While there are approximately two dozen models of Coleman Generators [...]]]> The most important factor when deciding to purchase a Coleman generator above all else is knowing what your specific needs are as this will determine the model you choose. Coleman produces a wide variety of models, each with its own features specially designed for numerous jobs.

While there are approximately two dozen models of Coleman Generators on the market, the company has simplified the selection by putting the models into three different categories. The Contractor Series, The Home Back-up Series and the Recreational Series. The models throughout the series’ range from 3 to 25 horsepower with varied wattage exceeding 8,000. Each of the models sports similar controls for ease of use and a similar design pattern across most models, such as idle and fuel consumption control.

When selecting the model, it’s necessary to know the wattage needed during intended use to select the appropriate generator otherwise a buy may end up selecting a generator that doesn’t produce the wattage for a household may create problems in an emergency. Keep in mind that not all models are compliant with emission standards are not approve for use in all 50 states. Because all generators emit carbon monoxide they are not suitable for use inside a home or any space without adequate ventilation.

The Contractor series is designed for job site use but also works well for home backup. These large generators range from 3000 to over 17000 watts and can last upwards of 7 hours while operating at 50% capacity. These are ideal for providing light and electricity on a job site that is not yet wired or during power outages to backup your home or work site. These models are workhorses when it comes to getting the job done.

The Home-backup is designed for just that. These models range from 2,300 to over 8,000 watts at up to 12 horsepower and provide steady current to your home for up to 12 hours when operating at 50% capacity. This series, overall, can provide enough energy to run primary appliances and services in your home to get by under an emergency or power-loss.

The Recreational series has only 3 models, providing the perfect functionality to cover the needs of a camping trip or other outing where electricity is scarce. Find a tailgate party at an NFL game or NASCAR event and you’ll find a Coleman generator. These models operate under 2500 watts and are ideal for these situations or running just a few small appliances or power tools in and around the home and garage.

Like any machine, these generators require maintenance and must have the oil checked. The Home-Backup models feature a low-oil shut-off to prevent damage to the engine but not all models come with his function. The warranty will vary based on the model that is purchased, and may not cover certain parts and features. Keep information on hand pertaining to what locations in your area can perform maintenance on that particular model generator and if they can work under the warranty that came with the product.

Battery operated camping lanterns are a safe and effective form of illumination. Some lamps use [...]]]> There’s nothing like sitting around an open fire while camping. But sometimes you need more illumination around your campsite than the fire can provide. Fortunately there is a wide variety of camping lanterns available to light your way in the outdoors.

Battery operated camping lanterns are a safe and effective form of illumination. Some lamps use incandescent or fluorescent bulbs and newer models feature LED lamps for a long battery life. The fluorescent lamps give off nearly as much light as a propane lantern while incandescent and LED lanterns have a much softer glow. The biggest advantage of battery operated lanterns is that they can be safely used inside campers, tents, and other enclosed spaces. They also can be knocked over without the fear of starting a fire. Their biggest disadvantages are the heavy weight, short battery life, and the cost of batteries to keep them working.

Candle lanterns are small, lightweight, and give off a warm soft glow. These lights are great for backpacking and low impact camping. A candle lanterns can fold down to a little smaller than a soda can. They use inexpensive candles that usually burn for up to eight hours each. Downside on candle lanterns is that they put out very little light, although you’d be surprised at how much illumination they give once your eyes have adjusted to the dark.

Liquid fuel and propane powered lanterns are the most common lights seen at campsites. They can put out a comparable amount of light as a 150 watt light bulb. Both types of lanterns work in the same way. Pressurized gas is fed into the mantles, which are silk pouches that have turned to ash. When the gas filled mantles are lit, they glow brightly. The lanterns are very bright and will last for several hours on a full tank of fuel or cylinder of propane. Propane lanterns can also be attached to a 20lb cylinder for days of lighting capability. The down side is that the mantles are fragile and can break if the lantern is dropped or tipped over, so have replacement mantles handy. The lanterns should never be used in an enclosed space or tent as they get very hot and give off carbon monoxide as the fuel burns.

When choosing a camping lantern, you need to first figure what purpose you’ll use it for. Propane and gas lanterns are great for lighting the outdoors, but are a poor choice for indoor use. Candle lanterns are great for backpacking because they are so small and lightweight, but suffer from weak illumination. Battery operated lanterns can be used inside of tents and campers, but have a short battery life. The best recommendation for camping is always to have two light sources, one as your main source and the other as a backup. Choose a gas lamp for general illumination and a small battery lamp for the tent. With two light sources, you’ll stay safe and cover all your illumination needs at the same time.

Many people associate [...]]]> Food always tastes better when cooked in the great outdoors. Camp cooking doesn’t have to be difficult; nor does leaving the confines of home mean that you have to go about primitive means to enjoy a great meal. Here’s how to put together a camp kitchen and enjoy some great food while camping.

Many people associate camping with cooking over an open fire. If you can flip burgers on the grill, you can cook over a fire. Basic tools for campfire cooking are a grate or grill, long handled tongs, spatula, and a long fork. I like to use a pair of heavy leather welding gloves if I need to move the grate or adjust the fire. Camping supply stores sell portable grates; otherwise most established campsites do have grates on their fire rings. A roll of heavy duty aluminum foil also comes in handy to make baked potatoes or dinner pouches. Just wrap your meal in the foil and place it on the hot coals.

A Dutch oven is a great addition to anyone’s camp cooking kit. Dutch ovens are large cast iron pots with legs and a lip around the lid. These ovens come in a variety of sizes, but the common and useful size is 12 inches in diameter. Hot coals or charcoal is placed underneath and on the lid of the pot so the meal inside is cooked much like it would be in a conventional oven. You can cook a wide variety or stews, roasts, breads, cakes and even pies in a Dutch oven. Many recipes that are designed for a crock pot work quite well in the Dutch oven.

A camping stove is a good addition to your cooking arsenal. Stoves give you more convenience, control and versatility that an open fire does. There are two types of camping stoves on the market: propane and liquid fuel. Propane stoves use bottled propane gas in either one pound or 20 pound cylinders. Propane is very convenient but does not burn very well in colder weather. Liquid fuel stoves use refined white gas in a tank that you pressurize with a hand pump. These stoves work great in cold weather but you have the mess of liquid fuel to deal with. Both stoves give you an easy to control flame so you can heat up water, fry, sauté, and simmer foods. There are even ultra compact backpacking stoves for lightweight cooking in the backcountry.

Other supplies for your camping kitchen include mess kits, utensils, pots and pans. Utensils and dishes don’t need to be fancy; you can search out thrift stores for inexpensive dishes and utensils. Use heavy duty freezer zipper bags and place them into large plastic tubs to organize your gear. You’ll find the most useful pans in your camping kitchen are the 12 inch cast iron fry pan, one quart saucepan, and a six quart pot for heating water. Add to that a 5 cup coffee percolator and you’ve got a functional camp kitchen. Now you can enjoy delicious cooking in the great outdoors.