Are NEW Coleman Stoves BETTER Than OLD Coleman Stoves?

[@arcticparatrooper11b2p]

My Coleman 400 stove is 39 years old (1983) and I bought it after basic training when I arrived in Alaska. I served me well, especially in the winter, and survived 37 parachute jumps. I purchased a second one in 1985 and still have them both.

[@Speedy99Q]

Not many people know this but in order to simmer with the 533 you just need to turn the valve all the way to off and then slowly open it. It will controll just like the peak. The reason for this is the curved generator, holds the needle open until the internal spring snaps it near closed. Turning it to the off position first unloads it. Don’t worry it won’t go out when you turn it to off

[@simongreaves9465]

WhaaaaATt??!?... I've had a 533 for 15 years and never knew this! I'm sure it never detailed this in the instructions! I have to try this out.

[@trump-ob5xl]

I have noticed this with a coleman 440 i bought for 2$ at an estate sale. I could gradually bring it up, instead of trying to lower it down from hi flame.

[@GT-ic5xd]

I just bought 533 and figured it out, but nice to know thats how to get it to simmer, thought mine might have been faulty

[@Michael-en7of]

I didn’t know it, had one for years. 😂

[@TheBlackstag1]

I do the same

[@fatmanfaffing4116]

In the Australian Army back in the 70s and 80s we had the Stove, pressure M1950 which ran on kerosene or methylated spirits. You had to pump to build up the pressure and it made that 'chuffa' noise. Hearing your old Coleman chuff away took me back to some great memories getting the 'chuffa going' to put a brew on. We only used these when we were vehicle based.

[@lockman004]

About 20 years ago I had to relocate for a new job. To avoid boredom I started going to antique and garage sales primarily buying pre WWII kerosene lanterns but because Coleman lanterns and stoves of all sizes were so common and inexpensive I started purchasing them as well. I almost never paid more than $10 for any stove or lantern. The key to getting a good price is to be polite but walk away if the price is too high. Then return right before the end of the sale and often the seller will drop the price rather than take their stove or lantern home. I now have almost 300 kerosene lanterns and about 80 Coleman stoves and lanterns, many in pristine condition. In my opinion all of my vintage stoves and lanterns are better than the new lanterns. Sadly very few people are interested in the lanterns or stoves so they sit on shelves in my warehouse and I suspect they will eventually become landfill.

[@vcman9505]

I can use one stove if u want to let 1 go

[@AndyMacaskill]

If you were in the UK, I'd offer to buy them! The idea of them ending up landfill is awful.

[@Chris_at_Home]

LED lanterns have made the gas ones obsolete except if you want the heat. I have a few of Coleman stoves and lanterns but hardly use them anymore. I bought mine over 40 years ago when I moved to Alaska. They all have had a lot of use. I used to camp out about 70-80 days a year off most of it six weeks off in the summer to go hunting fishing canoeing and rafting.

[@anthonydisario9659]

I am very interested in purchasing a lantern or two from you if the price is right

[@chrissewell1608]

I'll be glad to buy several, if you have web site or a list & photos you can email!

[@cherylridone2155]

We have(my husband's) early series PEAK 1 stove that we used for several years as we traveled(car camping) to visit friends & family out of state. There were no problems encountered, whether it was on "full blast", to make expresso, or "down low", to gently heat the pan for an omlette. It always worked as intended without anything beyond basic maintenance. Wish we had collected several to use in a "simple" outdoor kitchen. Your genuine presentation is appreciated. Thank you.

[@bryanbrowning5746]

I’ve had my Peak 1 for 42 years, and when I was younger, and equipment weight was not an issue, it was my “go to” backpacking stove. That stove, and a Sigg bottle with white gas would last a long time! I concur with you on legs, they are much more stable, and protect the bottom of the tank from moisture and getting scratched and dented during use. As a side note, I always carried trioxane tabs and mini stove, as well, because anything with moving parts can(and sometimes will) malfunction at the most in opportune times!

[@jjm9902]

Bryan, ur 42 yrs comment made me stop. Thru-hiked the AT in 1980 and carried my green Peak 1 the whole way. So like you, I've had it 42 years. Still works as well as ever. Love the dial up or dwn flame which was rare back in the day. It has a place of honor in my memories forever. 😊

[@bryanbrowning5746]

@@jjm9902 mine is in the garage on display with my collection of antique oil lamps. I take it down and dust it on occasion, which does stir up some great memories of being in the woods, and of the many years gone by! Those outdoor trips were some of the best experiences in my lifetime! 😁

[@thermalreboot]

You have me beat, I have a 508 that has been part of my gear since 1985, it was my backpacking stove, we didn't know what ultralight camping was. I still have it and it's in my canoe camping trunk. It's still on the original generator.

[@jjm9902]

@@thermalreboot Excellent. There's an old saying: "Travel light, freeze all night."

[@DobermansRock]

Use the base of the plastic case for better traction.

[@stevensmith1911]

I have both. My 533 does not simmer regardless of pressure or other variables. "Old Brown" simmers beautifully. Just love the chug, chug of the stove firing away. I learned that if you simmer for awhile, when you've finished and removed your pot, put it back on high for a short bit before turning off in order to burn off excess carbon build up from simmer mode. Thanks for the review!

[@donaldfiesta8666]

Ya the 533 is crud compared to the 400. My 533 burns regularly gas as well as coleman fuel which is not great soot on pots.

[@MarkJohnson-tc7it]

I have the Peak 1 stove with a date of 10-80. I recently fired it up after 20 to 25 years and it worked great. It has many miles on it and is still my favorite.

