Just because you’re motorcycle camping doesn’t mean to say you have to give up all your home comforts, and that’s why we’ve put together our list of the best camping kettles.
Yes, you can just use a camping pot, but having a specifically designed camping kettle with a well designed pouring spout, handle and lid can make all the difference.
You might be in the middle of nowhere, but waking up and being able to make your favorite hot beverage while surveying your new surroundings has to be one of those magical starts to a day.
Whether you need to boil water for a hot cup of coffee, to rehydrate a freeze-dried meal or to sterilize your water, having a decent camping kettle will make your outdoor life easier. So read on for advice about buying the best camping kettle.
Best Camping Kettles This Year: Our Criteria And Results
There are many different camping kettles available on the market today, but the best camping kettles need to be lightweight, durable and have enough capacity to serve enough hot water for you and your buddies.
As camping is one of our passions (and hopefully yours too), we’ve put together the following list of popular brands and models to take some of the guesswork out of it for you.
So, click on the links below to check out the price and the full specs of any of the camping kettles that may interest you.
| Brand | Model | Top Advantage | Top Disadvantage | Link To Purchase | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Top Pick |   | MSR | Pika Teapot | This camping kettle has one of the fastest boiling times of all the kettles we tested. | It cannot be used on an open fire. | Click To Check Price |
| 2. Runner Up |   | GSI | Glacier Stainless Steel Tea Kettle | This versatile kettle can be used on both a stove or open fire. | There are reports of the lid falling off when pouring. | Click To Check Price |
| 3. Also Consider |   | Sea To Summit | X-Pot Kettle | This is a fully collapsible kettle that is lightweight enough for backpacking. | It’s made of silicone, so it’s not as durable as metal kettles. | Click To Check Price |
| 4. |   | Snow Peak | Kettle No. 1 | Doubles as a small cooking pot when needed. | It’s smaller than other models tested. | Click To Check Price |
| 5. |   | Redcamp | Outdoor Camping Kettle | One of the best value camping kettles available. | Not as efficient as some of the other brands. | Click To Check Price |
| 6. |   | Stanley | Camping Kettle Set | Stainless steel makes this kettle set lightweight and highly durable. | The boiling time takes longer than some other models. | Click To Check Price |
| 7. |   | BioLite | CampStove Kettle Pot | Works well in windy conditions. | Only works best with the BioLite stove. | Click To Check Price |
| 8. |   | Alocs | Camping Kettle | Perfect for small groups of campers (2 – 4 people). | Too large for single backpackers. | Click To Check Price |
| 9. |   | TOPOKO | Collapsible Camping Kettle | The collapsible design saves space in your backpack. | It cannot be used on an open fire. | Click To Check Price |
| 10. Avoid These Ones |   | EEZEE | 1L Collapsible Camping Kettle | Its 1 liter capacity means it’s good for small groups. | Too fragile for regular use. | Click To Check Price |
| 11. Avoid These Ones |   | Sunlevo | Outdoor Camping Kettle | It’s lightweight and boils water between 3 – 5 minutes. | Reports of poor quality and the lid falling off when you pour. | Click To Check Price |
This is a simple, quick reference table of our top picks. For more detailed information about each model and about how we choose the best camping kettles, keep on reading below.
How We Select The Best Camping Kettles
While it’s not 100% necessary to take a camping kettle with you when you go camping, it will make your life simpler and easier.
When choosing the best camping kettle there are a few things to take into consideration including the materials used, its weight and size and whether you can use it on the fire or do you need a special stove?
While we’ve listed our top picks for the best camping kettles for you to choose from, the following is the criteria we use, and we give some top tips about what to look out for:
Materials Used
The camping kettle you choose should be lightweight, strong and durable.
Traditionally, the most common materials used are stainless steel or aluminum. Steel is the most cost-effective material which gives even heat distribution, although its heat transfer is lower than aluminum, which means a steel camping kettle will take longer to boil water.
