Kelly kettle?

Hi Steve. I used a Kelly Kettle a few times, although I sold it this year. It was fun to use and very cheap to run (of course!). The design is pretty efficient at transferring heat to the water as the heated area is so big. Obviously, boiling time depends on the quality of the stuff you are burning – you need to be sure that you can get real dry wood, not always easy here in the UK. The main reason I sold it was the weight. Including the base, (where the fire goes) mine weighed 805 grams – not exactly lightweight!

I have one, it’s really neat, how efficient it actually works. Also, there’s that whole Irish fisherman nostalgia which is extremely cool.

For the weight, you have to pack it on a looong trip to make it worth it. The weight doesn’t bother me so much as the bulk. By nature of the design, it’s big. I think I have the 16 oz version.

But, I still take it on one trip once a year (hunting camp) as it’s great to have around for the endless cups of hot water we need to stay warm on those snowy nights. Plus, it’s a centerpiece of social activity in camp and there’s something that just “feels good” about firing up the Kelly Kettle when the sun goes down and temperatures drop into the teens and single digits.

Thanks Noel and Ryan. I’ll probably order one soon since the idea & nostalgia sounds so appealing.
Steve