9 Best Camping Kettles

GSI Outdoors – Halulite Ketalist

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Embarking on a camping or backpacking adventure, I found my perfect companion in the GSI Outdoors Halulite Ketalist. This clever set, which includes a kettle, bowl, mug, and a foon (a combination of a fork and spoon), nestled neatly inside the kettle, seamlessly catering to my hot beverage and dehydrated meal needs. The kettle, with a capacity of one liter, barely added weight to my pack, tipping the scales at 5.8oz, while the entire set together weighed around 11oz.

Upon using it, the hard-anodized aluminum construction of the kettle immediately caught my attention. It not only hastened the water boiling process but ensured an even heat distribution, minimizing fuel consumption. This was a true blessing, especially when I was keen on preserving my fuel supplies. The kettle, being lightweight and abrasion-resistant, proved to be a reliable companion whether I was car camping or backpacking.

My mornings were invigorated with a hot cup of tea, courtesy of the easy-pour spout of the kettle, which eliminated any risk of scalding or spilling. I was particularly fond of the hinged handle that locked upright, keeping a safe distance from the heat. While the manufacturers recommended stove-top use only, I found that with a bit of caution, the kettle could also be used over embers, especially after removing the kettle handle.

The convenience didn’t end at brewing a hot drink. I was able to prepare my dehydrated meals effortlessly with a single fuel burn. The polypropylene bowl and mug, each with a 14 fl oz capacity, were more than adequate for enjoying a meal and a drink. Their low centers of gravity were a boon on the uneven terrain, preventing any annoying spills. The sip-it openings further ensured my drink stayed where it belonged – in the mug.

Despite being a tea aficionado, the kettle enticed me to explore beyond just brewing a hot beverage. Removing the lid turned it into a makeshift one-liter pot. I ventured into cooking a box of macaroni and cheese, a gamble that paid off well, transforming the kettle into a multi-utility cook pot. The spout of the kettle, albeit designed for pouring, doubled up as a strainer, separating the noodles from water effortlessly.

The robustness of the kettle was not just confined to its performance but extended to its durability. Even after two years of moderate use, it remained a trustworthy companion for all my outdoor escapades. While the kettle was a constant, the foon didn’t quite cut it for me. Its functionality was overshadowed by its awkward sliding handle, making me switch to my trusty Light My Fire Spork.

The kettle’s compatibility with a variety of stoves, including my ultra-light alcohol stove made from soda cans, was a highlight. Whether it was boiling water or experimenting with some basic cooking, the kettle was up for the challenge. However, I had to admit, serving anything other than liquids was a bit tricky due to the design.

The bulky nature of the set was a minor hiccup, but the wide bottom of the kettle, quick boil times, and excellent heat conductivity overshadowed this minor inconvenience. Plus, the thought of enjoying a hot muffin baked in the kettle, alongside a cup of tea while reclining in my hammock, made this minor trade-off well worth it.

Despite my initial skepticism, the GSI Outdoors Halulite Ketalist morphed from being just a kettle to an essential part of my outdoor kitchen kit. It transitioned from being a mere indulgence to a necessity, proving its mettle with every use. Whether it was enjoying a hot drink, whipping up a warm meal, or even experimenting with some basic cooking, the Ketalist was my go-to. And the fact that I could nest a fuel canister inside by merely tweaking the arrangement, made it a space-saving marvel. Over time, it became more than just a kettle; it became an old friend I looked forward to having along on my wilderness adventures.

Pros:

• Compact and lightweight, ideal for backpacking and camping.
• Multi-functional kettle suitable for boiling water, preparing hot beverages, and basic cooking.
• Durable hard-anodized aluminum construction ensuring rapid and even heat distribution.
• Convenient easy-pour spout and hinged handle for safe and easy usage.
• Polypropylene bowl and mug with sip-it openings to reduce spillage.
• Measuring marks on the side of the kettle, cup, and bowl, enhancing utility.
• Good heat retention with an insulating sleeve on the mug.
• Wide bottom of the kettle accommodates various stoves, ensuring good heat conductivity and quick boil times.
• Potential for dry baking with additional equipment.
• The set nests together neatly, saving space, with the possibility of storing a fuel canister inside.

Cons:

• The “foon” (fork and spoon combo) has a sliding handle that might not be very functional or comfortable to use.
• The handle and lid grasp can get very hot if they come in contact with the kettle.
• Bulky design might not appeal to weight-conscious hikers or those with space constraints in their packs.
• The cup may not be the most convenient to drink from.
• Serving anything other than liquids could be a challenge due to the kettle’s design.
• Recommended for stove-top use only, though with caution it can be used over embers.
• Might not replace a traditional cook pot for those looking to prepare a variety of meals.

Esbit Kettle for Camp Stoves

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If you need more than one coffee to get you going, or tend to camp in a group, then you will appreciate the generous 1.4-liter capacity of the Esbit Kettle. Designed to be used on alcohol stoves, this camping kettle works great for both campsite and backpacking use with its low weight of just over six ounces.

