The Coleman Triton 2-Burner Propane Stove is a dependable, no-fuss portable camping cooktop for car campers, tailgaters and families. It scored 4 out of 5: two adjustable 11,000 BTU burners, fold-out wind guards, and room for a 12-inch and a 10-inch pan side by side.
Two burners at once: breakfast in one pan, coffee water in the other.
The trade-off is simplicity. You get steady flame and decent wind protection, but not the simmer control or heavy build of pricier camp kitchens. Our portable grill reviews compare it with every other travel cooker we cover.
How We Reviewed
Coleman's published figures for the Triton 2-Burner (model 5461), checked against its product page and retailer listings.
Tom Bricker reviewed the Coleman Triton against Coleman's own specifications, and Marcus Reilly checked the facts.
- Burners: 2, independently adjustable.
- Output: 22,000 BTU total, 11,000 BTU per burner.
- Pan fit: one 12-inch and one 10-inch pan at the same time.
- Ignition: match-lit on the base Triton; push-button InstaStart on the Triton+.
- Fuel: 16 oz propane cylinder (sold separately); Coleman quotes up to 1 hour on high per cylinder. With an adapter hose, a 20 lb tank gives roughly 20 hours with both burners on high (our calculation).
- Wind protection: two fold-out wind guards.
- Grate: removable chrome-plated grate.
- Size and weight: 23 x 13.75 x 5.75 in closed, 10.55 lb.
- Warranty: 3-year limited.
Key Specs
| Spec | Coleman Triton 2-Burner |
|---|---|
| Burners | 2, independently adjustable |
| Total output | 22,000 BTUs |
| Pan fit | 12 in + 10 in together |
| Fuel | 1 lb propane cylinder (hose for bulk tanks sold separately) |
| Ignition | Push-button on InstaStart versions; match-lit on base model |
| Wind protection | Hinged side wind guards |
| Grate | Removable chrome wire grate |
How Does the Coleman Triton Cook at Camp?
Well for everyday camp meals. Each burner has enough output for the jobs most campers do.
A 12-inch and a 10-inch pan fit together, so a main and a side cook at once.
- Boiling: gets pasta or coffee water going while the other burner fries eggs.
- Frying: a cast-iron skillet handles bacon, burgers and pancakes.
- Two-pan cooking: the side-by-side pan fit is the whole reason to pick a 2-burner over a single.
Tip: Preheat cast iron on medium for a few minutes. Blasting it on high creates a hot spot in the center.
Can It Simmer and Handle Wind?
Partly. The wind guards help a lot; low-end control is only average.
Raise both guards fully and turn the stove's back to the wind for a steadier flame.
- Wind guards: the hinged side panels block crosswinds in a light-to-moderate breeze. In strong gusts, set up behind your car.
- Simmer: the lowest setting can still be too hot for sauces. A heat diffuser plate helps.
- Cold weather: like all small-cylinder propane stoves, output drops near freezing. Keep the cylinder warm until you cook.
Ignition, Fuel Use and Portability
- Ignition: InstaStart models light with a push button; the base Triton needs a match or lighter. Carry a lighter either way.
- Propane use: a 1 lb cylinder runs about an hour with both burners on high, longer at medium. Our guide on how long a propane tank lasts helps you plan a weekend.
- Portability: it latches shut and carries by the handle. Compact for car camping, not for hiking.
Latch it shut, grab the handle, and it packs flat next to the cooler.
What We Didn't Like
- Simmer control: low flame isn't low enough for gentle cooking.
- Thin build: the steel case can dent in transport.
- Drip tray: spills collect underneath and need regular wiping.
- Price spread: listings vary by version, so check which model you're getting.
Setup and Care
- Setup: no assembly. Open the lid, raise the wind guards, attach the regulator and cylinder.
- Cleaning: lift out the grate and wipe the drip tray after each trip once it's cool. Our cleaning and maintenance guide has more.
- Storage: remove the cylinder, store the stove dry, and cap the regulator.
Who Should Buy the Coleman Triton (and Who Shouldn't)
Buy it if you
car camp or tailgate a few times a season
want two pans going at once without a bulky setup
want a stove that's easy to light, use and pack
Look elsewhere if you
cook delicate sauces that need a true low simmer
cook for large groups and want faster boils
need an ultralight stove for backpacking
Match two or more points on either side and you have your answer.
Still comparing? See our best portable grills.
Sized for families cooking two to four meals a day at camp.
Coleman Triton vs. Alternatives
- This reviewColeman Triton 2-Burner Propane Stove4/5 · Pots and pans at camp
AlternativeBlackstone 2364 Camping Griddle with Side Burner4.3/5 · Pancakes and smash burgers
AlternativeCuisinart Portable Propane Grill4.3/5 · Grilling for 4–6
| This reviewColeman Triton 2-Burner Propane Stove | AlternativeBlackstone 2364 Camping Griddle with Side Burner | AlternativeCuisinart Portable Propane Grill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Our score | 4/5 | 4.3/5Top | 4.3/5Top |
| Cooking area | Pots and pans at camp | Pancakes and smash burgers | Grilling for 4–6 |
When to pick an alternative instead
vs Blackstone 2364 Camping Griddle with Side Burner
The Blackstone gives you a flat-top plate; the Triton gives you two open burners for any pan.
→Pick the Triton for pots and boiling. Read the Blackstone review.
vs Cuisinart Portable Propane Grill
The Cuisinart is a grill with grates and a lid, not a stovetop.
→Pick the Cuisinart if you mainly grill meat. Read the Cuisinart review.
Common Problems and Fixes
- Weak or yellow flame: reseat the cylinder, clean the regulator inlet, and swap out a cold or nearly empty cylinder.
- Push-start won't spark: wipe the igniter tip and check the electrode gap. Our ignition troubleshooting guide covers the steps.
- Flame blows out: raise both wind guards fully and turn the stove's back to the wind.
Is the Coleman Triton Worth the Money?
Yes, for car campers who cook in pans. You get two real burners, wind guards and no-assembly setup in a case that packs flat.
What you give up: fine simmer control and the output a big group needs. If you mainly grill meat, a tabletop grill like the Cuisinart is a better fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
01Is the Coleman Triton good for beginners?
Yes. It needs no assembly, and the controls are two simple knobs.
02How many BTUs is the Coleman Triton?
It puts out 22,000 BTUs total, split evenly across its two burners.
03How long does a 1 lb propane cylinder last on the Triton?
About an hour with both burners on high, and longer at lower settings.
04Can you use a 20 lb propane tank with the Coleman Triton?
Yes, with a propane adapter hose and the stove's regulator. The hose is sold separately.
05Does the Coleman Triton have push-button ignition?
Only the InstaStart versions do. The base model is lit with a match or lighter.
06Can you use the Coleman Triton indoors?
No. It's for outdoor use only because propane stoves produce carbon monoxide.
Final Score
SmokyHQ score
Good fit
Best at Ease of Setup
Weakest at Simmer Control
- Heat Output8.0/10
- Simmer Control7.0/10
- Wind Resistance8.5/10
- Build Quality7.5/10
- Value for Money8.0/10
- Ease of Setup9.0/10
The Coleman Triton is a solid, easy pick for campers who want two working burners and dependable wind protection. Skip it if you need fine simmering or high output for a crowd.
Next steps: if you'd rather grill than cook in pans, read the Napoleon TravelQ PRO285X review.