Coleman Classic Propane Stove
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The Coleman Classic is arguably the most recognized piece of camping equipment in America. Two burners, suitcase-style design, runs on standard 16 oz propane cylinders. It's been the backbone of car-camping kitchens for decades — and it still earns that spot.
What We Love
- +Under $50 — absurd value
- +Two independently adjustable burners
- +20,000 BTU total output
- +Wind-blocking panels on three sides
- +Fits standard 10-inch pans and pots
- +Decades of proven reliability
Watch Out For
- −Not a grill — it's a stove (no grate included)
- −Heavy at 12 lbs for stove-only use
- −Propane cylinders aren't refillable
- −No piezo ignition on base model
- −Paint chips and rusts over years
Specifications
Burners
2 (10,000 BTU each)
Fuel
16.4 oz propane cylinder
Weight
12 lbs
Cooking Surface
Fits 10-inch and 12-inch pans
Ignition
Match-light (base model)
Warranty
5-year limited
The Full Review
I know what you're thinking — this isn't a grill. And you're right. The Coleman Classic is a camp stove. But it deserves a spot here because with a cast iron griddle plate ($15) laid across both burners, it becomes one of the most capable portable cooking stations at any campsite.
The two burners give you what no single-burner portable grill can: simultaneous cooking. Boil water for coffee on one side while frying eggs and bacon on the other. Or lay a Lodge cast iron griddle across both for a flat-top cooking surface that rivals dedicated portable griddles.
The wind-blocking panels on three sides actually work — they don't eliminate wind effects, but they reduce them significantly compared to open-top portable grills.
At $45, the value proposition is unbeatable. I've had mine for 8 years. The paint is chipped, the chrome is pitted, and it fires up perfectly every single time. That's the Coleman promise — it just works.
The only real complaint is no piezo ignition on the base model. Bring a lighter. The upgraded models add electronic ignition for about $15 more, which is worth it.
How Does It Compare?
At a glance against its closest portable camp stove rivals.
| Grill | Rating | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coleman Classic Propane Stove (this) | 4.5 | $45 | The most iconic camp stove ever made. |
| Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal | 4.3 | $45 | The original portable grill — folds flat, weighs 15 lbs, and actually grills well enough for real cooking on the go. |
| Weber Smokey Joe Premium | 4.6 | $50 | The original portable Weber kettle — 14 inches, $50, and bulletproof. |
Who Is It For?
Every car camper. Families who need versatile campsite cooking. Budget-conscious outdoor cooks. Anyone who wants the most reliable camp cooking platform ever made.
Final Verdict
The Coleman Classic at $45 is the best value in portable outdoor cooking. Add a $15 cast iron griddle and you have a complete campsite kitchen for $60. Nothing else comes close for the price.
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