Thanks to its hard-anodized aluminum construction, complete with a built-in heat exchanger, this kettle gets your water boiling fast. Not only does this save you time, but it also saves on fuel, making it an efficient and economical choice. If you’re out backpacking you can rehydrate a meal and make a hot drink in one go, meaning you can pack less fuel for a lighter load.

The included lid and wide shape means it has a larger surface contact area with your stove, further reducing heating times. The lid has a hinged handle, as does the kettle itself, which remains cool and upright when in use. The spout pours well for safer water transfer and less spillage.

This kettle has a good capacity and is lightweight enough to take out into the backcountry with you. It’s also good value for money given its solid, durable construction. The only real downside is its lid, which could fit more closely and tends to come off when being transported.

However, on the whole, this camping kettle is a good solid all-rounder that is definitely worthy of serious consideration.

LevelOne Collapsible Silicone Outdoor Camping Kettle

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Are you looking for a kettle for use down at the campsite? If you need one that packs up real small and weight isn’t an issue, then check out this collapsible silicone camping kettle by LevelOne.

This kettle has a capacity of around one liter, which is plenty for three or four cups. While its silicone body is less durable than hard-walled models, it does make it a great space saver. Combining an aluminum base with its silicone body and plastic handle, this camping kettle is designed purely for use with camping stoves where the flame will not surpass the base.

Although this kettle is a good choice for car camping, its fairly heavy weight of 16 ounces makes it unsuitable for backpacking. Shaped like a conventional home kettle, it is pretty easy to use and the spout pours accurately. The only issue is the lid closure, which can be a little fiddly to lock into place.

Although this camping kettle is nowhere near as durable, or as light, as some other models, its collapsible design has made it extremely popular. Priced at around the mid-market rate, it isn’t cheap; however, if you struggle to get all your camping gear packed, then this space-saving camping kettle could be just what you are looking for.

Fire-Maple Tea Kettle

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If you enjoy drinking tea on your car camping adventures, then this camping kettle by Fire-Maple makes an excellent choice. It even comes complete with a mesh tea infuser ball, so you can brew and enjoy loose teas in the great outdoors.

Designed to work with all camping stoves, this kettle has a generous 1.5 liter capacity and thanks to its hard-anodized aluminum body and built-in heat exchanger design, its heats up rapidly for more efficient boiling.

The handle is made from strong and durable stainless steel with a nylon coating that is ergonomically shaped to make it easier and safer to pour. Unfortunately, it can get pretty hot, so you might want to have a cloth or oven mitt to hand in your camp kitchen whenever you’re making tea or coffee.The handle folds down when not in use making it easier to pack.

While this kettle is designed to boil quickly and features a reduced wind interference design, at 10.8oz, it is a little heavy for backpacking, unless you’re traveling as a large group and splitting the weight of various essentials between you. The only other real downside is that the lid is fairly loose-fitting, so you’ll need to take care when pouring. It does, however, feature a small pull handle for easy removal.

On the whole, this sturdy camping kettle is a good buy if you’re looking for a durable camping kettle with a good capacity and a rapid boil time. While it’s not the cheapest, it should last for many years to come.

Primus LiTech Coffee/Tea

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The Primus LiTech camping kettle is a small but adequately sized model that makes a great choice for one-person camping and backpacking. It has a 0.9-liter capacity and weighs just 6.2 ounces, so whether you’re backpacking or car camping, it’s a good choice.

Made from hard-anodized aluminum, this kettle is designed for stovetop use. It is durable and easy to clean, while its folding handle helps to reduce bulk when you’re transporting it. At three inches high by six inches wide, this really is a compact little kettle, ideal when space is an issue.

Thanks to its low height and wide base, as well as its hard-anodized aluminum construction, this model heats up rapidly for a quick boil time. The lid helps to reduce energy use and features a small pull handle for easy removal. Unfortunately, it could be a slightly snugger fit. However, the main issue with this model is that the main handle grips tend to get very hot during use, so caution is needed to avoid burning your hands.

In spite of these slight drawbacks, this is nonetheless a great small camping kettle. Lightweight enough to carry out into the backcountry, it is also reasonably priced and solidly made. It would make a great replacement for your cooking pot to save weight out on the trail with dehydrated meals, as well as rapidly making hot drinks to warm you up on cold hikes.

MSR Pika Ultralight Aluminum Teapot for Camping

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If you’re looking for a well-designed camping kettle that is light enough for backpacking, as well as general camping, take a look at the Pika Teapot by MSR. Weighing in at just 5.2 ounces, this compact model has a one-liter capacity making it a great choice for individuals and couples alike.

Thanks to its wide, low design, measuring 3.5 inches high by 5.5 inches wide, this kettle is ideally proportioned for excellent heat exchange efficiency. Thanks to its hard-anodized aluminum construction it boils quickly, saving you time and fuel. Compact and durable, this kettle is definitely one of our top favorites.

