Gear Review Classic Stoves - Coleman single burner

Coleman has made several single burner stoves, this will focus on just two
The Classic 500 series, specifically the 502/533


and the newer dual fuel (gas and Kero/JP8)

as the model 442 (exponent Feather 442) or the

or the Model 550B (Peak 1, 550B Multifuel - kero/JP8)

(NOTE duel fuel can mean two things in a Coleman product. white gas and auto gasoline or
white gas/kerosene/JP8. If buying used, check to understand just exactly what you are buying.).

All of these stoves operate in the same general manner using common components



Repair parts are still available for even the older stoves and maintenance is simple, tho you should read up in the stove in question and look at the Illustrated Parts Breakdown to understand how the pieces/parts fit together..
Please note #14 in this drawing - this is the generator.

Since with this a pressured font stove, you must do some maintenance for time to time. Mostly the oiling of the pump leather - but checking the font cap 'O' rings is important as well.

The duel fuel (kero/JP8/gasoline) stoves were seen all over the sandbox, normally issued by Guard units or purchased by individuals. MRE heaters sotra work, but that don't do for sh!t in making a cup of hot Joe on a cold desert morning. This for the same reason folks bought and carried old-school canteens - water bladders don't have a cup....


These are solid workhorses for cooking, heating and can be set to simmer for cooking items like rice, noodles or pasta. The out put for these is about 10,000 BTU/hr.

The difference between stove types is the generator. The same is true for the lanterns. It is possible - and safe - to convert one type (fuel) stove to another using a replacement generator.
(see coleman 400 conversion? - this site is THE reference for Coleman products)

Since a video is worth a lot of words - here is how to light off one of these stoves (Model 533)
- this guy is a bit long winded, but he covers all the basics.

Coleman 550B lighting


There are tons of v ideos on Coleman products on the You Tube - I think you'll find waht you have.


Bottom line
These stoves are often found at thrift stores, Craig's list and at garage sales. Unless it has been run over by a tank, and the price is right (your choice) I don't see a problem with any of these. Parts and information is readily available online and these are easy to work on, should that be necessary. I've picked up many stoves and lanterns for 'a song' and all work the treat. Some required a bit of work, usually a stuck check valve in the pump.
Propane is fine for warm weather, but for deep cold, the white gasoline stoves and lanterns are the only thing worth owing - if you want the device to work - no matter how fold.


Accessories - don't bother with carry cases.
The nearly impossible to find Coleman branded Al carry tin is all but worthless - I have one and don't use it to carry the stove.- they dent like crazy as the metal is so soft.


The plastic ones are crazy expensive - over $40


I use a coffee can with cardboard shims on the side and bottom. With the plastic lid in place, fumes are not an issue.

Fuel bottle? Yes.
A 1 liter MSR with the pour top is just the thing to store your Coleman fuel. Coleman fuel may be left in the font - for years - and not damage the stove/lantern.

Trivia
Coleman 530 Bxx Pocket Stove, the civilian version of the GI pocket stove.

yes, you can get parts for these today. I have one, picked up at 530 B47 for $5 at a yard sale. Fun display item.

Stove, Squad, M1950 - you see these from time to time, often and prices much higher than a new Coleman. If you can pick one up for a few bucks, parts can be found - again - not cheap.
Several Surplus outlets sell these as NIB - but for more than I would pay for a MSR-XGK-EX new from REI - so, to me, not any real value here.
BTW - very few of these were made by Coleman - most are FedGov low bidder contractor built.
Coleman 500 or 501 single burner


just a word of caution - the 501 is a collector item - and something I will not use. The 501B is a fine unit and resolved many of the safety issues found in the 501. As a display item, there are a 'find', but as a stove - not so much, IMO.

There are a bewildering number of Coleman single burner stoves, made under diferent 'brands (Peak One, eXponent, etc) with rare excretion these are solid, well built easy to maintain units IF USED CORRECTLY. Liquid fuel stoves have been banned for most National Parks owing to idiots setting camp-gounds on fire thru improper use.

If you pick one of these up - get trained, have someone show/ go on line and watch the videos - so you know how to safely use the stove. Gasoline is highly combustible, poisons and requires care in use. Don't be "that guy or gal" that winds up on the local news....

Have fun!

 

Date your stove
By Model - International Coleman Collectors Club

 

They seem to multiply.

 

From all of Mr Diggity's post's here , one thing he's not going to be short of during the collapse is ,, a stove , and Light ,, I believe he has those 2 covered ,,,

 

They do - I have a shed full of lanterns and stoves as well. Happily, my DW doesn't complain.

Still, the OP was for the many visitors that come here to get some education on not being a victim of circumstance....

 

On a side note, I've managed to get a dual burner Coleman running on straight alcohol...

 

Don't leave us hanging - spill the details!

 

Jet changes? Pressure? DNA? Moonshine?

 

I stopped by the Habitat store today. I usually walk through them once in a while to find stuff that I can’t live without. Lol. And just happened to spot a green suitcase on a shelf ,, pulled it , opened it up, everything was in there and in place. Lightly used and well taken care of. It’s the double burner suitcase model 413G. I’m gonna wipe it down good inside and out, put some fresh gas in it, and try to perk up a pot of coffee. So ,, mucho , mega thanks to DKR for posting that link to identity these stoves ages. So mine is at the least , 40 yrs old, and great shape for the age , and I paid 40 bucks for it. Maybe not a super deal,, but it’ll bring back memories of camping with my Dad 45 plus yrs ago.

 

The 413G tank should have a date stamped on it.

 

I’ll check it and report back

 

I checked the tank and couldn’t find a date on it. No stamped dates on the tank , case, anywhere that I can see. And no printed dates on the labels.
In the Id chart DKR posted, under fuel , it had nothing posted in that section,, so I’m assuming it is white gas/ Coleman fuel burner only ,, correct??? Next week I’m going to take it all apart , wipe it down and clean it good ,, maybe I’ll find a date somewhere then.

 

It's white gas, Coleman fuel.

Lots of good tutorials on cleaning and operation online.

 

tank be looking like


Classic Camp Stoves
for
all things Coleman

 

When I get back down to the coast,, I’ll look at it a little better. Then again,, you’re stating “classic” stoves. Maybe mines not a classic.

 

some people collect dolls..

 

Some information on Mr Coleman

WC Coleman Founder of The Coleman Company

and the Coleman museum
Coleman Factory Outlet and Museum - Wichita, Kansas

tour of the facility

 

Stoves


lanterns

 

Cool little videos. I did notice in the one video,, when it said the Army got in touch with them to get the stoves made for them ,, the GIs they showed with the stove was a few WW11 Marines. The Corps always was good at acquiring what it needed to get the job done ,, ,, thanks for posting those,, interesting videos.