View Full Version : Why kelly kettles?
forestwalker
26-03-2009, 07:14
I am slightly confused as to the actual utility of the kelly kettles. They appear to be great for boiling water, but need the add-ons to be usefull for anything else. Why not just carry a small billy and e.g. a hobo stove? Same space, about the same weight, not quite as efficient for boiling water, but better all round utility. Or have I missed something?
IMHO you haven't missed anything. The KK is very good at doing exactly what it was designed for, but today's campers/hikers/bushcrafters want something more hence the popularity of the hobo stove.
Shambling Shaman
26-03-2009, 08:22
It is horses for courses, you are right about size/weight thing but if you a boiling lots of water for lots of people then its quick and fuel efficient.
forestwalker
26-03-2009, 08:35
It is horses for courses, you are right about size/weight thing but if you a boiling lots of water for lots of people then its quick and fuel efficient.
A specialized tool, IOW. Nice for what is is good for (in particular if you are short on firewood or have no other need of a fire).
If I had one I might consider it instead of a regular open fire kettle, or if 80% of my outdoor cooking needs was a quick kettle of tea (or if I lived of food-ina-baggie).
scallywag
26-03-2009, 09:00
If you haven't got much fuel than KK is ideal. You don't need much additional stuff to use it for cooking, you don't even have to buy them - make them yourself.
The thing is, it's a big piece of equipment and not everybody feel good about it. Nevertheless, a nice invention.
I agree, they are good at boiling and not so good for anything else!
John Fenna
26-03-2009, 09:10
Its like having a kettle in your kitchen at home...kettle for boiling water fast and efficiently, pots and pans for cooking in on the stove....
If you only want to boil water it is ideal - for cooking you are better off with other kit!
Not a piece for light weight, fast moving camping, but ideal for those times when you can afford extra bulk in your kit (ie canoe camping or moots) or for long term outdoor dwelling.
Cap'n Badger
26-03-2009, 09:14
I think they're a top piece o' kit....used one fer years. (though me mate blew up me last one.)
Ye needs hardly any fuel...ye can boil a load o' water (real quick!) fer brews, packet rice, washin'....... while yer doin' that, ye can cook yer bacon, sausages, eggs etc on the top or on the embers in the pan.... an' it doubles as a water carrier.Ye can also take them on public transport an' planes wi'out any hassle from the 'dangerous fuel' police..lol
If ye don't have fuel t' make or are 'allowed' t' make a ground fire...they're the puppies nuts.
Tho I will concour with the weight o' them.
Its like having a kettle in your kitchen at home...kettle for boiling water fast and efficiently, pots and pans for cooking in on the stove....
If you only want to boil water it is ideal - for cooking you are better off with other kit!
Not a piece for light weight, fast moving camping, but ideal for those times when you can afford extra bulk in your kit (ie canoe camping or moots) or for long term outdoor dwelling.
Spot on!
Never found the embers in the bottom last long enough to cook properly
I think its usefulness has been some what watered down by the new small versions we know originally they where bigger units usfull to boil water for a group who had other pots etc for cooking. giving hot water for Brews, filling cooking pans and washing up like a olde Tea urn
BUT if you have one and like it etc its fine :D
ATB
Duncan
PS Dad was given an antique version i mean to try
scallywag
26-03-2009, 09:55
I just found a thread by KK enthusiast "Kelly Kettle (Pics)" Some really appreciate KK.
I first come across KK on TV, guy called Wojciech Cejrowski (Polish traveller - Member of Royal Geographical Society) used it on the desert. He emphasized how defficult it could be to get any fuel there It was not a KK promotion, just showing sth usefull. BTW, the guy is great.
I love my KK, it's fast, uses little fuel and does excatly what it says on the tin.
It's a good excuse to get smokey aswell :D
Not sure about buying the pot stand and accessories though
RobertRogers
26-03-2009, 10:22
I also keep the large version in my preparedness cache. When the ****, I know I can efficiently boil water for drinking.
I like mine :approve: it came with the cook set but not the top loading pot stand.
Until I was given a hobo stove I often just took the base unit along to use as one.
It's not so much that it's heavy, but that it's bulky. If I have to carry it any distance it can be an annoyance, but for every other type of meet up it's absolutely the bees knees and I rarely go without it.
Hot water, quickly, efficiently, cleanly, and in good quantity :D
It's not even fussy about the fuel. I've used packaging litter before now and I know someone who used dry cowdung in his, he said it burnt like 'fast peat' :)
Astonishing how much fun it can be too :rolleyes: :D It's the playing with fire thing :cool:
cheers,
Toddy
stickbow
26-03-2009, 11:37
Hi All
Just had 4 days away with the grandchildren and all we took to cook on was a Gillie kettle (similar to a KK), the kids went and got the wood for each meal and I showed them how to light it and keep it going, we used a pot holder on top to heat the food and then cooked on the base unit after the water boiled, I found a few charcoal bricketes and put a couple in the base at the start and they were great to cook on.
