Hello everyone! I have some questions about converting a Coleman white gas suitcase stove to propane: How does it (the converted white gas suitcase) perform compared to another Coleman white gas suitcase? How does the converted stove perform compared to a Coleman propane suitcase? How does the fuel consumption rate compare with a Coleman propane suitcase? Thanks for any info! 8)
Dunno about efficiency, but converting one is super easy. Almost any sporting goods store will have the adapter, it looks pretty much like a suitcase generator.
Probably not more efficient since the burners on the white gas suitcases are bigger than the burners on the Coleman propane stoves. The diameter is about the same as a 502 burner on the propanes, while the white gas ones are probably twice that or half the size bigger, so more propane to burn. I guess you could just turn down the heat and make it work efficiently. Not sure if a simmer flame will be as small or burn less though. Also, some of the converters are made to 'click' to certain positions, like low and high, so your mileage may vary. sam
I highly recommend using a Coleman Suitcase with propane. Both burners (or all 3) burn much hotter when compared with a suitcase on white gas or a Coleman propane suitcase. I would imagine fuel consumption would be greater than a regular propane stove as the stove runs so much better. I use mine with a bulk propane tank.
Go for it. At least the adapter I have works very well. They are rather pricey new, relative to what you might get a used propane stove for, but at less than $15-20, a good solution if you take just one stove and may want to switch back and forth between fuels (different cooks have different preferences). Plus an old Coleman suitcase just looks better in a camp than the new stuff. The fuel consumption issue is probably dependent on many other variables, but in looking at some of the propane stoves it appears to me that the burners are usually closer to the grill (among other differences). That may mean better heat transfer, but the down side is that it could be more difficult to get a nice simmer.
Greetings, Like Abman47, we have the proper converter for using our Coleman suitcase stoves with a bulk propane adapter. This is a wonderful combination, and though we use it only when all fires and stoves using other than propane are banned in CA due to horrible wildfire conditions, we have been VERY satisfied with the performance of our 426D stove when burning propane. For us, Coleman fuel is still the best fuel to use, "just because", but a bulk propane tank and the proper adapter will allow you to use propane in your old Coleman suitcase stoves, and they will most certainly outperform the "modern" Coleman propane suitcase stoves of today, hands down!! At least that has been our experience. And, yes, they do use fuel faster but the benefits are worth the conversion!! Take care, and God Bless! Every Good Wish, Doc
Greeting, Guys, Hey, Sparky! You are Oh, so right, my Friend!! However, out here, during some months, and even years, ALL fires, and ALL liquid fueled stoves are banned from use in the forests and wilderness areas due to high wildfire danger. So, we must do what is necessary to still be able to cook and enjoy our time in the woods, and also at almost all Living History events. Hence, the dreaded "P" word comes into play! 8) Cheny, you should be able to buy a proper propane converter to Coleman stoves at any good camping store, or at RV supply places. Coleman make one, and also Century, if memory serves. Campmor, the mail order outfit, might also offer that adapter for sale. It's not inexpensive, but please to not purchase the dirt cheap ones, should you happen to run across one. They are poorly made, and IMHO, not really safe to use. Stick with Coleman, or Century, and you will have a great tool that will work for a very long time with no problems, and no safety issues at all! If you want to use a bulk propane tank, like Abman47, and we, do, get a hose that fits the adapter and the tank, and you are good to go. That's the best way to use this conversion, as the smaller screw-on tanks don't last too long, and aren't as convenient. Good luck, and God Bless! Every Good Wish, Doc
Yea, I know. I have seen this same question asked quite a few times and everyone says the same thing but does not answer the question so watcha got to do to buy to do the conversion?
