There are few things more satisfying than the sound of a whistling kettle on a quiet campsite. It is the official signal that the day is starting right, with a proper brew. While you can just boil water in a pot, a dedicated kettle is faster, safer to pour, and a whole lot more cheerful. It is a small piece of kit that makes a huge difference to your campsite comfort.
But not all kettles are created equal. Some are built for speed and efficiency on a tiny hiking stove, while others are designed for convenience on a mains hookup. I have used all sorts over the years, so here is my guide to the very best options for every kind of UK camper.
A Quick Comparison
| Product | Capacity | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Classic Whistler
|
2.5L | Family car camping | Check Price |
Compact Hiking
|
0.8L | Backpacking | Check Price |
Collapsible Silicone
|
1.5L | Saving space | Check Price |
Ghillie / Kelly Kettle
|
1.0L | Off-grid / no gas | Check Price |
Low Wattage
|
0.8L | Low Wattage camping | Check Price |
Quick Jump to Reviews
Detailed Camping Kettle Reviews
Best Classic Whistler
The Iconic Family Choice
You cannot beat a classic. This type of stainless steel whistling kettle is a campsite staple for a reason. It is tough, holds enough water for a big family brew up, and works on pretty much any gas or electric stove. I like the models with a folding, heat resistant handle which makes them safer to use and easier to pack. The loud whistle is a cheerful sound that cuts through any morning fog. It is a simple, reliable, and durable choice.
Verdict
For family car camping, a traditional whistling kettle is the best option. It is a robust, no nonsense workhorse that will last you for years of happy camping trips.
Best for Hiking
The Compact & Lightweight Option
When every gram in your backpack counts, a big steel kettle is out of the question. This is where compact hiking kettles shine. Made from lightweight anodised aluminium, they are designed to boil small amounts of water very quickly. The wide base captures a lot of heat from a small stove, making them very efficient. Most are big enough for two cups of tea, and often a gas canister and small stove can be packed inside to save space.
Verdict
For backpackers, wild campers, or couples on a weekend trip, a compact aluminium kettle is the smartest choice for fast, efficient water boiling without the weight.
Best Space Saver
The Collapsible Silicone Design
Storage space is always a challenge, especially in a packed car or a campervan. Collapsible kettles are a brilliant solution. They have a sturdy stainless steel base that can be used on a gas stove, but the main body is made of flexible, food grade silicone that squashes down almost flat. It is a really clever bit of design that saves a huge amount of space in your camp kitchen box. They work surprisingly well and are a fantastic innovation.
Verdict
If you are short on space, this is the kettle for you. The ability to pack a full size kettle into a tiny gap is a huge advantage for any organised camper.
Best for Off Grid
The Ghillie or Kelly Kettle
This is my favourite bit of camping kit. A Ghillie kettle, sometimes called a Kelly kettle, is a true marvel. It is a water jacket boiler, meaning you build a tiny fire in its base using twigs, pine cones, or dry grass, and the chimney runs up through the middle of the water. This design is incredibly efficient, boiling water in just three to five minutes without any need for gas canisters. It is perfect for wild camping, fishing trips, or just for the pure satisfaction of it.
Verdict
For the modern survivalist or traditional camper, a Ghillie kettle is an unbeatable and deeply satisfying piece of equipment. It is a fantastic off grid solution.
Best Electric Hookup
The Low Wattage Convenience
If you always camp with an electric hookup (EHU), you might be tempted to bring your kettle from home. Do not do it. A standard home kettle is around 3000 watts and will instantly trip the campsite's power supply. You need a specific low wattage travel kettle, which is typically around 1000 watts. They are a bit slower than your home kettle but offer all the convenience of just flicking a switch, which is great inside a big tent on a rainy day.
Verdict
For EHU campers, a low wattage kettle is an essential purchase. It brings home convenience to the campsite without the risk of tripping the power for your whole row.
Buyer's Guide: Choosing a Camping Kettle
Capacity
For solo hikers, 0.8L to 1L is perfect and efficient. For families or groups, look for 1.5L to 2.5L to avoid boiling twice for one round of drinks.
Material
Stainless steel is tough but heavy. Anodised aluminium is lightweight and boils fast. Silicone is used in collapsible models to save precious packing space.
Stove Compatibility
Most kettles work on most stoves, but a wide base is more stable and efficient. If you use an induction hob, make sure the kettle has a compatible magnetic base.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an aluminium kettle safe to drink from?
Yes, modern camping kettles made from hard-anodised aluminium are perfectly safe. The anodising process creates a hard, inert layer that prevents any aluminium from leaching into the water, even when boiling. It's a very common and trusted material for all types of high-performance cookware.
Can I use a camping kettle on an induction hob?
Most standard camping kettles, especially those made from aluminium or standard stainless steel, will not work on an induction hob. For induction cooking, you need a kettle with a 'ferromagnetic' base. Always check the product description for 'induction compatible' if you plan to use it in a campervan with an induction stove.
What's the most fuel efficient type of kettle?
For pure fuel efficiency, a Ghillie or Kelly Kettle is in a class of its own as it uses natural fuel. For gas stoves, a lightweight aluminium kettle with a wide base is the most efficient design. The wide base captures more of the flame's heat, leading to a faster boil and less wasted gas compared to a tall, narrow kettle.
About the Author
Adam Brooks
For the last ten years, I have been enthusiastically getting rained on in fields from the Cornish coast to the Lake District. My passion for finding gear that actually works was born from one too many easy pitch tents that required an engineering degree and a marriage counsellor to assemble. I created Top Listed Products to provide honest, straightforward reviews for fellow UK campers, so you can spend less time worrying about your kit and more time enjoying that well earned bacon butty.