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Kelly Kettle Aluminum Scout Medium Kelly Kettle

rated 5.0 of 5 stars
photo: Kelly Kettle Aluminum Scout Medium Kelly Kettle wood stove

Fun to use, lightweight, no need to burn precious fuel to boil water, heats up fast. You can get a complete set with attachments, cups, pot/pan and holder. You have to use a little common sense using this product.

Pros

  • Sticks and twigs will get this thing going
  • Fun and easy to use
  • Lightweight
  • Other functions (using accessories i.e. Hobo Stove)
  • Heats up water very quickly.

Cons

  • Bulky
  • Can be dangerous

Pic: First time I used my Kelly Kettle, I just couldn't wait!

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Below: In use at camp.

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Setting up is easy. You pop some water in the kettle (remove the plug, don't use the plug when boiling—I added this because I saw a YouTube of a guy with the plug in while he was boiling water...), make sure the handle is behind the spout, and set the kettle to the side with your sticks and twigs ready.

I usually start the fire with a little fire starter pellet I got at the surplus store for a few bucks. If you break them down one stick will light a few fires. Once you've got a flame going all you do is add some sticks and carefully place the kettle on top. Make sure you have the feed hole facing you as it's easier to blow into or feed sticks from the underside. Wind is not a huge factor with the kettle protecting most if not the whole flame. You just need a stable and secure spot for your the base to sit.

Caution: Do not have the spout facing you or anyone, animal, thing etc. When the water hits boiling point it will spit out scolding water.

Again with great care not to burn yourself pop twigs and sticks into the opening on the top or bottom.

Once you have a boil, lift gently with the handle at a 90-degree angle. 

Voila, water ready for a drink or meal.

I usually take the Kelly Kettle Scout on backpacking trips and make coffee in the morning for a group of five. You definitely have to boil two rounds of water, but because of how quick it boils it doesn't seem to matter. I'd say about 10 minutes for two full pots. 

I opted for the aluminum Scout. I know you can get the Scout in stainless steel. The preference is all yours. I think in terms of durability Kelly Kettle made the stainless version. However, I love how lightweight the aluminum is and it's pretty tough, no dents or kinks from a handful of uses. 

I have a 46L backpack and it takes quite a bit of space. I end up utilizing the space in between the kettle to store a little fire starter, cooking utensils, washer towel etc... Little things that can get up in there.

Source: bought it new

This is an awesome way to heat water. I have used this with all sorts of twigs and sticks found around camp. No need to carry fuel. It can be a small challenge to light so I use cotton balls and occasionally a little vaseline. I store the cotton balls inside the kettle when not in use. It is bulkier than a campstove but you'll never run out of fuel.

Pros

  • Uses sticks and twigs. No need for fuel canisters

Cons

  • Bulky

The Kelly Kettle is for heating water period. There are cook top attachments but they can be cumbersome due to the design. But if all you need is hot water to mix with your food or drink the Kelly Kettle will work perfectly. 

Lighting it is easy but I usually use a little cotton ball to get it started quickly. Then you add twigs or other wood fuel through the volcano top. Once it gets going it is fun to watch and very entertaining for children. The center works like a volcano heating the water compartment from inside.

Very fast and efficient.

Source: bought it new

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Price Historic Range: $69.99-$81.00
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