All the hot water we needed and 3 cooked meals a day. it cost nowt to run and we had a lot of fun using it.
A great bit of kit if you can carry it but when packing small I use a Jetboil pcs.
harryhaller
26-03-2009, 12:42
We need a review, Kellykettle versus Swiss Fieldbottle (aka rocket or vulcan stove?).
There wouldn't probably be a winner - but we could see which best fits our preferences - price, weight, function - SF is for a quick cuppa for one or two people - certainly not for making tea for a brigade, whereas the KK (I don't have one) seems better for a more people and for circumstances where the weight isn't so important.
As I said, I've never used the KK and have only just started playing with the SF. If anyone has both, a comparison would be interesting.
I am slightly confused as to the actual utility of the kelly kettles. They appear to be great for boiling water, but need the add-ons to be usefull for anything else. Why not just carry a small billy and e.g. a hobo stove? Same space, about the same weight, not quite as efficient for boiling water, but better all round utility. Or have I missed something?
I agree with you, they boil water and thats about it.
But, if you have spare cash they are worth having as they work well at their job. To me they are a luxury toy, nothing more really.
Hammock_man
26-03-2009, 13:09
I can see they would be efficent on fuel for a simple brew or to add boiling water to a dry mix. Mind you I like my swiss volcano and that was much cheaper!!!
I've got both, and it's horses for courses really.
If there's only me, maybe one other to make for, then the Swiss one is so small and lightweight that it wins.
If I'm out for longer than a day's walk, or there are more folks, then the kettle wins hands down.
Enough hot water to wash with as well as a stable base to cook on, and I don't need to lug fuel around either.
Price wise the Swiss one is a bargain, but the KK is just such a useful bit of kit I reckon it's worth every penny I paid for it.
It's so simple that it doesn't need valves, washers, fuel lines, pre-heaters, fuel bottles or specialised tools to keep jets clean, it just works reliably, every time, anywhere I can have a bit of a sit down.
It's the ultimate multi fuel kettle :cool: but no getting away from the bulk of it, though it is easy enough to carry.
cheers,
Toddy
I have an eco kettle, which comes as a complete cooking kit (unbeatentracks) mid way between the kelly's in size and a bit more reasonably priced. The only attachment that wasn't included was a pot stand, which I made.....
I find I can use it to boil and cook for two nicely, but usually use it in combination with my Hobbo stove, having said that I usually have the car to carry wieght and bulk so a bit luxurious really.....
They are good no denying it, but they are not the be all and end all....personal preference ultimately.
Smoggy
Unless I am going ultralightweightcutyourtoothbr ushinhalfthenleavebothathomean duseastick
I want something to cook in and something to boil water in at the same time, a billy for one and a thermette for the other. I wouldn't ever just take a thermette but then I wouldn't take a second billy. I've never had a problem with the bulk of a volcano kettle (carried in a PLCE side pocket strapped on whatever bag I'm using) and to be honest at a couple of lb the weights not really a problem for me, being on the, ahem, large side anyway. Each to their own.
I'm glad someones started this thread as I'd like to ask can anyone recomend a good quality stainless steel billy of 2 to 3 quart capicity that has a internal diameter of 6 and 1/2 inches? The straight up and down design of the kettle I use lends itself to being carried inside another pot.
One more thing, personally I find the thermette easier to keep alight in the rain and wind than a billy on a open fire and the chimney effect certainly makes a difference when the available fuel is a bit iffy.
Yeah, I admit it, I love the little copper devil!
ATB
Tom
Stanleythecat
26-03-2009, 22:32
The Kelly Kettle is more of a camp tool than a portable instrument surely?
I find the collecting of the wood, lighting the kettle, then to hear the water begin to boil and on windy days the flames forming a vortex inside all part of the ceremony!
Leo
pheasant plucker
26-03-2009, 22:51
All my camping is done as a basecamp style and because of that the KK is ideal, it means I don't have to have a fire going all day and because of doing bascamp style I take more cooking gear which means more washing up, so it really does make sense to take a KK for me. But if I were able to hike then no I would'nt take it, but I do find the fire base handy to cook over with the optional grid in.
PP
East Coaster
27-03-2009, 01:07
Have to say I tend to agree with the OP here. I don't see any need for them that isn't already covered in the basic kit you already have. Seem a bit pricey as well.
Having said that, I've never actually used one and lots of folk on here seem to like them,,,,maybe it's the 'gadgetyness' of them or something
I've got both, and it's horses for courses really.
If there's only me, maybe one other to make for, then the Swiss one is so small and lightweight that it wins.
If I'm out for longer than a day's walk, or there are more folks, then the kettle wins hands down.
Enough hot water to wash with as well as a stable base to cook on, and I don't need to lug fuel around either.
Price wise the Swiss one is a bargain, but the KK is just such a useful bit of kit I reckon it's worth every penny I paid for it.
