Those who’ve had bad luck w/ Coleman…?
I’m curious. I’ve used and abused a fair selection of Coleman liquid fuel products over the years and have never experienced nor seen any problems that weren’t attributed to gross operator error. What model did you have trouble with? What was the problem? Did you contact the company?
Sure, their stuff isn’t ultra-premium level, but I think it’s fair to say it represents a good value.
I have no affiliation with Coleman; I’m just puzzled by vague comments describing unnamed gear as crap.
Phreon
The 442 is a good stove
I have an old Peak 1 model, and a 442 Feather dual fuel. I like them because I don’t have to mess around putting pieces together. I’ll use either one of them for canoe camping and backpacking. Never had any mechanical problems, though I did get a flare up when I overpumped the old Peak 1 - as others have said, that was operator error - NEVER have had any problems when I followed the directions and don’t try to short-cut the process. The Peak 1 is maybe 25 years old, and the 442 is about 10 years old. I have never tried the 442 with anything other than Coleman fuel. You do need to remember to put the occasional drop of oil on the pump, otherwise, no maintenance issues ( I do empty the stove and allow to air dry between trips).
They all worked well
I have used the same Svea 123 for almost 35 years. Still works great and I have never changed a part on it. I have never had a problem with a 442 in nearly 10 years. I had no problem with MSR stoves having owned them from beginning, but never liked them.
Seems if you take care of them, they take care of you. Funny how that works.
Here You Go, Phreon
Here’s the “Long” version of why my Coleman Dual fuel stove was a piece of crap.
My Coleman Dual Fuel stove wouldn’t hold it’s pressure. I would work on it, it would work fine for awhile, then NOT work, typically on a trip. This occurred not once or twice, but several times. I didn’t take notes on how many times or exactly what I did with it except I remember taking some parts off and reading the little owners manual, heck, it’s been over 5 years ago.
I have had a 2 burner coleman stove, 2 coleman lanterns and inumerable other Coleman products and they were all good products. My comment was not a wholesale attack on Coleman, but the fact remains, the Dual Fuel stove never saw anything but Coleman brand white gas, and never worked correct straight from the box. Thankfully, the times it failed, I was able to borrow a friends, or cook over a fire.
In contrast, I used my Svea for over 20 years with NO maintenance, and it NEVER failed me on a trip. Fewer parts, not as fancy, but very reliable. I have no doubt that wherever the little Svea is now, it’s STILL working.
Hopefully that clears things up for those who thought my comments were a wholesale “Trashing” of Coleman. Just expressing my opinion on a few stoves I have owned.
WW
I have two Sveas. Be nice and I might
sell one of them.
Me too
I have an old Peak 1 stove which I wouldn’t dream of replacing. Like others have said, there are lighter stoves out there, and that would matter if you are a backpacker, but the thing works flawlessly every time, and unlike so many of those stoves with a cult following, it really DOES have the ability to keep a low simmer. In addition, the full-power setting is really too strong for anything but a huge pot, so the full range of heat settings is more than enough for me. I did get a little flame coming out the regulator valve one time last summer, but I tightened the vlave packing and it’s been fine since then.
My Stove Has Free Fuel
I’ve been using a Sierra stove for over 20 years. Well, one stove for 15 and its replacement for 5+.
If you camp where there are no restrictions on open fires, I highly recommend it. It burns just about anything, puts out a bunch of BTU’s, is compact and very simple to operate.
http://www.zzstove.com/
I’ve
had mine since they first came out…it was a hard choice at the time …The Nova or the new snow peak. I chose the Nova, but could easially have gone with the snow peak. Both are good
I also have feather 400, feather 442, apex 2, 508, 502B, Triangia, nesbit, MSR international.
I always take my Nova…nice stove.
Best Wishes
Roy
I used to sell those years ago
Didn’t know they were still in business. They do throw the heat, I prefer the non-battery powered one though.
Aaack!
Sorry if I sounded “on edge”. MAN I need a vacation. Or at least some sunshine.
No doubt the SVEA 123 is a tough little stove (tougher than your average Coleman for sure). I always wanted one, but prices these days are crazy.
Check out a Coleman 530 sometime. Obvious design cues were stolen from the svea. 60 years old and still roars like mad.
From where might I procure a “chill pill”?
Phreon
MSR’s new stove
MSR as a new stove coming out to go against the jetboil. its supposedly going to blow it out of the water in terms of performance. don’t know when it comes out though
I would recommend the 442.
