Uncovering the Coleman Eventemp 3-Burner Propane Camping Stove: Real Review
When the call of the wild (or just a weekend at the campsite) beckons, reliable cooking equipment becomes paramount. My search for a robust, multi-burner stove led me to the Coleman Eventemp 3-Burner Propane Camping Stove. This unit, with its promise of even heat distribution and robust construction, caught my eye.
My old camping stove had finally given up the ghost, leaving me with lukewarm meals and a serious need for an upgrade. I needed something that could handle more than just a single pot, allowing for more complex meal preparation when away from home. After much deliberation, I opted for this model, hoping it would live up to the Coleman reputation for outdoor durability.
First impressions of this stove were positive; it felt solid and well-constructed, a far cry from some flimsier models I’d encountered. The green, enamel-coated finish suggested it could withstand the knocks and scrapes of outdoor life. I’d briefly considered a similarly priced two-burner model from a competitor, but the allure of an extra burner and the Eventemp technology swayed me.
My immediate reaction upon unboxing was a quiet sense of satisfaction, a feeling that this stove would be a reliable workhorse for many adventures to come.
Real-World Testing: Putting Coleman Eventemp 3-Burner Propane Camping Stove to the Test
My initial testing ground for this stove was a brisk autumn weekend camping trip in the mountains. I set it up on a slightly uneven picnic table, the ambient temperature hovering around 40°F, with a persistent, biting wind.
The Coleman Eventemp 3-Burner Propane Camping Stove was remarkably straightforward to ignite using its Electric Instastart matchless lighting, which is a significant upgrade from fumbling with matches in the wind. I immediately put all three burners to use, simmering a hearty stew on one, boiling water for coffee on another, and preparing fried eggs on the third. The stove handled the load admirably, maintaining consistent heat across all burners despite the challenging wind conditions, thanks to the integrated Windblock panels.
After the initial weekend, the stove continued to prove its worth over several more outings and even some backyard cookouts. It became my go-to for preparing larger meals, easily accommodating up to two 12-inch pans, or three smaller ones as advertised. I even managed to cook a full Thanksgiving dinner for a small group at a remote cabin, proving its versatility.
In terms of durability, the stove has held up exceptionally well. The aluminized cooktop wipes clean with minimal effort, and the removable grate makes deep cleaning simple. After numerous trips, the burners still ignite consistently, and the propane flow remains steady, showing no signs of wear or performance degradation. Compared to a budget backpacking stove I used years ago, which warped under sustained heat, this Coleman feels built to last.
Breaking Down the Features of Coleman Eventemp 3-Burner Propane Camping Stove
Specifications
The Coleman Eventemp 3-Burner Propane Camping Stove boasts a total output of 16,500 BTU, with individual burners offering 11,500 BTU and 5,000 BTU respectively. This provides a good range for different cooking needs, from a high-heat sear to a gentle simmer. It runs on a standard 16.4 ounce propane cylinder, offering approximately 0.75 hours of run time with all burners on high.
The design incorporates Windblock panels which are a crucial feature for outdoor cooking, protecting the flames from gusts and doubling as handy side trays for utensils or seasoning. The Eventemp burner technology is central to its performance, promising even heat distribution, which I found to be true in my testing. This technology is a key differentiator from many simpler camp stoves that often have hot spots.
The stove’s capacity to fit up to two 12-inch pans or three smaller ones means it’s suitable for group meals, a significant advantage over smaller, two-burner models. The Electric Instastart matchless lighting is a convenience that cannot be overstated in windy or damp conditions. The aluminized cooktop and removable grate are designed for easy cleaning, which is a major plus after a messy meal.
Performance & Functionality
The primary job of this stove is to provide controlled heat for cooking, and the Coleman Eventemp 3-Burner Propane Camping Stove excels at this. Its ability to maintain consistent heat across three burners simultaneously is impressive, allowing for complex meal preparation that simply isn’t feasible on smaller units. The independent burner controls give a great deal of flexibility, allowing for different cooking temperatures at once.
The 16,500 BTU output is more than adequate for most camping scenarios. I was able to bring water to a rolling boil rapidly and maintain a steady simmer for hours without issue. The Even Temperature burner technology truly delivered, ensuring that food cooked evenly, minimizing the need for constant stirring and repositioning of pans.
One minor weakness I observed is that while the Windblock panels are effective, extremely strong, sustained winds can still impact performance. However, for typical camping conditions, they perform admirably. The run time of roughly 45 minutes on high with all burners lit is something to consider for extended cooking sessions; bringing extra propane cylinders is advisable.
Design & Ergonomics
The overall design of the Coleman Eventemp 3-Burner Propane Camping Stove is utilitarian and robust, as one would expect from a brand with such a long history in outdoor gear. The green, powder-coated steel construction feels substantial and durable. The Windblock panels fold down neatly to protect the burners during transport and also serve as practical side tables.