It's so simple that it doesn't need valves, washers, fuel lines, pre-heaters, fuel bottles or specialised tools to keep jets clean, it just works reliably, every time, anywhere I can have a bit of a sit down.
It's the ultimate multi fuel kettle :cool: but no getting away from the bulk of it, though it is easy enough to carry.
cheers,
Toddy
You should learn to look after your stoves more Toddy if you need to mess about that much with them, I don't ;)
Have to say I tend to agree with the OP here. I don't see any need for them that isn't already covered in the basic kit you already have. Seem a bit pricey as well.
Having said that, I've never actually used one and lots of folk on here seem to like them,,,,maybe it's the 'gadgetyness' of them or something
It's probably because they work so well and are so fast that people have stuck with them. They're really lightweight but an awkward shape to pack. Mine comes out with me on day walks and bimbles and I just know I can find a handfull of twigs along the way to get a brew on.
As a means of boiling water without any prep or messing about with smelly fuels they can't be beaten IMHO.
I can confirm that Kellys work really fast.
And there is one more aspect where these kettles excel - sub zero temps. As long as you can find something to burn, these kettles will serve well regardless of the outside temperature.
Once I had a very unpleasant adventure with a gas heater (allegedly propane) that refused to work on a -5 C night. Kelly never failed me even with - 15 C. A pinch of birch bark and relatively dry sticks and there you go.
I have had a Kelly copy called an 'Eco Trekker' for many years and i love it. There are some limitations to it...at any altitude above the treeline you are going to run out of fuel or have to take it with you...and it's not really efficient at heating large pans of stew etc...but having said all that there are some major points in it's favour. Mine came with a grill and potset. You can pretty much chuck the potset, but the grill is an absolute must-have. As long as you have the grill, you can cook some really good meals. All it takes is a fresh approach to your dining experience. Firstly, anything you can fry in a pan you can pretty much grill over a firepan full of embers - bacon, bannock bread, fish and so-on. It's pretty much the same as a mini barbecue. You jusy have to think ahead a little. Use plenty of twigs to boil the kettle, then put your food on the grill and then replace the kettle over the lot. This has the effect of keeping the heat in around the food and it will cook much more quickly and evenly. And if you get a few bits of burnt twig on your bacon it just makes it that little bit tastier! Secondly, using the kettle over the grill what you get is a kind of mini-oven and you can try roasting stuff like chestnuts etc - never heard of anyone roasting chestnuts on a trangia! :)
Some people have mentioned that it's a little bulky and i agree, but don't forget that if you have the grill, you don't need pots and pans. You can also store stuff inside the kettle (it's hollow), you can fill it with water so you don't need a large water carrier and you don't need to pack gas canisters or fuel bottles. With a ghillie kettle, i can actually save space and weight inside my pack.
Anyway, that's my tuppence worth. I would recommend them to anyone and i'm looking forward to getting the stainless steel 1 pint version of the Kelly that is coming out this summer.
HeltorChasca
26-03-2010, 14:07
Yup - Base camp tool I agree. I use mine at work almost everyday unless we are on site with caring clients who hand out hot beverages every 2 minutes!
It is very popular with all onlookers and YES is't it a great excuse to get all smokey? :)
steven andrews
26-03-2010, 20:12
Yes, the Kelly is great for boiling water and not for much else..
It's a kettle.
http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/6895/morningbrew066.jpg (http://img168.imageshack.us/i/morningbrew066.jpg/)
Whether travelling by bike, on foot, or by car, my Kelly Kettle is often with me.
Fire and brews -two of my favourite things! :)
I have a big un and a little un and I like them both. The big un lives in the van and the little un I use for fireplay tutorials at work. It is just a kettle but a very efficient one IMHO :D
Why KK?
Cos theyre cool, fun and different.:)
Thats why.
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/chopper692006/1ptKKLR.jpg
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/chopper692006/1ptKK4.jpg
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/chopper692006/S8001804.jpg
Dave Budd
26-03-2010, 21:12
I've got the large KK and I love it, but then I'm only using it when at a stationary camp surrounded by easy firewood (ok, my workshop and there are brash piles/woodchips all over the place :D ).
As John points out, it's a Kelly KETTLE just like the kettle in the kitchen. It boils water fast, but can be pushed to cooking should you want to. When I'm camp cooking without my forge I do tend to use a stove with a pan on it to boil water, just like everybody else. I can cope with the stove taking longer than I know my KK would take because it is more compact and more versatile in that setting.
What I would dearly love is to get my hands on a properly LARGE kettle! Many years ago I worked with the BTCV and they had a steel kettle that was basically conical and the base support was built in (the bottom part was designed like the bottom of a calor gas cylinder). It boiled something silly like 15 or 20 mugs of water! My large kelly kettle isn't big enough if I have a decent sized group on a course :(
So if anybody knows where to get a 3L kelly then please let me know :)
w00dsmoke
26-03-2010, 23:13
The Kelly Kettle is more of a camp tool than a portable instrument surely?
