Can a Two-Burner Stove Serve a Crowd? My Test of the Coleman Cascade 3-in-1
Our favorite camping stove for families or big groups
February 20th, 2026
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Our verdict
Burly enough to feed a crowd, the Coleman Cascade 3-in-1 camp stove is an excellent all-around camping stove for families and large groups.
We tested the Coleman Cascade 3-in-1 throughout the Mountain West but namely in Southern Idaho, in both mild fall conditions and windy, rainy, and cold temperatures in winter. The Coleman cooked even and delicious meals in both 70° and sunny weather and in the mid teens when it was blustery and frozen outside.
The cast iron griddle and grill expand the options of meals and recipes that can be made by both beginner and more advanced cooks. Though somewhat bulky, the stove itself is compact enough for most car campers and is easy to carry from car to table, or wherever one finds themselves cooking. Wind protection isn’t the best, but we found the stove to still perform well and maintain a consistent flame in lower temperatures even with windy conditions present.
The Coleman Cascade 3-in-1 camp stove won Best for Group Cooking in our Best Camp Stoves guide. If you’re looking for a versatile, easy-to-use camp stove and aren’t worried about bulk, this stove may be for you.
For more of our top picks for grilling at camp, check out our Best Portable Camping Grills guide. If you’re looking for something lighter weight, check out our Best Backpacking Stoves guide.
Coleman Cascade 3-in-1 Camp Stove
Coleman Cascade 3-in-1 Camp Stove Specifications
Burners: Dual 12,000 BTU burners (24,000 BTU total)
Boil Time: 7 minutes 24 seconds (1L water)
Weight: 14 lbs 12.8 oz (stove only)
Packed Dimensions: 22" x 13.2" x 3.7"
Open Dimensions: 22" x 13.2" x ~6"
Fuel: 16 oz propane canisters
Burn Time: Up to 1 hour on high with 16 oz propane canister
Included: Cast iron grill, cast iron griddle, nylon carry case for accessories
Features: Rotary ignition, removable cast iron pan support, wind guards
Price: $275
Comparison table
| CAMP STOVE | FUEL TYPE | FITS POTS | HEAT OUTPUT/ BURNER | CLOSED DIMENSIONS | WEIGHT | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coleman Cascade 3-in-1 Camp Stove | Propane | 10 + 12 in | 12,000 BTU | 22.0 x 13.2 x 3.7 in | 14.8 lbs | $275 |
| GSI Selkirk 540+ | Propane | 2 x 10 in | 14,000 BTU | 21.4 x 12.9 x 3.8 in | 10 lbs | $180 |
| Camp Chef Everest 2X | Propane | 2 x 12 in | 20,000 BTU | 24.0 x 13.0 x 6 in | 12 lbs | $230 |
| Jetboil Genesis Basecamp System | Propane | 2 x 10 in | 10,000 BTU | 10.3 x 10.3 x 7.2 in | 9.1 lbs | $450 |
| Zempire 2-Burner DLX | Propane | 8 + 10 in | 12,000 BTU | 18.5 x 12.8 x 4 in | 10 lbs | $150 |
Best for
Car campers seeking maximum cooking versatility with grill and griddle options
Families wanting cast iron cooking performance for varied outdoor meals
Van life enthusiasts needing a complete cooking solution in one package
Groups prioritizing meal variety over maximum heat output
Campers who value included accessories and don't want separate purchases
Adventurers who don’t mind the bulky footprint or carrying the extra weight
Camp cooks seeking reliable Coleman brand quality at mid-range pricing
What we liked
Compact 3.7" profile maximizes vehicle storage efficiency.
Consistent flame/heat output, even in the cold
Cast iron grill and griddle for versatile cooking options
Attractive and comfortable to carry
Easy and intuitive to set up and use out of the box
Even heat distribution on the cast iron attachments
Large cooktop
Easy to clean
What could be better
Heavy when carrying attachments
Bulky stove body
Small and somewhat flimsy windscreens
How we tested
We tested the Coleman Cascade 3-in-1 in late summer and winter in Idaho. The Cascade 3-in-1 fed us on nights spent in below freezing weather in Southern Idaho and on cool fall evenings in the Sawtooths.
