If you want to find the best camping kettle in the UK today, look no further. As seasoned campers and caravanners who love to cook inside our classic VW campervan, make coffee over a campfire, or brew up by the beach in a caravan, we are very familiar with the needs of those sleeping under canvas, on four wheels or on a static site.
I also used to work in an outdoor shop, and spent a year backpacking around Australia. So I know a little about finding the best travel gear.
Whether you want the best campfire kettle or to find a quick boil camping kettle for use during quick pitstops en route, this guide goes through the types of camping kettles there are – as well as the top ten products.
From an electric camping kettle to a hiking kettle, all the best indoor and outdoor kettle options are included here.
Click here to see the all-round best camping kettle now
My top pick is the Ghillie Kettle Explorer. The one litre size is just right, making the kettle practical yet lightweight and compact. The clever design means any dry matter such as paper, twigs, pine cones, dry leaves or grass can be used as fuel. This product is also built in Britain – and made to last.
The best camping tea kettle for you might be a lightweight camping kettle. It might be a Vango kettle; it could even be a Ghillie or Kelly kettle that looks like no kettle you’ve ever seen before.
Intrigued? Then read to find out all about the top options when it comes to making the camp tea and coffee.
A couple of the following options are the best electric kettles for caravans and campervans, where you may be connected to mains power or have electric hook-up. Some can also heat your soup or baked beans, while others can run purely on free, foraged fuel.
What’s the best way to boil water while camping, for you? Here are the top ten camping kettles – to cover all requirements. In a hurry? The quick reference table lists all the key info you need to know.
Best Camping Kettle Contents
- Compare the best camping kettles
- Top 10 camping kettles
- Best camping kettle reviews
- Choosing the best camping kettle
- Top camping tea kettles – FAQs
Compare the Best Camping Kettle Options
| Name | Type | Capacity | Key features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kelly Kettle | Whistling | 0.6L | Compact, lightweight, uses any dry fuel | Check here |
| Vango camping kettle | Whistling | 1.6L | Fold-down handle, camping brand | Check here |
| Russell Hobbs travel kettle | Electric | 0.85L | Dual voltage, cups & spoons included | Check here |
| Ghillie Kettle Explorer | Whistling | 1.0L | Tough, innovative, uses any dry fuel | Check here |
| Tentock camping kettle | Whistling | 1.0L | Tough outer, folding handle | Check here |
| Lakeland travel kettle set | Electric | 500ml | Compact, cups, spoons & caddy included | Check here |
| Ghillie Kettle Adventurer | Whistling | 1.5L | Large, innovative design, uses any dry fuel | Check here |
| 2.5L camping kettle | Whistling | 2.5L | Big capacity, colourful, cheap | Check here |
| Redcamp camping kettle | Whistling | 1.4L | Tough design, great price | Check here |
| Hi-Gear collapsible kettle | Collapsible | 1.5L | Folds down, fully heatproof | Check here |
Top 10 Camping Kettles
To help with your search, here is a quick reference list of all the best camping kettles in the UK.
- Kelly Kettle 0.6L – Best small backpacking kettle
- Vango Kettle with folding handle – Best classic whistling kettle
- Russell Hobbs travel kettle – Best electric travel kettle
- Ghillie Kettle 1.0L – Best buy overall
- Tentock camping kettle – Best rugged rustproof kettle
- Lakeland travel kettle set – Best 3 year warranty
- Ghillie Kettle 1.5L – Best large backpacking kettle
- 2.5L camping kettle – Best budget buy
- Redcamp kettle 1.4L – Best 1 year warranty
- Hi-Gear collapsible kettle – Best collapsible kettle
The 10 best camping kettles
Here’s my top ten reviews of kettles. This list covers a comprehensive range of all makes, sizes and types of camping kettle.
Kelly Kettle Trekker camping kettle review
Best small backpacking kettle
Compact, portable and uses free, foraged fuel – what more could you want? The Kelly Kettle Trekker is ideal for outdoor life.
If you want a backpacking tea kettle that’s highly portable and efficient, take a look at this. The smallest model in the range, the 0.6 litre Kelly Kettle makes a great camping water boiler. Its capacity makes it suitable for a solo traveller or couple. If you were looking for a simple option like the best camping kettle for an open fire, trust me – this is even easier.
The Kelly Kettle is effectively self-fuelling, as long as you don’t mind foraging for a few pine cones, twigs or sticks. Even some dry grass, birch bark, paper or peat will do as fuel. The strong steel fire base can be filled with whatever free fuel you can find to boil two mugs’ worth of hot water in just a few minutes.
