Ghillie Kettle vs Kelly Kettle: A Comparison of Portable Outdoor Gear

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Are you an outdoor enthusiast who loves a good cup of coffee or a hot meal while camping? Look no further than the Ghillie Kettle and the Kelly Kettle – two popular options that will revolutionize your camping experience. With their innovative designs and efficient performance, these kettles are perfect for boiling water and brewing coffee in the great outdoors.

Both the Ghillie Kettle and the Kelly Kettle offer a range of sizes to suit your needs, whether you prefer something compact and portable or a larger capacity for group camping trips. While the Kelly Kettle is slightly larger, the Ghillie Kettle compensates with its convenient drawstring bag that can be converted into a backpack for extra storage.

Design and Features

When it comes to design and features, both the Ghillie Kettle and the Kelly Kettle offer innovative and efficient options for outdoor enthusiasts. The designs of both kettles are similar, featuring a unique Irish volcano design that sets them apart from other options on the market. Let’s take a closer look at their design and features.

Ghillie Kettle

The Ghillie Kettle, originally conceived in the United Kingdom, features a design that has remained largely unchanged since 1928. It is a squat and square kettle that offers portability and convenience. The Ghillie Kettle includes a built-in whistle, similar to a traditional teapot, which alerts you when the steam starts to build up and the liquid inside begins to boil. This whistle feature is a handy addition that ensures you never miss the perfect boiling point.

One of the standout features of the Ghillie Kettle is its convenient drawstring bag, which can be converted into a backpack for extra storage. This gives you the flexibility to carry additional camping essentials without the need for extra luggage.

Kelly Kettle

The Kelly Kettle, with its similar Irish volcano design, provides a reliable and efficient option for outdoor cooking. While it may not include a built-in whistle like the Ghillie Kettle, its performance is still top-notch. The Kelly Kettle has been designed to boil water extremely quickly, making it an ideal choice for those who want a hot cup of coffee or a meal in no time.

One standout feature of the Kelly Kettle is its range of sizes. Whether you need a smaller kettle for solo camping adventures or a larger one for group gatherings, the Kelly Kettle has got you covered. This versatility ensures that you can choose the perfect size to suit your individual needs.

Though the designs and features of the Ghillie Kettle and the Kelly Kettle are similar, it’s the small details that set them apart and cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer a built-in whistle and the convenience of a drawstring bag or the quick boiling time and size options, both options bring a lot to the table in terms of design and functionality.

Remember, the choice ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and requirements. Now that we’ve explored the design and features of both kettles, let’s delve further into what these options have to offer in terms of performance and ease of use.

Size Options

When it comes to size options, both the Ghillie Kettle and the Kelly Kettle have you covered. Originally, both companies offered only one size configuration. However, they have now expanded their range to provide customers with more choices to suit their needs.

Ghillie Kettle Size Options:

  • Ghillie Kettles come in three different sizes:

Kelly Kettle Size Options:

  • Like Ghillie Kettles, Kelly Kettles also offers three different sizes:

While both kettle options have similar size ranges, it’s worth mentioning that Kelly Kettles tend to be slightly larger across all the available models. This can impact their portability, but it also means you can boil a little more water at once if needed.

In the end, the choice between Ghillie Kettle and Kelly Kettle size options comes down to your personal preferences and the specific requirements of your outdoor adventures. Whether you’re a solo backpacker or part of a larger group, both brands have a size option that will fit your needs.

Portability

When it comes to outdoor gear, portability is often a top consideration. After all, you don’t want to be weighed down by heavy equipment when you’re out on an adventure. Both the Ghillie Kettle and the Kelly Kettle have taken this into account and offer portable options for outdoor enthusiasts.

Ghillie Kettle: The Ghillie Kettle is designed with portability in mind. It’s compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry on your outdoor excursions. The kettle itself is just over 25cm tall and a little under 19cm wide, making it a convenient size to pack. When it comes to weight, the Ghillie Kettle weighs in at 1.08 kilograms. While this may be slightly heavier than other portable cooking solutions, it’s worth noting that there is also an aluminium version available that reduces the weight by 25%. So, if you’re looking to save some weight, the aluminium version might be the way to go.

Kelly Kettle: The Kelly Kettle also prioritizes portability. It offers a lightweight and compact design, making it easy to carry on your outdoor adventures. While specific dimensions and weights are not mentioned in the context, the Kelly Kettle is known for its efficiency in boiling water quickly and minimizing the fuel required to do so. This means you can carry less fuel with you, further reducing the overall weight of your pack.

Both the Ghillie Kettle and the Kelly Kettle offer portable solutions for outdoor cooking and water boiling. While the Ghillie Kettle may be slightly heavier, the aluminium version offers a weight-saving option.

Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your personal preferences and requirements for portability. So, whether you’re a minimalist backpacker or a camper who likes a little extra comfort, there’s a portable kettle option that can suit your needs. Keep in mind that both brands are widely used for various outdoor activities, including car camping, overlanding, scouting, kayaking, and even emergency preparedness.

To summarize, when it comes to portability:

  • Ghillie Kettle offers a compact design and weighs 1.08 kilograms (with an aluminium version available for weight reduction).
  • Kelly Kettle focuses on efficiency and minimizing fuel requirements for quick boiling (specific dimensions and weights not mentioned in the context).

Now let’s move on to another important aspect to consider when comparing these two outdoor kettles.

Boiling Efficiency

When it comes to outdoor gear, efficiency is key. You want a kettle that can quickly and effectively boil water, minimizing fuel requirements and allowing you to enjoy your outdoor activities without any delays. Both the Ghillie Kettle and the Kelly Kettle excel in this aspect, but they have slightly different approaches.

