Coleman Classic Propane Stove Review
Getting the chance to tailgate before the big game, cook at the beach or setting up camp in the backwoods is often a great way to refresh the soul. Of course, in these situations, you need to tap into mankind’s basic ability to create fire to cook food. These days a lot of parking lot attendants and public parks frown on charcoal grills, preferring or even mandating that you use propane. This is because propane stoves and grills are easy to extinguish yet incredibly convenient to cook on. Yet, sometimes you don’t want to sink a large chunk of change in a fancy propane grill when something simple and classic will do just the same. In a situation like this, it’s nice to know you can rely on the time-tested Coleman Classic Propane Stove.
Its simplicity is married with the kind of durability that has made it one of Coleman’s best sellers for decades. Coleman designed to handle the kind of inclement weather you might be confronted with when camping in the backwoods, or simply needing to cook on a windy day at a tailgate parking lot. It will work with an easy to carry 1-pound propane tank, which further improves its portability.
It folds up easily into a lightweight case with a comfortable handle. The lid opens to reveal a pair of Wind Block Panels, which help prevent a strong breeze from blowing out the fire, while also helping to keep the heat centered in the cooking space. Each burner has an independent control knob and is capable of producing 10,000 BTU’s of heat. When both propane burners are cranked to high the Coleman Classic Propane Stove is capable of producing a combined 20,000 BTU’s.
If you want to set the stove in place for something like a week-long camping trip, and you want to hook it up to a larger tank the fittings can accommodate it. However, this stove does not convert to natural gas. The cooktop space is also large enough to accommodate a 10-inch and 12-inch pot or pan at the same time. This allows you to do something like fry bacon and eggs at the same time. It could also simmer a pot of oatmeal on one burner while a percolator of coffee bubbles on the other.
Construction & Ease of Assembly
It takes little effort to assemble the Coleman Classic Propane Stove. It comes fully ready to use. All you have to do is open the lid, flip out the Wind Block Panels, and connect the propane tank, and fire it up.
Grilling Performance
The Coleman Classic Propane Stove has been designed to provide you with a quality cooking fire, even in inclement conditions. The 10,000 BTU’s of heat each burner produces can handle most basic cooking application. It won’t necessarily provide you with searing high heat or a large propane grill, but you can still sear a Steak in a cast iron pan with it. While the integrated Wind Blocker Panels do help prevent a breeze from blowing out the flame, they can sometimes get in the way. In calm conditions, you can fold the Wind Block Panels of the lid away to give you a little more cooktop space and handle room.
At the same time, the fitting that connects the propane tank to the stove can sometimes come loose. This is often related to the imbalance caused by the weight of the tank. To prevent this from being a problem, you can simply place something under the regulator dial for added support.
Grilling Areas
The cooktop area measures at 21.9-inches by 13.7-inches, which is enough to support a 10-inch and a 12-inch pot or pan at the same time.
Ease to Clean
The Coleman Classic Propane Stove is pretty straightforward to clean. Once everything has cooled down you can disconnect the propane tank and remove the top cooking grate. You can then wipe away any debris or spatter. If there is any spatter marks or grease on the Wind Blocker Panels or the cover, you should wipe them away with a wet sponge or a clean paper towel.
Warranty
The Coleman Classic Propane Stove comes with a 3-year limited warranty.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a portable, durable, and versatile cooking stove the Coleman Classic Propane Stove is designed to tick all the boxes. It is incredibly lightweight and can run on a single one-pound propane tank. You can literally transport it with your own two hands.
The Wind Blocker Panels help maintain consistent flame and heat, while also providing you with the basic cooktop space you need to prepare a meal. If you are looking for a simple and affordable option to cook for a tailgate gathering, a backwoods camping vacation or a simple day at the beach, you should consider the Coleman Classic Propane Stove.
