Name: Coleman Cascade 3-in-1
Brand: Coleman

With two 12,000 BTU burners, the Coleman Cascade 3-in-1 lands in the upper half of the stoves we tested when it comes to raw output. It’s not the most powerful option—that crown goes to the Camp Chef Everest 2X—but it still holds its own for everything from boiling water to whipping up multi-pan meals. In testing, it took about 4 minutes and 30 seconds to boil a liter of water at both lower (2,000 ft., 60°F) and higher (4,000 ft., 30°F) elevations—fairly average performance for a camping stove in this category. Auto ignition is a nice touch, with a rotary starter that eliminates the need for matches or lighters. That said, it’s not quite as efficient as premium models like the Jetboil Genesis, and you may notice slower cook times or higher fuel usage, especially in colder temps.

Cooking a meal on the Coleman Cascade 3-in-1 camping stove

The Coleman Cascade 3-in-1 offers solid temperature control, though it doesn’t quite match the precision of higher-end models like the Jetboil Genesis Basecamp or Camp Chef Everest 2X. That said, it’s more than capable of dialing in the heat for most camp meals. The burners maintain a consistently low flame, making it easy to simmer delicate dishes—we cooked pancakes and eggs without any burning or hot spots. Compared to older stoves with binary flame settings (shoutout to that vintage Sears Roebuck model), the Cascade’s controls feel much more refined. A built-in pressure regulator helps deliver steady output in a variety of conditions, and while the wind shields aren’t the most robust, they do enough to keep the flame stable in a light breeze.

Cooking pancakes on the Coleman Cascade 3-in-1 camping stove griddle

The Coleman Cascade 3-in-1 comes with built-in wind shields, but they’re on the flimsier side. The side panels attach via small metal tabs and form a basic “L” shape—offering some shelter, but nowhere near the coverage you get from burlier designs like the Camp Chef Everest 2X or Zempire 2-Burner DLX Grill. In moderate wind (around 15 mph), the stove held up fine for simple tasks like heating water for hot chocolate. But in more exposed or blustery conditions, don’t expect the same level of flame protection or cooking consistency as you would from a stove with more robust shielding.

Wind guard on the Coleman Cascade 3-in-1 camping stove

The Coleman Cascade 3-in-1 is built with solid, high-quality metal and has a generally rugged feel. The included cast iron grill and griddle are sturdy and well-made, though they can shift during cooking if not positioned just right. While the stove body feels durable overall, a few elements fall short: the single latch doesn’t inspire as much confidence as the dual-latch setups on competitors, and the wind shields are notably flimsy compared to the rest of the construction. Grommets also have a bit of wobble, which detracts slightly from the otherwise solid build. Still, after repeated use across multiple days of camping, the stove held up well and gave the impression of long-term reliability with just a few areas for improvement.

Morning coffee brewing on the Coleman Cascade 3-in-1 camping stove

The Coleman Cascade 3-in-1 is a versatile stove with the largest cooktop area of the models we tested—290 square inches—making it a solid choice for small groups or families who want to cook multiple items at once. Setup is straightforward: just attach a gas canister, turn the knobs, and light it up. The included cast iron grill and griddle sit on top of the burners and offer plenty of flexibility for cooking, though they can shift around during use if not carefully placed. Removable grates and an aluminized steel cooktop make cleanup relatively easy, though grease buildup in tight areas can take extra effort, and the cast iron accessories require proper care.

The Cascade 3-in-1’s versatility comes at the cost of portability. At over 26 pounds with accessories, it’s the heaviest two-burner stove we tested, and its large footprint makes it less convenient to pack and transport than more streamlined models. Still, if you want a camping stove that offers lots of cooking options and space—and don’t mind the added bulk—it’s a user-friendly and capable setup.

Coleman Cascade 3-in-1 camping stove burner and grill

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Longevity

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Accessories
The Coleman Cascade 3-in-1 comes with the standard fare—pressure regulator, auto ignition, removable grates, and wind shields—but what sets it apart is the inclusion of cast iron grill and griddle plates. These heavy-duty accessories expand your cooking possibilities beyond what a typical camp stove allows, making it easier to cook full breakfasts, grilled veggies, or smash burgers without needing separate cookware. For those who want to cook more than just boil-and-serve meals, these extras are the biggest selling point. That said, if you’re sticking to simpler camp fare, there are more compact and affordable camping stoves that get the job done just as well.

Transportation
Portability is not the Cascade 3-in-1’s strong suit. It’s bulkier and heavier than most two-burner stoves we tested, tipping the scales at over 26 pounds with all the accessories. To help offset that, it does come with a built-in handle and a separate cloth case for carrying the cast iron plates, plus a designated compartment for the pressure regulator—a thoughtful touch. The single metal latch that secures the lid feels solid, though a second latch would’ve offered a bit more peace of mind during transport. All in all, this camping stove leans more toward the “car-camping kitchen setup” end of the spectrum than something you'd want to lug around frequently.