[@daleswier8429]

I'd vote for the Peak1 Stove. I like the flame control as well. Nice video, thanks.

[@PatrickRich]

Love my Peak 1.

[@douglasthompson2740]

I was raised in the fifties on Coleman two burner stoves and single as well as double mantle gas lanterns. Still have them today. The single burner I bought in the later sixties as I recall and it is much simpler to start and run. Never even think about preheat and there is no fuel line across the flame. In those days of leaded gas we used to buy five gallon tins (two to a wood box) of white gas. Later they came out with Coleman fuel but we never used that. In the mid seventies they came out with the duel fuel that ran on leaded as well. I actually ran leaded gas in the white gas models and never had any real problems. Worked well but did require replacement of generators a bit more often which happened very rarely with white gas stoves and more frequently with the lanterns. If you live in cold country there was and is no substitute for gas appliances. You will come home with most of your propane still in the bottle when temps are in the teens and less. We used them mostly in boats and camps rather than back packing. Also used a lot when power went out (which it did frequently) back in those days. Wintertime Alaska is unforgiving with the weather on cooking and lighting appliances when in the bush. Coleman was the standard as well as a few kerosene lanterns around then.

[@starlingblack814]

Good to have you back Dr. Ernie; I had the larger version of this Coleman stove about 25 years ago and used it in my canoe trips. It was a great stove. I got rid of it and the canoe when I moved into a small travel trailer. Thanks for the comparison video.

[@Dreyno]

I use unleaded in my Sportster 533. I live in Ireland and Coleman Fuel is not stocked widely and very expensive. It’s between €10-14 per litre. Even with today’s fuel prices it’s 6-8x the price of unleaded. But the scarcity is a bigger issue. My local camping supplier doesn’t even stock it. It’s available online but the nearest place to walk in and buy it is 2hrs away. Butane/propane gas is far and away the biggest fuel used here with alcohol/meths probably a distant second. I use both. Coleman stoves are definitely more niche. So I really only bought the Coleman as a car camping/power cut emergency stove. I suppose I like the idea of siphoning the lawnmower for fuel as a last resort 😄 It’s used so rarely that it’s never gunned up on me. It it needs cleaning or a new generator pipe eventually, I still think the convenience of using unleaded it it’s best feature for me. I know people suggest panel wipe and Aspen fuel but again, the sheer convenience of unleaded was what attracted me to the thing in the first place.

[@gasstationpeanuts1814]

Virtually all these Coleman stoves will burn gasoline just fine, the claims that it will gum up quickly and that it's significantly worse for your health is greatly overblown. You shouldn't be hovering over these stoves in an enclosed tent, but outside in the open air is just fine. Also, even with heavy use they're going to run well on pump gasoline, and if you notice excessive sputtering you can take the generator tube off and spray it through with carb cleaner and reassemble and it will be good as new.

[@Dreyno]

@@gasstationpeanuts1814 I wouldn’t use it indoors running on any type of fuel tbh. The gases you don’t smell can be just as toxic as the ones you do smell. Coleman has a vested interest in people buying their fuel. But I think the convenience of always having fuel available whether it’s in a jerry can, a lawn mower, a motorcycle etc. and can be bought absolutely anywhere is the real attraction of this sort of stove. I use gas usually because the stove and canister fit in my cook pot and it’s so clean and convenient. But coming into storm season, the Coleman will be on standby as usual.

[@janetdonaldson2632]

Not surprised. So many people say the new Coleman stoves are not built the same. Been paying attention to reviews like yours because I inherited a couple Coleman stoves and pondering what to do with them as I am in need to replace one of my camp stoves. I like the idea of white gas vs propane for a few reasons. And the trend of info is saying the new Coleman stoves are not as good quality. Sooo, will see if I can restore the vintage. Thank you for your thorough review!

[@gilabear11]

I have a Peak 1 400 from a 1981 Bikecentennial Mexico to Canada bicycle trip. We had two for our group of 7 riders and used them everyday, twice a day, to cook breakfast (heat water, cook pancakes, fry eggs) then dinner (real meals like chicken soup, hamburger patties, moose steaks in Wyoming, etc.) I ĺike that choofing sound when its really cranking. One of our stoves fell off a bike in Colorado and the leg support punched a hole in the fuel tank. We found a welding shop and the proprietor repaired the fuel tank with brass but the leg lost the ability to fold, so we called it Peg Leg. I bought Peg Leg after our final night in Jasper, Alberta. I used it several years after. I still have but haven't fired it up in more than 30 years. Now I'm going to dig it out of my stuff and see if it still works. Thanks for the video!

[@thomaswilliams2273]

With the 533 you can use a plastic Folgers can as a case.

[@Lollygagger-k4p]

Nice. I just sewed up a canvas pouch and then waxed it. Same for my Component.

[@gud2go50]

I bought a Colman 400 back in the early 1980's as a young Marine to use in the field in my artillery unit. I loved that stove and owned it for many years. Through many household moves and a divorce, it disapeared on me. So, I bought a new 533, and have had it for several years now. It did not come with a case so I tried to order one for $75. I finally got tired of waiting on it and instead bought a Zebra 6" in diameter pot with a lid. It fits perfectly! It protects the stove even better and is handy to use when camping. Win, win. I also used a stove very similar to the 533, when I was an Arctic instructor. We used that type of stove for many trips to Greenland, Norway and other very cold places around the U.S. It never let us down. One stove per 2 men. It heated our chow and dried out our clothing over and over again. Great review! I am glad someone else appreciates these stoves like I do. I remember hunkering down in our tent in Greenland while the weather raged around us thinking, thank God for this thing as it melted snow and ice for water and dried our drinched gear. I look forward to your next videos.