We tested the boil time of the Cascade during a clear and cold (approximately 35°F) day at 4,400’ elevation with no winds, using a GSI Selkirk 540+ stove to compare. The GSI is a 2-burner stove that is similar in size to the Cascade, with 14,000 BTUs of power that makes it more powerful than the Cascade, at least on paper. We used 1L of cool temperature water with both stoves set at a medium-high heat setting, with lids on the sauce pans/pots for the duration of the boiling save for a few times where we lifted the lids to check on the progress.
The GSI Selkirk 540+ boiled at just about 6 minutes, 30 seconds, while the Cascade 3-in-1 boiled at the 7 minute, 24 second mark. We’ve boil tested these stoves in the past and the Cascade boiled at a slower pace in those tests, so be aware that boil times are very dependent upon wind speed, outside temperature, BTUs, and other factors. All in all, we found the Coleman’s boil time to be fine for our needs.
We cooked late at night while traveling in 15°F temperatures, putting the stove’s ability to ignite in the cold to the test (more on that below). The Coleman Cascade 3-in-1 has been tested in temperate conditions and in less than moderate conditions, performing consistently among our testing locations and temperatures.
We also tested this camping stove with other camp kitchen essentials–check out our guide to complete your camp kitchen setup.
Performance in the field
Cooking versatility
The Coleman Cascade 3-in-1 shines as a versatile cooking stove with the grill and griddle components for restaurant-style cooking while outdoors. Without the need to purchase a separate grill or lug around a heavy griddle for the fire-pit, camp cooking is simplified.
On a cold night I made pozole, a Mexican soup that required me to grill vegetables on the provided cast iron grill while also boiling meat and vegetables on the other burner. Pozole is a complicated dish, and even though I brought a few shortcuts, I was thankful for the Coleman’s versatility which enabled us to make a warm and flavorful soup.
Heat output
Cast iron accessories offer superior heat retention for high heat cooking.
At 12,000 BTUs per burner for a total output of 24,000 BTUs, the Cascade 3-in-1 isn’t the most powerful stove we’ve tested, but it was strong enough to thoroughly cook food in cold conditions, and it handled the various cooking tasks we threw at it without any unevenly cooked food or other issues. We also found the Coleman’s heat output to be strong without burning too hot and overall it has solid temperature control, an all too common issue with similar camp stoves.
Temperature control
The knobs on the Coleman Cascade 3-in-1 are responsive to small rotations, dialing up or down the heat as needed without risking under or overcooking the food. Temperature control is vital when creating high quality and tasty meals. In stoves with less temperature control it’s too easy for food to burn. In our years of cooking outdoors, we’ve burned everything from eggs to bread to meat due to stoves with poor temperature control. This was not an issue with the Cascade.
The Coleman Cascade’s independent temperature control per burner was also impressive as we cooked two vastly different sets of ingredients on each burner, with one burner needing to be higher for searing and another set at a low simmer. Both burners ran simultaneously and we found our meals to be consistently cooked in the way we intended.
Portability
The Cascade 3-in-1’s size is bulky and thicker when folded closed than many similarly designed stoves, like the GSI Selkirk 540+. Despite the thickness, the stove is still fairly portable and easy to carry. The handle is set in deeply and comfortable for larger hands to fit and carry for shorter distances.
When carrying the cast iron grill and griddle, the total weight of the stove is 26 lbs (around 14 lbs without the accessories), heavier than any other stove we’ve tested, including the ones that include accessories as well. We almost never feel the full weight though, because in practice we are often carrying the stove body and the cast iron accessories at separate times, or are distributing the weight between each hand as we walk.
The Cascade 3-in-1 stove is definitely not made for backpacking, but when camping at a hike-in site where we walked a few hundred feet to get to our picnic table, we didn’t mind the weight.