Cooking eggs on the Coleman Cascade 3-in-1 camping stove

Zempire 2-Burner DLX Grill Stove ($170): Cheaper Versatility
Besides the Cascade 3-in-1, the Zempire 2-Burner DLX Grill Stove is the most multifunctional model we tested. However, unlike the Cascade, which houses its accessories atop the cooking surface, the Zempire instead features a standalone 4,500-BTU bottom grill, effectively freeing up its top two burners for additional cookware. The DLX also offers significantly more robust wind protection, although its cooking surface is about 30% smaller than the Cascade’s and its lower grill adds three inches to its packed size (granted, space usually isn’t a major concern when car camping). That said, it’s easy to forgive these shortcomings when looking at its price, which comes in at $40 less. Though Zempire is a relative newcomer to the camp stove space, the DLX gives the Cascade a serious run for its money. For more, read our Zempire 2-Burner DLX Grill Stove review.

Camp Chef Everest 2X ($190): Better Performance for Less
The Camp Chef Everest 2X is another two-burner stove, with less emphasis on versatility and more focus on performance. At $20 less than the Cascade 3-in-1 it doesn’t include the same bells and whistles, but otherwise, it blows the Coleman out of the water. The Everest’s two 20,000-BTU burners are 8,000 BTUs more than the Cascade’s, and it boils water about 30 seconds faster. The Everest’s simmer control is also superior, featuring four full knob rotations for precise temperature adjustment. And, in terms of wind protection, there’s no comparison: The Everest’s wind shields are larger and burlier, helping keep its flames lit even in strong gusts. If you’re not dead-set on the cast-iron grill and griddle that come with the Cascade, the Everest is the better—and cheaper—option. For more, read our Camp Chef Everest 2X review.

Coleman Cascade 3-in-1 ($275)

Veggies cooking on Coleman Cascade 3-in-1 camping stove grill and griddle

4.2/5

The Coleman Cascade 3-in-1 is a classic rectangular two-burner stove equipped with a cast-iron griddle and grill. The included accessories can expand your camp cooking repertoire, letting you prepare meals from steak and kebabs to French toast and breakfast hash. If you don’t need those add-ons, though, there are better stoves for less money.

Shop Cascade 3-in-1

Fuel Type

Propane

Burners (Output)

2 (12,000 BTUs each)

Auto Ignition

Yes

Weight

14 lb. 12.8 oz.

Power

4/5

Temperature Control

3.5/5

Wind Protection

2.5/5

Build Quality & Durability

3.5/5

Ease of Use

4/5

Sustainability

3.2/5

Zempire 2-Burner DLX ($225)

Cooking sweet peppers on the Zempire 2-Burner DLX Grill camping stove

4.4/5

The Zempire 2-Burner DLX Grill Stove builds on the classic two-burner design with the addition of a handy bottom grill. Though its bulky frame isn’t for everyone, it enhances cooking versatility without skimping on its core functionality.

Shop 2-Burner DLX

Fuel Type

Propane

Burners (Output)

2 (12,200 BTUs each) + grill (4,500 BTUs)

Auto Ignition

Yes

Weight

13 lb.

Power

4/5

Temperature Control

4/5

Wind Protection

3.5/5

Build Quality & Durability

4/5

Ease of Use

3.5/5

Sustainability

1.4/5

Camp Chef Everest 2X ($190)

Camp Chef Everest 2X camping stove set up

4.8/5

With its winning trifecta of serious power, delicate temperature control, and impressive wind resistance, the Camp Chef Everest 2X can handle nearly any meal you can cook. It might be out of budget for cost-conscious campers, but we still think it’s one of the best camp stoves money can buy.

Shop Everest 2X

Fuel Type

Propane

Burners (Output)

2 (20,000 BTUs each)

Auto Ignition

Yes

Weight

12 lb.

Power

5/5

Temperature Control

4.5/5

Wind Protection

4.5/5

Build Quality & Durability

4/5

Ease of Use

4/5

Sustainability

1.4/5

Is the Cascade 3-in-1 for You?

The Coleman Cascade 3-in-1 is best for campers who prioritize cooking versatility and don’t mind hauling a bit of extra weight. With its included grill and griddle, it’s a great fit for families or small groups looking to mix up meals at the campsite without bringing additional cookware. It’s not the most powerful or wind-resistant stove we’ve tested, but for casual use in fair conditions, it gets the job done. If you want a multi-use camping stove that expands your camp kitchen options, the Cascade 3-in-1 is a solid pick—just know you’re paying a bit more for the accessories.