We're willing to forgo some creature comforts when camping, but a decent brew isn't one of them. Here's our top 10 kettles that'll whip up a proper cuppa in no time.
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Steph C

Scroll down for the full reviews of the best camping kettles...

Best Camping Kettle: Our Top Picks for 2023

Ah, camping. There's nothing quite like spending time out in the open. Chilling by a lake, looking at the stars or just listening to the birdsong. What could possibly be better? Doing it with a brew in your hand of course! We're talking camping kettles here.

Now, you might think one kettle is the same as another – they all boil water, and surely that's all you need? There's a lot more to it than that though, and you'll need to ask yourself some questions to find the best fit for your trip. Our guide to the best camping kettle will have you brewing up quicker than you can say ‘two sugars in mine'.

In a rush? Here's our top 10 picks at a glance

  1. Best for: hikersPrimus LiTech Camping Kettle
  2. Best for: motorhomes or car campersVango 2 Litre Camping Kettle
  3. Best for: fastpackers and ultra-runnersMSR Titan Titanium Kettle
  4. Best for: pitches with mains hook-upKampa Squash Electric Kettle
  5. Best for: weekend campers – Fox Cookware Camping Kettle
  6. Best for: groups and families - Ibasingo Titanium Gooseneck Coffee Pot
  7. Best for: coffee and stories around the campfire - Donnagelia Stainless Steel Teapot Camping Kettle
  8. Best for: those on a budgetKampa Brew Whistling Kettle
  9. Best for: backpackers and travellers - Sea to Summit Lightweight X-Pot Collapsible Camping Kettle
  10. Best for: extreme environments Ridgemonkey Square Aluminium Camping Kettle

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN LOOKING FOR THE BEST CAMPING KETTLE

What Should Your Camping Kettle Be Made From?

Basically there are three main types of material used; stainless steel, aluminium and titanium. Kettles made from stainless steel are stronger and survive a bit of rough handling but tend to be heavier and bulkier than other types.

Aluminium Kettle

Aluminium is a popular choice as it is relatively lightweight yet still strong. We should mention that high doses of aluminium has been linked to brain diseases and other nasties so most kettles are constructed using aluminium that's been anodised – the metal has been coated with an oxide layer to separate it from the water. This has the added advantage of making the metal tougher and corrosion resistant as well as keeping you healthy - bonus.

Titanium Kettle

If you want to go really light, titanium camping kettles are some of the most effective kettles out there for backpackers. Titanium is strong and safe but extremely lightweight – however it's on the pricy side. Most of the collapsible kettles are made with a silicon body on a stainless steel or aluminium base. This keeps them light, although silicon can split over time with repeated use. Make sure flames from the stove don't reach the silicon as it'll melt.

A campfire kettle has an extra-large handle designed for hanging it over an open fire.

Stainless Steel Kettle

If you're car camping or staying in a motorhome or caravan, stainless steel makes for a great camping kettle will fit the job nicely. Back packers will appreciate a lighter aluminium kettle that'll fit on a camping stove, whilst titanium would be the metal of choice for long distance walkers and wild campers.

The best camping kettle for you will depend on your style of camping. Do you have your own power source or will you be staying on sites with a mains hook-up? An electric kettle would be a nice luxury; a real ‘home from home' experience.

In a motorhome with an oven or taking the car? A stainless steel kettle such as the Vango would be ideal. Low on room? A collapsible kettle like the Kampa Squash will fit into the tiniest of spaces.

Thinking of back-packing or wild camping? You'd be better choosing one of the smaller aluminium or titanium kettles such as the Primus Litech or the MSR Camping Kettle. Check out our ultimate guide to wild camping to get you started.

BEST CAMPING KETTLE FAQ

Can I use a normal kettle for camping?

If you're going away in a caravan, campervan or motor home with your own power supply or access to a mains hook up, then theoretically yes, you could take a normal electric kettle. However you need to be careful not to overload the mains supply – kettles designed specifically for camping use less power.