I find the collecting of the wood, lighting the kettle, then to hear the water begin to boil and on windy days the flames forming a vortex inside all part of the ceremony!
Leo
You think? I have the small KK and the much larger one. I use the large one for camps as it gives the tribe enough hot water quickly to wash n go. But the small one goes everywhere. It's so efficient and where I go most there's usually no wood but it can brew up on heather n dry grass. For emergencies and convenience I use various firelighters too. Tbh you need them on Rannoch Moor for 3/4 of the year! I can have a brew on AND a heat almost instantly. It's a lifesaver I guess. The secret to it's portability is to find an old camp chair bag, cut it in half, put a draw cord in and carry loop then it just hangs over my rucksack. The cork on mine is long gone but u don't need it. It's more portable and efficient than my whisperlite thats for sure!
phill_ue
26-03-2010, 23:26
I have used a large KK, it wouldn't even be worth trying to fit it in a pack as it is huge! Put it in a bag and strap it externally though and it will be fine. It is only really any good at boiling water and I think the pot adaptor and pots is just an accident waiting to happen. A lightweight ally billy can (Bulldog type) would be an excellent companion to the KK.
hi, i have two kk's the large 2.5pint is in the back of the landy and the small 1pint is in my back pack, i think they are grateand worth every penny. i orderd my second one direct, a very good service from the kelly kettle company and i asked if i could supply a spare cork for each kettle and they where given foc:) only took 2 days from ireland to king's lynn. they get 10/10 from me. the only problem i have found is once you use a kk every thing elce seem's so slow:):pokenest:
I have a large one. Boils really fast and uses very little fuel. Its also hollow so the size really isnt that much of a problem, most of my cooking bits and bobs go inside it and ofc you can store/transport water in it.
I've got the large KK and I love it, but then I'm only using it when at a stationary camp surrounded by easy firewood (ok, my workshop and there are brash piles/woodchips all over the place :D ).
As John points out, it's a Kelly KETTLE just like the kettle in the kitchen. It boils water fast, but can be pushed to cooking should you want to. When I'm camp cooking without my forge I do tend to use a stove with a pan on it to boil water, just like everybody else. I can cope with the stove taking longer than I know my KK would take because it is more compact and more versatile in that setting.
What I would dearly love is to get my hands on a properly LARGE kettle! Many years ago I worked with the BTCV and they had a steel kettle that was basically conical and the base support was built in (the bottom part was designed like the bottom of a calor gas cylinder). It boiled something silly like 15 or 20 mugs of water! My large kelly kettle isn't big enough if I have a decent sized group on a course :(
So if anybody knows where to get a 3L kelly then please let me know :)
Hi Dave
a big boiler? How about 22 pints, that big enough for you?
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_dVcnpchhsqI/ScNrKkU4_rI/AAAAAAAAAG8/PJrNE13A5sg/s512/Boiler.jpg
The only pain was shipping it from NZ. The guy makes bigger and smaller versions (6 to 30 litres) and its very well made
ATB
Tom
Just took some more pics.
This is the rig I have set up over the winter for small groups, 3 or 4 say. I wouldn't carry it for just myself unless be operating from a fixed base which isn't likely these days.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_dVcnpchhsqI/S61dLud9ScI/AAAAAAAABic/h_2_w9eiKFs/s512/thermset2.jpg
Before anyone comments thats a old NZ made thermette (my mate picked it up from the factory) and I've had no problems with it and quite frankly it is a lot better than any other volcano kettle I've tried and holds a good 4 pints.
A 16cm Zerbra holds and protects it nicely in a PLCE side pocket, the cooking ring won't fit in but apart from trying it out I've never found a use for it. On top of the thermette its not exactly stable and it boils too fast to do more than fry a egg (if your lucky). You can just about fit it straight on the heath part but I can't imagine ever carrying it. Not shown is the other wise useless Coleman steel plate/big saucer I use as a base to stand it all on
A much better proposition is the solidly made top support my mate sent me from NZ to go on the big boiler
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_dVcnpchhsqI/S61dL8kEx_I/AAAAAAAABig/BJhejcWuTnU/s512/BBset01.jpg
I've not used it in anger yet but its stable, well made and will take any pan I'm ever likely to use like that.
Incidentaly the frying pan is a GSI hard anodised job which is the absolute best I've ever used, light, solid handle and incredibly non stick. I don't even let others clean it I love it so!
The top piece (for want of a better term) fits onto the hearth great and would make a good hobbo stove on its own, if too big to carry about.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_dVcnpchhsqI/S61dMIlgrsI/AAAAAAAABik/C2-vIF3Iikg/s400/BBset02.jpg
I can't praise the 22 pint boiler enough, when it was -15 over the winter, despite the lagging, the overflow pipe kept freezing, taking the whole heating system off line. I used the boiler to heat surfeceint water to unfreeze the whole lenght of pipe as running in and out with a kettle holding 3 or 4 pints wasn't working. It's beatifully made and works well, it's just a shame they are so hard to get over here.
