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Cooking onions and burgers on the Coleman Cascade Classic camping stove

Coleman Cascade Classic Camping Stove Review

Tate McReynolds bio photo
Andrew Shults bio photo
Apr 15, 2025
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Our Take:
3.9/5
The Coleman Cascade Classic won’t blow you away with premium performance or fancy features, but it nails the basics where it counts. While wind protection and boil time leave something to be desired, its decent burners, solid temperature control, and roomy cook surface help make up for it. At just $100, it delivers strong value for budget-minded campers. If you’re looking for a no-frills, dependable stove that won’t break the bank, the Cascade Classic is a solid pick.
Power

Power

2.5/5
Temperature Control

Temperature Control

3/5
Wind Protection

Wind Protection

2.5/5
Build Quality & Durability

Build Quality & Durability

3.5/5
Ease of Use

Ease of Use

3.5/5
Sustainability

Sustainability

3.2/5

Fuel Type

Propane

Burners (Output)

2 (10,000 BTUs each)

Auto Ignition

Yes

Weight

11 lb. 14.4 oz.

Pros

The most affordable stove we tested.
Durable build can withstand the rigors of camping.
Decent (though not superb) temperature control.

Cons

Wind shields struggle to protect flames.
Slow boil time.
Auto ignition can be finicky.

The Coleman Cascade Classic runs on two 10,000 BTU burners—plenty for most standard camping meals. This output puts it in line with other midrange stoves like the Primus Tupike (10,200 BTUs) and Jetboil Genesis Basecamp (10,000 BTUs), and only slightly below the more expensive Coleman Cascade 3-in-1, which offers 12,000 BTUs per burner. For a camping stove at this price point, the power is respectable.


That said, real-world performance left something to be desired. In our boil test, the Cascade Classic took 6 minutes and 17 seconds to bring a liter of water to a boil in a 2-quart pot on a drizzly, breezy 55-degree day—making it the slowest gas-powered stove we tested. For context, the Tupike boiled water in just over 4 minutes, and the Jetboil Genesis Basecamp did the job in just over 3 (see our Genesis Basecamp review). While those are higher-end models, the difference in performance is notable despite their similar BTU ratings.


On the bright side, the Cascade Classic includes a rotary piezo ignitor for matchless lighting—something we don’t always see on more budget-friendly models. And compared to older Coleman models that many campers are familiar with, this stove still feels like a clear upgrade in terms of usability and reliability.

Close-up of Coleman Cascade Classic camping stove

The Cascade Classic offers solid temperature control for a budget-friendly stove. While it doesn’t have the ultra-precise adjustments of premium models like the Camp Chef Everest 2X (read our Everest 2X review), it’s more than capable of handling a variety of cooking tasks. We found it hot enough to brown ground beef and burger patties with ease, but it can also hold a steady low flame to sauté onions or scramble eggs—no small feat for a camp stove in this price range.


The included pressure regulator helps maintain consistent flame output in different weather conditions and elevations, which gives the Coleman Cascade Classic a helpful boost in reliability. That said, we did experience a few hiccups: When running the stove at lower output in windy conditions, the flame fizzled out a couple of times. Overall, the stove offers decent finesse for everything from high-heat searing to low-temp simmering, though it’s not immune to the occasional quirk in variable conditions.

Adjusting flame on the Coleman Cascade Classic camping stove

Like the Cascade 3-in-1, the Cascade Classic uses built-in wind shields that slot into the stove body using metal tabs with several adjustment notches. This lets you position them closer or farther from the burners depending on the conditions, which is a nice touch for a camping stove at this price point.


That said, wind protection is average at best. The shields are larger than those on the Coleman Cascade 3-in-1 (read our Cascade 3-in-1 review), but they’re still relatively flimsy and don’t offer the kind of coverage you get with more robust stoves like the Everest 2X. We struggled to keep the burners lit in a moderate breeze and noted that the wind shields only performed well when set as close to the stove body as possible. In short, expect to do a bit of fiddling in windier conditions, and don’t rely on these shields to hold up against serious gusts.

Coleman Cascade Classic camping stove wind guards

The Cascade Classic feels solidly built and held up well after 20+ uses, showing no signs of performance issues or major wear. Its metal body is sturdy enough to handle the bumps and bangs of regular use, whether you’re tossing it in the back of the car or hauling it to camp. The lid secures with a metal latch that keeps everything shut tight during transport, which is a nice bonus at this price point.


That said, not every part of the stove is equally robust. The wind shields feel flimsier than the rest of the build and could benefit from thicker material or stronger hinges. We also ran into a small issue with the auto ignition—it didn’t always fire immediately, and the tester had to let the gas run for a few seconds before the flame would catch. It's a minor annoyance, but one to keep in mind if you’re relying on matchless lighting.

The Coleman Cascade Classic sticks to a familiar, no-fuss design that’s easy to set up and intuitive to operate. Just open the lid, connect your propane canister, and light the burners (though, as noted earlier, the auto ignition can be a little finicky). With 269 square inches of cooking space, there’s plenty of room to use two medium-sized pots or pans at once—Coleman says it’ll fit a 10-inch and a 12-inch pan side by side, and we’d agree.