[@jonpierson4616]

Thanks for the zebra Billy pot recommendation, I just ordered one from Canadian Outdoor Equipment, so now my brand new 533 will have a safe and symbiotic home.

[@MikeH-sg2ue]

I have a Peak 1, that I bought in Jasper, while camping up there, in the early eighties. I did change the leather pump gasket on it, about twenty years ago, & it needs changing again. Still works fine! I keep it in an old coffee can, with a pot holder stuffed in as well! Can’t imagine folks backpacking with these stoves anymore. It’s still great for car camping! Keep your smiles on!

[@Steve-hb4my]

I love vintage Coleman white gas stoves. Virtually unchanged over the decades and pretty easy to maintain and keep running at peak level.

[@theomerian6102]

Couldn't agree more Ernie. I have a Peak 1 400 and simply love it. On top of all your reasons I would add that the 400 stoves (well, all their pre-1983 stuff really) is built to last centuries. While their basic operation is unchanged, the old stuff is made of all brass parts. For instance, the fuel pickup tube is brass instead of plastic. And the leather pump cap will last a long time too - way more than the newer neoprene ones. They just need some oil (neatsfoot works the best) every now and then. Keep up the excellent videos.

[@plainsimple442]

Fired up my Pike1, 4/82, after not using for 35 years with the same fuel in it. Worked great, so purchased more fuel. 😃

[@christalbert722]

I got my old 533 out and tested - had to make sure I wasn't mis-remembering and just making stuff up- but it throttles just fine, from full power down to a simmer. It IS sensitive- all of this happens in about 1/8 of a turn of the valve- but it works and is controllable. I did a little searching and it sound's like it's a common problem, maybe even so bad that the majority don't throttle properly. It looks like it's a problem with the control valve- even a lot of stoves new out of the box don't throttle properly. On fuel- yeah, Coleman fuel is great/clean/wonderful stuff. But you're paying $50+ a gallon for it! Which maybe isn't bad when you're only occasionally using a small amount, so ok... but if you run out and you're miles from civilization, that they'll use regular gas is sure handy!

[@carmenmartinez2882]

I buy Crown white gas and is cheaper than Coleman but is nice that in a pinch I can syphon gas from my car. I have the 533 and also the one with 2 burners.

[@WilliamsKnifeLife]

I still have my 1-79 Peak 400 and the 2 piece metal cover/cooker. I fired it up a year ago & it worked perfectly. I used to carry it on all my camping trips. I eventually switched to an MSR stove, and now I used a Trangia alcohol stove most of the time. The flame control on these Peaks are great. Before the Peak I used a Svea 123r. The Peak is much quieter than the buzz bomb Svea.

[@viewsandreviews180]

I really liked this comparison and agree that they made it better in 1982. I like the “old” two burner Coleman camp stoves better than the single burner stoves. The suitcase design also is good for wind protection and reminds me of good times with family and friends.

[@davidbarts6144]

Totally agree! I have a 425B from 1962 and a 425E from 1976 and they are great stoves. They simmer low enough to cook rice or oatmeal, are super-stable, and work well in the wind. Don’t like the newer single-burner stoves with just one control because they suck at simmering.

[@danieljones2183]

I'm old and I like old stuff 🤓

[@stillwater62]

Yeah, Coleman lanterns and stoves have gone downhill over the years. Although I have a Dual Fuel Lantern and stove, I NEVER run unleaded gasoline in either one. ONLY in an emergency situation would I even consider doing that and with proper planning I never have had to. I have the Coleman two burner propane camp stove and it does a good job without any problems. I have several Coleman Lanterns and the oldest is one my father bought back when I was a young kid. I am seventy-one years old currently. It is the Coleman model 237 kerosene lantern, which is about as bright as a 100-watt light bulb. My most prized lantern. Thanks for all of your great videos. They are certainly a joy to watch.

[@gasstationpeanuts1814]

I have pamphlets from the 1930s showing Coleman stoves were meant to run on gasoline from the very beginning. I have tens of thousands of motocamping miles under my belt, and never ever had a problem with pump gasoline in any of my Coleman stoves. It's trivial to spray out the generator tube with carb cleaner once a year and it will be good as new. Cook outside in open air and you will be fine.

[@bigstick5278]

Nothing Simmers like the Old P1 Brownie!! I have four of them one is new in the box.. The 502 Sportster is the king of all camping Gourmet IMO..

[@markrutledge-docmark41]

Greetings, I have own and used four Coleman 400A stoves for many decades, and think they are among the finest of the stoves in their class, period! If I may, I will suggest that you go back and read the lighting instructions for this wonderful stove. You are leaving out some important steps, and because of that, the stove is not working as designed. You might want to do the same for your 533, too, as mine simmers very well, though not quite as well as the M400A. If you don’t have the instructions, please send me a message, and I’ll send a copy to you. As much as you love this stove, once you follow the lighting instructions as written, you will love the stove ever MORE! Take care, and God Bless! - Doc Mark

[@caver6292]

We used Peak 1's in the Gulf War (personal purchase) and they performed superbly in very trying conditions (they were run with Aircraft fuel, JP5, which is what we had readily available) Dunno if they were rated for that but they worked well, fed us warm meals and hot coffee...can't say enough good things about their ruggedness and dependability. Thank you for the review and the comparison.

[@JustaFanBoy]

I still have my Peak 1 442 circa 1989. Just a great stove all the way around.

