10 Best Camping Kettles For The Outdoors [Updated]
/Kettles can make all the difference when going camping, but nobody wants to hike up a mountain with a household appliance strapped to their backpack!
Fortunately, there are kettles designed specifically for camping trips which can make all the difference.
These appliances strike the right balance between being lightweight and durable, which are both essential when hitting the trails.
However, there are also many so-called camping kettles out there that are badly made. You’ll want to steer clear of these if you don’t want your brand new kettle melting on you in the middle of using it!
Here I’ll be talking about the 10 best camping kettles you can find on the market at present. Whether you’re out for an overnight trip in the woods or car camping with your friends, one of these options should suit your needs.
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Also read: 14 Different Types of Camping For Aspiring Outdoorists
Choosing the right camping kettle
the right camping kettle makes all the difference!
Before jumping right into the list, let’s first discuss what you should look for when choosing the right camping kettle.
Material
There are three popular materials used for making camping kettles: stainless steel, aluminium, and titanium.
The first one is most commonly used since it is so durable and relatively inexpensive. The downside, however, is that stainless steel has a low thermal conductivity, meaning it takes longer for water to boil.
Titanium and aluminium are not as durable as stainless steel, but they will allow you to heat liquids up much faster without the bulky weight.
There are also some camping kettles that use materials such as plastic and silicone. These are also good to consider, but be sure to check that they are BPA, BPS, and BPF-free.
Capacity
When choosing your camping kettle, consider how many people will be on the trip with you and the space you have in your backpack. It is also good to remember that kettles should only be filled three-quarters of the way for best results.
Size
One of the main differences between camping kettles and those used at home is the size. If you have enough space, then take that into account when choosing a kettle. More important is to consider the efficiency of the kettle you will use since less efficient kettles may require more fuel and space in your camp kitchen.
Now, let’s move on to the 10 best camping kettles for your hiking trips!
1. Redcamp Outdoor Camping Kettle
The aluminum Redcamp Kettle is one of the best value for money kettles you can get on the market today. What you’ll get is a lightweight, durable, and scratch-resistant kettle that you can trust to last.
As I mentioned earlier, aluminum kettles don’t take as long as steel ones to boil water. This one is no different, so you can enjoy a hot cup of tea or coffee on the morning of your camp in no time.
It comes with a silicone handle to protect you from burns, and the short spout prevents dripping that longer ones are more prone to. That being said, I would recommend buying the 1.4-liter model because of where the spout sits.
If you’re looking for a kettle that doesn’t cost too much and gets the job done, then this is the kettle for you.
Pros
It’s affordable
Water boils quickly (as fast as 4 minutes)
It’s lightweight
It has a silicone handle
Cons
Not everybody likes using aluminum kettles
2. Sea to Summit X-Pot
If portability is your main concern when choosing a kettle, then the Sea to Summit X-Pot is your best bet. It’s one of the most compact kettles you will find with completely collapsible silicone walls.
You can fold it down in your backpack and it will hardly take up any space. It uses an aluminum base to allow for quicker boiling times.
What I like about this kettle is that it is made using BPA-free silicone that doesn’t melt when exposed to a burning flame. However, do take note that you can only use this on a camping stove to avoid melting.
The handle of this kettle is also designed to stay away from the stove, so you won’t have to worry about them heating up.
Another thing I like about the Sea to Summit X-Pot is its size. It’s perfectly suitable for small hiking groups with two to three people, and it’s compact enough to take on most trips.
Pros
Compact, completely collapsible design
Aluminum base
Heat-resistant handles
Lightweight
Cons
Cannot be used over an open flame
Not as durable as metal kettles
3. MSR Pika Teapot
The MSR Pika is one of the lighter kettles on this list weighing in at 145 grams, but that doesn’t take away from its durability. It’s a kettle that feels just as solid and robust as stainless steel models.
One of the best features of this kettle is the handle. It feels very secure with virtually no unintentional movement involved.
The lid also stays put even when pouring past a 90-degree angle, which is useful when you’re pouring the last contents of the kettle into a glass or mug.
Not only that, but the spout comes with a little divot that allows you to pour with precision. The produces a smooth and deliberate pour that can prevent spills and minimize cleanup.
Bear in mind that this is another kettle that cannot be used over an open fire. However, I personally think this is a small drawback considering all the features you get.
Another nice touch is the clear lid, which allows you to see whatever you are boiling. The little details make this kettle a great option overall.
Pros
It has a fast boiling time
It offers the best pouring experience
The lid stays locked in place
Cons
Cannot be used over an open fire
4. Stanley Camping Kettle
The Stanley Camping Kettle is a great stainless steel option, which is impeccably good at heat resistance and anti-corrosion.
It is also very lightweight despite being made of this material. It weighs just about 221 grams when empty and about 394 grams when filled.
I like that this kettle comes with two portable cups made from high-quality ceramics, so you can have a complete outdoor drinking experience with friends or family.
If durability is an important factor for you when choosing your camping kettles, then this is a great choice that doesn’t take up too much space.
Pros
Made of highly durable material
Lightweight
Easy to use and clean
Cons
Boiling time takes longer than other models
5. BioLite Kettle Pot
Another stainless steel option worth checking out is the BioLite Kettle Pot. It’s different from the other kettles on this list in that it features a clean vertical design.