I forgot to include in the pic the Aldi welders gloves I use when cooking outdoors with this heavyweight kit Very useful.
Dave Budd
27-03-2010, 09:54
Now THAT is what I'm talking about! :You_Rock_ Any chance of a link to the maker/supplier? :)
Sure, it was this chap,
spiroloc@paradise.net.nz
or
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Boats-marine/Parts-accessories/Other/auction-279430691.htm
Theres about 2.1 of their dollars to the pound at the moment, when I got mine (for a bunch of swaps anyway) it was a lot better.
I'm thinking of putting a small hole in the side of the hot plate and fitting a copper pipe that feeds straight into the tank filler hole so I can top it up while its all set up, just something I can fit a funnel into, nothing elaborate.
ATB
Tom
Alexlebrit
27-03-2010, 11:24
Now that's like a small version of the water heater at my grand-dad's house in Broken Hill. It was called a chip heater, and was permanently plumbed in to the cold water, with a simple shower head on the end of a tube. My dad remembers as a boy dropping little bits of kindling, straw, twigs etc down it to get it lit, and then after a few minutes having plenty of hot water for a shower, the water pressure of the cold water coming in pushing the hot water out. Apparently you could have a couple of minutes shower before the water went too cold.
With a ghillie kettle, i can actually save space and weight inside my pack.
One thing to note with Ghillie kettles is that unlike Kelly and other makes, most of them have a whistle. Because like any kettle of this design they can boil water ASTONISHINGLY quickly, steam needs to escape equally quickly. The whistle on a Ghillie constricts the opening and as a result the pressure in the kettle increases. This can be dangerous. Very early in my experience with my Ghillie I was quite badly burned by a jet of boiling water which shot out a great distance from it. Only my preparedness and prompt first aid saved me from serious permanent damage.
http://www.jubileegroup.co.uk/JOS/misc/hand.jpg
Partly because of that experience, and partly because the whistle fell to pieces not long after I bought the kettle, I no longer use the whistle -- which is a pity, because it's the only reason I bought that make rather than some other, cheaper one. Now that I'm clearer about some of the issues I plan to make one more suited to me. It will have TWO filler holes, not one!
Another issue to be aware of is the size of sticks which you use. I've sometimes read that people use long sticks which they feed down the chimney. That might be OK with very thin sticks, but if they are so thick that they don't burn through and fall to the bottom of the chimney before the water boils, it means that you might not be able safely to remove the kettle from the fire when it starts boiling because the sticks hold it in place. If you lift the kettle high enough to clear the sticks they will fall all over the place and may start a fire you didn't mean to start, quite apart from the possible issue of lifting a couple of litres of vigorously boiling water higher than you might really have wanted to.
Please take care, and especially if you're with the kids make sure they understand.
That's looks damn sore Ged :eek:
Even with Kelly Kettles though you are at risk of water shooting/bubbling out which, like you, i found out to my dismay (not as bad as yours though).
Like anything like this though, you have to be careful be it a billy full of boiling water or a ghillie/kelly kettle. Even a camp kettle you have to be wary of the heat and steam.
I've had a couple of kelly kettles and after a while stopped using them, the ghillie appealed to me because of the whistle despite the hazards of pressure but at least you'd know when the water was ready without sticking your noggin in to look at bubbling water.
drewdunnrespect
27-03-2010, 13:16
love my kelly kettle its an ausome piece of kit
Dave Budd
27-03-2010, 18:39
Sure, it was this chap,
spiroloc@paradise.net.nz
or
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Boats-marine/Parts-accessories/Other/auction-279430691.htm
ATB
Tom
thanks for that! :) I'll drop them an email now and see how much it'll cost to get one to my door :eek: Looks like it will prove very useful though and I like your idea of the pipe and funnel top-ups ;)
phill_ue
27-03-2010, 22:45
When I used the large one, after a while I noticed water boiling at the seam where it sits on the fire bowl. I watched with interest expecting it to get worse and in fact it seemed to seal up as I watched. Is this normal and can I expect to see this happen each time?
I must admit I like the idea of these pieces of kit but would never find a use for them. Way back when I volunteered for BTCV conservation work They had one but I'm not sure which model. IIRC it had the base pan integral to the main unit. Basically it was a one piece kit. It worked well no matter what the weather. We had a reasonable number of people working say about 10 maybe more. It only took one person to drop off what we were working on for about 10 minutes before the break to light it and by the time everyone clocked off to take their break / lunch it was practically boiling. That is where it scores. Its a good piece of kit to keep in the back of a landy or minibus for a group to have their teas made for them. If you have to be mobile IMHO they are too bulky even if they aren't too heavy.
BTW I'm not sure what make the one I tried but the guy who owned it said a mate made it and it was made in Cumbria. I'd be interested in finding out who made it if anyone has an idea.
