How To Use A Kelly Kettle
This is for all my new readers who really want to be prepared for the unexpected. This “kettle” is an awesome emergency stove or a great stove for camping! You probably know by now, I have to know the ins and outs of everything that has to do with emergency preparedness. The Kelly Kettle can be used for all kinds of outdoor food preparation, including camping, day hiking, and for an unforeseen emergency when we lose power and you need to cook meals.
That works for me! It’s great when a product can be used in so many different situations. One of the challenges of being away from home, or even in the backyard for that matter, is having a cooking source that is easily portable, can use readily available fuel, and is efficient. I’ve found the Kelly Kettle hits the mark on every point. The one pictured below is similar to the one I have, Kelly Kettle.
Stainless Steel or Aluminum Kelly Kettle
The Kelly Kettle comes in aluminum or stainless steel. I decided on stainless steel since I felt it would hold up better. I prefer to buy something right the first time and not have to replace it down the road. I also wanted one that would be larger and serve a few more people. I decided on the Ultimate Stainless Scout Camp Kit. I am going to share with you how each part works so you can visualize yourself putting one to use. This is really the most reliable ultra-fast camping kettle for the outdoors. It’s very light, extremely durable, and works even in extreme weather conditions.
No Propane, Gas, or Liquid Fuel is Needed
Oh my gosh, I love that this doesn’t need any propane, gas, or liquid fuel. Place a few wads of newspaper in the bottom of the base unit as a fire starter since it ignites so easily. Next, I put a layer of fuel I was able to retrieve from my yard and the local golf course. I used twigs, pine cones, dry leaves, etc. You can start a small fire in the base with a match or fire starter
I went over to the golf course near my home and gathered up the pine cones from the ground. Yep, FREE fuel for this unit! Now I will be gathering pine cones on a regular basis to store in my garage. We added some small dry branches and the dry leaves and the fire started so quickly!
Double Walled Kelly Kettle Stove
Next, you place the main double-walled stove on the base as shown above. Here’s the deal, I couldn’t figure out how this unit worked because I didn’t realize it had a double-walled pitcher built-in, so to speak. Yep, I get it now. The flue/chimney is at the top where you can add more twigs and pine cones. You can see the opening on the right side where you can add water.
Boil 37.2 ounces of liquid in minutes
This Scout Kelly Kettle boils 1.1 liters (37.2 oz) in minutes. You can see how to lift the Kelly Kettle off the base with the handle at a 90-degree angle. You then set the unit on a flat surface and use the attached orange stopper (which should always be removed before lighting the kettle) to pour water in a pan or cup.
Ready To Cook With The Kelly Kettle
Now we are ready to cook. Kelly Kettle has a pan bracket that has two pieces and you hook them together and insert them into the chimney flue to set your pans on the top to start cooking your food.
Finish Cooking On Grill
Snack Ramen at its best. I had a package and added it to the boiling water in the pan. Easy, peasy. The large Kelly Kettle cook set comes with a grill, pan, lid, and a handle to lift the pan when cooking. You will remove the top double walled unit and place your mugs or pan to finish cooking or reheating your drinks.
Kelly Kettle Hobo Stove Accessory
Hobo Stove On Base
The Best Stainless Steel Cups with Silicone Lip Saver
Okay, I have never seen a silicone lip saver, just saying, this is the best thing I have ever seen for a hot cup to save your lips!
Everything Stores In This Bag
In case you missed this post, 101 Reasons Why I Recommend A Sun Oven
Why would I want a Kelly Kettle rather than a small camping stove?
I can explain a number of reasons why this unit is preferable. First of all, it doesn’t require any external fuel source like butane or propane. You just gather materials that are readily available and use them for fuel. When camping or hiking that saves on space and weight.
It has a built-in container to heat and use liquids, like water, soup, etc. It also has a grill attachment so you can cook things like you would on an open fire or on your camp stove. It is smaller, so you’re limited to how much to heat or cook at any given time.
The built-in handle and the lip protector are handy safety features that really impressed me. None of us want burned hands or lips when trying to prepare and eat a meal.
It is very efficient as illustrated by how fast it can boil water. When you’re hungry you want to eat NOW! No reason to wait a long time for meals using the Kelly Kettle. Finding sufficient free fuel shouldn’t be a problem whether in your backyard, up in the mountains, or near a lake.
Where can I purchase a Kelly Kettle?
They can be purchased at a number of places, but it may be easier to just order one on Amazon. I did see they are sold at Cabela’s and Grommet.
What does a Kelly Kettle cost?