Other more modern materials for camping kettles include titanium and silicone. Titanium camping kettles are lighter and boil faster than steel, but are more expensive and less durable.
Silicone camping kettles are normally fully-collapsible and are fitted with a metal base to heat on a camping stove, but are not for use on an open fire.
Weight & Size
If packing space is at a premium, or if you’re hiking with only a backpack, then the weight and the size of your camping kettle becomes extremely important.
Always make sure to check the weight before you buy a camping kettle, and if packing space is really tight, look for a silicone camping kettle with fully collapsible walls that will fit into a small space.
Capacity
The capacity of the camping kettle you choose should be determined by your group’s size and what you plan to use your kettle for.
If you’re alone, or planning to camp with a friend or partner and just want a hot drink, then you can opt for a kettle with a smaller capacity. However, for larger groups, or if you want to use your camping kettle to prepare one-pot meals, then it’s worth considering a larger capacity kettle.
Modular Design & Safety
Even the best camping kettles come in all shapes and sizes – there is no one-size-fits-all, so the design you choose will be personal.
However, safety is a big issue around busy campsites, especially with small children running around. Look for kettles with tight-fitting lids and well-designed spouts – you don’t want to accidentally spill hot water when you’re pouring.
In addition, look for camping kettles with heat proof, sturdy handles that lock in an upright position, so that you don’t burn your hands when handling your kettle.
Even camping kettles that have bright colors are worth considering – the bright accents or colors of the camping kettle can make people more aware of the potential hazards of boiling water.
Fuel Or Heating Source
Another important thing to consider is just how are you going to heat your kettle?
If you are planning to use an open fire then you need to check if the camping kettle is compatible with open flame or fire use. Most of the steel, aluminum or titanium kettles are, but the silicone kettles will melt on an uneven heat or open fire.
So always research each camping kettles stove or heat compatibility before you make your final purchase.
Brand Reputation
A brand’s reputation plays a significant part in determining potential customers’ buying choices.
In addition, a good brand reputation helps to inspire trust and loyalty to build repeat customers and a bigger fan base. The camping kettles we have chosen are all tried and tested and come from brands that you can rely on.
User Reviews
Last, but by no means least, we look at the customer reviews of each camping kettle on different websites and camping forums.
While we give our own reviews based on our experience, where better to get advice than from the very people who have purchased, and tried and tested their camping kettles?
So now we’ve given you some top tips about what to look for when buying a camping kettle and the criteria we use, let’s take a closer look at the camping kettles that made it onto our list.
11 Best Camping Kettles This Year
The best camping kettles need to be easy and safe to use, lightweight, durable and with quick boiling times so that you don’t use up too much time or fuel.
The following is a more detailed look at the top 11 best camping kettles that made it onto our list. From solo backpacking to car camping with the kids or friends, you’re sure to find at least one of our picks that will suit your needs.
Top Pick – MSR Pika Teapot
Advantages:
- One of the fastest boiling times of the camping kettles we tested
- Lightweight and durable
Disadvantages:
- Because of the plastic lid, this camping kettle cannot be used on an open fire
- Limited maximum capacity of 1 liter (or 34 fl oz)
This camping kettle has all the best features we look for – fast boil time, secure lid that is easy to remove, a precise-pour spout for easy no-spill pouring, plus it’s lightweight and easy to pack.
The lid or opening is also big enough to store small things like a PocketRocket camping stove or even your morning tea or coffee supplies inside.
Although it does have a foldable, upright handle that feels strong and sturdy, this can get a bit hot even in the upright position, so our advice is to always keep a cloth handy. On a personal note, this kettle doesn’t whistle, but don’t let that stop you from buying one.
The small size makes the MSR Pika Teapot ideal for singles or couples, and it’s not too expensive for this leading outdoor brand.
Runner-Up – GSI Glacier Stainless Steel Tea Kettle
Advantages:
- This camping kettle can be used on both a stove or a wood fire
- It’s made from Glacier stainless steel for greater durability and even heat distribution
Disadvantages:
- The lid can fall off when pouring at a steep angle
- Only performs 1 task – boiling water
This GSI Glacier Stainless Steel Tea Kettle is another compact, lightweight kettle that is suitable for one or two people.