I do think it is a little bit of a marmite product. Either you'll like it (in which case you'll argue that is is the muts nuts) or you'll like the idea but find it too impractical. I am in the latter camp at the moment. But then I am one of the cutthelabelsoutofclothes types, but only because they annoyed me not for weight, honest. Personally I'd prefer a gas or a meths burner. I've never got on with a wood burner and the KK as well.
Has anyone ever tried making their own Kelly Kettle clone?
When I used the large one, after a while I noticed water boiling at the seam where it sits on the fire bowl. I watched with interest expecting it to get worse and in fact it seemed to seal up as I watched. Is this normal and can I expect to see this happen each time?
It probably isn't a leak. It's probably just condensation on the cold metal from the burning gases. A lot of water vapour is made when you burn hydrocarbons, wood etc. and the vapour will condense on anything cold. This can be quite a problem in flues for wood-burning stoves, for example. It isn't really a problem with a kettle.
As the kettle gets hotter, as you saw, less will condense. When it's boiling, none will. Yes, this will happen every time.
steven andrews
28-03-2010, 09:17
It will be a small leak at the seam.
One of my Kellys used to do that but eventually it sealed itself up.
Dave Budd
28-03-2010, 10:25
mine's definitely a leak. I leave the kettle outside these days coz if I leave it in teh workshop I have a puddle on the floor! :( I've never understood the "seams will seal themselves with soot" thing since all of the seams are on the outside of the kettle where no soot/tar gets!
In the paperwork on the one I got from Lurch it mentioned that it might leak at first but will cure itself.
Must admit I am yet to try it out.
Off topic, My kitchen stainless kettle made by Morphy Richards gave up the ghost, so I stripped it of all plastic, drilled some holes in the side and a place to feed it with wood for fuel, and ended up with the DELUX model hobo stove.
It's very stable on the ground, I just need to put some more holes in lower down to let more air in.
steven andrews
28-03-2010, 18:05
I've never understood the "seams will seal themselves with soot" thing since all of the seams are on the outside of the kettle where no soot/tar gets!
It is the accumulation of sediment from the boiled water that seals the small leaks.
Dave Budd
28-03-2010, 21:11
ah that would make more sense. Maybe I should just bung some radiator sealant into it :D
phill_ue
28-03-2010, 21:16
ah that would make more sense. Maybe I should just bung some radiator sealant into it :D
I'd use an egg! :lmao:
One thing to note with Ghillie kettles is that unlike Kelly and other makes, most of them have a whistle. Because like any kettle of this design they can boil water ASTONISHINGLY quickly, steam needs to escape equally quickly. The whistle on a Ghillie constricts the opening and as a result the pressure in the kettle increases. This can be dangerous. Very early in my experience with my Ghillie I was quite badly burned by a jet of boiling water which shot out a great distance from it. Only my preparedness and prompt first aid saved me from serious permanent damage.
http://www.jubileegroup.co.uk/JOS/misc/hand.jpg
Partly because of that experience, and partly because the whistle fell to pieces not long after I bought the kettle, I no longer use the whistle -- which is a pity, because it's the only reason I bought that make rather than some other, cheaper one. Now that I'm clearer about some of the issues I plan to make one more suited to me. It will have TWO filler holes, not one!
I didn't realise there was such a diversity in what is a basic and simple design, Ged,. Patrick Kelly was at pains to point out what qualifies as a 'Kelly' kettle and until now i thought 'ghillie kettle' was a loose description of such a cooker.
That scald does indeed look sore but i can't say that i have experienced any problems with the cooker that i have. In fact, looking at photos, the one thing about the Kelly that i am not sure of is the method of pouring the boiling water out of it. I have a potgrabber with my eco-trekker and it is very safe to use. I'm not sure how user-friendly that handle would be on a red-hot kettle while pulling on the chain to upend it.
Kelly Kettle
29-03-2010, 12:08
Hi Folks,
Just a quick line for readers on the correct use of the Kelly kettle.
Firstly, the kettle should not have ANY obstruction in the water spout when the kettle is lit. The Correct way to use the kettle is here: How to use the Kelly Kettle (http://www.kellykettle.com/how-to-use-the-kelly-kettle.html)
Some people make a mistake when lifting the kettle off and back on the fire base. The correct way to lift the Kettle is detailed on our FAQ page (http://www.kellykettle.com/Frequenty-asked-questions/) which is always a good source of information on our kettles. The correct way to lift is below for your convenience.
http://www.kellykettle.com/when-the-kelly-kettle-boils-how-is-the-kettle-lifted-clear-of-the-fire-base-a-flames.html
The reason we say to lift 'back on' the fire base is that it is quite common for one of our kettles to be used to boil water for a large party of people - by simply refilling it with cold water and setting it back on the fire base again.
I won't go into a sales pitch on the benefits of our kettles here - all that information is available on the homepage of our website!
Hope you find this useful.
