5 Single Burner COLEMAN Stoves - my thoughts and experiences with them

In this video I'll take a look at five very popular single burner Coleman stoves. Enjoy!
Jiujitsu2000 UNFILTERED: / @offgridtinylife
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[@gud2go50]

I have owned the Feather 400, 502, and now the 533 in my life time and love them all. In the Marine Corps, I worked as an Arctic instructor and made 4 training trips to Greenland. We carried the 533 between 2 Marines and it worked flawlessly. We used it in our 2 man tents to boil ice and snow for water to rehydrate rations and hot drinks, plus dry out our gear and keep us warm. I can't say enough good things about Coleman stoves. Thanks for this video. You make me want to dig mine out and cook something!

[@petepell1]

Where do I inquire a rebuilding kit for the 502

[@muhammadzeeshan6003]

Please tell me how to operate A 400

[@oldsoldier181]

Oh man, I had the feather 400 when I was young!!! It fell off a 50' cliff, went down, got it, and it worked fine, had it for YEARS!!!

[@mikemorgan5015]

REVISIT: Don't know why I didn't comment on this last time, but that 400 looks like it simply didn't have enough pressure. When you get really low tank pressure, there isn't enough gas velocity to pull enough air. Or, little spiders have taken up residence in the mixing chamber/burner box. Haha! I still have em all and love em all. Some more than others. I'm not a fan of the single valve control on THAT 400 model. I have a couple of them the 400s with dual control identical to the 508(same generator on both models). I'm not gonna ranks them but my least favorites are still the newer single valve control models. They still work, but flame control is finicky. Some tune up work on the cleaning needle, the L hook and eccentric block will do wonders. Basically deburring, polishing, and straightening. Thanks for this video. It popped up in my recommendations again. Glad it did. Keep up the good work.

[@ed5042]

three years later, had to come back to this video! Thanks!

[@totallyfrozen]

I have the 533 and the 424 dual burner. For some reason, the 424 just feels safer than the 533. That 533 has a really finicky level control. Maybe mine just needs to be cleaned. UPDATE: After watching this video, broke out my 533 and just cooked my lunch on it. I fell in love with it again. 👍🏻 It’s an outstanding gasoline stove.

[@LeeRalph100]

You can tell by the flame alone that they 508 is a great stove...burns well, followed by the 502. I did not know of this. Thanks for the video and the demonstration!!

[@squirrelcovers6340]

I have a 502 my dad bought new when they first came out. It still works perfectly.

[@Beowulfsurvival]

I found a 550 exponent in a pawn shop new in box for $15 with both generators, have used white gas only and it has performed great so far.

[@Follower_of_The_Word]

Ive got several 502s and love them. One has the heater attachment which is like a tin can that mounts on top the stove, I keep it in the boat for cooking and hand warming during the winter

[@Krankie_V]

Just recently picked up a 502 and it's a really neat stove! It was all gummed up with varnished fuel but I took it all apart and cleaned it up and now it works well. Can't wait to take it camping and actually cook on it.

[@mikemorgan5015]

Nice video. I have one or more of all these stoves. Two of their great features are adjustability an low noise level when running. The 502 is a classic. Built like a tank, extremely reliable, very adjustable, and easy to work on with it's straight generator. An old clapped out 502 can be made to run like new in just a few minutes provided the pump and tank are ok. You won't be deep frying any turkeys with it at 5k BTUs but this stove was a 1950s design that I think came out in the early 60s. The only drawback to the larger stoves here is....well.... they're larger and heavier. The 550 was a workhorse for me during my 21 years in the Army. It was dropped bent smashed and should have been a gonner many times. Straightened out the parts with a pair of pliers and fire it up. Brewed literally thousands of pots of coffee, heated as many meals, and heated whore bath water more times than than I can count too. The weird generators actually work really well. MUST BE PREHEATED to use kerosene or JP-8 with the kero generator installed. For maintenance sake, I recommend burning white gas in them, but if you are a tinkerer, they'll run fine on pump gas for a while. The 400, 508, and 533 put out mega amounts of heat. I always kept a spare generator on hand in the field just in case. They can be changed in about 2 minutes if it takes you a minute to get your tools. The bad generators can usually be cleaned out and like new again once you get back to civilization. Most folks that don't like these stoves simply don't follow the instructions or know their principles of operation. If you get 3 foot bright flames, I'm talking to you. haha! Follow the instructions carefully and you won't have that problem, or your pickup tube needs work. Tank pressure in your friend with these stoves. Give them plenty of pumps.