A kettle designed to be heated on a gas hob could also be used for camping, but it will probably be bulkier and heavier than a camping kettle. If you're carrying your camping gear then you'll need something smaller and lighter.

How do I boil water when camping?

If you are in a caravan or motor home, it's easy – chances are you have a gas hob which you can use with your kettle.

Camping in a tent requires a bit more thought. You'll need to use a gas-powered stove – there's a whole choice of sizes, from a gas stove with hob-style rings to a tiny camping stove that fits onto a small gas canister. Your choice will depend on how you'll be transporting your camping gear and how many people you'll be catering for.

You can also heat water in kettles with a large handle over an open fire. We'd only recommend doing this in a controlled environment – building fires when camping is not a good idea and can cause serious damage to the environment.

Can I use my kettle to carry water?

It's not recommended – most kettles are designed with a pouring spout and steam holes, so you'll lose water out of it. It could also harm it over time as they're not designed to be wet for long periods.

If your kettle has a large removable lid then use it to carry cups, matches, lighters and cutlery instead.

Can I re-boil water?

It's always best to use a fresh batch of water. Re-boiling could concentrate chemicals present in the water, which could make it unsafe for drinking. No-one wants to be caught camping with a stomach bug…

How do I keep myself safe when using my camping kettle?

The best camping kettle will have safety features built in; think non – dribble spouts and heat resistant handles. However handles can still get very hot, so it's best to use a glove or a towel to handle the kettle when boiled.

If the kettle has a plastic folding handle, make sure it's upright before boiling – if it's too near the metal it might burn.

Don't over-fill the kettle - boiling water is likely to leak out of it.

Keep the kids away from camping kettles, hot water and stoves.

Try not to tip the kettle to far when pouring, as the lid might come off – a lap full of boiling water could seriously ruin your day.

NB: Whilst we have included a few affiliate advertising links here and there so you can go ahead and buy the product we've reviewed, you can trust that we only recommend gear we actually use, research and endorse. We earn a flat rate with no incentive to recommend one product over another (this doesn't cost you any more by they way it just helps us pay our team of writers and keep the lights on).

ourComparison

Ridgemonkey Square Aluminium Camping Kettle

We love the shape and the military style design

Sea to Summit Lightweight X-Pot Collapsible Camping Kettle

It can be taken literally anywhere

Kampa Brew Stainless Steel Whistling Kettle

We love the choice of colours

Donnagelia Stainless Steel Teapot

Who doesn’t love a cuppa around a proper fire?

Ibasingo Titanium Gooseneck Coffee Pot

We love the cool design – no dribbles here!

Fox Cookware Camping Kettle

The fast boil time means less fuel is needed

Kampa Squash Electric Camping Kettle

Adds a touch of luxury to your camping experience – think glamping

MSR Titan Titanium Camping Kettle

One of the lightest yet most versatile camping kettles out there

Vango 2 Litre Camping Kettle

We love the retro design

Primus LiTech Camping Kettle

Lightweight yet quick boiling, this is a great all-rounder

final score

90

%

final score

81

%

final score

83

%

final score

85

%

final score

83

%

final score

85

%

final score

75

%

final score

86

%

final score

88

%

final score

90

%

The Good

  • Innovative square shape allows faster boiling time
  • Extremely strong and durable
  • Drawstring carry bag is included

The Good

  • Fully removable see-through lid means it can be used as a cookpot
  • Collapsible BPA free heat resistant food grade silicon body

The Good

  • Flip-top spout cover means it’s easy to fill and pour
  • Nice choice of colours

The Good

  • Comes with a carry bag
  • Easy pour spout – reduces dribbling
  • Can be used over a campfire or on a stove

The Good

  • Anti-scalding rope on the handle protects hands from the heat
  • Large capacity – perfect for those days when just one cup of tea won’t cut it



