help the stove stay lit.

While this can’t (or shouldn’t) be used as anything else besides a stove, it can be used in many different environments. Most people use this for cooking in the wilderness during a camping trip. However, some people keep this product on hand in case of a power outage or an issue with their home kitchen. Another great option is to use this product for tail-gaiting before a game. It takes up very little space in your car and is quick and easy to set up.

Any way you choose to use it is a great idea. Perhaps now is a good time to remind you to be cautious when using this device indoors. If you have the option, take advantage of the portability of this product and take it outside.

A few features that make the Coleman Classic Propane Stove stand out against the competition include affordability, the ability to use this stove in many different environments, including inclement weather, and its ease of use. The Even-Temp Propane Stove is a close second, but the wind guards don’t live up to the Coleman gas stove. Another close second is the Guide Series Liquid Fuel Stove. This similarly-sized stove only boasts 14,000 BTUs and doesn’t use petroleum.

When comparing the Coleman Classic two-burner propane stove to other products on the market, you’ll notice that many people swear by it. Some use it for many years, until it finally dies, and then buy another one.

Compared to similar camping stoves, this one is priced very affordably. However, if remembering to pack a long lighter is a no-go for you, you may want to consider a different stove with an ignition button built-in.

If you are looking for a reliable, lightweight, and easy-to-use camping stove, the Coleman Classic Propane Stove is a great option. As I mentioned, it weighs about ten pounds, is easy to set up and break down, and even has a handle to make transporting it even easier.

Even though you’ll need to be vigilant about cleaning the valves, including before the first use, this stove is worth it. If that’s not enough to sway you, Coleman also provides a three-year limited warranty.