Coleman Sportster Propane Grill
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First Published
The Coleman Sportster fills the gap between the Classic camp stove and the premium RoadTrip 285. It's a proper grill — with a lid, grate, and grease tray — in a compact, affordable package designed for casual campers who want to grill, not just cook.
What We Love
- +Under $80 — great value for a lidded grill
- +Compact enough for car trunks
- +Lid enables convection cooking
- +Push-button ignition
- +Adjustable burner with decent heat range
- +Coleman build quality and reliability
Watch Out For
- −Small cooking surface — feeds 2-3 max
- −Single burner limits temperature zones
- −Thin grate doesn't retain heat well
- −No stand — tabletop only
- −Wind still affects performance through vents
Specifications
Cooking Area
~180 sq in
Burners
1 (11,000 BTU)
Fuel
16.4 oz propane cylinder
Weight
14 lbs
Ignition
Push-button piezo
Warranty
5-year limited
The Full Review
The Sportster does one thing the Coleman Classic can't — actual grilling with a lid. The lid traps heat for convection cooking, lets you do indirect heat for chicken thighs, and keeps flare-ups contained. For $79, it's a legitimate grill, not a stove with a grate bolted on.
The 180 sq in cooking surface is small but sufficient for a couple or small family. I fit 6 burgers or 4 chicken breasts comfortably. Don't try to feed a group of 8 — that's RoadTrip territory.
Push-button ignition works reliably, even in cold weather. The single 11,000 BTU burner heats to about 450°F with the lid closed — hot enough for burgers and dogs, but don't expect steakhouse searing.
The grate is thin porcelain-coated wire. It works fine but doesn't hold heat like cast iron. For better searing, preheat with the lid closed for 10 minutes before cooking.
At $79 it slots perfectly between the $45 Classic stove and the $249 RoadTrip 285. If you camp a few times a year and want actual grilled food without spending $250, this is your grill.
How Does It Compare?
At a glance against its closest portable gas grill rivals.
| Grill | Rating | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coleman Sportster Propane Grill (this) | 4.2 | $79 | A compact, no-frills tabletop grill with a lid for real grilling at the campsite. |
| Lodge Sportsman's Hibachi | 4.5 | $99 | A 17-lb cast iron hibachi that sears like a steakhouse and lasts forever. |
| Cuisinart Petit Gourmet Portable | 4.2 | $55 | A 13. |
Who Is It For?
Casual campers who want a real grill under $100. Couples and small families on weekend camping trips. Budget-conscious buyers who don't need the RoadTrip's bells and whistles.
Final Verdict
The Coleman Sportster at $79 is the best budget camping grill with a lid. It won't win awards for searing or capacity, but it grills real food reliably at a price that's hard to argue with.
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