'Kelly Kettle' & 'Volcano Kettle' are Registered Trademarks of the Kelly Kettle Co., Ireland
Dave Budd
29-03-2010, 12:41
welcome to the forums Kelly Kettle :)
i don't suppose you've thought about making a large party size kettle? if I've a group of 10 people they don't want to wait for a rebrew half way through, so having a properly big kettle would be an advantage ;)
I spent a week up on Islay last year and one of the group brought along a kelly kettle in his rucksack.
It proved to be the most useful bit of kit that any brought along.We had very limited wood supply and this was able to boil up enough drinking water for everyone every day on just a few heather twigs and such.
Yes it was a lot of space in his bag but it was well worth having it for the group
Paganwolf
29-03-2010, 17:24
OOooooh i can see me tent!! lol, I was just about to post that snippet of info, wont bother now lol ;) It was worth its weight in Gold though....
OOooooh i can see me tent!! lol, I was just about to post that snippet of info, wont bother now lol ;) It was worth its weight in Gold though....
Was a great trip.Have sent ye a pm:)
The Correct way to use the kettle is here: How to use the Kelly Kettle (http://www.kellykettle.com/how-to-use-the-kelly-kettle.html)
Thanks for the information, Patrick. Apart from the grill, the only accessory i carry is some tinfoil which i use to wrap food in and cook inside the body of the kettle over the embers (always ensuring there is enough water in it). That is why the method of lifting it on and off is important as it will come off several times to check what is going on inside. Personally, i find that food cooks much more quickly and evenly if the kettle is replaced over it. My favourite meal is salmon wrapped in foil with a few squirts of olive oil in with it. The water in the kettle is then used to rehydrate mashed potato with a few blobs of butter added to it. A grilled pepper is good on the side. Even eggs for breakfast present no problem. Take a square of foil and with a little experience of origami you can fold it over a few times then fold in the edges and you have a lightweight cooking vessel. Eggs. Coddled. For the use of.
I have a brand new copper-bottomed steel panset that i have never used as i get far too much fun out of cooking real food with a kettle. I shudder to think of going back to stew and potnoodle!
Seaton-Les
26-04-2010, 09:50
Apart from the grill, the only accessory i carry is some tinfoil
I made one of these as soon as I saw this on youtube. A simple bit of mesh cut and rolled to fit the base.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFG2A1irX6Y
Mr Adoby
26-04-2010, 20:48
I like my KKs!
I use my small KK to supply water for my thermos-cooking, when out and about. Dried veggies, dried minced meat and sausages, pasta, rice, noodles, lentils, dried milk powder, spices, and powdered tomatoes. And porridge and coffee in the morning. I use a 1/2 liter food thermos to cook in, using hot water.
For longer trips a larger KK is a great way to quickly get a bucket full of warm water for a nice warm shower and hair-wash, without frost-bite. Also helpful with warm water when you want to wash some clothes.
If you are suspicious about organisms on the water, it is a good way to quickly sterilize a few liters to drink your fill and fill your canteens.
I like mine!! I've the big un for camping & the little un for fishing or backpacking. The little un works well with a Tatonka or Trangia meths burner too - 6 mins boil time.
Ive never seen the point of KK style except a large one for base camp water heating
But My Dad got hold of this from some where :rolleyes: i still havent tryed it but it holds 2ltrs to the neck of the filler (probably not good to fill to here)
its made from Copper (1.5-2mm thick) and soldered dont have a base etc for it but it will fit on a 2.5ltr paint can or he tryed it on top of the neigbours Chiminea Chimney :D
http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o109/FGYT/Stove/Dsc_3761.jpg
http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o109/FGYT/Stove/Dsc_3762.jpg
http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o109/FGYT/Stove/Dsc_3763.jpg
http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o109/FGYT/Stove/Dsc_3764.jpg
Ive never seen the point of KK style except a large one for base camp water heating
But My Dad got hold of this from some where :rolleyes: i still havent tryed it but it holds 2ltrs to the neck of the filler (probably not good to fill to here)
its made from Copper (1.5-2mm thick) and soldered dont have a base etc for it but it will fit on a 2.5ltr paint can or he tryed it on top of the neigbours Chiminea Chimney :D
http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o109/FGYT/Stove/Dsc_3761.jpg
http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o109/FGYT/Stove/Dsc_3762.jpg
http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o109/FGYT/Stove/Dsc_3763.jpg
http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o109/FGYT/Stove/Dsc_3764.jpg
Nice find Duncan
Is that military then ?
I like mine!! I've the big un for camping & the little un for fishing or backpacking. The little un works well with a Tatonka or Trangia meths burner too - 6 mins boil time.
That's interesting. I was musing about measuring the efficiency of my Ghillie the other day, seems like you've almost done it for me.
What's the capacity of your small kettle?
That's interesting. I was musing about measuring the efficiency of my Ghillie the other day, seems like you've almost done it for me.
What's the capacity of your small kettle?
About 1 pint, mate. Very handy for solo trips. I just shove the burner in the fuel bit & it works a treat, the Tatonka works best I find. Tried it with the big one & it takes forever & a refill - not ideal when freezing your nuts off in sub zero temps on the banks of a Scottish loch!!!!
