Game, set, and match... Ice Fishing 2012 is a wrap...

Later on this week, I'll post on the ice fishing season endgame...  But you know how I roll, here's the trailer.  See you in a few days. 

The Downeast Duck Hunter

Coleman 10-Cup Portable Propane Coffeemaker with Stainless Steel Carafe- Review and Field Test

During the one year anniversary celebration over at the Outdoor Blogger Network, I was fortunate to be drawn to review a portable propane powered coffeemaker by Coleman.  To honor my end of the exchange, I have created a field test out ice fishing to augment the gear review.

Size and structure:
This coffee maker isn't light weighing in at 9.5 pounds, but it is important to mention this is a 10 cup capacity device.  Coupled with the carry case, I found that I could pack cream, sugar, coffee, spoons, and other amenities with ease.  This was convenient out on the ice and made for fast packing.  For anyone who purchases this, do get the case.  This coffee maker would in my opinion seem very well suited for the remote camp or family camping trip, not exactly right for the back packer or minimalist when it comes to hunting or fishing.

Performance:
I put this Coleman propane coffee maker to work on an absolutely insane day, gusty with a variety of mixed precipitation out on a lake seven miles from the landing.  Set up was very easy as the coffee maker utilized a one pound propane cylinder and the InstaStart™ auto ignition button to get the coffee brewing immediately as the PerfectFlow regulator streamed a consistent amount of fuel (up to 4500 BTU's).  The entire unit worked to specs as the coffee maker pulled the lake water through the filter basket of ground coffee down to the stainless steel carafe.  Within twenty minutes, my ice fishing crew was drinking steaming hot coffee.  In terms of general performance based on the field trial, the Coleman propane coffee maker operated without a hitch on one cold, breezy, and wet day.

Overall impression:  At first the size of this coffee maker took me back, but when considered for the appropriate circumstances this product will be fine.  I did like the directions on the side as with any Coleman, for I had neglected to read the owners manual and found that there is a process to follow in order to ensure maximum operation.  Without a doubt, this coffee maker delivered enough coffee for my ice fishing crew and was a cinch to clean up.  The elements did not affect the burner and the auto ignition was instant.  For any trip for a longer stay or for places like your camp, this product will certainly prove useful.  However, don't expect to be mobile with this product as it isn't that type of product.

Here's the field test on West Grand Lake in eastern Maine...



I received the Coleman Propane Coffee Maker at no cost through the Outdoor Blogger Network in exchange for a gear review.  In no way am I financially or contractually bound to either of the before mentioned parties.  I thank both Coleman and the Outdoor Blogger Network for the opportunity.