The Good

  • Soft-touch handle folds down flat
  • 33% more efficient that other camping kettles
  • Tough yet compact

The Good

  • 1000W SUS 304 concealed stainless steel heat element
  • Power indicator light

The Good

  • Handles fold for easy storage
  • Kettle can be teamed with the MSR Titan cup or spoon for a complete lightweight cooking kit

The Good

  • Covered handle saves burnt fingers
  • Whistles when boiled
  • Foldable handle for storage

The Good

  • So sturdy it’s practically indestructible
  • Comes with a handy storage bag

The bad

  • Steam vents are positioned near the handles, which can make them very hot
  • Lid has a tendency to fall off if you’re not careful

The bad

  • There’s a risk that the handles could melt unless you’re very careful
  • Concertina design means cleaning it can be tricky

The bad

  • Make sure the handle is upright when in use as the insulation material could melt
  • The handle can get very hot to touch

The bad

  • If filled to capacity there’s a risk of water overflowing
  • It’s quite heavy

The bad

  • Handle on the top is quite small so care is needed when hot



The bad

  • Lid handle can melt if not kept upright
  • Handles can become very hot

The bad

  • You need to manually unplug the kettle to override the thermostat function

The bad

  • Handles can get very hot
  • Smaller capacity than other camping kettles

The bad

  • The whistle can be unreliable - watch out for it!
  • Heavier and bulkier than other kettles

The bad

  • Don’t tip it too far when pouring - the lid has a tendency to fall off
  • The plastic handle isn’t insulated so can get hot if the kettle is full

Durability

95

%

Heat retention

80

%

Speed of boil

95

%

Eco score

80

%

Durability

80

%

Capacity

85

%

Speed of boil

85

%

Eco score

75

%

Durability

80

%

Capacity

95

%

Speed of boil

80

%

Eco score

75

%

Durability

90

%

Capacity

80

%

Speed of boil

90

%

Eco score

80

%

Durability

80

%

Capacity

85

%

Speed of boil

85

%

Eco score

80

%

Durability

85

%

Capacity

90

%

Speed of boil

95

%

Eco score

85

%

Durability:

80

%

Capacity

80

%

Speed of boil

70

%

Eco score

70

%

Durability

90

%

Capacity

80

%

Speed of boil

85

%

Eco score

90

%

Durability

90

%

Capacity

95

%

Speed of boil

85

%

Eco score

80

%

Durability

90

%

Capacity

85

%

Speed of boil

95

%

Eco score

90

%

Heating method

Stove

Weight

380g

Price

££

Material

Aluminium

Heating method

Stove

Weight

186g

Price

££

Material

Anodised aluminium base and collapsible silicone body

Heating method

Stove

Weight

530g

Price

£

Material

Stainless steel

Heating method

Stove or open fire

Weight

400g

Price

£

Material

Stainless steel

Heating method

Stove or open fire

Weight

223g

Price

£££

Material

Titanium

Heating method

Stove or open fire

Weight

300g (0.9L size)

Price

££

Material

Aluminium

Heating method

Electric element

Weight

640g

Price

£

Material

Stainless steel and silicon

Heating method

Stove

Weight

118g

Price

£££

Material

Titanium

Heating method

Stove

Weight

400g

Price

£

Material

Stainless Steel

Heating method

Stove or open fire

Weight

178g

Price

££

Material

Aluminium

Why we like it

We love the shape and the military style design

The Good

  • Innovative square shape allows faster boiling time
  • Extremely strong and durable
  • Drawstring carry bag is included

the bad

  • Steam vents are positioned near the handles, which can make them very hot
  • Lid has a tendency to fall off if you’re not careful

Heating method

Stove

Material

Aluminium

Weight

380g

Price

££

The rather unusual square shape allows more of the base of the kettle to come into contact with the stove. This allows for faster boiling and uses less fuel. With a decent spout and two folding handles, this is an innovative piece of kit. Originally designed for anglers, these kettles are now gaining a following in the backpacking community.



