Coleman Triton 2-Burner Stove Review: Your Go-To Camp Kitchen?

There’s something uniquely satisfying about a hot meal in the great outdoors after a day of adventure. Whether you’re brewing that first cup of coffee as the sun rises or simmering a hearty stew under the stars, a reliable camp stove is the heart of any good campsite kitchen. For years, Coleman has been a trusted name in outdoor cooking, and their Coleman Triton 2-Burner Propane Stove continues that legacy. This review dives deep into what makes the Triton a car camping classic, exploring its powerful performance, thoughtful design, and overall value. If you’re searching for the best camping stove that balances power, portability, and price, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s fire it up and see if the Triton is the right choice for your adventures.

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Product Overview

The Coleman Triton is a classic, no-fuss tabletop propane stove designed for portability and power. It packs a serious punch with a total of 22,000 BTUs across two independently adjustable burners. This means you can gently simmer a sauce on one side while boiling water for pasta on the other. One of its standout features is the PerfectFlow™ pressure control technology, which ensures a consistent flame and steady heat performance, even when you’re low on fuel or battling cold weather.

To combat windy conditions, the Triton is equipped with two WindBlock™ panels on the sides. These can be adjusted to fit different pot sizes or folded down to create side tables on calm days. The cooking surface is generous enough to accommodate a 12-inch and a 10-inch pan simultaneously. When it’s time to pack up, the durable chrome-plated grate removes for easy cleaning, and the whole unit latches shut into a briefcase-style carrier with a built-in handle. It’s a match-lit stove, which means you’ll need a lighter or matches, but this simple design choice enhances its reliability—no finicky piezo igniters to fail when you need them most.

Technical Specifications

Feature	Specification
Total Output	22,000 BTUs (11,000 per burner)
Weight	10.1 lbs (4.58 kg)
Dimensions	21.9 x 13.7 x 4.1 inches
Ignition	Match-lit
Fuel Type	16.4 oz propane cylinder
Cooking Space	Fits one 12-in. and one 10-in. pan
Key Technology	PerfectFlow™ Pressure Control, WindBlock™ Panels

Pros and Cons

Based on extensive research and user feedback, here are the main advantages and disadvantages of the Coleman Triton stove.

Pros:

Powerful Burners: With 22,000 BTUs of total power, it boils water quickly and handles a wide range of cooking tasks with ease.
Excellent Simmer Control: The independently adjustable burners offer precise flame control, a feature often lacking in budget stoves.
Effective Wind Protection: The adjustable WindBlock™ panels do a great job of shielding the flames, ensuring consistent cooking even on breezy days.
Durable and Reliable: Its sturdy steel construction and simple match-lit design mean it’s built to last for many camping seasons.
Easy to Clean: The removable chrome-plated grate and stainless steel cooktop make cleanup a straightforward process.

Cons:

No Built-in Ignition: Requires matches or a lighter, which can be a minor inconvenience (though some prefer the reliability).
A Bit Bulky: While portable, at over 10 pounds, it’s best suited for car camping rather than backpacking.
Sensitive Knobs: Some users report that the control knobs can be a bit sensitive, requiring a gentle touch to find the perfect simmer.

Comparison with Alternatives

How does the Triton stack up against the competition? Here’s a look at it next to two other popular 2-burner camp stoves.

Feature	Coleman Triton	Camp Chef Everest 2X	GSI Outdoors Selkirk 540
Image
Total BTUs	22,000	40,000	28,000
Weight	10.1 lbs	12 lbs	10 lbs
Ignition	Match-lit	Piezo Igniter	Piezo Igniter
Price		See Price at Amazon	See Price at REI
Best For	All-around value and reliability	Maximum power and gourmet cooking	Lightweight design with premium features

The Camp Chef Everest 2X is a powerhouse, offering nearly double the BTUs for faster cooking, making it ideal for large groups or aspiring camp gourmets. However, it comes with a higher price tag and more weight. The GSI Outdoors Selkirk 540 strikes a balance with slightly more power than the Triton, a piezo igniter, and a similar weight, but it also sits at a higher price point. The Triton holds its ground as the budget-friendly champion that doesn’t skimp on essential performance.