As the name suggests, it’s made from Glacier stainless steel, which is durable, lightweight and distributes heat for quick and even heating.
In addition, as there are no silicone or plastic parts, this camping kettle can be used on any camping stove or an open fire. We used it on an open fire with no problems, and despite the black soot, it scrubbed up as good as new with a little dishwashing soap and a kitchen sponge.
The foldable handle feels sturdy and remains cool to the touch (if you don’t let it boil too long) and the small spout enables easy pouring. The only downside is that the lid has a tendency to fall out sometimes when you’re pouring at steep angles, or getting the last drops.
But if you’re careful, this camping kettle has other outstanding features that more than make up for this small detail.
Need more info? Click on the link below for all the details and the latest price on Amazon.
No need to make a decision yet – keep reading for some more options.
Also Consider – Sea to Summit X-Pot Kettle Collapsible Camping Cook Pot with Lid
Advantages:
- Fully collapsible and lightweight enough for backpacking
- Has an aluminum base for even and fast boiling
Disadvantages:
- Silicone body, so not as durable as metal kettles
- It cannot be used on an open fire
If saving space is your main concern, then this Sea To Summit X-Pot is just what you’re looking for.
This camping kettle features fully-collapsible heat-resistant silicone walls which means it folds down to being almost flat and so doesn’t take up much space in your backpack.
Its 1.3 liter (44 fl oz) capacity is more than enough for 2-3 people to have coffee in the morning and the aluminum base means speedy heating times.
The lid was one of the best and stayed secure when pouring, plus the handles do not get hot, even when the water is boiling. However, as this kettle is made from BPA-free silicone you will need to use it on a camping stove and not on an open fire to prevent it from melting.
Click on the link below for the latest price.
Still unsure? Read on for some more options.
Snow Peak Kettle No. 1
Advantages:
- This camping kettle doubles as a small cooking pot when needed
- Its foldable handles and lightweight design makes it easy to pack away
Disadvantages:
- One of the smallest we tested – 0.9 liters (30.4 fl oz)
- The handles do get hot
This compact and versatile camping kettle has a sleek and elegant modern design and can double as a small (one person, one meal) cooking pot.
Its stainless steel construction means it is sturdy enough to use at home, on a camping stove or even on an open fire.
Despite being made of stainless steel, it weighs in at only 255g (9 oz) so it’s still light enough to be easily packed away. Plus the top and side handles fold away to reduce any bulkiness.
Although not a deal breaker, the handles are uncoated steel which means they do get hot, so it’s best to have a cloth handy when removing this camping kettle from your heat source.
Plus there are reports of the lid not fitting as snugly as it should and coming off when pouring hot water, which is not ideal.
Need more info? Then click on the link below.
Redcamp Outdoor Camping Kettle
Advantages:
- One of the best value camping kettles available
- The aluminum design means it’s fast boiling
Disadvantages:
- Not as efficient as some of the other brands
- There are reports of the silicone coating on the handle coming off
The Redcamp Outdoor Camping Kettle comes in 3 different sizes (Mini, Small and Medium) and is one of the best budget-friendly camping kettles we tested. It’s a durable, lightweight and scratch-resistant kettle that is built to last.
Its features include a short spout designed to ensure easy pouring with no drip, a convenient, silicone coated handle that prevents burning or scalding which fold down or lock into an upright position for ease of use.
Plus it comes with a mesh bag to make storing or carrying this camping kettle even easier.
Finally, it’s easy to clean, inexpensive and comes with a full 1 year warranty.
Click on the link below for all the details and the latest price.
Or keep reading for some more options.
