A camping kettle should be one of the first additions to your camping cookware collection. Who doesn’t want to enjoy a nice warm drink on holiday? We Brits will quite happily enjoy a boiling-hot mug of stewed tea leaves in the Medetaraian sun, so enjoying a mug on a cloudy bank holiday trek to Scarborough is a given. The British Army even has kettles fitted to its tanks (called boiling vessels), so the thought of a campervan holiday going ahead without a camping kettle is simply wrong.
While the average campervan will offer considerably more storage for camping cooking utensils than a hiking backpack, space can still be a premium, especially if you have an older, car-based campervan, so the kettle needs to be small.
Best camping kettle at a glance:
Best camping kettle for a campervan (Editor’s choice): Fire-Maple Tea Kettle – Buy now from Amazon UK
Best dual-purpose kettle: BioLite Kettlepot – Buy now from Go Outdoors
Best collapsible kettle: Sea To Summit Lightweight X-Pot Collapsible Camping Kettle – Buy now from Amazon UK
A good camping kettle also shouldn’t be electric as there’s no guarantee you’ll have an electrical hook up, and boiling water can very quickly empty a leisure battery. 12V options should be avoided on the grounds that you’ll need a long weekend to boil a single litre of water with one.
So, once you’ve got your cooking utensils and camping cutlery sorted out, have a look at the best stove-top camping kettles that won’t eat up valuable space but will allow for the mass consumption of builders, chamomile, Earl Grey or any other tea you can think of. They can even be used to make coffee.
Best camping kettles
Best camping kettle for a campervan (Editor's choice)
Pros
- Lightweight
- Sturdy
Cons
- Lid fit could be better
Best dual-purpose kettle
Pros
- Dual use
- Good nesting design
Cons
- Plastic lid
Best collapsible kettle
Tested 2022 – “The first sign of just how small this kettle is when it was delivered via letterbox, I can honestly say I own thicker magazines than this. It’s a quality piece of engineering, and the only drawback is that those silicon sides won’t survive a naked flame on them.”
Pros
- Space saving
- Anodised aluminium base for even heat spread
Cons
- Lid fit/quality could be improved
Best classic camping kettle
Finished here in a very ’70s shade of orange, this kettle is also available in a more timeless stainless steel finish. It may not be very high-tech, but it is a stylish and rather homely choice for a camping holiday.
Pros
- Generous capacity
- Retro design
Cons
- Handle can get hot
Best kettle for a solo campers mug of tea
Pros
- Perfect size for one
- Notch on the handle to prevent slippage
Cons
- No whistle
What to look for in a camping kettle:
If you are considering buying or replacing a camping kettle, what should you look for? We consulted the experts, who have some suggestions for what you should consider before making your purchase.
Material: Look for kettles made from lightweight and durable materials such as aluminium or stainless steel. These materials are ideal for camping as they are resistant to rust and can withstand outdoor conditions.
Capacity: Consider the number of people you’ll be camping with. If it’s just for personal use, a smaller kettle may suffice. For group camping, you might need a larger-capacity kettle to prepare enough hot water for everyone.
Size and Weight: A camping kettle should be compact and lightweight for easy transportation. Look for kettles that can be easily packed into your camping gear without taking up too much space or adding excessive weight.
Heat Source Compatibility: Check that the kettle is suitable for the type of stove you’ll be using. Some kettles are designed for open flames, while others work better on camp stoves,portable gas burners or even camping induction hobs.
Efficiency: Consider the time it takes for the kettle to boil water. Faster boiling times can be advantageous, especially in colder weather when a hot drink is particularly appreciated.
Handles: Look for heat-resistant handles that stay cool during use.
Ease of Use: A well-designed lid and spout can make it easier to pour hot water without spills. Some kettles have a whistle to indicate when the water is boiling, which can be useful.
Ease of Cleaning: Consider how easy it is to clean the kettle. Removable lids and wide openings can make cleaning a simpler task.
Nested Design: Some camping kettles have a nested design, which means they can be packed inside other cookware, saving space.
Ryan Gilmore is the Deputy Autos and Tools Editor for Parkers and CAR, specialising in car cleaning and hand tools. With an MA in Automotive Journalism, when he’s not testing buckets he can be found looking at old Porsches.
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