View Full Version : Zebra Billy Alternatives
Ok folks, a simple question!
Who else make small stainless steel billy cans in 10cm/12cm sizes other than Zebra?
Or is this a very good reason for everyone being keen on Zebra ones and the whole of the UK being sold out?
ronniesunshines on ebay and the net - set of 3 for £13
used them loads, and they are great
British Red
14-10-2007, 00:00
Ogri the Trog!
His interpretation of the "Morrisons Billy" is a modern design classic ;)
The "ogripot"
Take one stainless steel coffe jar with a tight fitting lid. Form a lid handle and secure with micro bolts (or rivets)
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2339/1510658880_e45bd415d8_m.jpg
Fashion two hooks and secure to opposite sides with similar bolts
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2206/1509804721_8e4920a971_m.jpg
Fashion a basic handle with slot
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2087/1509808537_5a3d5f0b00_m.jpg
To use as a conventional pan or mug slip the handle onto one hook
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/245/1509810055_39a25639ff_m.jpg
To use as a hung billy over a fire, hook a length of chain over each hook and hang over fire
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2335/1509812189_feedda659a_m.jpg
Not had it out to use yet but it looks a great design.
Sadly not widley available but I'm sure any requests submitted on a case of malt will be considered :D
Red
Personally I prefer a Ti billy.
http://www4.gvsu.edu/triert/images16/tibilly1c.jpg
Hoodoo
Where did you get that Ti setup?.
Lee
Personally I prefer a Ti billy.
http://www4.gvsu.edu/triert/images16/tibilly1c.jpg
That looks like a nice bit of kit. How big is it?
bigjackbrass
14-10-2007, 10:43
That would be a Snow Peak 900 pot with a bail riveted on, correct?
I have that pot and it's pretty good with a stove. However, I find that the lid/frying pan doesn't sit terribly securely on the main pot. Do you find this to be a problem, Hoodoo?
Some great suggestions there. It's interesting that you have to go DIY to get anything that fits the bill for such a simple thing.
That would be a Snow Peak 900 pot with a bail riveted on, correct?
I have that pot and it's pretty good with a stove. However, I find that the lid/frying pan doesn't sit terribly securely on the main pot. Do you find this to be a problem, Hoodoo?
I think that is a 900 IIRC. There is a thread on this billy here somewhere. Not sure what you mean about the lid Jack. :dunno: Mine fits as snug as a bug in a rug. I did have to mount the ears for the billy properly so they would not interfere with the lid but that worked out fine. Is your lid not going down or is it just too loose? I have two of these pots, one plain and one I modified, and both have secure lids. I also have the 1400 and the lid fits nicely on that as well. Same style. Needs a bail though. ;) I have a couple 600 ml SnowPeak cups and they have those flat lids. Can't stand them really. Great cup though.
These Ti pots are WAY lighter than SS ones and have a lower thermal conductivity. I have to admit I'm a big Ti fan.
http://www4.gvsu.edu/triert/images19/twigstove4c.jpg
bikething
14-10-2007, 14:50
http://www4.gvsu.edu/triert/images19/twigstove4c.jpg
interesting looking firebox there ;) - got any better pics?
I would not call it a better pic but I just brewed up a nice mug of lapsang souchong here:
http://www4.gvsu.edu/triert/cache/nhs07/lapsang_souchong2c.jpg
bikething
14-10-2007, 15:11
Is that a home made thing? It looks a useful size to slip into a backpack :)
Is that a home made thing? It looks a useful size to slip into a backpack :)
Yup, homemade. Easily fits into a daypack and is lightweight.
bikething
14-10-2007, 15:20
Yup, homemade. :notworthy
big_swede
14-10-2007, 15:24
Ok, OT warning, but kind of funny.
Zebra is a thai brand so I thought it would be a lot cheaper in thailand. A lot of training friends (I train muay thai, and spent several months in thailand) go there on a regular basis, so I thought I would ask one of them to pick me up a few sets. Thought they would almost be given away, as almost everything cost nothing over there.
Anyway, to my surprise, it seems as Zebra is the luxury brand over there! A 12 cm billy can (which is in the 'catering' collection of zebra, doubt it is made for camping or outdoors cooking) costs 575 bath, that equals around £9. So we aren't getting ripped of here after all!
back to topic...
born2roam
14-10-2007, 22:18
to stay OT,
after having lived for more then 9 months in Thailand I bought a .5 liter (ROUND) pot/pan in Australia. Not knowing the origin yet AND never knew about Zebra billies. Great little bit of kit, in a momentary lapse of reason I gave it away (forttunately to people who needed it more then I did).
