The Coleman propane lanterns review of the best models from the range of Coleman lanterns available today to help you decide which is the most suitable for your camping needs.
Coleman has been a name that those who enjoy spending time out of doors have trusted for generations, whether looking for that perfect family camping tent, cook stove or cooler.
The Coleman Lantern has been around since the Coleman company started and they remain popular today.
What makes these lanterns so special and which propane lantern is the best for your needs? This comparison review just may be of some help in making that decision.
General Information About Coleman Propane Lanterns
There are some things that all or most of lanterns using propane have in common. Most are well built and durable, made to last not just for your outdoor use but, for your children's as well. Some of the older Coleman lanterns are still being used today by the grandchildren and great grandchildren of the original owners.
Many of the Coleman lanterns reviewed here come in both a single and double mantle version depending on just how much light you want, to light up at that campsite or back yard at night.
Most also come in both a match light and auto light version. Now for a look at some specific Coleman lanterns
Coleman 1 Mantle Compact Propane Lantern
The Coleman One-Mantle Compact Propane Lantern
is one of the more popular Coleman Propane Lanterns especially for those who have limited space or a limited budget. Here are some of the features of this small lantern.
- Adjustable light outlet allows you to have as much light as you need.
- Slip on mantles
- Chain handle for carrying or hanging
- Pressure regulator for consistent lighting regardless of how cold it gets
- Porcelain ventilators helps to prevent rusting.
- Uses a 16.4 propane tank (not included)
People who have actually purchased and used this lantern love it giving it 4.5 out of 5 stars. Summing it up with comments such as "Great compact and economical lamp." (amazon reviewer) and "Good product at a cheap price." (trail space review)
Pros of the Coleman 1 Mantle compact lantern
There were several things that users found they really liked about this lantern. These things included:
- Provides plenty of light for use around a dark campsite
- Runs a long time on a single cylinder of propane
- Chain handle is great
- metal guard around the globe helps to protect the globe from breakage.
Cons of the Coleman 1 Mantle compact lantern
- Mantles somewhat difficult to find (users recommend that you order extra when you get the lantern)
- Attaching the mantles can be a bit difficult.
You can purchase this compact Coleman lantern in either the match light or auto light version. There is also a double mantle version of this lantern that is not considered compact that is also very popular and great for people who want to light up their entire camping area.
Overall Ratings
Coleman NorthStar Instastart Perfect Flow Propane Lantern
The Coleman NorthStar PerfectFlow InstaStart 
is another of the Coleman Propane Lanterns that is extremely popular. This lantern comes with a hard carrying case which helps to protect the lantern when traveling and has the the following features.
- 1543 lumens of light. Enough to light up a fairly large camping area or a small back yard at night.
- Runs 9 hours on low setting or 4 hours on high setting on a single cylinder of propane.
- The Instant ignite system means that you won't have to worry about keeping those matches dry.
- The fold up footed base makes this lantern easy to transport and more stable when using
- hard carrying case is included
This lantern is great for larger camping families as it provides light for a large area and it is great for playing games in the evening. Actual users love this lantern and find that it lasts them year after year. One reviewer stated "I've had one for 10 years. Bright light." (Amazon review)
Pros of the North Star InstaStart
- Easy to attach the mantles
- easy to attach the propane cylinders
- High light output
- Love the case, that keeps the lantern safe
- This lantern is great on propane
- The base makes this lantern incredibly stable
Cons of the North Star Instastart
- Picky igniter can take several tries to get the lantern to light
- aluminum gas attachment can be easily ruined when connecting the cylinder if miss threaded.
Overall, this lantern scored 4.5 out of 5 starts on the review sites.
Overall Ratings
Pinnacle PerfectFlow Coleman Propane Lantern
The Coleman Pinnacle PerfectFlow InstaStart Lantern
is billed as the brightest of the Coleman Propane Lanterns. It is also one of the most popular rating 4 out of 5 stars. This lantern has many great features including:
- Instant start
- Quick lift for easy mantle changes
- Aluminized stainless steel ventilators and stainless steel finishing making it extremely weather resistant
- Burn time of about 5.5 hours on one 16.4 cylinder
While this lantern won't make your campsite look like a airport runway it will provide plenty of light for all those things you need or want to do after dark. As one reviewer put it "You can't go wrong with this lantern." (Cabelas review)
Pros of The Pinnacle PerfectFlow
- Huge amount of light, a single mantle lantern that puts out as much light as most 2 mantle lanterns
- Excellent quality
- Easy to set up
Cons of Pinnacle PerfectFlow
- Carrying case is brittle and easily breaks when temperatures are really cold and it gets bumped.
Overall Ratings
Conclusion - Overall
Overall, it appears that if you are looking for a propane lantern for outdoor use you can't go far wrong with any of the Coleman Propane Lanterns. To paraphrase one Amazon user.
Despite any minor complaints, it's a Coleman it works and will for years to come.