Not only for hot drinks, the cleverest of campfire kettles can also take care of rehydrating food. Even if it is just a Pot Noodle. It can also provide you with warm water for washing (just let it cool first, or mix with cold water).
This is surely the ideal tea kettle for campground use, whether you’re a hiker, backpacker, trekker or picnicker. Or someone trying to complete their Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold award.
High points:
- Compact and portable
- Uses foraged fuel
- Top brand
Low points:
- Smaller than some
See the 0.6 litre Kelly Kettle here
Vango kettle with folding handle review
Best classic whistling kettle
From a leading outdoor brand, this Vango product is a classic whistling kettle with a fold-down handle and a generous capacity.
A Vango kettle is also a good bet, make wise, as the brand are leaders in the world of outdoor products. One with a folding handle makes sense as it takes up less space that way. This Vango whistling kettle also makes that pleasing sound that lets you know your hot water’s ready. A nostalgic sound that always reminds me of staying in my grandparents’ caravan on the Northumbrian coast.
This heavy duty tea kettle for camping has an impressive 1.6 litre capacity, and for safety has a lever for opening and closing the spout. It also has a heat resistant handle, making it one of the top campfire kettles around.
A whistling kettle is a must for any serious camper or caravanner, and this is one of the best rated ones out there. Despite the big brand name, it also has a modest price tag.
High points:
- Classic whistling kettle
- Heat resistant handle
- Good value
Low points:
- Bulkier design
View the Vango camping kettle with folding handle here
Russell Hobbs travel kettle review
Best electric travel kettle
A portable kettle that’s ideal for caravans with mains power or camping with electric hook-up. Mugs and spoons even come with it.
The compact size of this product makes it the the best kettle to buy if you need to take it away with you often. Why leave one in your caravan over the winter when you could also use it for other trips in the meantime? With a 0.85L capacity, this small Russell Hobbs kettle produces enough hot water for two people – yet takes up little room in a case or backpack.
You will of course need an electrical power source, and remember that even small kettles need enough to boil water. If you have access to electric hook up where you camp or are buying this for a static caravan, it’s ideal. It’s also a great starter kettle for students to take to university with them.
A clever feature of this is the dual voltage control, which means it can be used overseas without any issues. It also comes complete with two cups and two spoons, giving you everything you need in one neat, compact package.
High points:
- Quick and convenient
- Dual voltage
- Cups and spoons included
Low points:
- Requires electricity
Discover this Russell Hobbs travel kettle here
Ghillie Kettle Explorer 1 Litre
Best buy overall
Using free, foraged fuel, the ultra tough Ghillie Explorer has a one litre capacity and is perfect for camping or backpacking.
For some reason people seem to think Ghillie Kettle is a USA brand, but these high quality camping kettles are British made. If you’re impressed by the Kelly Kettle listed above but are looking for something bigger, then the Ghillie Explorer might just fit the bill.
Whether you’re going to a festival, on an expedition or camping for the weekend, this 1 litre Ghillie kettle is a gerat item to take along. Like the Kelly Kettle, it uses whatever you can find – pine cones, paper or dry leaves, for instance – as fuel. It will then boil your water in three to five minutes.
This Ghillie camping kettle has a tough anodised finish. The clever design means water is held between two walls, and as the heat from the small fire rises it boils. A top quality camping kettle, this Ghillie product is well worth the investment. See the listing further down for another option, too, if you require a kettle with a more generous capacity.
High points:
- Uses foraged fuel
- Tough construction
- Leading brand
Low points:
- Higher price
See the Ghillie Kettle Explorer 1 Litre here
Tentock camping kettle review
Best rugged rustproof kettle
A rugged camping kettle made from food grade alloy with an attractive, rust-resistant anodised finish and a mesh storage bag.
If you want a smaller kettle than the Vango one, then this Tentock kettle comes in a 1 litre size. With its tough anodised aluminium finish, this kettle looks rugged and is wear and rust resistant. Its highly efficient design makes it a great option for those seeking an economical kettle that’s fast and efficient.
This cool tea kettle safeguards your hands by means of an insulated handle, and this also folds down out of the way for transportation. Made from food grade alloy, this kettle weighs just 200g. There is also a mesh bag included with it for storage.
You can also purchase this kettle in a 1.6 litre option – click on the link below and you can select the size you prefer.
High points:
- Rust and wear resistant
- Quick and efficient
- Mesh bag included
Low points:
- Bulky shape
Click here to see the Tentock 1 litre or 1.6L camping kettle
Lakeland travel kettle set review
Best 3 year warranty
With the backing of a high street name and a 3 year warranty, this small electric kettle is ideal for one or two people.