3 years later I read about a bloke who redesigned the army mess tin, made it OVAL, put a longer handle on the lid, connectected sides so it could hang above a fire....the BCB watchamacallit.... almost the same as my old round one...almost... great minds and bla bla... thing is.... I still haven't (cheaply) replaced my old pot (yet).
And in Thailand you (at least I) can only find those stacking pots the monks use etc...
Still on the search to replace the pot (BCB mess tin) and (iir) a tatonka 1 ltr billy... found'em... just finance and a combined international mail order away ;-)
Grtz Johan
weekender
15-10-2007, 09:31
I would not call it a better pic but I just brewed up a nice mug of lapsang souchong here:
http://www4.gvsu.edu/triert/cache/nhs07/lapsang_souchong2c.jpg
hoodoo that looks good, reveal more, what you made it of, how etc:D
thanks
hoodoo that looks good, reveal more, what you made it of, how etc:D
thanks
It's a bread loaf pan. I drilled some holes along the bottom, then made a grate from a piece of stove pipe I flattened out, to keep the fire above the vents so they would not plug with ashes. You have to drill holes in the grate as well. The rod across the top is a piece of 1/4" stainless tubing. Total weight, IIRC, is 14-15 ounces. If you can find bread loaf pans that are 3 inches deep, they work the best. Also, there is a lot of variation in weight among pans, so I look for the lighter ones.
just found these on fleabay;
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/bushcraft-Billy-Tea-Pot-billie-Loop-Handle-camping-ss_W0QQitemZ270174266029QQihZ0 17QQcategoryZ16036QQssPageName ZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Chris
ronniesunshines on ebay and the net - set of 3 for £13
used them loads, and they are great
Gorilla - I had to take a look at the 3 stainless billies for £13 but couldn`t see any, do you know if they`re still stocking them ??
bigjackbrass
15-10-2007, 17:53
Not sure what you mean about the lid Jack. :dunno: Mine fits as snug as a bug in a rug.
The one I have is rather loose. The lid sort of perches on top of the pot rather than fitting securely, but since I've used it for quite a few years now it's a bit late to be griping! :D Anyway, it's been fine for stove use and I have other billy cans for the fire.
Bardster
15-10-2007, 17:57
Cookshopcom seem to have had new stock in
http://search.stores.ebay.co.uk/COOKSHOPCOM_billy_W0QQfciZQ2d1 QQfclZ3QQfsnZCOOKSHOPCOMQQfsoo Z1QQfsopZ1QQsaselZ226595348QQs ofpZ0
Been looking at them., but would they stand up to being used over an roaring fire?
Bardster
15-10-2007, 20:12
oh yes! We had the kettle version over a lovely ash fire pretty much all weekend. The steel is pretty heavy gauge - perhaps not as thick as your average sauce pan but certainly thick enough.
But don't the tiffin tins seperate. I know the kettle is pretty good, just the "storage tins" have me worried whether they would take a battering.. and a flaming
Bardster
15-10-2007, 21:34
ah the storage tins are just as thick, lot more shallow tho so probably wouldnt use them for cooking. Thought you were talking about the billy's $orry
What is so special about the Zebra cans????? We see post, after post, after post, after post about something we boil water in or cook food in. Why this brand? They do the same job as my old faithful Bulldog pan set, and yet people here on site seem obsessed with them. They don't conduct heat much better if at all in the scheme of things than my Aluminium Bulldogs (or Bulldog clones), so whats all the fuss about? They are PANS and POTS, nothing special, so please tell me why I or others should spend a lot of dosh on this brand as opposed to saving dosh on pans which will fit the bill just fine (and have done for the last 40 years in my experience).
This thread is about Zebra alternatives, and I urge people to save money and find them:aargh4: :aargh4: :aargh4:
What is so special about the Zebra cans????? We see post, after post, after post, after post about something we boil water in or cook food in. Why this brand? They do the same job as my old faithful Bulldog pan set, and yet people here on site seem obsessed with them. They don't conduct heat much better if at all in the scheme of things than my Aluminium Bulldogs (or Bulldog clones), so whats all the fuss about? They are PANS and POTS, nothing special, so please tell me why I or others should spend a lot of dosh on this brand as opposed to saving dosh on pans which will fit the bill just fine (and have done for the last 40 years in my experience).
