When it comes to outdoor gear, few tools are as universally appreciated as the camp stove. Among the myriad of camping stoves available, the Kelly Kettle Camp Stove stands out as a time-tested and innovative option that combines efficiency, versatility, and eco-friendly principles. Whether you're an avid backpacker, a car camper, or a prepper, the Kelly Kettle offers a reliable way to boil water, cook food, and stay energized while enjoying the great outdoors. In this detailed review, we'll dive deep into the features, benefits, and performance of the Kelly Kettle Camp Stove Stainless Steel - Medium Scout model.
Overview of the Kelly Kettle Camp Stove - Medium Scout
The Kelly Kettle is a unique camping stove known for its rapid boiling times and its ability to use natural fuels like twigs, leaves, and pinecones, rather than relying on bulky fuel canisters. The Medium Scout model is the middle size in the Kelly Kettle range, designed to serve solo campers or small groups. This stove system is highly valued for its versatility in boiling water for drinking, cooking, and rehydrating food, and it's a must-have for outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize lightweight, portable, and fuel-efficient gear.
Key Features
- Material: Stainless Steel for durability and corrosion resistance.
- Size: Medium Scout is ideal for 2-4 people.
- Boil Time: Boils 1.2 liters of water in just 3-5 minutes (depending on fuel and conditions).
- Fuel Source: Uses natural, renewable fuel sources like twigs, dry leaves, or small branches, which are readily available in the wild.
- Multi-Use: Can boil water, cook food, and serve as a small fire to warm up in the wilderness.
- Lightweight & Compact: Weighs about 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs), making it portable for camping trips.
- Windproof Design: The unique chimney-like structure provides wind protection, ensuring efficient fuel use even in adverse conditions.
Build Quality and Design
Stainless Steel Construction
The Medium Scout is constructed from high-grade stainless steel, making it durable and resistant to rust, corrosion, and wear over time. Stainless steel is a common choice for outdoor gear because it can withstand exposure to the elements without degrading. The stainless finish also makes the stove relatively easy to clean, an important feature when you’re using natural fuels that can leave residue.
The stove is compact and neatly designed, with a simple yet effective structure that’s easy to assemble and disassemble. Its height and width are optimized for portability, with a balanced weight distribution that prevents tipping over during use.
Chimney Design for Efficient Heating
One of the most innovative aspects of the Kelly Kettle is its chimney-like design. The water boiler is housed in a cylinder that surrounds the fire chamber, which creates a heat-exchange effect, directing hot gases and smoke around the water container. This design maximizes the heat transfer to the water, drastically reducing the time it takes to bring water to a boil compared to traditional stoves.
The base of the stove is shaped to collect and contain the fire efficiently, providing more control over fuel consumption. Additionally, the stove comes with a convenient fire base that keeps the stove elevated from the ground, preventing heat loss and protecting the environment from direct fire contact.
Windproof
Due to its enclosed design, the Kelly Kettle is highly resistant to wind interference. This makes it particularly effective in breezy or windy conditions, where traditional stoves can struggle to maintain a flame. The enclosed fire chamber and chimney ensure that your fire remains consistent, even on days when other stoves might be rendered ineffective.
Performance: Speed and Efficiency
Boiling Water
The Medium Scout excels in boiling water quickly, which is its primary function. With the ability to boil 1.2 liters of water in 3-5 minutes (depending on fuel and environmental conditions), it is far faster than most traditional camp stoves that use fuel canisters. The fast boil time is particularly useful for outdoor activities where time is limited, such as in survival scenarios, when you're making a quick cup of tea or coffee, or when you need hot water for cooking meals.
The key to its efficiency lies in the design of the kettle, which circulates heat around the water. This means that even smaller amounts of fuel can generate significant amounts of heat, reducing the need for a large supply of wood or kindling.
Fuel Efficiency and Sustainability
What sets the Kelly Kettle apart from many other stoves is its use of natural fuels. Unlike gas-powered stoves or liquid-fuel stoves that require you to carry fuel canisters, the Kelly Kettle allows you to gather fuel from your environment. This makes it an excellent choice for eco-conscious campers, hikers, or those interested in sustainable outdoor practices.
You can use small twigs, branches, dry leaves, pinecones, or other natural debris found in the wild, reducing the need to carry extra weight and ensuring that you leave minimal trace. Additionally, this makes the stove highly versatile—you don’t need to worry about running out of fuel as long as you’re in a forested area.
The efficiency of the Kelly Kettle allows for the use of very little fuel to generate a large amount of heat, which further improves the sustainability of the stove. Many users report that they are able to boil water with just a small handful of twigs, making it a perfect option for minimalist campers and survivalists.
Versatility: Cooking and Rehydrating Meals
In addition to boiling water, the Kelly Kettle can also be used to cook food, especially when paired with an optional Camp Pot or a small pot or pan placed on top of the kettle. While the primary use of the stove is to boil water, its robust heat output makes it possible to cook lightweight meals, rehydrate freeze-dried foods, or even prepare simple dishes like soup, rice, or pasta.
The Kelly Kettle also doubles as a small fire for warmth or light. On colder days, you can place a small pot or pan directly on top of the chimney to heat up food or liquids. It’s an effective way to cook meals without relying on additional stoves or fuel canisters, making it an ideal solution for multi-day trips where space and weight are a concern.
Ease of Use
Setup and Operation
The Kelly Kettle is remarkably simple to set up and use. The stove consists of three main parts:
- The kettle itself (the main boiler).
- The fire base, which holds the fuel and supports the stove.
- The chimney, which directs the heat up and around the kettle.
Setting it up is as easy as inserting the fire base into the bottom of the kettle and adding your natural fuel to the chamber. Light the fuel, wait for it to heat up, and within minutes, you’ll have boiling water. The stovetop is easy to manage even for first-time users, with no complex adjustments needed.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning the Kelly Kettle is straightforward. Once the stove has cooled down, simply scrape out any ash or leftover fuel remnants. The stainless steel construction makes it easy to wipe down the inside and outside of the kettle, ensuring that it remains in good condition for many trips to come. However, you should avoid using harsh chemicals that could damage the stainless steel finish.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Fast Boiling Time: Boils water in 3-5 minutes, significantly faster than traditional camp stoves.
- Uses Natural Fuel: No need to carry fuel canisters; simply use twigs, leaves, and small branches.
- Windproof: The design ensures stable performance even in breezy conditions.
- Eco-Friendly: Reduces waste and reliance on fossil fuels.
- Versatile: Can be used for boiling water, cooking meals, and providing warmth.
- Lightweight & Compact: Great for backpackers and small group camping.
Cons
- Requires Dry Fuel: It can be tricky to gather dry fuel in wet or rainy conditions.
- Limited Cooking Capacity: While great for boiling water, the stove has limited surface area for cooking larger meals, especially without additional pots or pans.
- Learning Curve: Some beginners might take time to master the fuel loading and flame control for optimal performance.
Conclusion
The Kelly Kettle Camp Stove Stainless Steel - Medium Scout is a powerful and efficient solution for campers, backpackers, and outdoor enthusiasts looking to boil water, cook meals, and minimize their environmental footprint. Its unique design allows it to quickly boil water using natural fuels, making it a standout choice for those who want a lightweight, versatile, and eco-friendly camping stove. Whether you’re making hot drinks, rehydrating food, or cooking a small meal, the Kelly Kettle offers a dependable and sustainable option.
While it may not be the most suitable stove for large groups or elaborate cooking tasks, it excels in minimalist and emergency situations. If you’re looking for a portable stove that offers reliable performance in all weather conditions, the Kelly Kettle is a must-have addition to your outdoor gear collection.
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