[@Nicedesk]

Noted! I don't want whores complaining about tepid bath water.

[@mikemorgan5015]

@@Nicedesk Haha!

[@nspro931]

I experimented a lot with a 502 and found with no mods it will run kero (easily) and diesel (a little soot) if you preheat the standard generator. Lump of fiberglass insulation under the generator in the middle of the burner as a wick, soak in fuel, light on fire. Once hot it will vaporize the fuel just fine.

[@mikemorgan5015]

@@nspro931 Diesel is sketchy at best. No simmering with that stuff. But they WILL run on a lot of things in a pinch.

[@loin897]

I've contemplated buying these in the past... 508 looks impressive... thank you so much for putting this vid together!!

[@d.c.bushcraft.4546]

Great video! Love all the Coleman stoves!! Classics that last a lifetime

[@carmenmartinez2882]

Make up your mind man, your like them all! Joking, I have the 533 and love it. Thanks for the video. These things last forever.

[@SomeBuddy777]

Great layout and demonstration. Flame on! 🔥

[@redoak3809]

I have a Coleman 502 with the pot/storage case and love it. It sits prominantly with my beloved Coleman 3-burner.

[@doinsngoins]

533 is a stunner

[@LowLumens]

You need the 400A. That stove is amazing to simmer. Has a lever in back of it to adjust flame! Another good one is the Coleman apex! My favorite of your bunch is the 550b

[@justinwilson3653]

Great video! That unique intro was awesome!! Your editing skills are on another lvl now.

[@jiujitsu2000]

Thank you brotha! I'm always learning!!

[@PNWBob]

J-2K, thanks for the video. I also have a soft spot for the Coleman single burners. I currently have a Peak 1 model 400, a Dual Fuel model 533 and what is labeled as model 3024 "Mountaineer Series". The latter looks very familiar to the Feather 400. All great little stoves.

[@kevinhays2000]

I am a fan of these stoves. I am partial to the 533 - I have 3 of these. I am a fan of you since the reloading days. Thank you.

[@t41flyer]

No fair! I have only two! 😲

[@ashab1]

Picked up 2 nearly 25 years ago with a load of fishing gear cheap ended up selling them on a few years later, I actually preferred the Primus type paraffin stove, prices have gone up a lot on these. Bought the third on eBay used for not a bad price seller said needs a service so we will see lol.

[@jeepnicc]

What?.... Are you trying to hurt my feelings? Just kidding! I'm very jealous of your collection. I have a 1969 Coleman 502 that's in beautiful condition, but the others are still on my wishlist. Awesome video, thanks for sharing, keep up the good work!!

[@chaser1357]

I have the 533, works great, definitely like it better than my finicky dual burner. Just ordered a whisper lite!

[@OsmanKErol]

If you preheat the generator before placing the tank on the stove by means of a butane torch, it always starts with blue flames. I wait half a minute then rotate the lever downwards.

[@adrianobueno6984]

Nice review. It's exactly what I was looking for, thanks!

[@jdanielcramer]

I carried the Feather 400 thru the Rockies for years and prior to that I had an older green one, no legs, two levers and a tank shaped like the 400 but a little taller. 😊

[@jiujitsu2000]

502, 508 or 533

[@adrianotero7963]

What color was it ?