[@1eyedjacksRwild]

I like to use these burners in the winter to melt snow. I think this is where they shine. Mine are both older models and have decent flame control.

[@samhill3496]

had mine over 40 yrs two burner since 1964 still work great

[@garywood702]

Ernie, I have an old Coleman single burner Peak 1 model 576 manufactured February 1978 with dual controls. I also have the newer 533 dual fuel and I can say, without reservation, that the older 576 is far better stove in my opinion. This stove had been gifted to me many years ago by a friend that was moving and had been sitting outside for many years in the weather here in New England. One day, two winters ago, I saw the stove and it's state of neglect and took it apart, cleaned up the pieces as best I could, bought a kit to replace the plunger seal, reassembled it, topped it off with fuel that I've had laying about for close to 40 years and fired it up! While I have not done a comparison boil test between the new and the old, it matters little to me which is quicker. I just need the stove to work when it needs to and heat things or bring things to boil. As camp stoves goes, personally, I think these stoves are about as bullet proof as they get. Just not the sort of stove I'd want to go backpacking any distance with, but if using a conveyance?

[@mcschneiveoutdoors3681]

Love my 533. By far, not my only stove nor the most used. But it IS my favorite!

[@rogierius]

Why is the Coleman 533 your favorite?

[@wyndwalkerranger7421]

I have used Coleman stoves for decades, presently have an Exponent and a 533. Exponent is dated 06 01 and replaced an and earlier Coleman of similar design. The 533 I purchased about 2010. The Exponent I have used on many backpacking trips both summer and winter and it has always served me well. It is heavier than propane stoves, but the weight does include fuel storage capacity and it works much better than propane at cold temperatures. The 533 I use for car camping and fishing trips. A few years ago, I decided to modernize and purchased a Jet Boil Stash mainly because I had some stimulus money. I got about 2.5 years out of it then it stopped working. I seems to be plugged above the valve but I cannot see how to clean it. I contacted Jet Boil and got zero help all they wanted to do was sell me a new stove. For the price I paid I was very disappointed. Going back to my heavy Exponent for backpacking and 533 for car camping. Thank you for the video.

[@DB-nu1nn]

Thanks Ernie! I also have a 533 dual fuel stove, and like you said, the flame control is really lacking. Mine likes to go all the way out when I try to turn the flame down at all. I have to turn it all the way off and then quickly turn it back on low in order to get it to stay on. And then I can very carefully adjust the flame up to a medium position from there. I think they were trying to make it simpler to use, but in the process, they made it more difficult to use, by going to a single lever system.

[@phoenixrising4073]

That stove was made 7 months before I was born, wow I'm getting old! Good to see a video from you! Good weather in Louisiana lately, I've been loving it!

[@ianfowler6402]

Could be a market for fitting a 508 style control valve to the 533. I like the 533, it's easy to start and I've never had the shut down issue. My 533 also seems to have more flame control. The large diameter tank means it sits solidly on the ground. I love all my Colemans and they're my go to stoves for car camping. I take at least three. Thanks for putting up this vid.

[@petek3979]

I was surprised to see your 533 didn’t have very good control. I got mine out to verify it doesn’t do this. Maybe I’m just lucky, but I can control the flame in my 533 very well. I can simmer, I can go full on and also something in between. My 533 is from 04/2019.

[@ΑΣΑ-ρ3μ]

I dont belive you! I test 10 533 they haven' any flame control.I thing you are wrong!!!!!

[@jgstevens5169]

Thank you Ernie... Like you, I lean towards the older model. The flame control is a BIG plus!! I also have the dual version as well, but always gravitate towards the 400. White Gas stoves are a favorite for me in general. Good Luck on broadening your collection!

[@gregwebb1107]

I agree Ernie. Flame control is the way to go!

[@austindavis3420]

I’ve had my Peak 1 for 40 years and it is the best and most robust stove I have owned. Like you I use white gas that I’ve had kicking around for years with no problems.

[@mdenny6044]

If you wish to simmer with the 533, don’t put as much pressure in the tank. Remember that you can always add more pressure as needed.

[@glennbeckner9355]

That is true but it is really hard and even dangerous to go from "return to a rapid boil then turn down and simmer for another 8 min" that way.

[@mdenny6044]

@@glennbeckner9355 agree

[@Speedy99Q]

If you want to simmer turn the valve all the way to off and the slowly raise the flame. Makes it controll much more linear.

[@bladeduffer]

I honestly haven't had any problem getting my Naphtha 533 to simmer. Nor have I had any issues turning it off. I've only used white gas and it's run perfectly. Same with my 424.

[@techguy9023]

Red plastic Folgers coffee tub - fits it great just a little too heavy for backpacking. I love the stove for short trips

[@JeffreyBaird]

I have a 1980 vintage Peak 1. Great stove! Just started using mine again. Have you tried dual fuel with the vintage stove? The gas in my stove was probably 40 years old and it started and burnt well.

[@ShathAllenson]

Thanks I have a 533 as well and had to make a case for it. Prefer the single burner for backpacking and kayaking then those canister things.

[@dontall71]

Shath, the 533 fits snugly in a Folgers coffee 2lb plastic container, with room for a Coleman pump repair kit.

[@BoysBarn]

Nice video, thanks! I only want to add that both these stoves are 'backpacking' type stoves, made to mainly heat/boil liquids and to heat up food--not to cook all day and simmer. Suitcase stoves are made for that. When I backpack, I only use my stoves to boil water or reheat something--then done. Confession: today when I backpack, I use a 3 oz Primus' or Pocket Rocket types. Yep. I just bought a 1979 Peak 1 400--can't wait to get it in! Thanks again for a great video.

