Taking my first steps into the world of camp stoves

Hello everyone,

As of today, I think I've been bitten by the stove bug. I've been assembling a small collection of Coleman/Sears lanterns, and realized that there is in fact room on my shelf for a stove. I have the wife's permission to pursue this to a sane degree, as she thinks they are cute!

After a fair bit of research, my interest has arrived for the following models:

• Coleman 502
• Svea 123 (non R version)
• Optimus 111T

My preference would be for the Optimus due to the multifuel and pure cool factor, but I think finding one at decent price will be tricky until I make my next trip to Europe or luck out on eBay.

That leaves the 502 and 123 as more realistic options. The 502 appeals to me for its tanky build, attractive/functional grate, and just sort of fits in with my Coleman lanterns. However, I have read elsewhere on these forums that it is something of a stove without a niche, and while it simmers well the total output lags behind newer models. Still, if I'm using this, I'm out in the woods and generally not in a hurry.

The 123 has its own cool factor, and would travel much easier on a hike. I like the brass, and don't really care about the roar of the jet. That said, I don't love the messy priming, and those three little turnable feet are a lot less convincing than the industrial art that adorns the 502. Still, it's elegant with a polite footprint.

I'll be honest, I don't think any of these would be my primary tool for cooking; I've got one of those unglamorous propane dual burner Colemans from Walmart that honestly works pretty darned well. I want a single burner largely for coffee, tea, or hot chocolate while I'm bushwhacking on my buddy's land or taking the wife out for some tent time wherever.

In lieu of the 111T, I'm leaning towards the 502, but people seem to rave about their 123 as the one stove they'd take with them if they could only have one.

I don't really have a specific question, but any input or alternatives to round out my thinking would be most appreciated.

 

Welcome, @thecelloronin

Tony

 

Of the smaller Coleman stoves, parts for other models may be hard to find. 502 are good. 400’s pack a good punch and simmer. The 500 has a bigger tank. Parts for the Svea and Optimus are easy to obtain. I have multiple 111’s.
Duane

 

Welcome.
All of them.

 

Welcome to the addiction.




The 8R's, and 99's are fine little stoves as well.

 

502 is hard to beat

 

Ken is right. Get em all. And a 500. Might as well add an 8R too. MSR's have got a cool factor going. Build shelves.

 

Holy crap you guys are the worst hobby enablers I've ever seen... Think I'll like it here!

I've searched the forum, but has 502 vs 123 been done to death? What else can be said about the respective use cases of each? For example, some say the 502 isn't great for boiling, others say it is just fine. What is the 123 BAD at? Or, is it all splitting hairs when the stoves are this good? Guess you really can't go wrong!

Edit: I will say, my budget is somewhat limited to a handful of the "right" purchases when it comes to collecting. For example, I have three lanterns: 228E, 200A, and a JC Higgins/AGM 710. The 228E is for the table with its wide brim keeping the glare out of your eyes, the 200A is great for walking the trails, while the Higgins has an amber globe that my wife finds cosier than the others. Each has its best use.

I think I really only have room in my life for the one single burner that is just right, at least for now :-)

 

123 much better as a hiking stove than some of the others.

Now that you’re here, consider kerosene. Can’t beat the Optimus 00 or the other one-pinters.

 

The 123 has few moving parts, +1 on a hiking stove, although I cut my teeth with a MSR WL International back in the 80’s after cooking (boiling water) or making pancakes over a wood fire for a number of years.
Pick your poison.
Duane

 

All of them are good, I must admit the 123 is my favourite, I have only a 123r at the moment but would like a 123 someday.
Cheers
Rob

 

Rabbit hole with many rooms.

 

They will all get the job done, particularly if the main requirements are simply to boil water for tea or coffee and re-hydrate freeze-dried prepared meals.

Where it gets more complicated is if you want precise heat control (nod your head yes) when cooking more elaborate meals. If I’m at a drive-in camp there’s no reason to try and cook an egg dish using a blowtorch in some paper thin aluminium pan.

In a group setting once 3 or 4 people start cooking it usually mean extended run times, and then there is another factor - weather requirements for satisfactory winter temperature performance. High output and good fuel tank capacity. The Coleman 400A is probably one of the better single burner stoves ever made. It will do it all, anywhere.

 

Lot of cheap 123's & 123R's out there, and usually easy to get working properly. Also a lot of decent clones. I have a 123R non-name clone (appears identical to the Pak Cook ones) and it works very well. I have about $20 in it total.

 

I voted for the Coleman 502 in your poll. It's the most widely available of the stoves you listed. It doesn't put out as many BTU's as other Coleman single burners but it also doesn't have a plastic fuel-air tube or a Schrader valve. And it will arguably simmer better than the 123 or 111. But who are we kidding? You'll likely own all three of those stoves before too long.

 

If your doing a lot of hiking and just boiling water, the 123 is great, classic, I use mine a lot in the woods. If you are trying to cook anything, the 502 has better control, bigger fuel capacity, stable, and not too heavy for some hiking. And it boils water fine. It's not a race. I like 502's better than the 400 series in all it's variants, 502 is so easy to use, uber dependable.

 

Adding my two cents. The 123 and 123R are great stoves to be sure, not a lot of moving parts and overall bulletproof but if I was actually planning on cooking rather than reconstituting dehydrated foods or ramen based items I would go with the 502.
The 502 seems to run for around 2 hours (long enough to cook anything) and is pretty economical on fuel. Yeah the 400 series or 508's have the same generator and will boil water in very short time the 502 will absolutely boil water fast. As fast as I would be able to boil water in the same 10 cup coffee percolator as my home kitchen stove. I have not payed attention to a 400 and had my water boil over the side a few times. I can do the same pot on a 123 or 123r but it sure gets really Chernobyl hot to touch for that. After I have to wait on the 123 to cool off even to touch it. 502 I can pick it up after a large pot and its warm to touch but not hot at all.

 

I'm glad I never got this 'message'. It gets repeated here now and then.

Had I the time or inclination right now I could link to dozens of photos I've posted here over more than 15 years showing us frying steaks, cooking side dishes, and frying eggs and sausages on our backpacking trips on the Svea 123 (and 123R). With the Sigg set to be sure-- I wouldn't even try to boil water without the set....

[Edit] One example among many:

https://classiccampstoves.com/threa...lass-hot-as-ever-but-she-sure-can-cook.32742/

 

And you never seen me scraping burned eggs off a pan haha... I've never had much luck with that on the 123 @Ed Winskill but I also can say I don't have the sig set in steel or aluminum... Just that pot they came with...

I have had good luck with kettles and water but it's too focused for me with the OEM pot. Burned center...warm edges.

Everyone has an opinion