If the best electric camping kettle for you is also the smallest, then take a look at this Lakeland kettle set. It also comes complete with two mugs, spoons and even a clever little divided container for carrying tea and coffee or sugar. With a 500ml capacity, it saves time and energy by boiling just enough water for a couple of cuppas.
There is also a decent drawstring bag to keep it all in, making it quick to grab and go when you’re heading for the hills, beach or countryside. Lakeland also offer the reassurance of a 3-year guarantee on this product.
If you need a kettle to take with you and can access a power source, then this little electric kettle by Lakeland is a great choice.
High points:
- Ultra compact
- Mugs, spoons and containers included
- 3 year guarantee
Low points:
- Small capacity
Find out more about this Lakeland kettle set here
Ghillie Kettle Adventurer 1.5L review
Best large backpacking kettle
A larger one for those after a tough camping kettle that runs on free fuel, the Ghillie Adventurer holds more water than most.
The Ghillie Adventurer is basically a bigger version of the Explorer Ghillie Kettle on Amazon. The Adventurer holds 50% more water, making it a better choice for a family or group of outdoor types who love a cuppa or want hot water for washing or cooking. Again, it can be used with just about any dry fuel you can find – or even your waste paper.
A rucksack for storage and transportation also comes with this product. It’s strong enough to last for many years and can be used in any weather conditions. Once you water’s boiled, you simply hold the handle at 90° angle before lifting the double walled water container clear of its base. The kettle is lifted by the handle and tilted by using the whistle chain to pour out water.
Owneres love this lightweight kettle, and say it only takes a handful of dry twigs to boil water. A camping essential, if you want the little luxury of making hot drinks in a quick and efficient way.
High points:
- Large capacity
- Super strong
- Uses foraged fuel
Low points:
- Bigger than most
See the Ghillie Kettle Adventurer 1.5L here
2.5L camping kettle review
Best budget buy
This 2.5 litre kettle is bright and colourful, and is a bargain buy when a bulky shape doesn’t matter so much.
If you want a cheap and cheerful camping kettle to make tea and coffee for the whole family, then this bargain pick might be the one for you. When you’re storing it inside your caravan, campervan or the boot of the car, then size doesn’t matter so much. Boiling more water at once can also be handy for cooking as well as making drinks.
The range of colours is also a major selling point here. This large camping kettle comes in various metallic shades of red, green, blue, pink and purple – or black. It looks the part with its curving shapes of the body and handle too. It’s certainly a good-looking item for a cheap water kettle.
Whether it’s for your boat, caravan or camping, this great value large water kettle is a good budget buy for a family or group.
High points:
- Lots of colours
- Cheap and cheerful
- Classic whistling kettle
Low points:
- Build quality
View this 2.5L camping kettle here
Redcamp Camping Kettle review
Best 1 year warranty
A strong camping kettle with a silicone-coated handle, a 1.4 litre capacity, a mesh carry bag and a one-year guarantee.
Like the Tentock product mentioned above, this Redcamp kettle has a tough anodised metal exterior. A silicone coated handle keeps hands safe from burns, while the strong aluminium is more stable and scratch-resistant than other types.
A 1.4 litre capacity means it can make hot drinks for a small family or group, and the even heat distribution helps water heat up quickly. It’s great for fishing trips, picnics, festivals and boats as well as caravans and camping. If you like, you can even heat up soup inside to create a quick hot meal.
There it the backing of a Redcamp 360 day warranty on this product, and it comes complete with a mesh storage bag.
High points:
- 1 year warranty
- Scratch resistant coating
- Mesh bag included
Low points:
- Wide shape
Discover the Redcamp 1.4L camping kettle here
Hi-Gear collapsible camping kettle
Best collapsible kettle
The innovative design of this space-saving kettle really stands out. It packs down into a very portable size indeed.
Collapsible saucepans and now a kettle that can be squashed down to size. This clever Hi-gear kettle packs down into an incredibly compact package. All thanks to the fact that it’s made from heat-proof materials.
This portable kettle has a 1.5 litre capacity and can be used on a stovetop. Don’t worry – it really won’t melt when placed over heat! Instead you get a supply of freshly-boiled hot water to make drinks, or to cook or wash with.
You could even use it at home then pop it in the dishwasher for cleaning. Ideal for caravanners, backpackers, campers and anyone who need to travel light.