Ergonomically, the stove is well-designed. The control knobs for each burner are easily accessible and offer precise adjustments. The Electric Instastart button is also intuitively placed and easy to operate, even with cold fingers. Its three-burner configuration means it takes up a bit more space than a two-burner, but the trade-off in cooking capacity is well worth it for larger groups or more elaborate meals.
The aluminized cooktop is smooth and easy to wipe down, and the heavy-duty, removable grate sits securely over the burners. This thoughtful design makes cleanup significantly less of a chore after a camp meal. I appreciated the overall simplicity of the design; there are no overly complex parts to break, just straightforward functionality.
Durability & Maintenance
From my experience, this Coleman stove is built for the long haul. The steel construction and enamel coating appear to be highly resistant to scratches and rust. I’ve accidentally dropped a pan on it once, and it shrugged it off with only a minor scuff. The propane connection is secure and has shown no signs of leaking, even after repeated connections and disconnections.
Maintenance is refreshingly simple. After each use, a quick wipe-down of the aluminized cooktop and a rinse of the removable grate is usually all that’s needed. For deeper cleaning, the grate can be easily removed, allowing access to the entire cooking surface. I haven’t encountered any specific maintenance requirements beyond basic cleaning and ensuring proper propane cylinder connection.
The only potential long-term concern might be the igniter mechanism, as with any electronic component exposed to the elements. However, the Electric Instastart is a significant convenience, and it’s backed by the simplicity of manual ignition if it were ever to fail. For now, it continues to spark reliably.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Coleman Eventemp 3-Burner Propane Camping Stove primarily comes as a self-contained unit. It utilizes standard 16.4 ounce propane cylinders, which are widely available. While there are no significant customization options for the stove itself, its design allows for the use of various cookware sizes, from small saucepans to larger skillets and griddles.
The Windblock panels are a key integrated feature that acts like an accessory, enhancing usability in windy conditions. Coleman does offer a range of compatible propane fuel adapters if you wished to connect to larger refillable propane tanks, though this adds complexity that I haven’t felt necessary for typical camping use.
Specifications for Coleman Eventemp 3-Burner Propane Camping Stove:
- Manufacturer: Coleman
- Color: Green
- Stove Type: Three Burner
- Auto Igniter: Yes
- Total BTU Output: 16,500 BTU
- Individual Burner Output: 11,500 BTU (large burner), 5,000 BTU (two smaller burners)
- Fuel Type: Propane
- Fuel Source: 16.4 oz propane cylinder
- Runtime: Up to 0.75 hours on high with all burners on
- Cookware Capacity: Fits up to two 12-inch pans or 3 smaller pans
Pros and Cons of Coleman Eventemp 3-Burner Propane Camping Stove
Pros
- Three independent burners provide excellent cooking versatility for meals.
- Electric Instastart matchless lighting makes ignition quick and reliable, even in adverse weather.
- Windblock panels effectively shield flames from wind, improving cooking efficiency.
- Even Temperature burner technology ensures consistent cooking across the entire surface.
- Durable construction with a robust steel body and enamel finish suggests long-term reliability.
- Easy cleaning with a removable grate and smooth aluminized cooktop.
Cons
- Runtime on high with all burners engaged is somewhat limited at 0.75 hours, requiring careful fuel management or extra cylinders.
- While robust, it is not the most compact option for ultralight backpacking.
- The price point is higher than basic single or double-burner stoves.
Who Should Buy Coleman Eventemp 3-Burner Propane Camping Stove?
This stove is ideal for campers, RV enthusiasts, and families who enjoy cooking more elaborate meals outdoors. If you frequently camp in groups or enjoy preparing multi-dish meals, the Coleman Eventemp 3-Burner Propane Camping Stove is an excellent choice. It’s also a great option for tailgating or emergency preparedness kits where reliable cooking capacity is essential.
Those who prioritize convenience and ease of use will appreciate the Instastart ignition and the effective Windblock panels. It’s perfect for anyone who finds themselves frustrated by the limitations of smaller, less powerful camping stoves.
However, individuals looking for an ultra-light stove for minimalist backpacking might find this unit a bit too bulky. Those on a very tight budget might also consider simpler, less feature-rich models. For this stove, I’d recommend always having a spare 16.4 ounce propane cylinder on hand, especially for longer trips or more intensive cooking.
Conclusion on Coleman Eventemp 3-Burner Propane Camping Stove
The Coleman Eventemp 3-Burner Propane Camping Stove has proven itself to be a reliable, versatile, and durable piece of outdoor cooking equipment. Its three independently controlled burners, coupled with the effective Windblock panels and Even Temperature technology, make it a joy to use for preparing full meals in various outdoor settings. The Electric Instastart feature is a significant convenience that simplifies the camping cooking experience.
Considering its robust build quality, impressive performance, and the convenience it offers, the price of $169.49 feels justified. It represents a significant upgrade over simpler stoves and is built to last for many seasons of camping and outdoor adventures.
I wholeheartedly recommend this stove to anyone looking for a dependable and capable multi-burner solution for their outdoor cooking needs. If you value being able to prepare substantial meals away from home, this Coleman model will not disappoint.