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Coleman Cascade 3-in-1 Review

A grill, griddle, and stove in one easy to carry package, this stove offers adventurous cooks the classic outdoor flavor of cast iron cooking
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Coleman Cascade 3-in-1 Review
Credit: Kate Pitts
Price:  $210 List
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Manufacturer:   Coleman
By Kate Pitts ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Oct 28, 2024
73
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#3 of 13
  • Boil Time - 25% 7.0
  • Fuel Efficiency - 25% 5.0
  • Simmering Ability - 20% 8.5
  • Ease of Use - 15% 9.0
  • Portability - 15% 8.0

Our Verdict

When you want more than trail mix and dehydrated meals, the Cascade 3-in-1 is perfect for adventurous camp cooks and experienced outdoor chefs. It offers a superior cooktop experience with the timeless outdoor appeal of cast iron cooking. Cast iron is renowned for its versatility, even heat distribution, and the ability to impart a unique smoky flavor that will tantalize your taste buds. This stove has an accessory cast iron grill and griddle in a separate carry pouch. The stove's unmatched versatility makes it the ideal cooktop for people who love exploring various delicious outdoor cuisines. Fresh off the griddle, somehow, pancakes and coffee just taste better outside.
REASONS TO BUY
Grill and griddle attachments
Intuitive heat adjustment
Compact case
Cast iron flavor
Good boil time
REASONS TO AVOID
Small wind guards
Small handle

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards Top Pick Award
Best Multi-purpose Stove and Grill
Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Camping Stove
  Best Buy Award
Best Bang for the Buck
Price Check Price at Backcountry
Compare at 2 sellers
$190 List
$141.97 at Amazon
$99.99 at Amazon
Compare at 2 sellers
$89.99 at Backcountry$30 List
$28.88 at Amazon
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Star Rating
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Bottom Line An all-rounder for outdoor cuisine, we love this stove, grill, and griddle combo and the flavorful meals cooked on cast ironA high-performing stove that boils fast, resists wind, simmers well, and is easy to cleanA decent entry-level stove featuring a piezo igniter and a compact design, but with slow boiling and moderate wind resistanceThis budget-friendly, lightweight tabletop stove has a traditional match ignition and is suitable for simple meals but lacks simmering finesseAn absolute bargain, this versatile little stove cooks any single-pan or pot meal you task it with
Rating Categories Coleman Cascade 3-in-1 Camp Chef Everest 2X Coleman Cascade Cla... Coleman Triton Gas One GS-3000
Boil Time (25%)
7.0
9.0
4.0
6.0
3.0
Fuel Efficiency (25%)
5.0
5.0
7.0
5.0
2.0
Simmering Ability (20%)
8.5
9.0
8.0
6.0
7.0
Ease of Use (15%)
9.0
8.0
7.0
4.0
7.0
Portability (15%)
8.0
6.0
8.0
8.5
9.0
Specs Coleman Cascade 3-in-1 Camp Chef Everest 2X Coleman Cascade Cla... Coleman Triton Gas One GS-3000
Total BTUs 24,000 40,000 20,000 22,000 9,000
Number of Burners 2 2 2 2 1
Cooking Surface Dimensions 22" x 13.2" 21" x 9.5" 20" x 12" 17" x 9" 8.25" x 8.25"
Piezo Ignitor Yes Yes Yes Match Flame Yes
Measured Weight 12.95 lbs 13.97 lbs 9.71 lbs 8.01 lbs 4.1 lbs
Average Boil Time (1 liter of water, wind & no wind) 4 min 35 sec 3 min 21 sec 6 min 39 sec 5 min 37 sec 8 min 45 sec
Boil Time (1 liter of water, wind from a box fan) 4 min 23 sec 3 min 25 sec 7 min 56 sec 5 min 23 sec 13 min
Boil Time (1 liter of water, no wind) 4 min 29 sec 3 min 17 sec 5 min 23 sec 5 min 37 sec 4 min 30 sec
Cooktop Material Aluminized steel Nickel-coated steel Aluminized steel Crome plated grate Enamel Coated Steel
Packed Size 22" x 12" x 4" 27" x 15.5" x 8.25" 21" x 13" x 3.5" 20.75" x 11.75" x 4.5" 14" x 12" x 3.5"
Burner/Flame Diameter 3.5" 4.75" 3.25" 3.25" 2.875"
Distance Between Burners (center to center) 7.75" 12.25" 11" 7.5" N/A
Windscreen Yes Yes Yes Yes No
BTU per Burner 12,000 20,000 10,000 11,000 9,000
Type of Model Tabletop Tabletop Tabletop Tabletop Tabletop
Fuel Type Propane Propane Propane Propane Butane
Model Number 2157356 MS2HP 2157477 2157352 GS-3000

Our Analysis and Test Results

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.

Performance Comparison


coleman cascade 3-in-1 - the dials are easy to use for simmering veggies and keeping your egg...
The dials are easy to use for simmering veggies and keeping your egg sunny side up for fried rice.
Credit: Kate Pitts

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.

Each burner has 12,000 BTUs. In our tests, the Cascade boiled water in less than five minutes and quickly heats your pan to the snap, crackle, and pop of the perfect fry temperature.
Credit: Kate Pitts

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.

coleman cascade 3-in-1 - we love the hole in the back of the cooktop, which secures the fuel...
We love the hole in the back of the cooktop, which secures the fuel regulator when you carry the stove.
Credit: Kate Pitts

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 burners can be easily adjusted, allowing for perfect simmering of complex dishes, from crisped golden veggies to sunny-side eggs garnishing fried rice.
Credit: Kate Pitts

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 cascade 3-in-1 - the cast iron grate lifts easily, and the smooth cooktop is no...
The cast iron grate lifts easily, and the smooth cooktop is no hassle to wipe clean.
Credit: Kate Pitts

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.

coleman cascade 3-in-1 - the cast iron griddles provided our "summer sammies" with the...
The cast iron griddles provided our “Summer Sammies” with the perfect golden crunch before a dip in Kings Canyon.
Credit: Kate Pitts

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.

coleman cascade 3-in-1 - the grill and griddle plates come in a handy carry bag that is easy...
The grill and griddle plates come in a handy carry bag that is easy to store and carry.
Credit: Kate Pitts

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.

coleman cascade 3-in-1 - the recessed handle is easy to use, sturdy, and comfortable to carry.
The recessed handle is easy to use, sturdy, and comfortable to carry.
Credit: Kate Pitts

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.

coleman cascade 3-in-1 - the knobs are so easy to use, and you can effortlessly dial in a...
The knobs are so easy to use, and you can effortlessly dial in a low, medium, or high flame.
Credit: Kate Pitts

What Other Camping Stoves Should You Consider?


Although the Cascade 3-in-1 is one of our most versatile picks, it is less fuel-efficient than other models and could have better side guards for windy conditions. If you want a stove for wind-blasted beachside or alpine cooking, then consider the more fuel-efficient Camp Chef Mountaineer 2X or Camp Chef Pro 60X. If you want a compact folding stove, the Jetboil Genesis Basecamp packs into an 11"x6" carry bag, although you sacrifice boil time and versatility for portability. Check out our recommendations for the best camping coffee makers to complete your outdoor kitchen.

Kate Pitts