This thread is about Zebra alternatives, and I urge people to save money and find them:aargh4: :aargh4: :aargh4:
Rik,
Aluminium polarises opinion with regards to cookware. Others on here have stated reasons why they don't like it (hard to clean, hot spots, oxidisation etc) - me? .... I just don't like it - irrational I know - but I'm set in my ways a bit here. SS or nowt! (I've yet to be swayed by titanium or HA aluminium). I think it's because, when you lick it, you can taste it - and that's what put's me off.
Good post though, as an alternative to the Zebras - the bulldogs are a cheap and versatile option and for those who don't mind aluminium, very viable. :)
Rik,
Aluminium polarises opinion with regards to cookware. Others on here have stated reasons why they don't like it (hard to clean, hot spots, oxidisation etc) - me? .... I just don't like it - irrational I know - but I'm set in my ways a bit here. SS or nowt! (I've yet to be swayed by titanium or HA aluminium). I think it's because, when you lick it, you can taste it - and that's what put's me off.
Good post though, as an alternative to the Zebras - the bulldogs are a cheap and versatile option and for those who don't mind aluminium, very viable. :)
Fin, don't lick it then, I use a scouring pad to clean my pans to be honest;)
PS, don't get me started about Titanium, worse than Zebra stuff, just another over priced bushcraft fashion accessory mate
PS, don't get me started about Titanium, worse than Zebra stuff, just another over priced bushcraft fashion accessory mate
You're entitled to your opinion but then so am I. I'll take titanium any day over stainless or aluminum. As far as bushcraft fashion accessory, depending on how "pure" your little bushcraft heart is, you can say that about any modern kit, including aluminum pots.
I am hungry give me a coffee can.A tomato can any big can.:drive:
PS, don't get me started about Titanium, worse than Zebra stuff, just another over priced bushcraft fashion accessory mate
Ok I'll bite! What don't you like about Ti apart from the price? I thought it was supposed to be good for cooking and really light, but I've never used it myself.
I have no objection to this becoming a general cookpot discussion, but I'm still keen to know if there is a non-DIY 10-12cm SS non-Zebra billy out there! Or to hear about other DIY versions.
To be honest i refuse to pay the prices of things classed as "Bushcraft" due to the inflated prices.
Admiitedly i'd prefer steel cooking pots over aluminium because of things i've heard about it oxidising, connection to Alzheimers and they melt.
But i too can't see this fascination with Zebra billys, a steel can would do just as good a job as long as it's cleaned out afterwards.
Right just experimented with a couple of old steel steamer pots. One with holes and one without. The holey one will have bolts for legs and be used as a portable fire pit and the bottom pan is now my cook pot. Just need a handle on it and i'm away.
Total cost - £0
Only donwside is they're not exactly light. But combined with my crusader cup i'm sorted. it's amazing what you can find and put to use in your own home :D
http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff278/GunwitchUK/PIC_0003-1.jpg
http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff278/GunwitchUK/PIC_0002-2.jpg
http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff278/GunwitchUK/PIC_0001-2.jpg
I am hungry give me a coffee can.A tomato can any big can.:drive:
So true Robert, we have several large tins with home made bales that work really well :)
Nat, I've yet to melt a pot and the altzimers link has long gone.
My big moan about Titanium and Zebra pots is cost and to a degree, size. For me and my lad, the Bulldogs do all we need, 2 pint pot for a brew, 4 pint pot for stew etc, and the 6 pint pot for spuds/pasta/rice and you can get all three for under £15. If three or four of us camp, I take my Hi Gear 18, 20 and 22cm pan set, retail at @£25 the set (I picked mine up on offer at Wilkinsons for £6.99 the set), how much would either set cost me from Zebra or made of Titanium?
