Side-by-side comparison based on expert reviews and community consensus.
Coleman Classic Propane Camping Stove
Best OverallMSR PocketRocket Deluxe
Best for BackpackingPrice
$50-$70
$60-$80
Summary
Five years of Wirecutter testing and near-universal Reddit endorsement make this the default answer for car camping. Reliable, affordable, and widely available — it just works.
The go-to canister stove for backpackers who need ultralight performance without sacrificing usability. Works well solo or for two people with a larger pot.
Pros
- Proven reliability — Reddit users report units lasting 30+ years
- Widely available and easy to find replacement parts
- Can run off 1lb propane cylinders or larger tanks with adapter
- Cooked soft scrambled eggs from raw in 4 minutes in Wirecutter testing
- Ultralight and packs down extremely small
- Larger burner head works with bigger pots up to 1400ml — good for two people
- Strong performance in wind compared to competing canister stoves
- Widely available fuel canisters
Cons
- Consumes propane quickly at high heat settings
- Lower BTU output than premium options like Camp Chef Everest
- Less precise temperature control compared to higher-end stoves
- Canister fuel costs more per BTU than propane
- Not suitable for car camping where a two-burner stove makes more sense
- Limited cooking surface — no room for a pan alongside a pot
Our take
If you're asking 'what camping stove should I buy?', the answer is the Coleman Classic unless you have a specific reason to go otherwise. Decades of proven reliability and a price that doesn't hurt.
For anyone leaving the car behind, the PocketRocket Deluxe is the benchmark — it's what experienced backpackers reach for first, and for good reason.
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