[@Wolverinemark]

Walmart is selling them again online

[@thomaslubben8559]

I also had a 400. Which I bought new in 1985. It finally wore out. Everything was thin and corroded. I replaced it with a 533. The 400 was a bit more compact, but functionally pretty similar. Mine did not have the flame control. It was actually some number higher than 400, like maybe 420? They both were/are really usable stoves. Both are/were fine with 87 unleaded.

[@rockyriddell8671]

First of all, I’d like to welcome you back to KZbin, we missed you. I have always been a stove geek and a camping gear geek as well. Back when I got started in the 60s white gas stoves were king. They would work in sub zero temperatures and we didn’t have the modern canister stoves back then and propane stoves were too heavy. I had a Colman stove back in the day that I kept as back up and my Primus was my go to. The Coleman was a bit on the heavy side. I am now sporting a Firefly or a Whisperlight but for shear convenience and lightweight in above freezing temperatures I have a nice Soto Windmaster. I do intend to buy a little titanium wood burning stove, you know the one, but for now I have an Irish chimney style wood burner that never fails to impress, even in inclement weather. I’m sort of a gram weenie but I do put comfort quite high on my priority list. It’s good to have you back and please keep up the good work.😊

[@jerryprice5484]

I bought a 502 way back in 1970 along with the aluminium storage pot and a heat pail the stove is still going strong . a few years ago I bought anotherone again with a storage pot. It too still works great.

[@dbergum1]

I still have the 65 and 69 502 from when I was a kid and went camping with my Dad.....I still use them..Never had a problem with them..

[@mcrow9599]

I LOVE my Peak 400. Still use it. I bought the newer version. But I love my Peak 400 more. More compact for hiking. And better control.

[@ΑΣΑ-ρ3μ]

Not only better control,but the new has not any control, you can' t cooking anything!

[@simongreaves9465]

I fit a piece of plastic tube onto the red control to extend the lever and give me more control. The poor control of the 533 is a real drawback. I thought mine was faulty from the factory until I was told they are all like that.

[@wmbomb1079]

Dr. Ernie, I to have been using 2 Coleman 400 Featherlight (s) (Black) & 1 Coleman Feather 442 Duel Fuel (Silver) for many years, the only change I've made to them is I replaced the 'Junk' plastic pump diaphragms to Leather which I usually remove to re-oil with olive oil once each year, I've had a couple of the duel control models but find the single control model to be much easier to light and keep going, I swear by Coleman brand 400 Featherlight (Black) and enjoy them all when I use them 'in the house' close by my feet in the cold winters here in SE Idaho, I also keep a half dozen gallons of Colman White Gas in the back bedroom year round as well.

[@cheryldailey5178]

I recently inherited a 400 and the matching lantern. As well as, one of the newer stoves. I have yet to use them since I have not used a white gas product in years and was not sure if I remembered how to light them! After watching this, I want to go dig them out! Thanks for the great video!

[@patrickphillips3671]

Good to see you back. I love my classic Coleman stoves.

[@OWK000]

My first white gas stove was a Apex back packing stove, I bought in the early 90's. I love the blue hiss. I got plugged up and I didn't know how to clean it. I lived in a tent for 3 months in the summer on friend's land on the Mendo Coast. It worked all summer and I never finished my can of white gas. More recently I ground scored (curbside freebie) a Coleman Dual Fuel 533. Back in the early nineties Coleman white gas was the same price as car gasoline and the can was free. It was awesome. Now auto gasoline is over $5/gallon and Coleman fuel is $18.99/gallon can at Ace Hardware and maybe $14.99/gallon can at Walmart. A little goes a long way. Probably still worth it to buy white gas in the can.

[@photoman3579]

Yep my Peak one is 40 years old and going strong...!!

[@Oldsparkey]

I have a Coleman double burners from the 50's. Used it for years and finally retired it , it still works. Got one of the new white gas ones in the 70's and finally one of the propane ( canister ) ones 6 years ago. Great stoves , all of them. My biggest disappointment was the Coleman single burner duel fuel one. Worked good for a couple camping ( Canoeing ) trips then fizzled out. Switched to a combination of a wood burner & Alcohol stove for hiking.

[@kentuckygreg4725]

Have a 40 year old two burner that I bought new. Sat for over 30 years unused and now it is getting used again, no maintenance needed. Also a good thing to have for emergencies. I also have two white gas lanterns.

[@BenBenson-r6d]

I have a green peak one stove I think made in Canada does have the precision two adjustment. The pump is on the side

[@patmancrowley8509]

Mom and Dad had a 4-burner Coleman stove. Can't find these nowadays. Wish I had inherited it but it went to my brother. Life is good. Thanks for an interesting comparison!

[@chrissewell1608]

I agree, that the older Peak 1 stoves are awesome. I have still been able to buy a few 533 stoves for my young grandsons to have, when they grow up. Simply because these white gas stoves are starting to become obsolete. I still need 2 more, but the price is still higher than I like.

[@mikewyd53]

I would go for the Peak One, as well. The feet and the flame control do it for me.

[@kennethwilson8633]

I have a 533 you just had wet fuel on the plate from not letting it burn the two minutes Colman says to pre heat . Love the videos have fun stay safe.

[@texasdustfart]

I used my Peak 1 for many years making coffee while in the Army, still use it 25 years later.

