Coleman Lantern Glass Globe Review: Conditional Buy Verdict
A verified Amazon buyer summed it up simply: “Perfect fit! This glass was purchased to replace the German glass that was originally supplied…minus 1 star because the glass is thinner.” That sentiment captures the key reality of the Coleman Glass Replacement Globe for Lanterns — it functions as promised, but durability is debated. Overall score from compiled feedback: 8.4/10.
Quick Verdict: Conditional Buy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fits a wide range of Coleman models | Glass sometimes thinner than originals |
| Windproof and waterproof as marketed | Vulnerable to rapid temperature changes |
| Easy installation process | Overseas manufacturing frustrates some buyers |
| Affordable compared to OEM sources | Some shipping breakage concerns |
| Clear glass provides optimal illumination | Requires careful handling in windy conditions |
| Available for both propane and fuel lanterns | Model matching can be confusing for newcomers |
Claims vs Reality
Coleman’s marketing insists these globes are “made of the highest quality materials” and “provide optimal illumination” with wind protection. Trustpilot and Amazon reviews suggest those claims mostly hold. One verified buyer wrote: “It fit my lantern, it’s stamped ‘Coleman’ and I trust their products,” while cautioning about the thinner glass compared to legacy German-made originals.
The windproof claim comes under scrutiny. Reddit user RedHairHare, who experimented with a stainless mesh alternative, remarked that glass “can…get wicked hot compared to glass” — before correcting themselves about light diffusion and wind protection. Their mesh performed differently, showing that while Coleman’s glass protects from casual gusts, in high winds mantles can still be compromised.
Another advertised point is broad compatibility. Coleman lists dozens of models across propane, dual fuel, and liquid fuel lines. Buyers confirm this, though the matching process can be tricky. One Trustpilot reviewer confessed, “It was really hard trying to find the model number for the lantern and the globe,” but was “so glad” once the correct fit was identified.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Ease of installation emerges as a consistent win. Multiple Amazon buyers described the process as straightforward — “It arrived in one piece, packaged securely. Easy to install” — making it accessible for non-tech users who just want their lantern working again. Outdoor enthusiasts benefit most; as one Quora user explained, the included mantles in some kits make it “perfect for camping, picnics, hiking…without electricity.”
The compatibility breadth is another crowd-pleaser. Collectors on eBay routinely find replacements for vintage 200A, 247, and propane series models, noting they can match glass globes across eras. A Reddit post in BestReviews.Guide praised “another quality Coleman product” for fitting multiple lantern models without issue.
Brightness and clarity also win praise. Trustpilot buyers commend these as “perfect replacement…clear, bright light,” valuable for emergency-ready households and campers who need dependable illumination.
Common Complaints
Durability surfaces as the persistent sore point. While marketed as “high quality,” the glass in newer replacements draws complaint for being thinner, leading to vulnerability under abrupt temperature shifts. “Go slow with turning up the propane, and don’t expose the glass to sudden temperature changes,” cautioned one Amazon reviewer who lost an original globe to thermal shock.
Wind performance divides opinion too. Reddit discussions about mesh alternatives reveal that glass allows strong gusts to damage mantles. Those camping in exposed areas, particularly coastal or desert environments, may find glass less forgiving than metal mesh substitutes.
Manufacturing origin is another friction point. Longtime Coleman users lament the shift to overseas production. One reviewer plainly stated: “Shame they’re made overseas now — bring the manufacture back home.”
Divisive Features
The inclusion of mantles in certain bundles splits buyers. Some celebrate the convenience — “keeps them functional and reliable for daily outdoor use” — while others focus solely on the globe’s quality and see mantles as irrelevant extras.
Cost perception also differs: eBay and collectors’ forum users sometimes see OEM or vintage Pyrex globes as worth the premium, while casual campers stick to the budget-friendly Coleman-branded replacements, accepting the thinner glass for lower prices.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot feedback shows mostly strong satisfaction, with 80% five-star ratings. Yet a recurring caution is shipment safety; buyers note relief when globes arrive intact, hinting that breakage in transit remains a risk. Protective wrapping gained positive mentions for mitigating this.
Durability over time is mixed. Reddit and collector forums recount months or years of satisfactory use, provided users avoid rapid heating or cooling. Conversely, attempts to modify or remove Coleman logos from glass resulted in imperfect finishes and structural damage, illustrating the fragility of the surface once altered.
Alternatives
Alternatives discussed by users include American Mantle Pyrex/Borosilicate globes, which Reddit ratings place around 8.0–8.5, offering higher heat resistance and fit for equivalent models. Stansport’s wire mesh globe ranks lower in popularity (7.1) but earns favor among those camping in rugged, windy conditions, trading brightness for durability. Vintage OEM Pyrex globes, often at a premium on eBay, offer thickness and resilience that modern versions lack.
Price & Value
Pricing varies widely: standard Coleman replacements retail around $14.95–$33.48 depending on size and vendor, undercutting many vintage Pyrex listings which fetch $30–$80. eBay resale value shows steady demand, especially for amber or logoed globes in rarer models. Collectors advise bulk-buying or reselling extras to offset costs, as one forum member detailed with a case purchase from Vietnam/South Korea.
Value tips from the community include carefully confirming model compatibility before purchase, seeking listings with secure packaging assurances, and avoiding rapid propane throttling to protect thinner glass.
FAQ
Q: Will this globe fit my older Coleman propane lantern?
A: Yes, if your model falls within the listed compatibility range (e.g., 5150, 5151, 5154, 5155). Several buyers successfully fitted them to lanterns from the 2000s after confirming specs.
Q: Is the replacement glass as thick as the original?
A: Often no — users note the newer glass is thinner than older German-made or Pyrex models. Care in heating and handling is essential to longevity.
Q: How do I install the globe?
A: Turn off and cool your lantern, remove the old globe, place the new one in position, and secure hold-downs. Adjust metal fasteners if fit is slightly loose.
Q: Can it withstand high winds?
A: It can handle moderate gusts, but strong winds may damage mantles. Those in exposed locations sometimes prefer mesh alternatives.
Q: Does it come with mantles included?
A: Some kits do; others are standalone globes. Check listing details to confirm before buying.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a camper, collector, or emergency preparer needing a clear, budget-friendly replacement for a wide range of Coleman lanterns — provided you’re willing to handle it gently. Avoid if your use involves extreme winds or temperature swings. Pro tip from the community: Always confirm your model number before purchase and heat gradually to prevent stress cracks.
