Review of the Coleman Sportster II Dual Fuel 1-Burner Stove

Review of the Coleman Sportster II Dual Fuel 1-Burner Stove

When it comes to outdoor cooking, few brands have the reliability and reputation that Coleman offers. The Coleman Sportster II Dual Fuel 1-Burner Stove is a great example of their commitment to quality, portability, and versatility. Whether you’re camping in the woods, tailgating, or just enjoying a day at the beach, this compact stove is designed to make cooking in the great outdoors both easy and efficient. In this review, we’ll dive into the key features, performance, and overall value of the Coleman Sportster II Dual Fuel Stove.

Overview

The Coleman Sportster II Dual Fuel 1-Burner Stove is a portable camping stove that offers the flexibility of using both liquid fuel (Coleman Fuel or unleaded gasoline) and butane/propane canisters. This dual-fuel capability gives users multiple fuel options, making it a versatile tool for any outdoor adventure. The stove is designed with a single burner, making it an ideal choice for solo campers, small groups, or anyone who needs a lightweight and compact cooking solution.

Key Features

1. Dual-Fuel Technology: The standout feature of the Coleman Sportster II is its dual-fuel capability. This stove can run on either Coleman Liquid Fuel (white gas) or regular unleaded gasoline, giving you the flexibility to use whatever fuel is most readily available. This feature is especially useful for extended trips where you might run out of one fuel type, but have access to the other. Additionally, it allows you to take advantage of more affordable, readily available gasoline when compared to specialty fuels like butane or propane.

2. Compact and Portable: Weighing only around 5 pounds, the Sportster II is incredibly lightweight and portable, making it easy to pack for any outdoor adventure. Its compact design ensures that it won’t take up much space in your gear, which is a huge bonus for campers, hikers, and backpackers who need to keep their equipment minimal and efficient. The stove also features a built-in handle for easy carrying.

3. Powerful Output: The 11,000 BTU burner provides a high level of heat output, which is sufficient for cooking a wide variety of meals. Whether you're boiling water, cooking pasta, or frying up some bacon, this stove delivers consistent and reliable heat. The burner can also adjust to provide a low simmer, making it versatile for different types of cooking.

4. Durable Construction: Coleman is known for building durable outdoor equipment, and the Sportster II stove is no exception. Its heavy-duty steel construction ensures long-lasting durability, even in harsh outdoor conditions. The stove’s wind-blocking design helps reduce the impact of wind on your cooking, allowing you to maintain consistent heat without worrying about flames being blown out.

5. Easy to Use: The Coleman Sportster II is designed with simplicity in mind. The stove has a match-lighting system, so you don’t need any electronic ignition or complicated setups. Just strike a match and ignite the burner. The stove’s easy-to-use controls allow you to adjust the flame for various cooking tasks with just a twist of the knob.

6. Fuel Efficiency: This stove is relatively fuel-efficient, especially when using Coleman Fuel. It provides a good amount of cooking time per tank, which is great for longer trips. Gasoline, on the other hand, may offer even longer burn times, depending on the type and quality of the fuel.

Pros

• Dual-fuel capability offers versatility and convenience, allowing you to choose the best fuel source for your trip.
• Lightweight and portable, making it ideal for camping, hiking, or tailgating.
• 11,000 BTU burner provides plenty of heat for various cooking tasks.
• Durable and well-built, with a rugged design to withstand outdoor conditions.
• Wind-blocking design minimizes the impact of wind, ensuring more reliable cooking.
• Affordable compared to other high-performance camp stoves.

Cons

• One-burner design: While it’s great for solo use or small groups, those looking to cook multiple dishes at once may find the single burner limiting.
• Match lighting: The stove requires matches or a lighter to ignite, which may be less convenient than stoves with built-in electronic ignition. Always have matches or a fire starter on hand.
• Fuel consumption: While fairly efficient, fuel consumption can vary based on the type of fuel used and the cooking conditions. If you plan to use it for extended periods, you might need to bring extra fuel.

Performance in Real-World Conditions

In real-world conditions, the Coleman Sportster II Dual Fuel 1-Burner Stove consistently delivers reliable and solid performance. The 11,000 BTU burner provides enough heat for cooking a wide range of meals, from boiling water to cooking soups, stews, and stir-fries. It works especially well when used for boiling large pots of water quickly—ideal for preparing coffee, tea, or instant meals during a camping trip.

The stove’s wind-blocking design is particularly helpful in windy environments, ensuring that the flames stay lit even when exposed to gusty conditions. However, in extreme winds, you might still need to shield the stove with a windbreak or tarp.

When it comes to fuel flexibility, the dual-fuel system shines. Whether you’re using Coleman Fuel or unleaded gasoline, the stove runs efficiently, and switching between fuel types is quick and easy. The stove’s ability to work with gasoline is especially useful on extended trips where access to specialized camping fuel might be limited.

Conclusion

The Coleman Sportster II Dual Fuel 1-Burner Stove is a reliable, durable, and versatile camping stove that excels in providing an easy cooking experience in the outdoors. With its dual-fuel capability, compact design, and 11,000 BTU output, it strikes a great balance between power and portability. Whether you’re boiling water for coffee, cooking a quick meal, or just enjoying the outdoors with friends, this stove is sure to meet your needs.

It’s perfect for campers, tailgaters, or anyone in need of a portable stove for outdoor adventures. While it may not have the multiple burners of a larger camping stove, its simplicity and effectiveness make it a great choice for anyone looking to lighten their load without sacrificing cooking power.

If you're looking for a high-quality, affordable camping stove that offers versatility, reliability, and ease of use, the Coleman Sportster II Dual Fuel 1-Burner Stove is an excellent choice.