The Ghillie Kettle’s clever design combines a firebase and a chimney, working in a similar manner to a rocket stove. As the hot exhaust exits the chimney, it sucks in extra air and oxygen into the firebase. This increases the oxygen supply and allows the firebase to burn at super high temperatures, producing more exhaust and faster-moving gases. As a result, the water in the kettle boils very quickly and efficiently, often reaching boiling point in under 5 minutes.

The Kelly Kettle, on the other hand, focuses on maximizing heat absorption and transfer. The design of the kettle consists of a fire base and a chimney. The chimney shape not only warms up the kettle base, but also allows any smoke, heat, and flames to go through it, thus heating up the water inside. This design ensures that water boils rapidly, allowing you to have over 1 liter of boiling water in as little as 4 minutes.

Overall, both the Ghillie Kettle and the Kelly Kettle offer exceptional boiling efficiency, getting you hot water in no time. Whether you prefer the Ghillie Kettle’s rocket stove-like mechanism or the Kelly Kettle’s focused heat absorption design, you can rely on both kettles to meet your needs and quickly serve up steaming cups of tea, coffee, or meals during your outdoor adventures.

So, next time you’re planning a camping trip or any outdoor activity that requires hot water, consider investing in a high-quality kettle like the Ghillie Kettle or the Kelly Kettle – your reliable companions for efficient boiling.

Accessories and Additional Features

When it comes to outdoor gear, having the right accessories and additional features can make a world of difference. Both the Ghillie Kettle and the Kelly Kettle offer a range of accessories that can enhance your outdoor cooking experience.

  • Ghillie Kettle: The Ghillie Kettle comes with a variety of optional accessories, allowing you to customize your setup to suit your specific needs. One popular accessory is the cooking kit, which includes a frying pan, grill plate, and pot support. These accessories open up a whole new world of possibilities for cooking delicious meals in the great outdoors. Another handy accessory is the pot stand, which provides stability when boiling water or cooking on uneven surfaces.
  • Kelly Kettle: The Kelly Kettle also offers several accessories to enhance your outdoor cooking experience. One notable accessory is the Hobo Stove, which can easily convert the firebase into a hobostyle stove. With its raised pot supports, this accessory allows you to cook with almost any pan or pot. The Hobo Stove also increases airflow, resulting in more efficient and controlled cooking. Another useful accessory is the durable nylon pouch, which neatly packs away the entire Kelly Kettle set for easy transportation and storage.

In addition to accessories, both the Ghillie Kettle and the Kelly Kettle have some noteworthy additional features that make them standout options for outdoor enthusiasts:

  • Ghillie Kettle: The Ghillie Kettle is known for its compact and lightweight design, weighing just 1.08 kilograms. For those who prioritize weight reduction, there is also an aluminum version available. Furthermore, the Ghillie Kettle uses a rocket stove-like mechanism that efficiently boils water in under 5 minutes. This rapid boiling time ensures that you can enjoy a cup of tea or cook your meals without any unnecessary delays.
  • Kelly Kettle: The Kelly Kettle excels in boiling water quickly while minimizing fuel consumption. With its focus on heat absorption and transfer, the Kelly Kettle can boil over 1 liter of water in as little as 4 minutes. This impressive boiling efficiency not only saves you time but also reduces the amount of fuel needed for your outdoor adventures.

Conclusion

When it comes to portable outdoor kettles, both the Ghillie Kettle and the Kelly Kettle offer excellent options for outdoor enthusiasts. The Ghillie Kettle’s compact and lightweight design, along with its aluminum version for weight reduction, makes it a convenient choice for those who prioritize portability. On the other hand, the Kelly Kettle’s efficiency in quickly boiling water and minimizing fuel requirements is a standout feature.

Ultimately, the choice between the two kettles depends on your personal preferences and specific requirements for portability. Both brands are widely used for various outdoor activities and offer exceptional boiling efficiency.

In addition to their design and boiling efficiency, both the Ghillie Kettle and the Kelly Kettle provide a range of accessories and additional features to enhance your outdoor cooking experience. From cooking kits and pot stands to Hobo Stoves and durable nylon pouches for easy transportation and storage, these kettles offer customizable options to suit your needs.

Whichever kettle you choose, both the Ghillie Kettle and the Kelly Kettle are reliable companions for your outdoor adventures, ensuring you have hot water quickly and efficiently. So, pack your kettle and get ready to enjoy your next outdoor excursion with a piping hot cup of tea or coffee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you carry water in a Ghillie Kettle?

The Ghillie Kettle is not designed to be used as a water carrier. Its primary function is to quickly and efficiently boil water using various fuel sources. It is recommended to carry the Ghillie Kettle upright when filled with water to avoid any spills.

Are Ghillie Kettles high-quality?

Ghillie Kettles are known for their excellent craftsmanship and durability. They are made with high-quality materials to ensure long-lasting performance. Customers have praised the sturdiness and reliability of Ghillie Kettles.

Can you use wood pellets in a Ghillie Kettle?

Yes, Ghillie Kettles are compatible with wood pellets. You can also use other fuel options such as sticks, twigs, pinecones, and solid fuel tablets. The versatility of Ghillie Kettles allows you to choose the fuel source that suits your preferences and availability.

Where are Ghillie Kettles manufactured?

Ghillie Kettles are proudly manufactured in the United Kingdom. They are designed and produced with the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship.

Who should choose a Kelly Kettle over a Ghillie Kettle?

The choice between a Kelly Kettle and a Ghillie Kettle depends on personal preferences and specific requirements. If you prioritize boiling water quickly and minimizing fuel consumption, the Kelly Kettle is an excellent choice. However, if you value compactness and lightweight design, the Ghillie Kettle is a suitable option. Both kettles offer exceptional performance and are widely used by outdoor enthusiasts.