I currently use the Coleman double burner stove for all of my trips. It is a bit heavy to carry through the portgages but consider it worth it for the convenience of having a good stove. It seems that the majority of bwcaers use the light weight single burner stoves and I'm starting to wonder if I should make the switch. Do you consider the heavier 2 burner stoves an unnecessary item?

I use it too and am wondering the same thing. Thanks.

they are a bit bulky, but they are the cadilac of the stoves. If you can't work over the fire, (restrictions), it might be worth it, but we usually sub in 2 MSR whisper-torches (aka whisperlights) instead to save on space. If you've got the space, take it!

If saving weight and space is important to you, make the switch. Otherwise, keep bringing the Coleman. It's paid for :)

I used to bring one for my large scout groups, but recently switched to two single burners for packing size. The two huge benefits of a Coleman double burner is the ability to use a rectangular aluminum double griddle and the wind screens. The double griddle really helps cook fish and pancakes fast for a big group.

If you have a smaller sized stove and big groups, keep using it. The single burners have their draw backs being a smaller less stable surface and twice the expense too.

Another trick - fill all the space in the green suitcase with utensils and such, but always remember to remove the butane lighter!

dougroy84
You got the right idea. If it works for you. Use it.

I have been tempted to take my old clunk suit case Coleman on our trips. 4 people, 2 burners, coffee hot and steamy while cooking dinner. That is a win win situation. Seems I need to rethink my ways.

As it stands, we double portage, so there is no big deal in carrying a double burner over the trail with a pack.

My first couple of trips I used my coleman suitcase. As tie went on and I improved my gear I switched to a coleman Peak 1 and eventually to a MSR simmerlite.

As many have said if it aint broke don't fix it, but if you want to lighten the load, and reduce the bulk consider a single burner when you feel a need to switch.

I think the above posts have it pretty well covered. I have the suitcase, great stove, and still bring it for big groups, mostly base camping style trips. Especially if i will need two single burner stoves anyway for cooking. Not much difference. Tip about putting stuff in the stove is right on. You can store many things in it at start of trip, utensils are great idea.

If you are on fast and light, moving daily, lots o' portages type trip, I would invest in another stove, way lighter and smaller. Those type trips have simpler meals in general, anyway.

I've switched out my Coleman double burner suitcase for a Coleman single burner. It suits me fine in that it's light and certainly functional. That said, we eat dehydrated food exclusively. If we did anything else, I would go back to the suitcase. It's worth the extra weight.

Last year, I bought a two burner for those trips where I don't have to portage or other places where we set up for a long weekend and just fish.

You have to admit, they have thier place. When I want to move light or fast, I take one of my other nine stoves.

Yeah, nine....I can't help myself when it comes to gear.

If its just my son and I, I prefer the Coleman two burner portable burners that use the disposable fuel. If I take a larger group then I bring up the large stove.

I still have the old suitcase propane stove I bought back in '92. Works like a charm, although it looks a bit rough around the edges. I only bring it when I go with a group of at least 3. I like to cook different meals and I do also have a double burner skillet for big fishing days or pancake mornings. My jet boil comes along when I go solo.

Never hurts to have a lighter stove, but as the group size gets bigger the extra burner, stability and windscreens really come in handy.

Anyone ever tried the coleman fold and go stove? i think it weighs 10 lbs and is pretty compact for a double burner.

We took a Fold n' Go in last year. It is easy to keep clean and simmers pretty well and it is more compact than a suitcase Coleman. I think it's pretty handy for two-burner cooking but it is heavy. I am considering getting one of these low-profile Coleman single burner stoves and taking that with a second backpacking stove for times when we need two burners.

Coleman single burner

Krusty

if your REALLY into it get a THREE burner Coleman!!-the aluminum case weights less that a steel two burner--only found on Ebay and yard sales these days i guess--

My next trip is with 6 guys and I am considering bringing 2 Coleman 2 Burner Stoves.