The company was founded by William Coffin Coleman, who began selling gasoline pressure lamps in 1901 in Wichita.

In 1905, the company provided a demonstration for the 1905 Cooper vs. Fairmount football game (now Sterling College and Wichita State University).

In September 2004, Jarden acquired American Household, which was the privately-held parent company of Coleman as well as other brands like Sunbeam Products, for $745.6 million in cash.

A prominent product is the Coleman Lantern, a series of pressure lamps that were originally made to burn gasoline.

Pocket Stove"), sleeping bags, coolers, hot tubs, generators, watches, sandals, tents, dog toys, and backpacks, among other things.