Of course, being made of steel means it can handle rough conditions out on the trail.
This kettle has some great features. It doesn’t spill while pouring, and there are neat little measurement markings that are helpful when cooking.
The handles are heat resistant to prevent scalding, and they fold down neatly for portability when you need to pack the kettle. Not only that, but the BioLite stove also fits right inside the kettle to optimize your backpack space.
It’s worth mentioning that the BioLite stove improves the efficiency of the kettle. Since there is no heat wastage, water boils faster, and the openings on the bottom allow you to see the flames.
This kettle is great for campers who want a compact and wind-resistant kettle for their hike.
Pros
Great design
Comes with heat-resistant handles
Works well in windy conditions
Durable
Cons
Design does not work well for other stoves
6. GSI Glacier Stainless Tea Kettle
Sometimes all you need is something for your car camping setup. For this, I’d recommend the GSI Glacier Tea Kettle.
Made of stainless steel, this kettle feels solid when filled with water without adding too much extra weight or bulk to your camping box.
It’s easy to use over any open flame since it doesn’t come with any plastic or silicone parts.
Be a little careful when you pour using this kettle because the lid tends to fall off, especially when tilted at more than a 90-degree angle.
It lacks the sturdiness of the other kettle lids on this list, but it doesn’t take away from the other features this great kettle has.
Pros
Very fast boiling time
Smooth and easy pour
Cons
Lid may fall off while pouring
7. Jetboil Flash Cooking System
Those looking for a really quick boil during their camping trips will be pleased with the Jetboil Flash Cooking System.
It doesn’t look like your typical kettle, but it does the job well.
It’s designed to minimize gas usage while maximizing speed, allowing campers to boil half a liter of water in just under a minute and a half!
This kettle is also super lightweight at just 372 grams.
The fuel bottles that come with it are also small and lightweight, and you don’t need much gas to operate the kettle. It also comes with a thermal cover so you can keep your water hotter for longer.
To me, the Jetboil is the perfect kettle to take with you on a day hike or overnight camping trip. There are also other accessories that go with the system, such as the coffee press and cooking pot.
Pros
Super lightweight
Extremely fast boiling
Fuel efficiency
Cons
Price point
8. Alocs Camping Kettle
The Alocs Camping Kettle has a capacity of 1.3 liters, which makes it perfect for small groups of campers (two to four people).
It’s very lightweight despite its size thanks to its anodized aluminum construction.
The material is also resistant to scratches and corrosion, making it ideal for the ruggedness of the outdoors.
One of the great features of this camping kettle is that it is designed to maximize heat efficiency.
You won’t have to wait for too long on chilly nights when you need a hot drink. You can also save fuel if you’re using it with a stove, which saves more in the long run.
The handle is also made nicely, with a non-stick silicone coating to dissipate heat and prevent spillage.
I also love the lid with its fin design as it ensures hot water is less likely to spill off the sides.
The bottom of the kettle also acts as a barrier to shield any stove’s flame from the wind.
This makes it perfect for more blustery camping conditions. Though portability could be better, it’s nice that the kettle comes with its own mesh bag for easy transport and storage.
Pros
Good weight-to-capacity ratio
Built-in windshield
Durable
Cons
May be too large for some backpacks
9. TOPOKO Collapsible Camping Kettle
If your priority is to save space, then you’re going to love the TOPOKO Collapsible Camping Kettle.
Similar to the Sea to Summit X-Pot, the majority of this kettle is constructed from silicone and can be collapsed right down to the base. It is also BPA-free. The only drawback to these types of kettles is that they are not suitable for open fires.
This is a 1.2-liter kettle that is suitable for small groups. It also comes in bright blue or green, so it can easily be seen by your group to prevent it from being knocked over. There’s also a lid lock feature that prevents spillages.
While it’s slightly heavier than you might expect, it’s still one of the best kettles out there in terms of portability.
Pros
Fully collapsible design
Lid locking feature
Bright colourful designs
Cons
Cannot be used with open fire
Slightly heavy
10. GSI 6 Enamel Pot
Sometimes simple is best, and nothing is better in that regard than the GSI 6 Enamel Pot.
This pot can be used as a kettle or to make coffee if you get a percolator insert.
It has a large capacity of 1.4 liters weighing at 420 grams. This makes it a little heavy for backpacking, so I suggest bringing this to car camping trips instead.
If you do decide to go for this simple enamel kettle, there are a few things to bear in mind.
First, make sure to dry it properly after every use. If you have a place to hang cookware on a hook, then do so. It is also important not to use harsh brushes that might scratch up the enamel. You also need to use a heat-proof oven mitt when picking up the pot after it has just boiled.
It’s a little more high maintenance than the other kettles on this list, but it adds a touch of a more traditional approach to camping in a modern world.
Pros
Large capacity
Lightweight for its size
Beautiful blue enamel
Cons
Enamel cookware needs special care
Final Thoughts
Bringing a kettle on your camping trip is not a necessity, but it does make the experience a lot more enjoyable. It’s also so much easier to enjoy your favourite beverages and snacks while you’re out on the trail!
There are several options above that you can choose from, and the best decision will really depend on your situation.
Some important aspects to consider are how much weight you can dedicate to cookware and whether you’ll be boiling water using a campfire or a gas stove.
Happy camping adventures!
