I still have my first Optimus kerosene stove (the number "00" model). It smells when it's first lit due to the nature of the burner, but once lit, it isn't any worse than a regular gas stove. If the burner gets dirty or the orifice is plugged, a good cleaning will set things back on track. I've had mine for over 40 years, found a picture of a new one online. A kerosene stove running properly will not stink and puts out lots of heat for very little money! Not sure about lighting a Coleman & what the procedure is to start it up, but if you can find one, I would say to buy it!
Kerosene puts out better heat per gallon than gasoline (about 8% higher btu's) and won't explode like gasoline if it spills.