The cost will depend on what accessories you decide to buy. Again, check online and see what options are available and how much they each cost. Remember, to consider the stainless steel option, and that you’ll save on fuel in the long run by not having to purchase butane, propane, etc.
Final Word
I highly recommend one of these stoves for several reasons. It is compact and can be used year-round. The fact that I can gather pine cones, twigs, leaves, and my newspapers for fuel is a HUGE plus for me. Here’s to being prepared for the unexpected. May God Bless this world, Linda
The reviews you give on helpful items, are the best I have ever read, and the products are always useful, and have more than one use. I am so glad I signed up for your emails. Having moved to California in 1978, leaving my family back home in Arkansas. I did not realize that not using skills learned while growing up, I would forget them. So now am trying to re-learn all of them. The products you tell us about, seem to offer solutions, that are easier than the original ways, which in turn makes them easier, and faster, to get the same results. As I re-learn them, I am trying to pass them on to my kids, grandchildren, and close friends to insure they too, will have them as needed. This Kelly Stove, Will make camping, etc…, easier for the multiple outings we have as a family. Thank you.
Hi Jonnie, I am so glad you signed up for my emails too! I have wanted a Kelly Kettle for so long. But until I got it in the mail and tried it myself….I had to know how it worked. I really like the idea of not needing to have fuel to store to cook with this stove/kettle. I went over and found some pine cones…woohoo! I am sold! Watch for a giveaway coming on Sept. 15th. September is National Emergency Preparedness Month. These are awesome! Good luck and talk soon! Linda
I really want one of these! They look so awesome! I will definitely be watching for the giveaway.
The Kelley Kettle giveaway is scheduled for Sept. 15th! When I love a product I want to do a giveaway with them! Good luck! Linda P.S. I have a SunOven giveaway Sept. 2nd-6th. I have a Big Berkey Water purifier scheduled for Sept. 8th-13th. September is National Preparedness Month! WooHoo!
I’m intrigued. Can you use this as a means to purify water?
Hi Angela, I LOVE the Kelly Kettle. Normally I would say boiling the water would make it safe….but after the hoopla in Ohio with 400-500,000 people that could not BOIL their water and use it safely…I am still going to use my Big Berkey to “purify” my water. By the way I have a Big Berkey Water Purifier Giveaway starting Sept. 8th. It is National Emergency Preparedness Month…I have a giveaway every week. Normally I do not like to have that many BUT this month is critical to help people get prepared for the unexpected. Hugs! Linda
I had never heard of this but it makes so much sense, I can’t believe someone in my extended family hadn’t mentioned it. Holy cow! This is wonderful!
I wish I would have had this great photo tutorial about the Kelly Kettle before bumbling through using mine for the first time. We had a random power outage that was not weather related and the Kelly Kettle ensured we all had our hot beverages for Bible time that morning. So glad you are introducing your readers to this awesome product.
Hi Kim, oh you are so nice. I wrote this article a few years ago but I have some new readers that may benefit from it. I’ LOVE hearing you had some hot beverages for Bible time! Great comment! Linda
I love this. Every family should have one. We so easy to get fuel. Looks simple to use.
Hi, Sonya, it really is simple to use. I wish every family had one because you can use the fuel you can find in the desert, your yard or up in the mountains. It’s very simple to use. Linda
I am so glad I “found” you. I have learned so much and have purchased some of the products you’ve recommended as my budget permits. Thanks so much and keep up the good work of educating us!
Hi, Vickie, I’m so glad you found me!! Thank you!!! Here’s the deal I learn from readers as well, I know God “planted” me where I live to teach the world. Thanks again for stopping by, Linda
Another great post that I needed to help my family be prepared and for family camping. Living here in Alaska I find many of my neighbors are good with being self sufficient. However, when I compute to work by small aircraft to a city, it’s sometimes different. I have conversations with my patients, co workers, and people in general about preparedness. It surprises me that living in an area with earthquake tremors, possible roadblocks from avalanche, ice storms, no roads to our villages and cities, just barges or planes bringing supplies, that some don’t have food storage. On the other hand, many have freezers full of fish, game, berries, and tool sheds to make do with what is available. We tend to hoard things for repairs or rainy days. Play on words, cuz in Southeast Alaska we have lots of rainy days!