Hey, Chenry, Hummmm..... well, I thought I did answer your question. But, here goes, again: Go to the camping store, and purchase the Coleman propane conversion adapter for suitcase stoves. Also, buy a 5, 6, or 8 foot long propane hose at the same time and make sure that it has the proper ends to screw onto one end of your new adapter. Screw the other end of the hose onto your bulk propane fuel tank. Now, insert the generator part of the adapter as the directions will clearly show you into the place where the normal Coleman fuel tank generator goes and hook the small spring that comes with your adapter to the front of your regular Coleman suitcase stove to stabilize your adapter and keep it from coming loose in use. Turn on the propane at the tank, and at the adapter then open and close your burners just as you would when using Coleman fuel. Easy-peasy, really and when you see the instructions that come with your Coleman propane adapter, you will see, exactly, what to do to make it all work just as noted here. You don't need to do anything else, and your burners do not need any modification at all. Just fit together, insert and use as directed. So, how was that? Make sense now? I do hope so as that's about as clear as I can make it, other than to show you in person. But once you get your necessary goodies, hose, tank, converter and hook it all together, it will be perfectly understandable and that's the beauty of this entire system, really!! Let us know if you still need further help and maybe we can take photos to show what I've described. I think you can see, however, without the photos. But do ask if you really need to see them. Take care, and God Bless! Every Good Wish, Doc
Yep. It is essentially just a replacement for the generator. The butt end attaches to a propane 1 lb cylinder or hose to a tank. Take off the standard tank/generator and stick the new one in. Even I can do it (ie. no tools or grey matter required).
Been using one for a couple of years, with a two- and a three-burner stove. I really like it. Perfect for many purposes. Lots easier to re-light, for instance. Like Doc said, the "conversion" is hardly a conversion at all. Take out the tank. Put in the conversion unit. The conversion unit has a generator identical to the one that extends from the Coleman fuel tank. When you see it, it will all be clear.
I would like to get one of these convertors for use when we have a cook that just 'won't use petrol'!! But I have not found anywhere in the UK that sells them. Anyone in the US prepared to buy one for me and ship it to the UK? Obviously I will pay all costs. Alan
Morning, Alan, Just let me know when, and send me a PT with your complete mailing address and I'll gladly do that deed for you. I'll see what prices are going for locally and then purchase one for you and send it along. We no longer use PayPal but I'm sure we can work out repayment later, and who knows, I may have to break down and open my PP account once again. In any case, I would be happy to send you one of those adapters. Do you need a hose, too, and if so, please let me know how long you want it to be. Those are not inexpensive but allow you to use bulk propane tanks instead of the smaller screw-on versions. But, if you plan on using those smaller tanks, the adapter, alone, will put you right and have your petrol-hating guest cooking in no time flat! Take care, and God Bless! Every Good Wish, Doc
Alan, I think you're going to need more adapters, from US 1 pound bottle style to whatever is available in the UK...
Yes I expect so but not insurmountable. Probably put a hose on and use a Calor propane cylinder/ Alan
I got a couple of NOS Paulin brand converters off the dreaded auction site known to most of us a few years ago. Solid brass valve and components. I've used the Coleman and Century as well. The new ones aren't as well made as they used to be. (isn't that the way with all things these days? Sad...) As for power, I found just the opposite of abman's experience. They just didn't seem to power my 426 3 burner as well as the original on Coleman fuel. So I got out my orifice drills and enlarged the jet slightly until I got the output I wanted. They work beautifully on a large tank with hose and work OK with the bottles as long as the outside temperature is warm enough. They suffer in the cold on 1 pound bottles in cold weather at high output. I am careful to not overdo it when I use it on a smaller model like a 425. I keep a Coleman suitcase next to my grill for cooking a full meal in one location. I hate running in and out from the grill to the stove inside so I bring a cooler full of my favorite frosty beverage and cook away. I do this for nearly all our meals in the warm months and half otherwise. Strange that the wife doesn't like keeping me company out there while I cook this summer. Oh yeah, it's been over 100 degrees every day for over 2 months now. OK, I'll let her slide till fall. I alternate between my user stoves and also alternate between propane and Coleman fuel. I just feel that stuff works better when you use it so exercising the valves, pumps, and hinges keeps them in working order. I even take my more valuable (to me anyway) stoves out and at least boil water for iced tea (don't want food residue in some of my babies) from time to time. Unless it's an unfired collectible, an unused stove is a wasted stove. And I enjoy every quirk of every one. Well, most of them anyway. Long winded as usual. Sorry for that. Mike