Setup time
The stove is intuitive and easy to use right out of the box. In fact, our first time taking it out of the box was when we were in the Sawtooth National Forest, without any access to support information or instructions online. We are not always the best at thoroughly reading instructions when excitement for camping gear sets in, which was the case with the Coleman Cascade 3-in-1, and even then we were able to pull the stove out and light it within a short time frame (5-10 minutes tops).
In the dark, when it was cold and we wanted to be outside fussing with a stove as little as possible, we were able to heat our soup and grill vegetables quickly, and had the heat of the stove keeping us warm. We love how accessible the Cascade 3-in-1 is for new campers and outdoor cooks who aren’t experienced with two burner camping stoves.
Wind resistance
The Coleman’s wind guards are on the lower side with a fairly sized gap between the burners and the bottom of the guard.
We read reviews from testers that mention the somewhat flimsy built in wind guards, and the mid-range wind protection they provide. In our testing, we generally agreed with those sentiments, and found ourselves wishing for wind guards that were both closer to the stove’s burners for less air to pass through (there’s about an inch of space between the guard itself and the burner) and constructed with more height to block wind from affecting the flame. In practice, though, we didn’t find that the flames sputtered from lack of wind protection or that food took significantly longer to cook.
We put the Cascade 3-in-1 to the test in January of this year, when we made breakfast after truck camping in the high desert of Southern Idaho, where the temperature was around 15°F and the wind was blowing 15–20 mph. It felt like the single digits and though it did need a little help starting with a lighter for one of the burners (the stove and fuel had been exposed to the cold overnight so we weren’t surprised), we cooked our food without issue. Our eggs cooked evenly and with the perfect soft-medium scrambled consistency and our green onions and sausage were perfectly grilled.
All of that is to say that while we were concerned about the stove’s wind resistance, it was more than adequate in all of the situations we tested it in where the weather was temperate, and it even surprisingly performed well against biting cold winds–leaving us impressed.
Features
3-in-1 cooking versatility with cast iron accessories
Well-seasoned cast iron with wide grooves in the griddle are easy to clean.
Complete cooking system includes cast iron grill and griddle accessories
For outdoor chefs looking for a system that includes nearly everything you’d need to create a meal (minus cooking tools), the Coleman 3-in-1 is a useful system. The included griddle and grill unlocks your cooking possibilities. The griddle attachments are fairly easy to clean and come in their own carrying case. Best of all, if you love cooking with cast iron at home, these cast iron accessories are sized to fit this stove.
Cast iron provides superior heat retention and even cooking distribution
Cast iron retains and distributes heat evenly and consistently, making for ideal cooking conditions for both high heat searing (like a steak) and for medium to lower heat cooking like grilling vegetables or making pancakes. For precision and slower cooking, the cast iron attachments are ideal for enhancing flavor and maintaining heat even when cold meat and vegetables are added.
Removable accessories enable traditional pot/pan cooking on standard grates
The Cascade’s accessories come in their own carrying case, making it easy to leave them in your vehicle or at home if you prefer to cook with traditional (or lighter weight) pots and pans. The wide grates make for a large cooktop that can accommodate a simmer pot and a larger frying pan.
Included carry case keeps cast iron accessories organized.
Nylon carry case keeps accessories organized and prevents loss during transport
The nylon carrying case feels fairly durable, with a soft yet durable exterior and a standard zipper that we predict will hold up for a solid amount of time. The handle is soft and wide enough to not hurt your hand against the weight of the cast iron attachments. The case itself fits comfortably around the grill and griddle, with a small amount of room if you wanted to add in a match, a small set of tongs, or some other small item.
Cast iron develops natural seasoning over time for improved nonstick properties
When seasoned and treated properly, the cast iron attachments have performed similarly to the cast iron you may cook with at home, imparting a greater depth of flavor after each seasoning and use while increasing the nonstick properties of the cooking surface. Using an oil with a high smoke point, like avocado oil, to season the cast iron attachments after each use/cleaning is ideal.