I learned a lot from natives in Arctic and here, and Alaskans in general about subsistance living. I guess raising our own animals, having a well for our water, having a garden, gleaning from fields in Arizona, was our own way of teaching our children a type of subsistence life style. Even in an apt or city we can do a little each month or week to learn and be more prepared for unemployment, sickness, disaster, etc. I can’t thank you enough for helping us learn and doing our homework for us! Your experience and research is just so very helpful! With making a living consuming my life, I find doing a fee things gradually, from your suggestions has added up quite quickly over the last two years. Thank you again dear Linda! My kind friend I’ve never seen in person, but appreciate and care about! In spite of your health challenges you share your insight and experience with so many of us on this beautiful planet! Hope your summer is full of sunshine and flowers!
OH my sweet friend Carla, I LOVE your comment!!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart. It’s really interesting how we can collect a little at a time just like you mentioned. I don’t have thousands of dollars to plunk down on preparedness stuff. But we can all do one can at a time. Hugs, Linda
Hi Linda,
This definitely looks like something I need. Is this still available and where? Thanks so much for all you do to help us be prepared.
Hi Rita, I just put some Amazon links (several Kelly Kettles) in my post. I got the stainless steel one with everything so I could cook several different ways. I’m not sure if they are available in stores. You will love it. Good to hear from you, Linda
Thanks Linda!
I have the 54 oz stainless Kelly. I make coffee and oatmeal in the morning and pour the rest of the water into a 40oz thermos to cook barley, beans, and cut up veggies for supper. Very efficient use of fuel that way.
HI Jack, I love your comment!!! Yes, that’s a very efficient use of water and fuel!! Awesome! Linda
Awesome use of photos. You basically created a step by step photo guide. Like they say, a photo is worth a thousand words. I heard of these kettles a few years ago, but you just don’t see many people using or recommending them. It’s a better choice to support a family or group. And I feel the kettle it’s safer to use than an open pot of boiling water. With some help, a younger person could manage it and help out.
You didn’t touch upon this point, but it hit me that this a reliable piece of gear (no parts to break or replace) easy to care for, that supports long term sustainability with free organic fuel. There is never a shortage of twigs, tree bark, deadwood and pine cones.
The only issue I have is that to purify water, it’s like using an open pot. The dirty water being unfiltered, needs to be boiled and turned to steam (distilled) which will be safe to drink, and thus requires a tube or pipe or at least a sort of lid or funnel on which the water can condensate. With that handy spout, a metal cup, or even aluminum foil would work with a pot, bowl or cup underneath to catch the now purified water, dripping out.
A Tip: If all you have a is a single cup or pot all is lost. You can place a bandanna, handkerchief or any piece of cloth that absorbs water over any container you can boil water in. When the steams rises and makes contact with the cloth and condensates, it’ll be absorbed and then you can squeeze the water out of the bandanna and drink the distilled water.
Hi Frank, another awesome comment, thank you! I wonder if the water that is in the “steam” section would purify the water? I have several water purifiers but for those that are just starting out this may work. I need pictures, I learn so much more when I see the process. Linda
Hi Linda, Thank you so much for this article. I want one of these kelly kettles, it sounds so easy to use. You said you are having a give away, how do we enter the contest? I love your articles, Cathy
Hi Cathy, sorry about that, there is no giveaway. This is a post I wrote a few years ago. Although, I may do one in the future. They are always asking me to do one. Thanks for the heads up. Linda
Hi Linda,
I bought this same model a year or so ago. I love it. I take it to my Survival Trainings and it amazes everyone. Several have started showing up to the classes.
Thanks for this wonderful article. As usual ,I will share with my local groups.
Have a great Summer.
RangerRick
Automatic Survivor-President
North Idaho
Hi Ranger Rick, I’m so glad to hear from you! I love hearing you take yours to your Survival Training classes! It’s awesome and uses very little fuel. Keep training, you rock! You have a great summer as well. Linda
I love this! I’m surrounded by spruce and pine trees (Fairbanks, AK), plus it’s a good way to use the paper from the shredder and T.P. and paper towel cores 😉 If you had it, could you safely put a couple charcoal briquettes in the bottom?
It also looks compact enough for us apartment dwellers to store.
Hi Davette, yes, indeed! It stores inside a size bag. It’s great because it uses leaves, pinecones, or kindling. It’s awesome for boiling water or making a cup of soup. Linda
One of the best camping and preparedness related items I own and have used extensively for years! In most cases I use it for boiling large amounts of water to wash myself at the end of the long working day. Three Base Camp (1.6 liter) kettles equal a large bowl of water that’s more than enough to have a comfortable bowl-cup-shower. 😉
I must explore the option to use this kettle to distill large amounts of water. It seems to be perfect for this purpose…
Hi Krzysztof, this is wonderful to hear! I have been using this Kelly Kettle for years! Linda