[@mikevandebunt811]

There are several KZbin videos that show that the older Coleman stoves work just as well on unleaded gasoline as on white gas. They may need cleaning more often, but that seems to be the only difference. This makes the "it's better because it's dual-fuel" claim a moot point. (For the record, I own both of these stoves, and have never run unleaded in either.)

[@wolfman011000]

I have one of these in the trunk of my car as part of the emergency gear, bought that one in 1983 and it has been bullet proof reliable hence it being in the car kit. We have several others i have bought over the years all the older model, the newer one i tried and gave away as it was just not as good as my old faithful stoves. I think i will grab another of ebay, take care, god bless one ans all.

[@ifell3]

I've got the 442 which is a cross between them both. That flame control seems like something I could miss. This is a well timed video as I've just got mine out of the shed. I love the power of these. If you can't get the white gas because of cost you can do a 50/50 mix. I've ran unleaded in mine years ago and I need to perform a strip!

[@aarontranes5053]

Another Feather 442 owner here. Bought mine in 1996, I've only ever run white gas through it and it still works with no problems. Flame adjustment is not great, but it works for our family. Used it just a couple weeks ago to boil water for oatmeal during a power outage.

[@ifell3]

@@aarontranes5053 nice one, I think I brought mine around 2000.

[@briargoatkilla]

I got a duel fuel lantern and stove. I've run regular 87 octane gasoline in them for a few years with no problems. Works out great when I'm in my little johnboat with a Honda 2.3hp motor. I fill everything before I go on a hunting/fishing/camping trip. I carry one extra gallon of gas...lasts a week easy if I'm not running up and down the lake too much.

[@bretjohnson6188]

Do you use the 10 percent ethanol fuel or do you search for the alcohol free stuff?

[@briargoatkilla]

@@bretjohnson6188 I use just regular gasoline with the ethanol additive. It's convenient. The ethanol free stuff is probably better...especially for my boat motor...but no problems at all as of yet.

[@Lollygagger-k4p]

I have the 533 and an old Component, which is similaer to the Peak. On both - and on any Coleman white gas pressurized stove, you start with the initial 30-40 pumps, light wide open til the yellow calms down (there should be a 4"-5" tall blue flame), adjust to suit, but then top up with another 25-30 pumps. Not just a few. You will both hear and see the superior results.

[@alaskaraftconnection-alask3397]

Hello Ernie... Good demo on the two stove selections. Without question the older model is the better of the two. I'll also relate the the Coleman 533 Dual-Fuel single burner is not a very good stove. Especially if you consider professional use... outfitting, guiding, rental programs, etc. You just discovered (& exhibited for all to see) one of the biggest reasons why I have tossed several of the stoves over the years out of the camp kitchen and pretty much chucked 'em into the rivers to extinguish. The shut-off is unreliable... yet more importantly, the flare-ups under the burner (ie. between tank and burner assembly) is all too commonplace. Those flare-ups get more common and more potentially uncontrollably volatile with these stoves having extended runtime usage and timeline over the years. The other 'part' that is just junk is the pot-stand design. It shares this same 'part' with other models and is highly prone to weakening failures with on all of 'em. A 502 model for example would never have this type of part failure issue. I have had over a dozen of the 533 Dual-Fuel stoves outfitting and guiding. Still keep several some working others needing maintenance on the parts rack. I do not 'rent' these stoves out!!! All have the same scenarios folks should be aware of to mitigate accidents. Even with plenty of fire extinguisher on hand at the ready... I'd very much caution you using these indoors in the case of an uncontrollable flare up!!!

[@daniellarson3068]

This video made me dig out my 1980 Coleman 502 single burner stove. Oddly enough it is similar to the newer stove built for export. However, it has a third burner control rather than just relying on the burner lever. They also sold a sort of a can that you could place on top of the stove so that you could use it as a heater. The can covered the burner. This stove was lower priced than the "Peak" equipment.

[@fakenews7266]

I have a green one like yours made for the Japanese market still in its original box unfired with all of its paperwork , the case is red plastic and it has a windbreaker made from aluminum that sits on top to protect the flame on windy days , I'm not sure of its date , to find that the box would need to be opened 👍

[@Cross-Country-Biker]

Great vid. I had the Peak 1 multi fuel, my brother has the feather 400. White gas is so much less hassle than paraffin. Since then I've moved to a Dragonfly and Trangia

[@johngalt6929]

I have a 400 series Peak One and two gallons of fuel from the early 80's and they still work fine.

[@3elmas]

I have got 442 and 533. Both are equally good. 533 has got slightly larger tank therefore you don't need to carry spare fuel bottle for a short trip. As for the fuel, I prefer Whitegas (aka Naphtha) as it is the cleanest fuel that I am aware of. Among the smokers, Naphtha is also known as lighter fuel for zippo lighters therefore, thanks to smokers, Naphtha is probably available almost worldwide. I used to use unleaded petrol (aka Gas in U.S.) (aka Benzin in Germany) that is widely available from Petrol Stations but unleaded petrol is a dirty fuel with lots of additives in it for car engines. In my 442, I also tried burning paraffin (aka Kerosene) but it caused low heat output and clogged the generator after a few tanks of fuel usage. By the way, I haven't seen you preheating your stoves, I would recommend doing that. You can use a little bit of alcohol for preheating. After preheating, any fuel that goes into the generator evaporates immediately even in colder conditions. These stoves last very long, so don't leave any fuel in them if you store them for a long period of time. Empty the fuel and leave the fuel cap open in a dry room or cupboard. My old 442 corroded from inside and at some point started leaking. All in all, good, informative video, thanks for sharing. P.S. As a side note I used to own MSR Whisperlite which was a good stove as it has got a nicely designed generator. But MSR's plastic pump is a poor design in my view. Plus You have to keep pumping because the actual burner doesn't warm up the fuel container hence the pressure keeps reducing. Warning: MSR Drangonfly was the worst stove I ever bought. Drangonfly has got a massive design fault "lack of generator" 20 years ago I paid almost $100 for a Dragonfly from REI or Campmor I don't remember exactly, and at the end I chucked it into the bin and forced to borrow a Chinese butane stove during an expedition in Central Asia. Dragonfly was that bad! I am really surprised to see that it is still available for sale!