For me, one of the great joys of camping is cooking, I don't get the same buzz of a packet of noodles than I do from a camp cooked stew or curry. I am an old fashioned camper, I like my comfort and good food, and you can't cook a lot in a Jetboil or MSR Titanium mug. As you can guess, I'm not an ultra light camper
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v384/rik_uk3/th_DSCF2504Small.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v384/rik_uk3/DSCF2504Small.jpg)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v384/rik_uk3/th_pic2.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v384/rik_uk3/pic2.jpg)
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http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v384/rik_uk3/th_DSCF0965.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v384/rik_uk3/DSCF0965.jpg)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v384/rik_uk3/th_DSCF0975Small.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v384/rik_uk3/DSCF0975Small.jpg)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v384/rik_uk3/th_DSCF0187Medium.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v384/rik_uk3/DSCF0187Medium.jpg)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v384/rik_uk3/th_DSCF0072.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v384/rik_uk3/DSCF0072.jpg)
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j188/rik_uk4/th_DSCF2125Small.jpg (http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j188/rik_uk4/DSCF2125Small.jpg)
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j188/rik_uk4/th_DSCF2117Small.jpg (http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j188/rik_uk4/DSCF2117Small.jpg)
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j188/rik_uk4/th_DSCF2109Small.jpg (http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j188/rik_uk4/DSCF2109Small.jpg)
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j188/rik_uk4/th_DSCF2104Small.jpg (http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j188/rik_uk4/DSCF2104Small.jpg)
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j188/rik_uk4/th_DSCF2086Small.jpg (http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j188/rik_uk4/DSCF2086Small.jpg)
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j188/rik_uk4/th_DSCF2067Small.jpg (http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j188/rik_uk4/DSCF2067Small.jpg)
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j188/rik_uk4/th_DSCF2054Small.jpg (http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j188/rik_uk4/DSCF2054Small.jpg)
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j188/rik_uk4/th_DSCF1968Small.jpg (http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j188/rik_uk4/DSCF1968Small.jpg)
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j188/rik_uk4/th_BULLDOG.jpg (http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j188/rik_uk4/BULLDOG.jpg)
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And the good news is, it works!
Takes a while for water to boil but i need to drill holes in the side of the fire pan to feed the fire. The holes in the bottom aren't enough, so some side ones should do the trick.
Oh and pine wood stinks and smokes!!!!
weekender
16-10-2007, 16:12
It's a bread loaf pan. I drilled some holes along the bottom, then made a grate from a piece of stove pipe I flattened out, to keep the fire above the vents so they would not plug with ashes. You have to drill holes in the grate as well. The rod across the top is a piece of 1/4" stainless tubing. Total weight, IIRC, is 14-15 ounces. If you can find bread loaf pans that are 3 inches deep, they work the best. Also, there is a lot of variation in weight among pans, so I look for the lighter ones.
Thanks Hoodoo
im going to have a go at that, i reckon the size will fit the side pocket on my sack perfect.
bigjackbrass
16-10-2007, 18:40
It's interesting to read camping texts from a century ago on the subject of cookware. Actually, many of them are interesting for all sorts of reasons, but something that crops up is the debate over aluminium. At the time it was seen both as a wonder metal, the best thing ever devised for camping, and as a very expensive novelty... exactly like titanium, in fact.
At the moment, titanium is very expensive. Is it worth it? That's up to the buyer, really.
Scots_Charles_River
16-10-2007, 19:03
Ogri the Trog!
His interpretation of the "Morrisons Billy" is a modern design classic ;)
The "ogripot"Fashion a basic handle with slot
To use as a conventional pan or mug slip the handle onto one hook
Clever and elegant design.:)
Nick
Scots_Charles_River
16-10-2007, 19:11
It's interesting to read camping texts from a century ago on the subject of cookware. Actually, many of them are interesting for all sorts of reasons, but something that crops up is the debate over aluminium. At the time it was seen both as a wonder metal, the best thing ever devised for camping, and as a very expensive novelty... exactly like titanium, in fact.
At the moment, titanium is very expensive. Is it worth it? That's up to the buyer, really.
Alu does conduct the heat better. I bought Vango SSpans with copper bases, they are VG.
I bought half a dozen Morrisons ones and have made a Hobo (Wayland) stove, and want to make a wee nested Kelly type thing with two, one smaller than the other.
Nick
.., but I'm still keen to know if there is a non-DIY 10-12cm SS non-Zebra billy out there! .
Shep,
Several companies make similar billies that are indistinguishable from Zebras and in the same sizes.
I bought a 12cm SS "Horse" billy a few days ago as my old ally pot was too beat up for polite company. No photos as it is in the shed and it is now 4 am. Can oblige if you want proof.
The cost? About 3 pounds and 50 p.
So I guess you are still getting ripped off in the UK;)
For those of us who like Nats idea, Argos do a 3 tier steamer (for conversion) for £10.