Durability

95

%

Heat retention

80

%

Speed of boil

95

%

Eco score

80

%

No items found.

final score

90

%

Ridgemonkey Square Aluminium Camping Kettle

Check latest price

Why we like it

It can be taken literally anywhere

The Good

  • Fully removable see-through lid means it can be used as a cookpot
  • Collapsible BPA free heat resistant food grade silicon body

the bad

  • There’s a risk that the handles could melt unless you’re very careful
  • Concertina design means cleaning it can be tricky

Heating method

Stove

Material

Anodised aluminium base and collapsible silicone body

Weight

186g

Price

££

This just has to be the ultimate collapsible kettle – it folds down to an incredible 3.5cms and you could fit it into your pocket. The anodised base fits snugly onto a small camping stove, and as the silicon body is angled inwards there’s less risk of it melting.

Durability

80

%

Capacity

85

%

Speed of boil

85

%

Eco score

75

%

No items found.

final score

81

%

Sea to Summit Lightweight X-Pot Collapsible Camping Kettle

Check latest price

Why we like it

We love the choice of colours

The Good

  • Flip-top spout cover means it’s easy to fill and pour
  • Nice choice of colours

the bad

  • Make sure the handle is upright when in use as the insulation material could melt
  • The handle can get very hot to touch

Heating method

Stove

Material

Stainless steel

Weight

530g

Price

£

A great no-frills option with a funky retro design. It’s lightweight yet the generous 2 Litre capacity means more brews per boil. Removable lid with cool touch heat resistant handle. Plus it whistles – what’s not to love?



Durability

80

%

Capacity

95

%

Speed of boil

80

%

Eco score

75

%

No items found.

final score

83

%

Kampa Brew Stainless Steel Whistling Kettle

Check latest price

Donnagelia Stainless Steel Teapot

Coffee and stories around the campfire

Why we like it

Who doesn’t love a cuppa around a proper fire?

The Good

  • Comes with a carry bag
  • Easy pour spout – reduces dribbling
  • Can be used over a campfire or on a stove

the bad

  • If filled to capacity there’s a risk of water overflowing
  • It’s quite heavy

Heating method

Stove or open fire

Material

Stainless steel

Weight

400g

Price

£

Like a traditional campfire? You’ll love this bit of kit. It comes with a large handle just begging to be hung over an open fire to boil. A generously large folding handle on the lid lets you lift it without being scalded. It comfortably holds up to 1L so your mates will love it too.

Durability

90

%

Capacity

80

%

Speed of boil

90

%

Eco score

80

%

No items found.

final score

85

%

Donnagelia Stainless Steel Teapot

Check latest price

Why we like it

We love the cool design – no dribbles here!

The Good

  • Anti-scalding rope on the handle protects hands from the heat
  • Large capacity – perfect for those days when just one cup of tea won’t cut it



the bad

  • Handle on the top is quite small so care is needed when hot



Heating method

Stove or open fire

Material

Titanium

Weight

223g

Price

£££

Stylish and lightweight, the unusual design of the spout allows for more precise pouring. It sits lower down so you don’t need to tip the kettle too far. There’s even a little cap which protects the spout when you’re not using it.



Durability

80

%

Capacity

85

%

Speed of boil

85

%

Eco score

80

%

No items found.

final score

83

%

Ibasingo Titanium Gooseneck Coffee Pot

Check latest price

Fox Cookware Camping Kettle

Weekend camping warriors

Why we like it

The fast boil time means less fuel is needed

The Good

  • Soft-touch handle folds down flat
  • 33% more efficient that other camping kettles
  • Tough yet compact

the bad

  • Lid handle can melt if not kept upright
  • Handles can become very hot

Heating method

Stove or open fire

Material

Aluminium

Weight

300g (0.9L size)

Price

££

Originally designed for anglers, the Fox kettle features innovative heat transfer technology which concentrates the stove flame on the base of the kettle for a much faster boil time. The non-stick coating means it’s easy to clean so you can use it to heat those noodles too. It’s versatile – you can hang it over an open fire too although this does reduce its efficiency.



