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'.
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.
Heating method - stove or open fire
Material – aluminium
Weight - 178g
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.
Heating method - stove
Material – stainless steel
Weight - 400g
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.
Heating method - stove
Material – titanium
Weight - 118g
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.
Heating method - electric element
Material – stainless steel and silicon
Weight - 640g
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.
Heating method - stove or open fire
Material – aluminium
Weight - 300g (0.9L size)
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.
Heating method - stove or open fire
Material – stainless steel
Weight - 400g
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?
Heating method - stove
Material – stainless steel
Weight - 530g
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.
Heating method - stove
Material – anodised aluminium base and collapsible silicone body
Weight - 186g
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.
Heating method - stove
Material – aluminium
Weight - 380g
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.
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 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.
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.
Kettles made from stainless steel are stronger and survive a bit of rough handling but tend to be heavier and bulkier than other types.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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…
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.
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.
June 4, 2023
June 4, 2023
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