High points:
- Packs down into highly portable size
- Heatproof & dishwasher safe
- 1.5 litre capacity
Low points:
- Not the toughest option
Click here to view this Hi-Gear camping kettle
Choosing the Best Camping Kettle – What to Look for
Our camping and tea kettle ratings don’t tell the whole story. When choosing the best kettle you also need to consider other factors. How will you power it? What is the capacity, and can it cope with making a round of hot drinks for the entire family or group?
Is it compact and lightweight enough for your hiking or backpacking trips? Read on to discover more about each of these considerations when choosing the best kettle to buy. As well as why the easiest way to boil water camping depends on you and the type of trips you take.
Power source
First things first – how are you going to power your kettle? There are a couple of electric travel kettles listed here. They are great when camping for boiling water – if you have access to mains power, a reliable leisure battery or electric hook up. Otherwise, these aren’t an option.
These reviews of kettles for camping include traditional whistling kettles, which can be used as a portable water boiler when camping. If you have a stove to put them on, or plan to hang the kettle over a campfire.
The third type of kettle listed here are Kelly and Ghillie kettles. Both of these brands include a small fire area at the bottom of the product, and this is used to heat the water. The real plus is that any dry material you can find will do as fuel – from dry grass or leaves to sticks, twigs, birch bark or pine cones. You can even use waste paper.
Capacity
The next question to consider is – how many people are you catering for? It’s no good buying the smallest, lighest kettle you can find if it won’t work for your family in reality.
Reviews of kettles listed here will tell you the capacity – as will the comparison table above. The kettle with the largest capacity can hold five times as much water as the smallest. So it’s a huge factor.
You may wish to balance the capacity of the kettle aginst the next factor – its portability.
Size and weight
How much size and weight matter will depend on how you travel. If you’re buying the kettle to keep in a campervan or caravan permanently, then it won’t matter much at all. Likewise if you have a huge car boot and don’t mind taking lots of kit when you go camping.
On the other hand, you might be looking for the best backpacking kettle you can find. In this case, a compact size and low weight can make a huge difference to your load. If you just want something basic for camping to boil water when required, then a small kettle may be fine. Especially if you travel solo or as a couple.
Boiling time
Does this matter? If you’re always in a hurry, then yes. Such as when you want to make a great pitstop while on a road trip. Or if you want to boil more water each time for more people or other purposes.
Electric kettles tend to be the quickest to boil. With other types, it largely depends on how much water you put in it. If you’re going to use your kettle most when relaxing during camping by an open fire, then a minute or two here or there is unlikely to make much difference.
Other useful features
There are various features detailed in the following kettles reviews. Some are very helpful indeed, while others are just a pleasant added bonus. Both electric kettles, for instance, come with cups and spoons, and one has a tea and coffee container included too. Many come with some sort of storage bag.
A kettle is really just a way of heating water while camping, but some can do more – such as cooking food. A folding handle can help with carrying it in a bag or backpack. Some of the best rated tea kettles featured here also have a particularly tough coating or construction, which basically means they should last a lot longer.
Best kettles for camping – FAQs
Can you use any kettle for camping?
The thing to think about when choosing a kettle for camping is the power source. if you’ll have mains power, then in theory you can use any kettle. But you may prefer to invest in one that’s more portable than the one in your kitchen. Many campers use whistling kettles, as they can be heated over a stove or fire without the need for electricity.
What kind of kettle do you use for camping?
Most campers and caravanners will use some sort of whistling kettle. This can be boiled on a stovetop, or hung over a hot fire. The whistling sound alerts you to the fact that your hot water is ready. If you have access to mains power, you could use a small electric travel kettle instead. A newer option is a collapsible kettle, which is incredibly compact to carry.
Can you boil a kettle in a tent?
There is no one size fits all answer here, so some common sense has to come into things. Tents and kettles vary in size and type. Plugging a kettle into the mains via electric hook-up inside a large tent is clearly safer than heating a kettle over a naked flame inside a small, cramped tent. Always put safety first: if in any doubt, don’t do it at all. Using a whistling kettle outside is much safer than under canvas.
Which is the best camping kettle for you?
Whether you wanted to find a good 1 litre camping kettle for backpacking or a caravan or something family-sized, I hope this post has helped you track it down!
For me, the best kettle for a campervan or caravan will always be a whistling one – but that’s just nostalgia. Sometimes you cannot beat the convenience of the best electric camping kettle, or being able to use foraged fuel when on the move.
For more on adventure gear, take a look at my articles on the top backpacks for picnics, the finest cutlery for camping, the best outdoor plates and bowls and high rated tables for camping and picnicking.
Note – This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy via these, I may earn a small fee. This has absolutely no effect on the price you pay. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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