Stanley Camping Kettle Set
Advantages:
- Stainless steel camping kettle set which is lightweight and highly durable
- Includes 2 insulated BPA-free, plastic cups
Disadvantages:
- The boiling time takes longer than some of the other brands or models
- Being tall and narrow this camping kettle can be a little unstable on uneven surfaces
This Stanley Camping Kettle Set is an absolute bargain and comes with a kettle that features collapsible handles that secure and lock over the lid.
The lid has pre-drilled holes to stop water boiling over and can be used to strain things like cooking liquids, pasta or noodles.
The set comes with 2 insulated, BPA free plastic cups that nest inside the kettle, or they can be left at home to give more space for packing a camping stove or other essentials inside.
Despite being made of stainless steel the set is very lightweight, even with the cups. The taller, narrower shape may take some getting used to than more conventionally shaped camping kettles, but it does make it easier to pack away in the pockets of your backpack.
Overall, this Stanley camping kettle set has some nice features that you would expect from a much more expensive brand.
Click on the link below, the price may surprise you.
Still not ticking all the boxes? Then read on for some more options.
Biolite CampStove Kettle Pot
Advantages:
- Works well in windy conditions
- Comes with heat proof handles
Disadvantages:
- Works best with the BioLite stove that is sold separately
- Quite heavy, bulky and expensive
The Biolite CampStove Kettle Pot has a capacity of 1.5 liters (50.7 fl oz) so it’s suitable for groups of up to 6 people, making it the largest capacity camping kettle that we have reviewed here.
This camping kettle is heavier and bulkier than other options out there, so we wouldn’t recommend it for solo campers or a couple of friends, unless you are car camping or in a camper or an SUV.
It’s a versatile stainless steel design that doubles as both a kettle and a cooking pot – to convert from a pot to a kettle you simply attach the BPA-free plastic lid which has a built-in spout for easy pouring.
Other great features include heat proof handles to prevent scalding and which fold away when you need to pack, it doesn’t spill and has neat measurement markings that come in handy when you’re cooking.
The main downside is the fact that it works best with the Biolite CampStove 2 which is sold separately and adds to the already expensive price.
This wood burning camp stove also comes with a USB, so you can generate enough electricity to charge a phone while you’re cooking. Some people might find this an added bonus.
Click on the link for the latest price.
Don’t choose just yet, we still have some more to go!
Alocs Camping Kettle
Advantages:
- Perfect for small groups of campers (2 – 4 people)
- Lightweight with great weight to capacity ratio
Disadvantages:
- Too large for single backpackers
- Made of hard anodized aluminum, so it cannot be used with induction stoves
This high-quality camping kettle has a capacity of 1.3 liters (44 fl oz) which is ideal for hot drinks for 2 – 4 people.
While it is made from lightweight, anodized aluminum it’s probably a little on the large and bulky side for a solo backpacker. However, another bonus of this lightweight material is that it is scratch and corrosion resistant making it tough enough to withstand many camping adventures.
Another feature we like is the built-in heat exchanger which helps to shorten any heating times and ends up saving you fuel. It can be used on an open fire or a gas stove and boils water in under 5 minutes.
Other features of this Alocs Camping Kettle include a built-in windshield to protect your flames even in windy conditions, a small spout for controlled pouring, a silicone coated handle to prevent burns and an innovative fin lid which is designed to improve safety.
The bright color accents of the silicone make it eye-catching, and also increases visibility, which also improves safety.
Overall this is a well-designed camping kettle that combines capacity, fast heating with lots of safety features.
Click on the link below for the latest price.
It’s a lot of info to take in, but we’re almost there!
TOPOKO Collapsible Camping Kettle
Advantages:
- The collapsible design saves space in your backpack
- The combined handle and lid have a built-in locking mechanism to prevent spills
Disadvantages:
- Cannot be used on an open fire
- There are reports of the handle melting
The TOPOKO Collapsible Camping Kettle has a capacity of 1.2 liters (42 fl oz), but it’s collapsible, lightweight design means it packs small enough for even a solo camper with limited space in a backpack – just pop the flattened camping kettle into any backpack pocket.