[@jdanielcramer]

@@adrianotero7963 the Feather was black

[@jarikinnunen1718]

I was worry about what I ordered (533), but that presentation relief me.

[@ChristopherChin141]

Feather 400 is my goto stove for the past +30 years ... As a Guide, I had to keep cost down so always used white gas, ... my "big kitchen" rig is the standard Coleman 2 burner 3000000789 (with the improved reservoir). Both have serve me well and will for many years to come:) Since I always have access to naphtha, no need for the dual or multi fuel versions for me.

[@muhammadzeeshan6003]

Kerosene can be used in A400?

[@briargoatkilla]

@@muhammadzeeshan6003 Gasoline.

[@wolffo999]

great vid - love coleman gear

[@johnroberts7924]

Great collection!

[@troyjenkins3886]

Not sure if anbody else commented but once the 502 is lit you can turn the knob all the way on instead of leaving it at a quarter turn to produce more input.

[@dyrectory_com]

I have the 533 but haven't used it yet. I'm using my alcohol stove. Thanks for the comparison / review! 👏🏻

[@jiujitsu2000]

Thank you, the 533 is rock solid!

[@mgd4622]

thanks for the great demo

[@gregoryhobbs9806]

I have owned my Coleman 533 since 1997 only use Coleman white fuel. It's been used cooking on my truck tail gate, power outages, etc. I wish Coleman made a trivet so I can cook with cast iron.

[@j.kapiris]

Thank you for making this. I know what I'm buying now

[@richschwartz8004]

Thanks for the comparison. God bless and stay safe.

[@elliotschneider5643]

Thanks for the vid. I was about to order a 502 but now ill definitely be going with a 508 for maximum btus.

[@charlesbradshaw9215]

Multi fuel is a bonus But also a good demo of why you need to Maintain & clean gear. Appreciate it not being a "perfect" run thanks 👍

[@jiujitsu2000]

I agree, thank you!

[@acersalman8258]

Beautiful stoves and useful

[@shenanigansofmannanan]

Thank you for the most helpful review (for a visual learner) of those stoves! #coleman

[@jiujitsu2000]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@Rodneyjay]

Great information

[@cebtropico]

Subscribed just because of the NAME❤

[@homeguy4]

I've got a 500 and 505... the 505 is definitely my favourite.

[@mcschneiveoutdoors3681]

Great video and explanation!! 👍

[@jc-mt8ot]

Show us how to maintenance that single burner 208. I have one that could use a good going over and your instructional videos are great. I got a 416, 425d, 425e, 220f dual and a 208a going all based on your videos. Great stoves...great lanterns.

[@oggimorozko702]

I've got recently 533 , amazing stove !!!!!

[@MikeB3542]

I have a Peak 1 400A...similar to the Feather 400, but it has the same controls as the 508. Works like a champ on Coleman fuel...not meant to run on unleaded. Unleaded fouls up the generator and the ethanol introduces water into the fuel, which will do a number on the tank if you don't drain it between uses.

[@robertleslie2467]

Cool video comparison. For me its the 533 all day every day. That and a Svea 123 are the only stoves I own and use.

[@floridasaltlife]

Loved this video !!!!

[@jiujitsu2000]

Thank you, I loved you're comment. Blessings from Arizona!!

[@rebelyell2741]

Check the ring seals in the control knob(remove knob, then remove black bracket. Pull out brass control rod. Replace small rubber rings.). It has two and they wear out quick. Maybe from lack of use. It will catch fire from there eventually. Also look for stress cracks inside fuel cap. I wish they made the 550 exponent in a 275 size. For my small coffee , mocha pot, Stanley cook kit, and Kleen canteen; it’s what I would love to have. But my exponent runs fantastic on gasoline , and alcohol. I can get it low and slow for my percolator. Below a simmer. Almost a plasma glow rather than flame.I switch out the generator and it burns lamp oil and diesel really well too.But it has to be flame primed with something for a few minutes first. I use Vaseline.