Single system replaces need for separate stove, grill, and griddle purchases
Camp cooks looking to grill and sear meat or fish, soften vegetables, and boil water may think they need to purchase separate tools like a camp stove and propane grill. With the cast iron grill and griddle attachments, along with the consistent heat output and wide cooking surface, the Cascade 3-in-1 is a versatile and complete system that replaces the need to purchase other tools and types of stoves/burners.
Dual-burner performance and control
Eggs and sausage cooking on Coleman Cascade griddle
Twin 12,000 BTU burners provide 24,000 BTU total cooking power
The two 12,000 BTU burners make for a stove with strong heat output. It wasn’t the strongest stove we’ve used–for example, the TK stove has TK BTU burners for a stronger heat output–but it ranks fairly highly. The flame burned strong and was stable for the entire time we cooked with it, through complex and multi-dish meals.
Independent temperature controls enable simultaneous cooking at different heat levels
The temperature controls on the Cascade are comfortable to use and responsive, dialing in the desired temperature in all but the coldest and windiest conditions. The dual burners work alongside the independent temperature controls, enabling camp cooks to creatively cook foods that require different temperature settings.
Precise knob rotation allows fine simmer control for delicate cooking tasks
While some two-burner camp stoves can burn hot, with imprecise heat output that fluctuates from almost non-existent at a low setting to extremely high and hot, the Cascade 3-in-1 is responsive to the heat setting knobs and is highly capable of low heat cooking and simmering.
Accommodates 12-inch and 10-inch pans simultaneously for multi-course meals
The Cascade 3-in-1 features a large cooktop, with a 22” x 13.2” surface that more than accommodates 12 and 10-inch pots and pans without feeling too crowded.
Auto ignition system eliminates need for matches or lighters
A consistent start is vital in a camping stove, and the rotary ignition system in the Cascade has a dependable auto start. In all but the coldest and windiest conditions (15-18° F with 15-20mph winds) the system started automatically without the need for lighters or matches.
Portable and storage-friendly design
Compact 3.7-inch closed profile maximizes vehicle storage efficiency
The Cascade 3-in-1, while thicker than other two burners like the GSI Selkirk 540+, is still compact enough for most car campers, tailgaters, nomads, and picnickers. Those with small vehicles, bikepacking, or with limited storage space should look for a smaller stove, such as a one-burner or a Jetboil Genesis Basecamp System.
Recessed carrying handle enables comfortable one-handed transport
Recessed carrying handle on Coleman Cascade stove.
Many built-in carrying handles on stoves are uncomfortable in hand, and either too small or constructed in a way that digs into one’s palm. The Coleman Cascade 3-in-1’s recessed handle has neither issue, and is instead deep and big enough for larger hands to carry comfortably.
Heavy-duty latch secures stove during transport and prevents accidental opening
The Coleman sports a sturdy latch that closes without too much pressure and feels secure enough to hold the entire stove closed. While many stoves have two latches that are smaller, the large Coleman latch sits at the middle of the stove and does not compromise on strength.
Secure storage space for fuel regulator prevents loss of critical components
The fuel regulator stores neatly in the cooktop of the Cascade 3-in-1, held in by a small hole that secures the regulator in transport and storage. The built-in storage prevents users from losing the regulator, another all-too-common camp stove experience.
Durable construction and materials
Powder-coated steel exterior resists scratches and outdoor weathering
The stove’s exterior is powder-coated steel, and it feels comfortable to touch and handle. The exterior is also scratch resistant and thick enough to resist dents from storage and heavy use. The exterior feels resistant to rust and outdoor weather.
Removable cast iron pan support simplifies cleaning and maintenance
The cast iron grill and griddle have built-in supports that easily attach and detach from the burners. The grooves of the attachments are secure enough to keep the accessories from sliding while cooking but generous enough in their design to clean without having to fight tight crevices.
Aluminized steel cooktop surface provides easy cleanup after cooking
The cooktop surface is simple to clean and doesn’t hold onto food residue. Removing the grates and wiping the stove down is straightforward and quick to clean.
Wind protection and weather features
Adjustable wind guards provide moderate wind protection.
