Camping Camper

Question

My personal preference is propane, from a bulk cyl, if weight does not mater…. just my 2 cents David

My son asked for a Coleman stove for Christmas. Which is better – propane Vs dual fuel? Is the cost and/or availability of fuel a factor in deciding? Does one burn cleaner than the other? I was surprised to think that using gasoline would be desirable. Any info would be real helpful. Weight is not an issue. He would be travelling around country in minivan.

Thanks from a Santa that doesn’t do any camping.

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My son asked for a Coleman stove for Christmas. Which is better – propane Vs dual fuel? Is the cost and/or availability of fuel a factor in deciding? Does one burn cleaner than the other? I was surprised to think that using gasoline would be desirable. Any info would be real helpful. Weight is not an issue. He would be travelling around country in minivan.

Thanks from a Santa that doesn’t do any camping.

Talk to your son, snd listen closely to him. When people say “a Coleman Stove”, they usually mean the traditional green boxy double-burner white gas or Dual-Fuel models. Only he can give you a clue to which model he wants. — Jim Fuller

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My son asked for a Coleman stove for Christmas. Which is better – propane Vs dual fuel? Is the cost and/or availability of fuel a factor in deciding? Does one burn cleaner than the other? I was surprised to think that using gasoline would be desirable. Any info would be real helpful. Weight is not an issue. He would be travelling around country in minivan.

Thanks from a Santa that doesn’t do any camping.

Response

My son asked for a Coleman stove for Christmas. Which is better – propane Vs dual fuel? Is the cost and/or availability of fuel a factor in deciding?

Hi, It would probably be a good idea to question him a little to see if he has preferences, but here are some ideas that work for me I have several Coleman stoves that use white gas (Coleman fuel) only and have had a couple of dual-fuel units, too. I haven’t had good luck burning auto fuel in the dual-fuel units, so I use Coleman fuel only in those, too. It’s available just about anywhere in the US for a reasonable price, though resort areas will get a premium! In addition, I have a propane adaptor (about $15 from the likes of Wal-Mart) that takes the place of the liquid fuel tank and generator. You can plug it in and use the disposable 1 lb containers, also widely available, but I think a little more costly for constant use. However, you can also get a bulk tank and hose and hook ‘em up to this adaptor and run the stove a little cheaper than using the 1 lb cans (about a $1 a lb, discounting the setup costs, of course!) Advantages of propane over liquid maybe a little safer to carry in the vehicle (lots of arguments have been had over this, so I won’t go there), it doesn’t spill, it burns cleaner, and, in my stoves, at least, seems to burn a little hotter. Disadvantages cost of fuel in small containers ( $1.80 to $2.50 ea in my area), bulk cylinders take up space that may be critical, used canisters are considered hazardous waste in many locales, so legal disposal can be a problem. Advantages of liquid fuel easy to obtain, especially if you have the dual-fuel and have to resort to auto fuel (not recommended in areas where fuel is oxygenated, has MTBE, or other reformulated “smog” fuels are used), seems to last a little longer (I get a little more burn time in my stoves with liquid vs propane), and cost (about $3 to $4/ gal in my area, as much as $6/gal in some places I’ve been.) Disadvantages spills, and is highly flammable if you do spill. A spill inside the vehicle will smell badly for a long time in addition to safety concerns. I know others have similar and opposing ideas, so listen to all and weigh the advantages and disadvantages for yourself! Just remember, the perfect stove hasn’t been invented. Cheers, Rick

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Three months….it worked great and with the shaker jet it burns just about anything…..i used everything from motor oil mixed with gasoline…..rubbing alcohol….basically anything flammable will work in this unit….I have used cologne in a pinch……but last year my wife and i bought a Coleman dual fuel it is a peak something without having to get it out of the closet if my memory serves me correct….it has similar shaker jet burner and last year my wife and i backpacked through the jungles of Malaysia….we prefer the liquid only because of the ability of liquid flammables it is not to easy to find white gas or propane in the where we live and now it can run off of smaller propane canisters as well as the great big ones usually associated with outdoor barbeque grills. Kev-Ceri

My son asked for a Coleman stove for Christmas. Which is better – propane Vs dual fuel? Is the cost and/or availability of fuel a factor in deciding? Does one burn cleaner than the other? I was surprised to think that using gasoline would be desirable. Any info would be real helpful. Weight is not an issue. He would be travelling around country in minivan.

Thanks from a Santa that doesn’t do any camping.

Response

Wrote for advice My son asked for a Coleman stove for Christmas. Which is better – propane Vs dual fuel?

I prefer propane. It is quicker to use, and I like the idea that you cannot spill it. Is the cost and/or availability of fuel a factor in deciding?

It can be for the one pound disposable cylinders. They can be pricey in the small towns. But just go buy a whip and a small LPG tank, and it will hold enough gas to last for a couple of weeks. Or stock up on the one pounders at WallyWorld. But, you will run out, and have to change the cylinders, sometimes in the middle of a meal. Does one burn cleaner than the other? I was surprised to think that using gasoline would be desirable.

That type of gas burns very hot and very clean. But the spilled gas, and what you get on your hands, clothes, and carpeting will stink for a long time. You can also get some bad soot at times when everything is not right. Any info would be real helpful. Weight is not an issue. He would be

travelling around country in minivan. It is just what you like. I like propane, although I learned on a liquid fuel stove. I am 52. I would never own another liquid fuel stove. Propane is so fast and clean. And it burns hot enough for my kind of cooking. I can be cooking while the competition is still pumping up their stove. Thanks from a Santa that doesn’t do any camping.

You are a good Santa. Steve Illegitimi non carborundum.

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