[@NOFx420x]

Very similar to the 530 love those stoves

[@NJPurling]

I have a 502. It was my first Coleman stove. Coleman used founts already marked for the 501 train wreck. The worst issue I had with the 502 was bugs getting into the mixer tube during the winter! It sits inside two bags now. I have had a mongrel 533/442 for a few years. It became a 442 as the fount of the 533 had a bad NRV that just would not come out. I do have the appropriate 'key' for the task. I just happily spent $160 on a new 533. U get the carry case & funnel. I use white gas only. If the 508 was still a current model I would have bought that in a heartbeat.

[@mel63613]

I had a 505B, amd it worked at -30C as well as hot summer. It had a leveling ring at the bottom, quite useful.

[@1cont]

Thanks. Great video. Love my 508

[@wanttogo1958]

The motto of the story if you want to rwduce maintenance requirements and improve reliability and lerformance is use white gas (Coleman fuel) or K-1 Kerosene in the 550 with its Kerosene generator installed. I bought a new 550 many years ago and it has worked great in all conditions. In cold weather on full throttle for an extended period of time you may have to pump it occasionally to get the best results.

[@vanwhalen3719]

Great review

[@ukspankedyank]

Very cool video and nice collection. Be cool to see you do one on the WWII Pocket Stove.

[@KrizAkoni]

Love the 400. I have the brown version of it.

[@TheReal1953]

Me too....looks brand new and with all the stickers. I think I bought it in the late 70's. Just too heavy/bulky to take seriously for backpacking and so very little use.

[@mcrow9599]

i love my brown 400

[@AxGOODxOLDxBOY]

I would watch a video of you cleaning the generator on the feather 400. I have 2 of them and could use a tutorial from someone who has done it before. Thanks and fun video to watch!

[@jiujitsu2000]

I have a video coming soon where I show how to change out the generator

[@masongates246]

Thanks for this! I have been wanting one of those 533's for a while. might just pull the trigger

[@BlackSoap361]

The only problem I have had with my 508 is the pump cup, especially in cold weather and if I don’t add oil. I got a Coleman folding windscreen for it that also fits the 400 (same burner) but I had to order it from Japan.

[@matthewnewman7187]

Great video,thanks! Looks like on the featherweight the pump is not pushed in. That might allow pressure to escape.

[@TheePunisher]

I've actually just found this video after using husqvarna power 4 fuel in my 533 (over 10 years old and with leather pump cup mod),try it,it burns hot,flame control is far better. Its as good as aspen 4t but cheaper. 5litres for 18quid.

[@paulcarey9248]

Cheers Paul.The Aspen 4 is about £37 for 5 litres.

[@GustoStCool]

Jesus! You've got a lot of flashlights too, man!

[@charliekendall4288]

I had a Featherweight, killer output. Drawback was with the 2 piece Aluminum storage/cook pot with a full fuel tank weighed in at 3 pounds. Gave it away to new backpacker. White gas is best. Discontinued.

[@tomhopkins6758]

Really nice video

[@Badgeweefixstuff]

very good video awesome I got 1952 stove 🛠️🇨🇦🛠️🇨🇦👍👍

[@VISTATREKKER]

Great video thank you

[@RocklandRednecks]

It is best to keep the gasoline out of them for maximum generator life. Some Coleman generators are now discontinued as spare parts, white gas is best. Its a shame you don't have a 500 Speedmaster or a 530 GI stove (Carried by US troops in WW2). I feel like you would LOVE a 530 given the content of your channel. I have one I am going to tune it up this winter. I love my 500 though although large it is just simply awesome. I love these videos, your comparisons are next level. What do you think of your best running Coleman vs your best running MSR stove? It would be great to hear your thoughts on that. Keep up the awesome content!

[@jiujitsu2000]

Thank holy for the amazing comment. I'd go with the msr

[@rontsawyer362]

I have the the 400 and I love it I have only ran white gas in mine

[@jarikinnunen1718]

I am newbie with gasoline stoves. I bought 533 and I ordered 550B from army surplus store, because it is multifuel. sort of. Weight is not big issue to me. I have it too much by myself anyway. When counting percentages, it weigh in reality.

