Coleman Cascade 3-in-1 Review

The Cascade 3-in-1 is a versatile tabletop stove with 24,000 BTUs of cooking power. It features rotary ignition for easy and matchless lighting. What sets this stove apart in our lineup is its cast iron cook grate, which supports custom cast iron grill and griddle accessory plates.

Boil Time

We rigorously tested the Cascade 3-in-1 to evaluate its performance in windless and wind-blasted conditions. In these tests, it consistently boiled a liter of water in a whistling kettle in about 4 minutes and 29 seconds, demonstrating its efficiency even in windy conditions.

We placed each stove in a windless area at 5,000 feet of elevation to evaluate the boil time and conducted two boil tests using a whistling kettle. First, we simulated windy conditions using a box fan and tested in a windless environment. We measured the time the kettle took to bring 58°F water to a whistling boil. With more BTUs than most tabletop stoves, Cascade 3-in-1 did exceptionally well in fast boil times. The two 12,000 BTU burners have our kettle whistling in 4 min 35 sec in windy conditions and 4 min 23 sec on a windless day, so you won't have to wait long for your tea or morning cafe.

Fuel Efficiency

The Cascade 3-in-1 efficiently utilizes propane canisters for a tabletop stove. Out of our lineup, it offers a standard fuel efficiency for individuals seeking to conserve fuel, minimize waste, and cut costs.

We rigorously evaluated each stove for windy and windless boil times and meticulously analyzed fuel efficiency during these tests. To precisely measure this, we weighed a brand-new propane canister, then weighed it again after the wind test and after the non-wind test, and then calculated the average results. The Cascade stove performed in the middle of the lineup in this aspect. In terms of tabletop stoves, it is an efficient model for its weight and features. One area that Coleman could improve on the Cascade 3-in-1 is the coverage of the wind guards. The scallop-shaped wind guards offer mid-range protection compared to other models, and we wished for more side coverage on windy days.

Simmering Ability

Once ignited, you can adjust the Cascade 3-in-1 flame to the specific requirements for your dish, from a high flame to pan-sear the fish you just caught to a low flame perfect for caramelizing veggies into melt-in-your-mouth and golden crisped perfection.

Burner control for the Cascade 3-in-1 is precise and intuitive; you can fine-tune the flame for stir fry and then cook an egg to sunny-side-up-perfection in the middle of your fried rice. With intuitive knobs, it is easy to dial in a low or medium flame for the secret ingredient (time) for carmelizing onions to a buttery golden sweetness.

The Coleman stands out for its included cast iron grill and griddle. The stove burners are made of cast iron to support the attachments. For serious outdoor chefs, the cast iron grill and griddle get a chef's kiss for durability, versatility, even heat distribution, and flavor enhancement. The cast iron grill is perfect for searing meats and creating those coveted grill marks, while the griddle is ideal for cooking breakfast items like pancakes and eggs. Cast iron is an all-around high-performing cooktop; whether watching pancakes fluff up on the griddle, searing salmon steaks to perfection, or crisping quesadillas, cast iron heats your food evenly. Cast iron is time-tested in outdoor cooking for adding a unique smoky flavor.

Ease of Use

Easy to light, the Cascade 3-in-1 dependably flared up the burners with one or two clicks of the rotary auto-ignite. Make sure the gas is wide open, and then click the igniter.

The Cascade 3-in-1 cooktop can comfortably fit a 12 in. and 10 in pan together. The thin profile of the stove is packable and made of durable materials. We love the burly cast iron grate, which should not warp like less durable metal grates over time. You can easily wipe the aluminized steel cooktop clean with water and a little detergent.

Coleman does not season the cast iron, so seasoning your grill and griddle attachment pieces and grate is essential to prevent rust. The grill and griddle will be easier to clean and maintain if seasoned before cooking. To season, preheat the oven to 375° F. Use your hand or a cloth to rub a thin coat of vegetable/canola/olive oil on the cast iron, being careful not to let the oil pool. Bake for one hour and then cool in the oven. For best results, repeat the seasoning process two to three times.

Portability

The Cascade 3-in-1 is a standard easy-to-carry weight for a tabletop stove. We appreciate the low profile of the recessed handle. The add-on cast iron accessories add weight and are best suited for tailgating or short carries to your picnic spot.

The Cascade 3-in-1 is in the mid-range weight spectrum of our two burner tabletop stoves, mainly because the burner racks are hefty and durable. If you include the weight of the cast iron grill and griddle, the furnace is much heavier, and many campers choose to leave them behind if they are hiking into your cook spot. They come in a handy storage bag and can be left in your car when you only need the stove.

The stove has a low-profile and handy built-in handle that is great for many users, although some people with larger hands wish for a broader handle. We appreciate the durability of the built-in design, as external handles often break and can be more difficult to clean around.

Should You Buy the Coleman Cascade 3-in-1?

If you enjoy backcountry cooking and need a portable, multi-use stove, the Cascade 3-in-1 is the perfect choice. This stove brings the appeal of cast iron grilling to your outdoor adventures. It's compact for car camping and includes a recessed handle for easy carrying to your picnic spot. The stove boils water quickly, and you can adjust the burner flames intuitively. Add on the cast iron grill and griddle, and the Cascade 3-in-1 is our top pick for gourmet cooking in the wilderness.

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