Durability

85

%

Capacity

90

%

Speed of boil

95

%

Eco score

85

%

No items found.

final score

85

%

Fox Cookware Camping Kettle

Check latest price

Kampa Squash Electric Camping Kettle

Camping pitches with mains hook-up

Why we like it

Adds a touch of luxury to your camping experience – think glamping

The Good

  • 1000W SUS 304 concealed stainless steel heat element
  • Power indicator light

the bad

  • You need to manually unplug the kettle to override the thermostat function

Heating method

Electric element

Material

Stainless steel and silicon

Weight

640g

Price

£

The collapsible design allows for easy storage - you can literally squash it flat. We need to mention that the kettle doesn’t automatically switch off once it’s boiled; it will boil itself again once it drops below a certain temperature. While it’s great for that second cuppa tea, for safety it’s best to unplug it from the mains. The hinged lid has a push button release to keep fingers away from the hot bits.

Want some more ideas of how you can camp in style? Our campervan accessories article has heaps of inspiration for essential (and non-essential but cool) gear.

Durability:

80

%

Capacity

80

%

Speed of boil

70

%

Eco score

70

%

No items found.

final score

75

%

Kampa Squash Electric Camping Kettle

Check latest price

MSR Titan Titanium Camping Kettle

Fast packers and ultra-runners

Why we like it

One of the lightest yet most versatile camping kettles out there

The Good

  • Handles fold for easy storage
  • Kettle can be teamed with the MSR Titan cup or spoon for a complete lightweight cooking kit

the bad

  • Handles can get very hot
  • Smaller capacity than other camping kettles

Heating method

Stove

Material

Titanium

Weight

118g

Price

£££

This isn’t just a kettle. It can be anything you want it to be… bowl for your soup? Mug for an extra-large brew? You can even cook a meal in it. The tight-fitting lid and drip-free spout keep things dry and being titanium it weighs hardly anything.

Durability

90

%

Capacity

80

%

Speed of boil

85

%

Eco score

90

%

No items found.

final score

86

%

MSR Titan Titanium Camping Kettle

Check latest price

Vango 2 Litre Camping Kettle

Motorhomes or car campers

Why we like it

We love the retro design

The Good

  • Covered handle saves burnt fingers
  • Whistles when boiled
  • Foldable handle for storage

the bad

  • The whistle can be unreliable - watch out for it!
  • Heavier and bulkier than other kettles

Heating method

Stove

Material

Stainless Steel

Weight

400g

Price

£

A firm favourite, this stainless steel kettle has been designed with safety in mind. A push/ pull lever lets you open and close the spout while keeping your fingers away from the steam. The lid removes for easy filling and it’s strong and durable design means it’ll accompany you on your adventures for years.


Durability

90

%

Capacity

95

%

Speed of boil

85

%

Eco score

80

%

No items found.

final score

88

%

Vango 2 Litre Camping Kettle

Check latest price

Why we like it

Lightweight yet quick boiling, this is a great all-rounder

The Good

  • So sturdy it’s practically indestructible
  • Comes with a handy storage bag

the bad

  • Don’t tip it too far when pouring - the lid has a tendency to fall off
  • The plastic handle isn’t insulated so can get hot if the kettle is full

Heating method

Stove or open fire

Material

Aluminium

Weight

178g

Price

££

Made from anodised aluminium, this is a sturdy yet lightweight camping kettle. The lid is removable for easy filling, and the handle folds for storage. The Primus isn’t as light as a titanium kettle, but it certainly boils fast. The large handle allows it to be used over an open fire too.

Durability

90

%

Capacity

85

%

Speed of boil

95

%

Eco score

90

%

No items found.

final score

90

%

Primus LiTech Camping Kettle

Check latest price

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