The removable chrome-plated grate and aluminized steel cooktop make for straightforward cleanup, and the adjustable wind shields are easy to position, even if they aren’t the most protective. At just under 12 pounds and with compact dimensions, the stove is a manageable size for transport and storage. All in all, it’s a reliable, user-friendly camping stove that can handle more than just basic camp fare.

Cooking with two pans  on the Coleman Cascade Classic camping stove

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Longevity

Choosing durable outdoor gear is perhaps the most effective way to reduce environmental impact—the longer it lasts, the less it needs to be produced. Our proprietary longevity rating evaluates overall build quality based on factors such as materials, fabric denier, component durability (including zippers and toggles), real-world performance as reported by our field testers, and our experiences with the brand.

Accessories

The Coleman Cascade Classic is a no-frills stove that keeps things simple. It comes with the basics—auto ignition, a pressure regulator, removable grate, and adjustable wind shields—all of which are standard on most two-burner stoves. While it doesn’t include any bonus accessories like a griddle or grill, the $100 price point reflects that. For campers who just want a reliable, straightforward stove without the extras, it delivers.

Transportation

The Cascade Classic is reasonably easy to transport thanks to its standard size and manageable weight—it’s not ultralight or compact, but it won’t be a pain to carry, either. It includes a built-in handle and a handy compartment to store the pressure regulator during transport, which is a thoughtful detail you don’t even get on some more premium models like the Camp Chef Everest 2X. A single latch keeps the lid securely closed, though some campers might prefer the added security of double latches found on higher-end stoves. Overall, it’s a straightforward, grab-and-go design that gets the job done.

Coleman Cascade 3-in-1: Included Cookware
The Coleman Cascade 3-in-1 ($210) adds cooking versatility with included cast-iron grill and griddle plates, slightly more powerful 12,000 BTU burners, and a larger cooktop (290 vs. 269 sq. in.), making it great for those who want to cook more elaborate meals at camp. However, it’s heavier, bulkier, and more than twice the price of the Classic, despite featuring flimsier wind shields. Both stoves share the same basic performance and user-friendly design, but unless you need the extra cooking options, the Cascade Classic delivers better value with fewer compromises. For more, read our Coleman Cascade 3-in-1 review.


Camp Chef Everest 2X ($190): Premium Performance at a Premium Price
In the world of two-burner stoves, it doesn’t get much better than the Camp Chef Everest 2X. Compared to the Cascade Classic, it wins in almost every metric. Its 20,000-BTU dual burners are double that of the Cascade Classic’s output, and it boils water more than two minutes faster. Its wind shields are also stronger, and its temperature control is much more precise. The only area where the Everest falls short is the cooking surface. With 215 square inches of stovetop space, it’s about 54 square inches smaller than the Cascade Classic. So, is the $90 price increase worth it? If you’ve got the money to spend, we think it is. Otherwise, the Cascade Classic will work well for those who don’t need a top-performing product. For more, read our review of the Camp Chef Everest 2X.

Coleman Cascade Classic ($130)
Cooking onions and burgers on the Coleman Cascade Classic camping stove
3.9/5

What the Cascade Classic lacks in performance and wind protection, it makes up for in value. While this is by no means a perfect stove, it’s a commendable option for campers looking for a no-frills model that’s light on the wallet and is fine for whipping up simple meals.

Fuel Type
Propane
Burners (Output)
2 (10,000 BTUs each)
Auto Ignition
Yes
Weight
11 lb. 14.4 oz.
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Power

2.5/5
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Temperature Control

3/5
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Wind Protection

2.5/5
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Build Quality & Durability

3.5/5
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Ease of Use

3.5/5
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Sustainability

3.2/5
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. 

Fuel Type
Propane
Burners (Output)
2 (12,000 BTUs each)
Auto Ignition
Yes
Weight
14 lb. 12.8 oz.
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Power

4/5
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Temperature Control

3.5/5
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Wind Protection

2.5/5
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Build Quality & Durability

3.5/5
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Ease of Use

4/5
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Sustainability

3.2/5
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. 

Fuel Type
Propane
Burners (Output)
2 (20,000 BTUs each)
Auto Ignition
Yes
Weight
12 lb.
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Power

5/5
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Temperature Control

4.5/5
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Wind Protection

4.5/5
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Build Quality & Durability

4/5
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Ease of Use

4/5
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Sustainability

1.4/5

Is the Cascade Classic for You?

The Coleman Cascade Classic is a great choice for campers who want a reliable two-burner stove without spending a ton. It doesn’t have the flashiest features or the strongest performance, but it’s dependable, easy to use, and gets the job done for simple camp meals. If you’re mostly cooking on fair-weather weekends and don’t need max power or elite wind protection, this camping stove covers all the essentials at a wallet-friendly price. It’s especially well-suited for beginners, casual car campers, or anyone just looking for a basic setup that won’t quit.

life al fresco

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