I also have lots of stoves. The 442 has served me well. Don’t use unleaded gas unless you have to. Coleman fuel or other white gas works best. My favorite stove is now a Jetboil. I cook mostly wet foods such as soups, noodles, rice and stews anyway. Not good for frying fish or grilling a steak but I use the campfire for that. Also, it brews a cup of coffee quick. In short, If I could only have one stove, it would be my Jetboil. But I still want my 442.
Ol’ Faithful
The ice storm that rolled through my area took the power out for most of the evening (just came back on). I broke out the Feather 400, still half full of last year’s fuel, pumped it up and lit it with no problem. A small whoosh, about 5 seconds of a foot high flame and then another twenty or so to get it stable/blue/ready to slow down to simmer. Cooked a can of Castlebury Beef Stew (yum) on it in no time flat. That little burner without a doubt “outmuscles” my electric stove hands down.
Were it not for the 400s simmer ability, I would have scorched the stew. I almost broke out the vintage Coleman 530, but like a SVEA 123, it’s either off or a blowtorch.
Phreon
Coleman 442 Simmering
I had a Peak 1 stove for years before it developed a leak and the 442 for several years. They are very reliable stoves and get a pot to boiling in record time. I had better luck simmering with the Peak 1 than with the 442, but I’ll try the recommendations on fixing that problem. I have also noticed that the 442 starts more quickly and at colder temperatures than the Peak 1.
MSR Simmerlite rules!
yes it’s a bit more complex to clean than the Whisperlite which is dead simple, but it is quieter, and simmers a bit better. the lightest white gas stove on the market, and an elegant design. use fresh clean fuel and carry your jet prick, and should never have a worry.
i’ve heard others complain about MSR, but that’s also a function of their popularity. there are more MSR’s out there than most, because they are generally better, lighter stoves.
lots of small parts? not much anymore. the latest pump units are quite simple and sturdier than before. if you expect to be especially hard on your stove, or put it to institutional use here’s my advice: don’t abuse the stove, and strictly instruct others in proper stove use and care! or you can cook over fires…
Dragonfly Stove and Simmerlite
I have used my Dragonfly for 4-5 years now and absolutely love the stove. It’s easy to light. Works well in summer and winter. Has stable base and the best flame control I have seen on any stove. I have had no problems with the stove except the need for routine maintenance. I had an o-ring fail on the pump once and developed a clogged fuel line filter on another occasion (which meant that it was working to protect the stove like it was supposed to). Both were easy fixes with the Dragonfly maintenance kit, which I recommend taking along. It is light and provides the tools for most any stove emergency. It has saved me a couple of times. If you are really good at keeping up with routine maintenance this might not be an issue.
I also just purchased an MSR Simmerlite. You might consider this as well. It is much smaller and not quite as bulky as the Dragonfly and still has a somewhat controllable flame. I have only done some testing out on my deck in 10 degree weather, but it seems to simmer pretty well. For flame adjustability, I would say it has more of a low-high or low-med-high setting. You have to be careful not to over-pressurize this one, though. If you do it loses it’s flame adjustability and performs poorly. Once I figured it out I really liked the stove (it didn’t take too long). This stove gets many negative reviews online for this reason, but it sounds like you are pretty good with stoves.
Good luck,
Eric
On the other hand
I have been using an MSR Whisperlite for over 20 years and the only non-field maintenance (read cleaning the jet) was my fault. I let the fuel tank with generator attached fall off the top of my truck and it snapped the top off the pump.
I did have some problems at the BW last year, but figured out it was due to old fuel (like a year old) that was varnishing the port. It was a pain but not the stoves fault. I don’t mountain guide but that stove has seen more use than many on this board will put it through.
Randy
I agree
Although have never used one myself, I did see some experienced paddlers last weekend in Everglades National Park and this was how they cooked. Very affordable, no working parts to fail and small in size.
Did I say no working parts to fail
google Zen Alcohol Stoves for pro and cons and how to make them.
Brian
New MSR stove
Its called the Reactor and according to their web site it’ll be out in April 2007. Backpacker magazine did a head to head test with the Reactor, Jet Boil, and a Primus (I think). The MSR did very well. It is $150 though.
Trangia Stoves
Just purchased a Trangia as a backup. Haven’t actually cooked with it yet. Is there anyone who can tell me how well these stoves will fry something like fish or sausage? Everyone tells me alcohol stoves do not do as well as white gas or propane. Please advise.