The bulk of this camping kettle is made from BPA-free silicone, which needs to be kept clear of any flame to prevent it from melting. However, the wide base is made from stainless steel which helps to distribute the heat evenly and keeps the flame away from the silicone sides.
Another feature we liked is the lockable handle and lid. It’s an integrated design which fully locks the lid which reduces any chances of accidents with boiling water.
In addition, this kettle comes in bright green or vibrant blue, which also increases its visibility and is another great safety feature.
While it might not be as durable as a metal kettle, if you’re looking for a space-saving camping kettle, then this is worth checking out.
Click on the link below for all the details and the latest price.
And here’s one we didn’t like.
One To Avoid – EEZEE 1L Collapsible Camping Kettle
Advantages:
- 1 liter capacity means it’s good for small groups (1 -3 people)
- It’s collapsible and lightweight
Disadvantages:
- Too fragile for regular use
- The nylon handles are susceptible to melting if the water is left to boil
There are mixed reviews about this EEZEE 1L Collapsible Camping Kettle, so we felt we had to put it to the test.
It’s a collapsible camping kettle with silicone walls and a stainless steel bottom for even and fast heat distribution. Plus it features a clear lid so you can see the water starting to boil without removing the lid.
It’s not the cheapest camping kettle, but nor it is the most expensive, so we were optimistic about its performance.
As it’s collapsible it doesn’t take up much space, however, it can only be used with a controlled flame like a gas camping stove to prevent the silicone melting.
Boiling water took no longer than the other stoves tested, so far so good, but the nylon handles were hot to touch and we suspect that they would melt if the water was left to boil too long.
While that was the only gripe we found, if you’re looking for a collapsible camping stove, there are more robust options out there.
As mentioned it’s not the cheapest nor most expensive, so click the link below for the latest price.
Still not convinced? Then keep reading for our final option.
Avoid This One – Sun Levo Outdoor Camping kettle
Advantages:
- It’s lightweight and boils water between 3 – 5 minutes
- Affordable
Disadvantages:
- Poor quality
- Lid falls of when pouring
With its orange accents the Sun Levo Outdoor Camping Kettle is a cute looking camping kettle. It’s made from scratch-resistant light-weight aluminum which meets both European and US food safety standards.
Other features include a short spout to make pouring safe and easy, a folding anti-scalding handle that can be fixed in both an upright or flat position and it comes with a mesh bag which you can hang on your backpack.
It’s lightweight at 240g (8.5 oz) and holds up to 1.1 liters (37 fl oz), plus it heats a full kettle in 3 – 5 minutes.
While the overall ratings are not bad, there is a general consensus that the lid often falls off when pouring water, which is dangerous, plus the overall product is of poor quality. While we don’t recommend this one, if you’re on a tight budget, it could work for you.
Click the link below for the latest price on Amazon.
So, there you have it, all the details about our top 11 picks. There’s plenty more to choose from, so please feel free to add any comments below about your great find that’s not on our list.
But, if you’re still unsure which of our best camping kettles to pick, then read on for our final results.
Summary: Our Final Results and Picks for the Best Camping Kettles Per Section
We’ve given you a broad range of the best camping kettles to choose from.
However, your final pick will depend on your circumstances and your budget.
So, we’ve narrowed it down to our top 3 best camping stoves by different categories; the best overall, our runner up and our best budget option – read on for our final results.
| Brand | Model | Why We Liked It | Link To Purchase | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Our Top Pick | | MSR | Pika Teapot | It has one of the fastest boiling times and is compact and very lightweight. | Click To Check Price |
| Runner Up | | GSI | Glacier Stainless Steel Tea Kettle | This is a very versatile camping kettle that can be used on both a stove or an open flame. | Click To Check Price |
| Best Budget Option | | Stanley | Camping Kettle Set | This stainless steel set is versatile and very durable, and all at a very affordable price. | Click To Check Price |
There are clearly a lot of camping kettles available in the market today, but we’ve identified the best price points for each category so you don’t have to.