Featuring a wide opening for easy cleaning, you can also use it to store your stove when you’re on the go, taking up less room in your pack and protecting your stove from rolling around your vehicle. The handle folds down too, saving extra space when storing and transporting it.

This model has been very carefully designed. It features a lipped, no-drip spout for precision pouring, that results in a steady, thick stream of boiling water – ideal for your pour-over coffee. While heating, the handle stays upright so it remains cool enough to handle.

Unlike lesser models, this camping kettle features a stay-put lid that secures into place when you’re pouring. It is also easy to remove once you’ve stood your kettle back in its upright position. This makes it much easier and more comfortable to use, as well as enhancing safety.

In spite of its excellent design, this model is not overly priced, coming in around the middle of the market. If you want a practical, no-fuss camping kettle that is lightweight and heats up fast for backpacking or regular camping, then we think this is one of the best models to beat.

GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless Ketalist

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The Outdoors Glacier Ketalist by GSI is designed for use with all types of stoves and even open fires. It’s your best choice if you are looking for a highly durable kettle that will live up to the rigors of the great outdoors with frequent use. It comes complete with a polypropylene mug, bowl and telescoping foon (fork-spoon).

Made from a heavy-duty 18/8 stainless steel, this one-liter capacity camping kettle features a rust-proof finish that will look like new for years to come. Aside from its extra-durable exterior, its stainless steel construction also means it heats up rapidly with an even, controlled heat. This is speeded up even further by its wide base for an extra-efficient heat transfer that will save you time and fuel.

The folding handle helps to conserve space when you’re storing this model, and it can also be used to suspend it over your campfire. The included mug, bowl and foon stow away neatly inside the kettle itself, saving you more space and there’s even enough room inside for a 110g fuel canister too.

While this handy cookset makes a great choice for car camping at 14 ounces, it is a little on the heavy side for backpacking. The mug and bowl include sip-opening lids for less spillage, as well as low gravity centers so you won’t have to worry about setting them down on uneven ground. They are also insulated and they won’t stain or retain odors, for easy maintenance both at the campsite and on your return home.

If you’re looking for a highly durable camping kettle that can be used on your campfire, the Glacier Ketalist makes a great choice. While it is undoubtedly heavier than aluminum models, its heavy-duty, rugged construction makes it a solid choice that will serve you well for many years to come.

Snow Peak Kettle No. 1

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If you’re looking for an extra durable, small camping kettle that can be used over a fire or with a stove, then the Snow Peak Kettle No.1 is definitely worth considering. It is also one of the cheapest camping kettles in our reviews, making it excellent value for money, combining a low price point with a high-quality product.

With its 0.9-liter capacity, this model isn’t the largest; however, it’s enough for a drink and liquid for a meal for one or hot drinks for two. While it is a little on the heavy side at 9.2 ounces, you could conceivably use it for backpacking and wilderness camping.

Thanks to its heavy-duty stainless steel construction, this highly-polished kettle is both durable and corrosion-resistant. It also conducts heat rapidly for fast boil times. This camping kettle can be used with any type of fire – use the upper handle to suspend it over your campfire, or place it on your small camping stove. The handle folds away after use to save space when storing and transporting your kettle.

This model also benefits from a folding side handle. This makes pouring water much easier and the handle stays cool. The easy-pour spout allows you to empty the kettle completely with ease. And as it is dishwasher safe, it’s also easy to clean on your return home from the wild.

Aesthetically pleasing, highly practical and solidly made, this camping kettle offers impressive performance at a low price. If a few extra ounces aren’t a problem for you, then we highly recommend this excellent little model that has been designed to last a lifetime.

Snow Peak Field Barista Kettle

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The Snow Peak Field Barista Kettle is a luxury camping kettle with a substantial price tag to match. Both stylish and well designed, it’s ideal if you are looking for home-away-from-home comforts while camping or if you have high coffee standards.

Designed to accompany the two existing outdoor barista items by Snow Peak for a perfectly brewed coffee in the great outdoors; this camping kettle has been carefully designed to provide a precise and consistent pour over. It is also highly recommended for discerning tea drinkers too.

Made from a stainless steel and brass construction, complete with natural wood accents, this model takes a little longer to boil than some of the thinner walled kettles we have seen. Its higher standing shape is also less conducive to a faster boil. However, this kettle is extremely durable thanks to its solid construction.

One of the heaviest, weighing in at 19.05 ounces, this one-liter camping kettle is best reserved for car camping or where you don’t have far to walk to reach camp. Its handle is fully detachable for easy storage and it remains cool throughout the heating process, so you won’t have to worry about burning your fingers. The wooden handle on the lid also stays cool and is a nice touch that sets this kettle apart in terms of looks.

If you really appreciate a good coffee and want a camping kettle to match other elements from the Snow Peak Barista range, then this durable, beautifully crafted model makes a great choice. However, it’s three or more times the price of most regular camping kettles.

Therefore, for your average camping trip, you may prefer to purchase a regular-priced kettle and spend the extra money on a grinder and coffee drip. But this really comes down to your budget and personal preferences.