[@stephenayer8255]

I used to do a lot of canoe camping and carried 2 Peak1’s paired with an aluminum cast griddle also by Coleman, allowed for some serious frying!

[@LizzieWoolley]

Thanks for teaching me how to light my parents old stove!!! I still need to try it though to see if it works.

[@NMWanderings]

Just dug out my old Colman single burner to check. It's Model 502-700. The only thing on it that looks like a date is "66" on the bottom. Sounds about right. It belonged to a friend. We went hunting once and he realized he had forgotten it, so we stopped in a hardware store and bought a new one. On returning home he gave me the old one. I used it for years, until it quit working and I went to a dual burner Coleman. I still have the original box, warranty and instruction leaflet. Maybe I'll try to fix it and the old dual burner too. I'm now using a Coleman dual burner propane, not sure the age, but at least 15-20 years old.

[@strayblackcatsmeow]

There is flame control on the newer model but there is quite a turn down lag due to the gas remaining in the preheat tube. The same reason it burns longer when shutting off from high. It's easier to notice the difference by running on low for a bit then turning to high.

[@strayblackcatsmeow]

I moved to a stove that I think was called an apex II. It is the size of the coleman burner as the gas was kept in separate red bottles.

[@granitesand78]

The 400 and 400a (and 505 series) use the older generator with the fine simmer control lever you like (it’s built into the generator and a nos gen for this is as much as the whole stove now on eBay). The a is black. The Coleman 508 also has it which is like a 533 design but has the fine simmer control. Don’t confuse with a 508a/b which has a 533 gen. The 400b (and 442 it’s the same) are black ( or silver or bronze) and use the same generator as the 533. They lightened that stove tho, an easy giveaway is holes in the feet and they don’t have the fine control simmer lever. Lots of options!

[@ValMRogers]

I picked up a 508A for a good price at local shop before I knew much about the different models. Now I’m thinking I’d prefer one with the separate flame control and simpler generator design. So would that be the 508 model? I also like the feet on the Peak models.

[@granitesand78]

@@ValMRogersthe 508a is the 2nd version of the 508, and it actually has the simpler generator design. The control lever is built into the valve on yours. On the earlier 508, the control lever is built into the generator and the fount has a cut away where the lever moves back and forth. Your stove is as simple as it gets actually.

[@FIS681]

I have a vintage peak 1 Apex 2 stove. The burner is basically the same as the 400 but it is a dual fuel and has a detached separate fuel bottle. It's been super reliable and I've never had the first problem. I've also got a MSR Whisperlite International dual fuel that also has a detached separate fuel bottle. It has to be primed by releasing a small amount of fuel into a tray beneath the burner. You light it from there to preheat the generator. Sounds complicated but it's very simple.

[@rickhewitt8588]

I’m really glad to see you! Do you really feel a difference in your mind? You are organized and to the point. That is nice! Ringo to ya!

[@karenporter3156]

Nice comparison, thank you for sharing your experience and thoughts on the 2 stoves.

[@shawnr6117]

I have a 442 dual fuel that I got used earlier this year for an amazing price

[@patrickradcliffe3837]

I had a Peak 1 multi-fuel for at least 20 years. Trusty damn stove it never let me down, but I did find that keeping the jet clean was a must. The only draw back has been the weight. I finally switched to MSR whisperlite multifuel for the last 17 years. 5:45 man that brings back memories of rhe post lighting pumps to get the flame smoothed out.

[@PNWBob]

I think of the larger Sportster as more of a car camping stove. I had one in the past. I also have both brown Peak 1 as well as the version in black paint. In the past I had the 550 multi-fuel version. As I am normally just boiling water, the lack of the more precise flame control on the later Peak 1 does not bother me. It is a bit lighter due to lack of the second control, a few holes in the fold-out legs, etc. I really enjoy the various single burner Coleman stoves.

[@mattsmindfulmeals5981]

I have the new one and the flame adjuster seems to work fine on mine? It did the same as yours the first couple of times same as yours did but been fine since. Great to see you back.

[@mikemorgan5015]

Nice video. The flame control on the 533 is probably just fine, it just takes a deft touch. The tolerance on these valves varies from generator to generator. The label for high and low can be misleading. Just adjust until the flame lowers for low. The cleaning needle on these is also the regulator. It's a tiny wire that runs the entire length of the generator tube and is attached to an eccentric block in the valve. As you turn it, the wire essentially gets longer and shorter, pushing and pulling through both of those bends, both poking through the gas tip to clean it and partially blocking it to reduce the fuel output. On High, it retracts away from the gas tip and allows full flow. I like the other control better as it doesn't have the long wire and is way more forgiving. It's a short straight needle that mates with the eccentric on the flame control and doesn't run all the way back to the main valve. Guess which one was cheaper to make? haha! When you had the excitement, I'm guessing it hadn't ran very long. When you first fire these up, there is a portion of the fuel air mixture that is liquid spitting into the burner block under the burner. There is a fiber pad in there to absorb that. In normal operation, as the stove gets hot, this liquid vaporizes and burns normally through the burner rings. If you shut it down before the block gets hot, that liquid is still vaporizing and boiling off. Those vapors are heavier than air, so , yeah, excitement.