User Experience

Across countless campsites, the Coleman Triton proves itself as a reliable workhorse. Users consistently praise its straightforward setup: simply unlatch, open the lid, raise the wind guards, attach the propane adapter, and you’re ready to cook. Testers often mention how the stove “just works,” a testament to its simple and effective design. Many appreciate the manual ignition, noting that “it’s one less thing to break in the backcountry.”

Cooking performance is where the Triton truly shines for its price point. The powerful burners bring water to a rolling boil in minutes, a welcome feature for that morning caffeine fix. The simmer control is frequently highlighted as a major plus. One user review stated, “I was able to cook delicate scrambled eggs without burning them, then crank up the heat to sear steaks later. That kind of control is fantastic for a camp stove.” The wind guards receive positive marks for keeping the flame steady, preventing frustrating delays and saving fuel on blustery days.

Who is this product for?

The Coleman Triton 2-Burner Stove is the ideal companion for a specific type of adventurer. This stove is perfect for car campers, families, and weekend warriors who value reliability and performance without needing expedition-grade features. If you primarily camp out of your vehicle and need a kitchen setup that can handle everything from pancakes and bacon to pasta and chili for a small group, the Triton is an excellent choice. It’s for the practical camper who appreciates a durable product that will last for years and prefers the proven simplicity of a match-lit stove over potentially fragile electronic igniters. It’s a fantastic first stove for those new to camping and a worthy, no-nonsense upgrade from older models.

Maintenance and Care Tips

To ensure your Coleman Triton stove lasts for countless adventures, a little care goes a long way. After each trip, allow the stove to cool completely. Remove the chrome-plated grate and the propane adapter. Clean the grate with warm, soapy water and a sponge. For the stove body and stainless steel drip tray, simply wipe them down with a damp cloth to remove any food spills or grease. Avoid using abrasive scrubbers that could scratch the finish. Before storing, make sure the stove is completely dry to prevent rust. Periodically inspect the propane adapter and connection point for any debris or damage. Store the stove in a dry place, like a garage or shed, latched securely to keep dust and pests out.

Sustainability Information

While propane is a fossil fuel, you can minimize your environmental impact with the Coleman Triton. The stove’s efficient design, including the PerfectFlow™ pressure regulator and WindBlock™ panels, ensures you use less fuel per meal. This means fewer propane canisters are consumed over the life of the stove. Furthermore, the Triton is built for longevity. Its robust steel construction means it’s less likely to end up in a landfill after only a few seasons. Investing in a durable product like the Triton is a sustainable choice compared to replacing cheaper, less reliable gear frequently. For an even greener approach, consider using a refillable 1 lb propane canister adapter system.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does the Coleman Triton have a built-in igniter?

No, the standard Coleman Triton is a match-lit stove. You will need to use matches or a long-nosed lighter to ignite the burners. There is a “Triton+” model available that includes a push-button piezo igniter, but the standard model prioritizes simplicity and reliability.

2. How long does a 1 lb propane canister last?

With both burners on high, a 16.4 oz propane cylinder will last for approximately one hour. Of course, this time can be extended significantly by cooking on lower heat settings.

3. Can I use a bulk propane tank with the Triton stove?

Yes, you can. Coleman and other brands sell an adapter hose that allows you to connect the Triton stove to a larger, refillable 5, 10, or 20 lb propane tank, which is more economical and convenient for longer camping trips.

4. What’s the difference between the Coleman Triton and the Coleman Classic?

The Triton is generally considered an upgrade to the iconic Coleman Classic. The Triton typically offers higher BTU output (22,000 vs. 20,000 for the Classic), better simmer control, and more effective, adjustable WindBlock™ panels compared to the Classic’s simpler, fixed wind baffles.

Conclusion

The Coleman Triton 2-Burner Propane Stove is a standout performer in the world of car camping cooktops. It expertly blends power, portability, and durability into a package that offers exceptional value. While it may lack the bells and whistles of more expensive models, like a piezo ignition, it more than makes up for it with its rock-solid reliability, excellent flame control, and effective wind resistance. It cooks fast, simmers low, and cleans up easy—the holy trinity of camp cooking.

Should you buy it? Absolutely. If you are a car camper looking for a dependable, powerful, and easy-to-use stove that won’t break the bank, the Coleman Triton is one of the best investments you can make for your outdoor kitchen. It’s a classic for a reason and is ready for years of memorable campsite meals.