[@AstroVanTribe]

Thank you - I stumbled upon the 502 for $15 and the 1946 530 - I want one for my van for Overlanding and know I'll be in other countries running gasoline - I'm going to find a 508, now....

[@offensivejerk]

Excellent

[@itninja9503]

Would love to see a video comparing these to a propane stove

[@Steve-uq7np]

Very good info, you’ve saved me money….

[@markhuddleson6148]

Put a little bit of sea foam into the stove when they don't run good cleans it up

[@jiujitsu2000]

Nice thoughts! I'll have to give it a try. Thank you

[@maxinpains6937]

@@jiujitsu2000 Curb cleaner in a bottle pour a little into the tank dues much better jobs. Look up seafoam review on youtubes

[@TerrieJohnson731]

Okay 👌 got it.

[@gertvanpeet3120]

Use injector cleaner..STP, Lucas , wynns.... Works for your car, also for stoves!

[@petethescalemodeller6130]

Love my 533 :)

[@rogermacias8307]

Add 2oz. Berrymans B12 chemtool will clean the generator With ease

[@ducamealy5652]

I would like to see how you're going to take care of the generators so that to get a super clean burn.

[@twhite19782012]

I second that!

[@jiujitsu2000]

I plan on doing a video on that in the near future but as for now I have a video coming soon of me showing how to change out the generator

[@dangallo9291]

@@jiujitsu2000 I would love to see a video on the 502 generator maintenance.

[@TheReal1953]

Generally, with Coleman generators you take them apart and clean out the insides completely. Or you can super heat the gens with a propane torch to burn out the residue. I prefer to clean them out. I have the Coleman Peak 1 Model 400. It was really too heavy to backpack and I used the Phoebus instead. But what I like about the Peak that my other 'rocket engine' stoves don't do is SIMMER. I know gasoline is cheap, but CF is preferred for maintenance.

[@Shane-Singleton]

I would like to see a comparison between liquid fuel vs isobutane vs propane as far as fuel cost, efficiency, etc. You know the normal 2 cups of water boil test since that seems to be fairly standard. I have been thinking of getting a stove like this as gasoline or white fuel is easier to get ahold of in a pinch than the small propane or isobutane canisters. Looking for something to add to the emergency supply home kit.

[@Simitenbiri]

Great demo. Thank you

[@jiujitsu2000]

Thank you for stopping by I'm glad that you enjoyed this one!

[@davidbothof1077]

I love all my children equally (buys 508 a richly ornamented cloak) 😀 Seriously, though, thanks for the video! Great information! I love my Feather 400, but it looks like I need a 508 too. And a 533. And I should fix my 502 someone gave me.

[@jiujitsu2000]

Awesome! Thank you! I have 1547 video's... Please tell a friend! I could use the traction!

[@williamharper9893]

You need the original 400 with the flame control. Best one of all and a beloved classic.

[@chaser1357]

I have the silver one and has great flame control

[@deadoralive7337]

400 has a great simmer control, but after a prolonged use of simmering, the generator tends to clog up, and the flame becomes erratic--orange with a lot of soot. Simply remove the generator and blow torch the carbon buildup and reinstall. Voila! It is good as new.

[@ducamealy5652]

I'm waiting for the tune up

[@jiujitsu2000]

Editing it as I type this comment. Soon!

[@AChildofLightHEATHER]

How long do you think the 508 would run when full? Great review👍

[@MiscMitz]

Nice! I don't have any single burners.

