Coleman PerfectFlow 2-Burner Stove
Coleman Triton+ 2-Burner (step-up)
The Coleman PerfectFlow 2-Burner has been the go-to camp stove for car campers for decades. We used it for an entire summer camping season โ 14 trips, 40+ meals cooked โ to see if it still earns its reputation or if newer options have made it obsolete.
๐ก Quick verdict
The Coleman PerfectFlow is still the best value 2-burner camp stove made. At around $50, nothing else delivers this combination of cooking power, reliability, and features. The Triton+ is worth the extra $20 if you want push-button ignition.
Specs
| Specification | PerfectFlow 2-Burner | Triton+ 2-Burner |
|---|---|---|
| Total BTU output | 20,000 | 22,000 |
| BTU per burner | 10,000 | 11,000 |
| Ignition | Match/lighter required | Push-button |
| PerfectHeat technology | Yes | Yes |
| WindBlock panels | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 3.4 lb | 3.6 lb |
| Grate size | 12-inch compatible | 12-inch compatible |
| Price | ~$50 | ~$70 |
Cooking performance
Twenty thousand BTU total is plenty of heat for camp cooking. We boiled 4 quarts of pasta water in under 10 minutes, maintained a gentle simmer for scrambled eggs without burning them, and ran both burners simultaneously for 20 minutes without any pressure drop. The PerfectHeat regulator keeps consistent flame even as the propane canister gets low โ a real advantage over cheaper stoves that sputter and weaken in the last quarter of a canister.
The WindBlock panels on both sides make a genuine difference โ we cooked through 20 mph gusts without flame-out on either test day. The panels fold flat for transport and pop up in seconds.
Pros
- 20,000 BTU โ powerful enough for any camp meal
- PerfectHeat maintains consistent heat as canister empties
- WindBlock panels work well up to ~20 mph winds
- 12-inch grate fits most camp cookware
- Three burner settings (High/Med/Low)
- Folds flat for compact storage
Cons
- No igniter (need a lighter) โ Triton+ fixes this
- 3.4 lb is fine for car camping but not portable
- Requires separate propane purchase
- Grates can retain food residue between uses
PerfectFlow vs Triton+: which to buy?
The Triton+ adds 2,000 BTU and a push-button igniter for $20 more. If you've ever struggled to light a camp stove with wet hands or in wind, the push-button igniter is worth $20 every time. Buy the Triton+ unless you're on a tight budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does a propane canister last in the Coleman 2-Burner?
A standard 1lb Coleman propane canister lasts approximately 60 minutes of cooking time on high. For a weekend trip with 6 meals, plan on 2 canisters. For a week-long trip, bring 4โ5 canisters or use a bulk adapter hose with a larger tank.
- Can I use a bulk propane tank with the Coleman 2-Burner?
Yes โ with a Coleman High Pressure Propane Hose adapter (~$15), you can connect a standard 20lb barbecue propane tank. This is much cheaper per BTU than 1lb canisters.
- Does the Coleman 2-Burner work in cold weather?
The PerfectHeat regulator helps maintain output down to about 20ยฐF. Below that, propane starts losing pressure and performance degrades. For winter camping, consider a liquid-fuel stove instead.
Verdict
After a full summer of use, the Coleman PerfectFlow 2-Burner remains the best-value camp stove available. At $50, it's a no-brainer for any car camper. Spend the extra $20 for the Triton+ if you want push-button ignition โ you'll appreciate it on cold mornings. See our full best 2-burner propane stoves roundup for all options.