Coleman makes tents, sleeping bags, lanterns, dining ware, cookware, stoves and many other items we are adding to our ever-increasing camping gear boxes.
The Coleman Electronic Ignition 2 Burner Propane Stove is an outstanding product. It was recommended to me in several camping groups while I was debating what gear was necessary to buy.
At first, I didn't think we would need a camping stove. Camping means cooking over an open fire, right? Well, after waiting 2 hours the first morning for a pot of coffee to perk, I made the decision that a camping stove would be a very good idea.
The Coleman Electronic Ignition 2 Burner Propane Stove is long and flat, and about 11 pounds. For campers this is fine, since we usually are not carrying the stove great distances. Backpackers would have to pass on this stove. The stove packs conveniently in the car since it folds up so flat. It can even go under the seat! The outside is a rich green color and not smooth. This is important because it makes it a bit harder to clean the outside of the stove. You have to be very aware if something splatters on it that it's cleaned up fairly quickly.
Opening the stove is easy. It unlock with a push of a metal clasp in front. On either side of the lid are wind guards that fasten securely and protect the gas flame when lit.
The propane attachment is located in the base of the stove between the two burners. One side screws onto the stove and the other onto the small (one-use) bottle of propane. You can find these bottles either in a camping store, or I usually get mine at our local Target. The cost is about $3 for two bottles. Each bottle should last two to three days, depending on the number of meals and how long you have to cook the food.
The inside of the stove around the two burners is made of stainless steel. This cleans up very easy when anything spills on it. I just keep a handi-wipe in my camping boxes and I use a damp one with a small amount of detergent.
The electronic ignition works very well. On our first trip with the stove, we had one day that was very breezy. I can't imagine struggling to light a match and keep it lit while I fumbled to use the propane. The electronic ignition lit every time on one or two presses of the button.
We have used it for perking coffee, making pasta, frying bacon, cooking eggs, and reheating Spaghetti-O's. This stove cooks food very fast. The knobs control the flame adequately, making adjustment of the cooking temperature a breeze. Though we enjoy the campfire, I much prefer cooking on this stove to trying to cook on the fire. My coffee is done in twenty minutes now instead of two hours (and that's important first thing in the morning!).
On our first use, we had a problem with the control knobs on the front of the stove being over-tightened. I was alone with the three kids and there was no way I could get the knobs to turn. Campers are a helpful lot, and someone finally helped me get one of the burners going, but we stripped the knob of the other one. When we returned home, my husband used a pair of pliers and got the knobs to turn as they should. We called Coleman and they shipped out another knob to us.
For this reason, I'd recommend a trial run at home after buying the stove, just to make sure everything is operable. It is also a good way to learn if you will have to adjust your cooking style.
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