Click the link on the camping kettles that you’re most interested in to check the price because, you never know, it’s bound to be on sale at this time of the year.
People Also Ask
Which camping kettle is best?
The best camping kettle is an entirely personal choice which ultimately comes down to your situation.
This includes, but is not limited to, the number of people you need to cater for, whether you are backpacking or traveling by vehicle, what you want to use it for (just boiling water or cooking) and the type of heat source you are planning to use.
It’s no good buying a silicone, collapsible kettle when your only heat source is an open or wood burning fire!
All of the camping kettles listed in this article have their pros and cons – it’s up to you to decide which will work best.
What kind of kettle can you use on a campfire?
Generally, you can put any camping kettle on the campfire that is made completely out of metal. Think stainless steel, aluminum or even titanium. However, each of these materials has their own properties, and advantages and disadvantages:
- Stainless steel is the most cost effective and robust material for camping kettles. It offers even heat distribution, but the water will take longer to boil than other materials.
- Aluminum camping kettles are lightweight and will boil faster than stainless steel. And while aluminum is still relatively affordable, an aluminum camping kettle will not last as long as a stainless steel camping kettle.
- Titanium is lightweight and heats up even faster than aluminum which saves on fuel, whichever heat source you use.
However, titanium is expensive. Plus it doesn’t distribute heat evenly which means titanium camping kettles can create ‘hotspots’ in your water or your food.
Can you put a camping kettle on a fire?
The short answer is yes, you can put a metal camping kettle on a fire. But there are some safety tips to keep in mind if you are using your camping kettle on a fire:
- Always make sure there is water in your camping kettle before you put it on the fire.
- Do not overfill your camping kettle as this may cause the water to boil over.
- Never let it boil too long as it may boil dry or get too hot so that the bottom falls out.
- Make sure your camping kettle is stable – this can be done with a specially designed stand or a couple of carefully placed bricks will also do the job.
- Use a cloth or protective glove to remove the camping kettle from the flames as the handles are more than likely going to be too hot.
- Always supervise small children when the fire is going and your camping pot is in use.
- Make sure the pot has cooled down before handling or cleaning.
Please note, you can only use full metal camping kettles on a fire – never use silicone camping kettles on a fire as these will be sure to melt.
Can you use a normal kettle on a campsite?
If your chosen campsite has electricity hook-ups then it is possible to use a normal kettle on a campsite. However, regular domestic appliances do draw quite a bit of power, so make sure you check the campsites’ policy and voltage or amp rate before you try.
In addition, a normal kettle is much bigger and bulkier than a properly designed camping kettle, so unless you’re in a camper van or SUV a normal kettle is not really a viable option.
Plus, why would you want to use a normal kettle on a campsite? This takes away a whole bunch of fun – the idea of camping is to be self-sufficient, and not to have all the comforts of home. You don’t have to rough it, and that’s why a good camping kettle can make all the difference.
What wattage should a camping kettle be?
Regular domestic appliances are power hungry and a normal electric kettle is no exception, with an average usage rating of around 2,500 watts.
However, if you do insist on using an electric kettle for camping there are specially designed electric camping kettles with lower wattage available.
These lower voltage camping kettles run on 12 volts or draw around 100 watts of electricity and can be plugged into the cigarette lighter socket in your vehicle.
However, be prepared for a long wait for your water to reach boiling point. This is the reason that hardly anyone today will invest in or use a low voltage electric kettle.
Summary: Our Final Results and Picks for the Best Camping Kettles Per Section
We’ve given you a broad range of the best camping kettles to choose from.
However, your final pick will depend on your circumstances and your budget.
So, we’ve narrowed it down to our top 3 best camping stoves by different categories; the best overall, our runner up and our best budget option – read on for our final results. We hope you enjoy them!
There are clearly a lot of camping kettles available in the market today, but we’ve identified the best price points for each category so you don’t have to.
Click the link on the camping kettles that you’re most interested in to check the price because, you never know, it’s bound to be on sale at this time of the year.