Two adjustable wind guards help shield burners from moderate breezes
Setting up the wind guards is intuitive. They easily lock into the slots on each side of the stove. Best for low to moderate breezes, the wind guards sit close enough to the flames to offer wind protection for most conditions.
Scallop-shaped wind guard design balances protection with cookware access
The scallop-shaped wind guard provides adequate wind protection for the majority of outdoor cooking settings and is small enough to not get in the way of larger pots and pans.
Mid-range wind protection suitable for most car camping environments
The wind guards are suitable for most car campers, tailgaiters, travelers, and picnickers. While not the ideal stove for wind whipped deserts and beaches, it provided the necessary wind protection for cooking in high elevation summer mornings and cool fall evenings.
Integrated design prevents lost windscreen components during setup
The Cascade 3-in-1’s windscreens are built in, folding easily against the top of the stove when stored and fastened into slots on each side of the stove when fully opened. The integrated design is helpful in keeping track of accessories and preventing the loss of important components.
Easy setup and maintenance
Simple assembly process requires no tools or complex procedures
Coleman is a brand known for making straightforward and accessibly priced gear, and the 3-in-1 is no different. Immediately upon unboxing, the stove is able to be set up and used, with all parts accounted for . The stove’s ignition is pretty standard, with an automatic start, and will be familiar to most who’ve used tabletop gas or two-burner camp stoves.
Quick connection to standard 16 oz propane canisters via threaded adapter
Many camp stoves are difficult to connect to the fuel source, with fuel adapters that are difficult to thread or placed in a difficult to reach area of the stove. The Coleman Cascade 3-in-1 is designed with ease in mind, with nearly effortless threading of the fuel connector for a short set-up time.
Removable components enable thorough cleaning after messy cooking sessions
The grill and griddle lift off the cooking grate without difficulty and are easy to rinse and wipe down, both at camp and home. The burner itself is also durable and can be lifted and cleaned with one hand.
Cast iron accessories require standard seasoning and care procedures
Cast iron accessories provide superior heat retention and even cooking.
With proper maintenance, the cast iron components will last for years, helping to create dishes with complex flavors that are evenly cooked. After cooking outdoors and at home, we wash our cast iron with standard dish soap and water, scrubbing off any residue. We thoroughly dry the cast iron with a lint free towel or paper towel until it is nearly bone dry. Once dry, we wipe a layer of avocado oil, or other cooking oil with a high smoke point (canola, sunflower, and grapeseed oil also work) over the entire cast iron, including the bottom. We bake our cast iron in a 450°-500° F oven for about an hour on the middle rack, though others prefer to heat their cat iron on the stovetop.
Intuitive design allows setup and operation in low-light conditions
The design of the stove is accessible for new and experienced outdoor cooks alike. In the dark, the setup wasn’t daunting: the wind guards that easily secured into place and the fuel adapter was easy to connect to the propane in the dark.
Coleman Cascade 3-in-1 vs. similar stoves
The Coleman Cascade 3-in-1 is similar to other two burner table top camp stoves in its classic design that folds in half briefcase style. The two burner control knobs are common across similar stoves and the rotary ignition that lights upon activation is also a familiar feature. Although similar in overall design, the Cascade 3-in-1 stands out from the crowd due to its cast iron accessories and the overall strong cooking performance. It isn’t the cheapest stove, hovering around $275, but it is an easy to use stove that works equally well for beginners and experienced camp chefs- an aspect many stoves at both ends of the price spectrum lack.
Should you buy the Coleman Cascade 3-in-1?
Buy if you prioritize cooking versatility and want cast iron grill/griddle performance, value versatile accessories, camp in moderate wind conditions, and are usually feeding a crowd.
Skip if you need maximum wind resistance, want the lightest possible setup, or prioritize raw BTU output over cooking variety.
Where to buy the Coleman Cascade 3-in-1
The Coleman Cascade 3-in-1 camp stove is a popular gear item, so you have options when it comes to retailers. Here are some of the pros of the retailers.
REI
Pros: 100% satisfaction policy for 1 year; 10% dividend for members.
