OutdoorGearLab found that severe wind sensitivity and elevated grates cause significant performance drops, failing to pre-boil water in breezy conditions and taking seven minutes under ideal circumstances. Thebest-grills.com noted the push-button InstaStart ignition provides reliable match-free startup, while removable dishwasher-safe parts simplify maintenance for this 105 sq. in. unit. However, awkward setup requires flipping a hot grate upside down to close the folding mechanism, creating safety risks and friction during breakdown. This grill suits solo campers or tailgaters seeking compact portability but should be avoided by users who frequently cook in windy environments or require rapid boiling times.
Full review
Wind sensitivity limits outdoor usability
OutdoorGearLab recorded that the Coleman Fold N Go suffers from severe wind resistance, a critical flaw for any portable cooking device. The stove lacks an integrated windscreen and features cooking grates positioned too high above the burner assembly, creating excessive empty space between the heat source and the cookware. This design choice allows ambient air to disrupt the flame significantly, turning what might otherwise be adequate performance into barely functional operation during breezy conditions.
In controlled testing environments using a box fan, OutdoorGearLab found that the stove failed to even pre-boil water after 25 minutes of continuous high output. Field tests on mornings with steady breezes resulted in food remaining lukewarm and raw for over 10 minutes before reviewers switched to alternative equipment. Even covering pans did not mitigate the wind's impact, confirming that the physical gap between the grate and burner is a structural weakness rather than an operational error.
Slow boiling times due to elevated grates
The vertical distance between the flame and the cooking surface directly impacts thermal efficiency, resulting in notably slow heating speeds. OutdoorGearLab measured a full seven minutes required to boil one quart of water under ideal conditions with zero wind. This duration was slower than every other model reviewed by the publication, despite some competitors possessing lower BTU ratings, highlighting that raw power output is less important here than heat transfer mechanics.
InstaStart ignition ensures reliable startup
Thebest-grills.com notes that the push-button InstaStart igniter delivers consistent, match-free performance in most usage scenarios. This electronic ignition system eliminates the need for external lighters or matches, allowing users to fire up the grill immediately upon connecting a propane cylinder. The reliability of this startup mechanism is a key functional advantage, ensuring that cooking can begin without fuss or delay regardless of location.
Awkward setup requires handling hot grates
The folding mechanism introduces an extra procedural step compared to other portable stoves in its class. To pack the unit away, one cooking grate must be removed and flipped upside down before the handles can close properly. OutdoorGearLab highlighted that this process becomes hazardous or impossible if the stove is still hot from recent use, forcing users to wait for complete cooling before storage. This requirement adds friction to the breakdown routine, especially during multi-day camping trips where efficiency matters.
Fragile latch and complex packing
Securing the Fold N Go for transport involves aligning two sides perfectly before engaging a latch that reviewers found flimsy. OutdoorGearLab reported that squeezing the handles too tightly to force closure often causes the latch to pop open during transit, risking damage or loss of components. Additionally, packing requires Tetris-like maneuvering to fit the fuel regulator and burners into nested spaces without protruding parts, creating a tedious experience compared to simpler folding designs.
Simple cleaning with dishwasher-safe parts
Maintenance routines are straightforward thanks to removable components that simplify grease management. Thebest-grills.com confirms that both the cooking grate and grease tray lift out easily for scrubbing and are explicitly rated as dishwasher-safe. This feature allows users to soak greasy bits or run them through a standard cycle, reducing the manual effort required after heavy use. Emptying and drying the grease tray prevents corrosion, while wiping the burner housing ensures long-term reliability.
Compact size suits solo campers
The 105 square inch cooking surface provides adequate space for burgers, hot dogs, and smaller cuts of meat for one or two people. Thebest-grills.com positions this capacity as ideal for solo campers, couples, tailgaters, and beachgoers who prioritize lightweight portability over high-volume output. The folding design with a built-in travel handle allows the unit to snap closed securely, making it easy to carry in a trunk or pack into tight RV storage spaces.
Strengths
- +InstaStart push-button ignition provides reliable, match-free startup.
- +Folding design with built-in handle allows for compact transport and storage.
- +Removable cooking grate and grease tray are dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.
- +Horseshoe burner delivers even heating across the 105 sq. in. surface.
Watch-outs
- −Poor wind resistance causes significant performance drops in breezy conditions.
- −Slow boiling time due to cooking grates sitting too high above the flames.
- −Awkward setup and breakdown process requires flipping a hot grate upside down.
How it compares
The Coleman Fold N Go + Propane Grill is significantly lighter and more compact than the heavy-duty Coleman RoadTrip 285, which weighs approximately 49 lbs.
Rating sources
Counts as 2.86/5 in our score — this publisher's 149 scores on the site average 3.69, so its scores are adjusted up to compare fairly with other publishers.
Our 2.9 score is the average of the 1 scored review above, each adjusted for how strictly its publisher scores; 3 more reviewed it without printing a score and are not in the average. More about methodology.