[@sealexander]

Running a 508 generator on my feather 400B. No issues. I think the 533 would work too

[@explorermike19]

I agree that the 508 is the best of the lot with excellent flame control and reliability. The 533 (the one with the flare-ups) has been the worst stove Coleman ever produced. Ironically, it is the only single stove Coleman is offering now. Many/most of them cannot regulate the flame. The quality is a crap-shoot with the 533. The problem with the Exponent 550, in my opinion, is the plastic parts, especially the plastic flame adjust knob. Eventually, you will have some mishap and the plastic parts will get burned and melt.

[@trevormillard1339]

Yes I agree. I have all these stoves. I find the 502 most difficult to light and stay lit. The 533 has terrible simmering ability, in fact no ability at all. but the 508 is the top of the tree, hot and yet so controllable. I run Coleman fuel exclusively

[@Krankie_V]

@@trevormillard1339 I'm sitting next to a beautifully simmering 533 right now 🤷 got it with some badly varnished fuel in it, I just cleaned it up with some carburetor cleaner and it fired up beautifully. Stinks a bit of spoiled fuel but functions great. Simmers better than my 502 by a long shot. Even with trying 3 different generators, the 502 is very fussy to simmer.

[@mongo_congo9908]

Thank you... JIUJITSU2000 for the comparative Coleman, single burner, stove review. I was curious to know if you found out why the Exponent Stove was losing Pressure? Was it the Valve assembly, the fuel cap, or the pump and check valve assembly allowing pressure to escape from the stove? Inquiring minds would like to know the problem, and more importantly how it was corrected in your diagnosis. Thank you in advance for your response to my inquiry.

[@lessstuffmorefreedom-livin6886]

Hello there my friend. Had a quick question for you. Out of the Coleman 533 and the Coleman 400 b, overall, which one would you recommend? I have the 533 now and I do like it but I was thinking about getting the 400b just at the back up or am I take over and be my main stove. And also, in your opinion which you have a lot of experience so that's why I'm asking you these questions. I live up in the Northeast in the mountains and I do a lot of very cold hot tenting. Which one would you recommend out of the two for the cold weather? Let me know when you get this look forward to your response buddy take care and be safe

[@acrepairnearme]

Great overview ❤

[@josephtremblay6562]

Just scored a 500A/700c " Canadian version " only has the 1 lever on/off hi/low. Does'nt have second lever like yours. It says 8500 btu, and seems to work good tho so im happy.

[@elultimo102]

I would have like to see the WW2 GI Coleman Stove demonstrated and compared.

[@rjcote45]

I just finished your video. YES!!! The 550 loses pressure! They always do. Its a lousy design! Yeah its a good concept, but they never made it work right! Its much lighter and very pretty but its crap!. Stick with its original predecessor: The APEX I or APEX II. Both are good! Run fast, run far from the 550!!! People have pulled the Model 400 sitting on a shelf in the garage or basement for the last 20 or 25 and even 30 years with the OLD, STALE, DEAD Coleman Fuel still inside and it fires right up and works fantastic! Many youtube testimonials at least in the past! No kidding! How is that even possible????? Ultra light-weight??? NO!!!!!! Ultra reliable bordering on perfect and mystical??? YES!!!!! Relatively light and compact for a weekend trip.

[@thomascronquist1604]

To clean the stoves, run RXP, from Auto Zone

[@davevaldez9130]

I have a 508. Used it for the first time, heats up fast. Question, how long can this stove run? The tank does heat up a bit. Is that normal? Also, where do you find generators for this stove? Awesome video! Thanks!

[@gregorydahl]

I bought a 503 for $55 after buying a different brand that had a generator but no blue flame holder . It has a different blowtorch type flame pointing up through a metal funnel shape flame director . It makes itself get dirty sooty in only a few minutes and is disturbingly missing the blue flame star oatterns of all the other stoves on the market .

[@peetsnort]

I wonder if you could use the shell premium for the cleaning agents it's purported to have. I have a primus kerosene stove and I'm going to get the premium diesel and see if it works

[@DannyB-cs9vx]

I have seen the caps develop cracks maybe from over tightening. The outside may look fine but look inside the cap. at the center part inside of the gasket.