[@ΑΣΑ-ρ3μ]

What are you toking about?The 533 HAVE NOT ANY flame control!!!! Read 10000 post on you tube!!!!!!!!¡!I have 2, they have not any kind of flame control!

[@ΑΣΑ-ρ3μ]

Please dont tell lies!

[@mikemorgan5015]

@@ΑΣΑ-ρ3μ It's better to say nothing and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt. - Abraham Lincoln If yours don't have any control, they are not working correctly. Send them in to Coleman with 55 bucks and they'll come back with flame control.

[@mikemorgan5015]

@@ΑΣΑ-ρ3μ It's better to remain silent and thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt. - Abraham Lincoln Especially when disparaging someone's character that you don't know or have never met. I have owned, repaired, refurbished, and used literally hundreds of Coleman stoves. The control on the newer models like the 533 are not anywhere close to the dual control models, but it depends on the individual stove. More accurately, it depends on the generator and cleaning wire on the stove. The valve doesn't control the fuel rate, the cleaning wire that runs the length of the generator does. If you have what I consider to be a "good" generator, the action of the cleaning wire is nice an smooth. But some(most?) move in fits and starts from the factory. They can usually, but not always, be made to work smoothly. The range from full to low is very small. If you remove the generator and pull the cleaning wire, you may have burrs on the brass J hook or the wire isn't in line with the hook body, or the wire itself has a tiny burr on the tip that's not smoothly moving in and out of the cone in the gas tip. This can induce backlash effect. So as you move the lever, the wire doesn't actually move at all until there's enough force to overcome the friction or kink or burr and it moves all at once. Even when you get it just right, the range is tiny and touchy. It usually takes a few tries to get it where I want it, but it does work. I'm not lying. It can be done. Sand paper, needle files, needle nose pliers, a magnifying visor, and some patience help when working this issue. Give it a try. You say yours have "not any kind of flame control." Do they not run on LOW?

[@thomasmusso1147]

👍👍👍. The saying .. 'They don't make them like they used to' .. at times this carries weight. My white gas stove is an Optimus 8R Hunter. Bought new sometime in the mid-70's. I cooked up a breakfast on it yesterday on the river bank at my local riverside park. Yep, in this case, they don't make them like they used to 😊.

[@markmartello]

Thanks Doc, great video. I agree with you, the 400 is better.

[@wonicles]

The 400 would run better if you clean the generator, might be a bit gummed up internally. With the noise of the sputtering between liquid fuel and vapor on start up, I would suspect your fuel pickup tube may be a bit dirty as well. A solid cleaning of the internals on that stove will have it running much better. The newer style generators with the long internal needle are always finicky in my opinion for flame control. I believe another commenter added to have less pressure, which does help with that type of generator. I would suspect you have a gasket going in the fuel valve in the newer one as well.

[@wonkysfishingtales]

I never use anything but Coleman for stoves and lanterns. They work perfect summer or winter and boil a kettle fast for making a cup of tea!

[@ΑΣΑ-ρ3μ]

Yes, but without flame control, you can not cooking!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@zhaunpaddock7901]

The dual fue capabilities are a marketing scheme. The generator is the same you can run unleaded in the peak if you want to. The peak is my favorite single burner as well. Thanks

[@robertleslie2467]

I use 1 of 3 stoves I own depending on the occasion. A Svea123. A Coleman 533. And an original Firebox wood stove. Every thing I need and nothing I don't. When cooking on them I rarely use anything other than a small Lodge cast iron skillet.

[@kurtsteiner8384]

The oldest sove i have is a campinggaz bluet c200. It does still work from time to time. Its 60 years old i got this from my father when i was 8

[@robertfoote3255]

Mine is dated. 3-79 Bought it new.......😁 Never needed another. It is a bit finicky in cold weather.....just put a tiny bit of fuel on the top of the burner and light it before you turn it on. The freight train sound....😆

[@gedeon2696]

Get a spare tank filler cap and drill a hole for a tire valve. Then use a bike pump for much faster pumping. Works for lanterns and stoves.

[@cheaptick]

Is it a rubber tire valve? Does it hold up well over the years to the fuel?

[@christalbert722]

Part of the design (as I understand it) of the pump is that little bleed valve you have to cover, it prevents you from building too much pressure.... a crude/simple pressure regulator. A bike pump would sure be fast and easy, but... how much pressure is safe? I'd be afraid someone that doesn't know better would put one stroke too much into it.

[@robpinter5431]

I have a 422, great stove for motorcycle camping, as fuel is plentiful, and has enough heat to warm your legs on cold days when sitting outside of the tent.

[@petergreenwald9639]

I own an example, with every bit and bob, of the US Army M1942, single burner stove. Used by the 10th Mountain Division in WW2. Indestructible, heavy, works like a charm. I bought it in NJ at a rummage sale in 1978 for $15. Today, incomplete examples go for around $125 to $150. If you find one, buy it. Eighty years and cooking, how can you beat that!

[@cardiacbob]

April 1982 is when I started Boot Camp at MCRD San Diego... Ooh Rah!

[@edsiefker1301]

I can tell you, my 2001 coleman dual burner white gas stove is still going well with no issues. My GFs 2019 coleman dual burner white gas stove belches and goes out and needs relighting at least a couple times a trip. Before that, she bought a coleman branded single burner propane stove. The burner melted itself during normal operation.