Don't forget to bring extra fuel - you don't want to run out while cooking a delicious dinner!
Coleman fuel is available at these fine retailers:
Walmart
Kroger brands
And more!
What Type of Fuel is for You?
The first question that you have to answer is what type of fuel
to use. There are differences in cost, convenience and performance
with each fuel type. We'll walk you through the respective
advantages so that you can make an educated purchase decision. But
the most important consideration is how you'll be using the
appliance you're thinking of buying. Will you be heading into
remote high country? Pitching a tent at a campground in a national
park? Or just heading out for the weekend on a local trail? To a
certain extent, how you'll use the appliance will dictate which you
should buy.
PROPANE
More campers use this fuel than any other, probably because of
convenience and ease of use. No pouring. No priming. Just attach
the fuel cylinder to the appliance and you're in business. Coleman
equipment is pressure-regulated at 15 psi (pounds per square inch)
to ensure steady output throughout the life of the cylinder.
Propane offers great overall reliability, but be aware that it
operates less effectively at subfreezing temperatures than liquid
fuels. Cold will cause a pressure drop in the cylinder and output
will diminish as a result. Cylinders weigh two or three pounds, so
propane isn't the lightest weight option. Nor is it the least
expensive. However, if you tend to set up camp and stay for days or
weeks, investing in a refillable bulk tank will significantly
reduce the overall cost of fuel.
Main advantages: convenience and availability.
COLEMAN® FUEL
Also called white gas or camping fuel, you can't beat it for
camping in the winter or at high altitude. Burns hot even at
subzero temperatures. And unlike butane and propane, output doesn't
falter as temperatures drop. Coleman® Fuel is very refined, and
burns hotter and cleaner than other liquid fuels. It's relatively
inexpensive and not difficult to come by. By carrying the fuel in
small refillable fuel bottles, you don't have the disposal
considerations you do with empty propane or butane cylinders. But
unlike appliances that use those fuels, you do need to fill
liquid-fuel appliances. And for steady output, they need to be
pumped occasionally to maintain pressure within the fuel tank.
Main advantages: heat output and economy.
BUTANE/PROPANE FUEL
Butane/Propane mix canisters are lightweight, resealable, and
easily connect to stoves and lanterns. Most canister appliances are
lightweight and simple to use, so if you are a backpacker who
counts ounces and appreciates convenience this fuel is for you.
Downsides are that canisters can't be recycled, and in subfreezing
temperatures, the fuel does not perform well. Or at all. Cold
temperatures affect the pressure in the canister, so performance is
best in mild to moderate conditions, You'll find this fuel in
specialty and sporting goods stores under several brand names.
Main advantages: convenience and light weight.
UNLEADED GASOLINE
Our DualFuel™ appliances are made to accommodate automobile fuel.
Coleman's modified valving even allows for differences between
summer and winter blends. At 1/10 of the cost of propane, unleaded
gas is the cheapest of all appliance fuels. And it's available
everywhere, of course. In an emergency, you can siphon gas from the
tank of your RV or car to use in a DualFuel lantern or stove.
Although it's the most economical fuel to use, you'll extend the
life of your appliance by using purer Coleman™ Fuel most of the
time.
Main advantages: availability and low cost.
KEROSENE
Used less now that other fuel options are available, kerosene is
economical to use, readily accessible and dependable. Disadvantages
are that it's smoky and has a strong smell. Also, kerosene
appliances do require priming with a preheat fuel.
Main advantage: low cost.