We may earn a commission if you buy through our links at no extra cost to you. Our reviews are based on independent research and real-world use.
Reliable two-burner stove for car camping and established campgrounds; skip it for backpacking trips where weight is critical.
Overview
The Coleman Cascade Classic Camping Stove is a two-burner propane stove designed for established campsites and car camping across U.S. national parks. It delivers 20,000 total BTUs of cooking power with independent burner control, allowing you to simmer on one burner while searing on the other. The compact footprint, removable grate, and two wind guards make it practical for established campgrounds and picnic areas where weight and bulk are less of a concern.
Who It's For
Buy this if you're car camping at established national park campgrounds where you want real cooking capacity—two-burner control beats single-burner backpacking stoves for meals that need simultaneous simmering and searing. Skip it if you're backpacking, weight matters, or you're planning remote backcountry trips where fuel resupply is uncertain; at 11 pounds plus fuel canisters, it's a car camping commitment. Better served by ultralight options if you're hiking to backcountry sites.
Key Features
- Two Adjustable Burners: Independent control on each burner for simultaneous simmering and high-heat searing; rotary ignition for matchless lighting.
- 20,000 Total BTU: Enough power to boil water and cook full meals on both burners at once, with burn time up to 1 hour per 16 oz propane cylinder.
- Wind Protection: Two integrated wind guards shield the flame from outdoor gusts, improving fuel efficiency and ignition reliability at higher elevations.
- Pan-Ready Cooktop: Removable chrome-plated grate and aluminized steel surface fits 10-inch and 12-inch cookware directly; easy to clean between meals.
- Compact Footprint: 21-inch wide cooktop is manageable for car camping tables and picnic areas without taking up excessive campground space.
On the Trail
You're camping at Yellowstone with a group for a week. The first night, a ranger points out that wood fires are banned due to air quality concerns. Your Coleman Cascade saves the trip: propane stoves aren't affected by fire restrictions. You set up the two-burner stove at your picnic table, simmering beans on one side while searing elk burgers on the griddle—something a single-burner backpacker stove can't do. The wind guards help your fuel burn efficiently as cool evening air sweeps across the campground. By week's end, you've cooked six proper dinners without worrying about fire bans.
Pros & Cons
- Independent burner control for complex meals with simultaneous cooking modes
- Wind guards boost reliability and fuel efficiency in breezy campsites
- Compact enough to fit car-camp tables without excessive space demands
- Three-year warranty covers manufacturing defects and parts
- Propane fuel widely available at sporting goods stores and park lodges
- At 11 lbs plus fuel cylinders, too heavy for backpacking or remote trips
- Requires 16 oz propane cylinders sold separately—ongoing fuel cost
- Not suitable for enclosed spaces; indoor use risks carbon monoxide poisoning
- Larger footprint limits setup options at small or rustic campsites
Frequently Asked Questions
Do propane stoves work when wood fires are banned?
Yes. Propane and butane camp stoves are exempt from fire restrictions at nearly all national parks, including Yellowstone, Rocky Mountain, and Yosemite. Wood and charcoal are restricted during high-fire-risk periods, but your propane stove keeps running.
What size propane cylinders does this use?
The Coleman Cascade requires 16 oz propane cylinders sold separately. One cylinder provides roughly 1 hour of cooking on high or multiple hours on medium/low. Propane is sold at sporting goods stores, gas stations, and many park lodges.
Is this stove safe for use in tents or enclosed shelters?
No. Never use propane or any combustion stove in tents or enclosed spaces—risk of carbon monoxide poisoning is extreme. Set it up outdoors on level ground, ideally on a picnic table or flat campground spot.
Bottom Line
Reliable two-burner stove for car camping and established campgrounds; skip it for backpacking trips where weight is critical.