Nice find Duncan
Is that military then ?
No idea the pictures show all i have and know :D
no markings either etc
ATB
Duncan
steven andrews
05-08-2010, 17:49
3 minutes 45 seconds for a cup of boiling water..not that I was in a hurry!
http://img704.imageshack.us/img704/3927/bouleybike002.jpg (http://img704.imageshack.us/i/bouleybike002.jpg/)
http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/1843/bouleybike008.jpg (http://img442.imageshack.us/i/bouleybike008.jpg/)
Bushy&Crafty
20-09-2010, 14:50
welcome to the forums Kelly Kettle :)
i don't suppose you've thought about making a large party size kettle? if I've a group of 10 people they don't want to wait for a rebrew half way through, so having a properly big kettle would be an advantage ;)
kelly kettle do a 3 pinter that would make tea for 10 (OK quite small cups!). I got one because I wanted a stainless steel kettle rather than an aluminium one. I had to wait ages to get one as they have been out of stock everywhere. I found one a couple of weeks ago
http://www.getyourselffitter.com/kelly-kettles-c-28.html
jonquirk
20-09-2010, 21:07
I have a Kelly Kettle and a Bushbuddy stove. I have toyed with the idea of suspending the KK over the Bushbuddy and seeing how that works with the Bushbuddy burning the woodgas and its huge flames being drawn up inside the KK cone.
... I have toyed with the idea of suspending the KK over the Bushbuddy ... huge flames being drawn up inside the KK cone.
Be careful (like I wasn't, at least not careful enough). Have a bucket or two of water and a first aid kit handy (like I did, or I'd have had permanent scars to show for it).
http://www.jubileegroup.co.uk/JOS/misc/hand.jpg
I have have treated several people with serious scalds at Bushcraft events from misuse of a Kelly kettle.
I use 5 KKs regularly for groups and find them great kit but like everything you need to treat them with respect.
Our woodland conservation group use KK for brews. Perfect, just the tool for the job. Horses for courses. I think they are a bit of fun too :-)
Personally I prefer the Swiss volcano stove to a small kelly kettle (Sorry KK - although by all means send me one to correct my opinion:) ) It's lighter by far, holds a litre of water in the bottle supplied, you can boil water either in the bottle or supplied cup, and boiling times are pretty much on a par with the KK. Can use it with twigs, small meths burner, Hexi blocks, pinecones etc. And it all packs down into a handy size that'll fit into most rucksack side pockets. And at less than a tenner, extraordinary value for money.
For a base camp or car-camping, I can see the benefits of the larger KKs, and they are fun to play with (and - everything else aside, having fun is what it's all about, surely!)
I think the Kelly Kettle is pretty cool but my twig stove works so well, I never felt the urge to get a Kelly Kettle. And it's a two-burner. :)
http://faculty.gvsu.edu/triert/images19/twigstove5c.jpg
http://faculty.gvsu.edu/triert/images19/twigstove6c.jpg
I agree with Wayne and Ged; good kit, just be careful.
It's a very, very good way of very quickly getting hot water for a small group. It's easy to find fuel that will work on it, the chimney effectively 'pulls' the draught and the flames to best effect.
I do at times use the base for cooking but am still not sure about the top cooking bit; I know folks claim it's stable, but it just seems too counter-intuitive to me. It boils so quickly that I can't see me having enough time to cook on it that way.
For a settled camp it's a great way to get warm washing water too. No fuss, it just works :)
cheers,
Toddy
John Fenna
09-11-2011, 17:22
No fuss, it just works :)
Thet sums it up for me!
There great at what the do, as fast as a normal indoor kettle, you can store all your food for a few days inside it and it will hold water, really it's not bulky at all considering that.
roger-uk
20-11-2011, 17:06
There great at what the do, as fast as a normal indoor kettle, you can store all your food for a few days inside it and it will hold water, really it's not bulky at all considering that.
And Scouts of all ages form Cubs to Leaders love playing with them. I get my Kelly Kettle out and Akela is guaranteed tea on demand :)
My grandson told me about when he was hiking in Canada and ran out of water but like a true Scotsman he still had a bottle of whiskey.
In his infinite wisdom( and thirst probably) He thought that if i could get the alchohol out of it it would quench his thirst,
So he poured whiskey in the kettle and fired it up, as the whiskey heated up the alchohol fumes started coming out, caught the flame and sent a 6 foot jet of flame right past him.
He let it cool drank it and promptly vomited everywhere.
demographic
22-11-2011, 19:15
Isn't the clue in the title? Kelly Kettle
Otherwise it would be Kelly Stove or if it had sharp edges and a long handle it might be Kelly Hatchet.
gliderrider
23-11-2011, 16:24
I had a play with a KK yesterday, not much out of one, but a good bit of kit, deffinatly on my wants list now. Whats this about being able to get add ons for cooking? I was under the impression it was a one trick pony.