Coleman 533
The 533 has been discontinued. If you're looking for something new, check out the best liquid fuel stoves for 2023.
Pros
- I used a pair of these while long haul trucking and wilderness camping for a few years, and they will put out the heat and cook a good meal in a household size skillet or boil a gallon and a half of water in a cast iron crockpot. And, of course, gasoline is readily available anywhere. And if a generator is malfunctioning, but not plugged, the flame height can be adjusted by varying the tank air pressure with the priming pump
Cons
- DO NOT EVER put super unleaded or mid grade gasoline in these stoves!! The additives will plug up the generator, so use the cheapest gasoline you can get if whitegas is not available. The priming pump is another weak point, and requires frequent oil. Always keep a spare. Generators were hard to find when these stoves were in production.
A review eh? Well.
These can be very tricky in a backpack, as liquid fuel carry is, and has always been, an issue. You gotta love these stoves to really contend with them. Now, on the other hand, gasoline is plentiful, and most people cannot refill butane/ propane cans, so when you're out of fuel, you will need to find a store, burn wood, or eat cold food. Gasoline is everywhere.
These stoves are at a disadvantage in terms of pack space, weight, and fuel safety...their day has come and gone. However, if you're going to be out awhile in a specific area, or with more than one person, and a vehicle they can be a valuable asset.
I am a bit nostalgic about things such as these from a period in life that has long since past, but even I, blend butane/ propane fuel for my Jetboil backpacking stove. They don't weigh anything and fit in a pack pocket.
Experience
Lots and lots of soup, dry goods and hamburgers
Source: bought it new
Price Paid: 30 dollars
If you are a weekend walker, I agree, buy the compressed gas stoves that litter the top of this stove review list. If however, you are spending time in places where 'mom & pop' camping stores are a little harder to come by a multi-fuel burner is essential.
If you are going out in nice summer conditions where you can prime a stove in a well ventilated area where the wind gently kisses the summer flowers and lazily wafts their sweet scent past your nostrils, I again agree, buy a Primus.
If however you can not be certain of either, then Coleman products are best by a long way. No priming, will light in a tent or in windy conditions and give a strong adjustable flame. The 533, 422, and even the expensive Fyrestorm will do you well in pretty much all circumstances you can throw at them.
My one criticism is that Coleman could do with improving quality control as too many products seem to leave the factory with glitches. When you get yours test it at home. If it does not light first time, has a weak flame or appears temperamental in any way, send it back, because when you get a good one you won't look back!
Price Paid: £40
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