Amazon
Pros: Free 2-day shipping with Amazon Prime membership
In general for gear, we recommend purchasing from a place with easy or free returns, like REI.
Similar camp stoves
GSI Selkirk 540+
Burners: Dual 14,000 BTU regulated burners
Boil Time: 3 minutes (1L water)
Weight: 10 lbs
Packed Dimensions: 21.4" x 12.9" x 3.8"
Fuel: 16 oz propane canisters
Price: $150
The GSI Selkirk 540+ is a stove that we’ve owned for many years and have taken on many trips. The Selkirk is similar to the Coleman Cascade 3-in-1 in a few ways. They both sport a single-latch closure instead of a double-latch (though the Coleman’s latch feels more robust and durable), they both are two-burner stoves with removable grates, and both use the same type of the fuel.
At $150, the GSI Selkirk 540+ is over a hundred dollars less than the list price of the Coleman, and is a generally fair choice of a camp stove for a car camper who is making meals without complex cooking needs, such as precision high and low heating needs. The Coleman performs more consistently and has far better temperature control than the Selkirk. We easily burn food using the Selkirk and have had to intermittently use a lighter to help ignite it for a few years now. While we have tested the Coleman for a shorter period of time, we feel more confident in its construction and reliability and do not expect to have to light it ourselves to start it unless under very cold conditions.
The Coleman is also bulkier than the GSI, and weighs a few pounds heavier, even without the cast iron accessories. We still prefer the Coleman though, as its accessories are high quality and it is only slightly bulkier. Wherever a GSI Selkirk can fit in a car, the Coleman Cascade 3-in-1 would likely fit as well, making both stoves similar in general portability and footprint.
Campers looking to feed a larger crowd and have a reliable piece of gear to do it, should turn to the Coleman over the GSI.
GSI Selkirk 540+
Burners: Dual 10,000 BTU regulated burners
Boil Time: 3 minutes 15 seconds (1L water)
Weight: 9.1lbs
Packed Dimensions: 10.3” x 7.2”
Fuel: 16 oz propane canisters
Price: $450
It’s difficult to compare any stove with the Jetboil Genesis Basecamp System, a two-burner stove that folds into itself, neatly latches closed, and is carried in its own carrying case that also holds a large pot and frying pan. The Genesis is our favorite stove we’ve tested and truthfully our favorite camping stove we’ve ever used. It’s attractive to look at, small and light for short hikes into campsites and for folks short on space, and it has excellent simmer control and creates delicious and well made meals.
The Genesis is expensive though, and at 10,000 BTUs per burner it isn’t more powerful than the Cascade 3-in-1, though we do think it outperforms the Coleman in the field in terms of heat output and simmer control. The benefits of the Genesis in terms of performance, while noticeable to us as we were observing performance closely, may not outweigh the actual cost of the stoves. The Cascade is almost 200 hundred dollars less than a Genesis, and will fulfill the same cooking tasks successfully that a Genesis would. In other words, there’s little that the expensive and innovative Genesis could cook that a Coleman Cascade 3-in-1 couldn’t.
Campers who want to spend more for the Jetboil name, or who love the versatility and expansive accessory options that exist within the Genesis system (auxiliary stoves, for example), will likely be happy spending the list price.
Jetboil Genesis Basecamp System
Why you should trust us / About the author
I am an avid car camper, day hiker, occasional backpacker, former outdoor educator, and lover of eating who enjoys creating meals both complex and simple while adventuring outdoors. A quality camp stove can make or break an outdoor adventure, and I have used camp stoves to feed cold teenagers on their first camping trips, friends during picnics in the park, experienced youth campers while at summer camp, and frequently while my partner and I car camp and travel.
I have tested the Coleman both at home where I can better control the conditions to understand how essential parts of it work (or don’t), and have taken the stove to high elevation campsites and the wind-battered high deserts of Southern Idaho. I believe in buying and using gear that is reliable and keeps me going outdoors. With that value in mind, I test gear as I would use it every day and under the varied conditions that campers and outdoor chefs will experience.
You can find more of my reviews on my Treeline Review author page.
