
When you’re out in the wild (often cold, wet and bedraggled), few things feel as comforting as a warm drink. Whether you’re waking up after a night’s camp or winding down after a long hike, a hot cup of tea or coffee can be the perfect companion. And at the heart of this simple pleasure is the camping kettle—a must-have piece of gear for any outdoor enthusiast.
While it might seem like just another item in your camping kit, the right kettle can make all the difference. From quick boil times to lightweight designs, choosing the best camping kettle is about more than just boiling water—it’s about enhancing your outdoor experience.
Let’s dive into what makes a camping kettle stand out and find the perfect one for your next adventure.
Gas Stove-Top Lightweight Camping Kettles
In this section we look at stove-top kettles, splitting them into the best aluminium/titanium ‘lightweight’ choices versus more standard (but cheaper) stainless steel kettles for campsite use – these sometimes even have a whistle in the spout!
Primus Litech ALUMINIUM Camping Kettle
- Aluminium
- Spout
- Folding Handle
- Silicone Grip Handle
- Large Stable Base
- Light weight
- Not As Light As Titanium
Details
Aluminium is a great lightweight option for a kettle as long as it is anodized. The strength-to-weight ratio of aluminium is excellent, and it is typically considerably cheaper than titanium. As a rule, you will pay roughly half the price compared with titanium for the same capacity.
The Primus Litech Camping Kettle is our current ‘go-to’ anodized aluminium stove-top favourite. Primus should need no introduction as a camping brand, and their kettle is the definition of a clean design.
The Litech has a decent 0.9 litre capacity, weighs 178g and measures 15.2 (diameter) x 7.8 cm (height). It’s useful to compare this weight against the MSR Titan below which is the same capacity but only weighs 118g – that’s the benefit of titanium, but is it worth an additional £30 in price. The Primus kettle is currently only £26 which is exceptional value.
The Litech uses a fairly squat circular design which we like – it means it is very difficult to knock over. The water can be added through a large aperture at the top which is filled with a separate lid when being heated. The folding handle (with silicone grip) also straddles this top aperture. The boiling water is then poured out of a decent side spout – we found for once that there were no dribbles with this!
Overall, the Primus Litech is an excellent stove-top camping kettle and cannot be ignored against the more expensive titanium options.
Tentock Outdoor Camping Kettle
- Built In Heat Exchanger
- Faster Boil
- Anodized Aluminium
- Spout
- Folding Handle
- Silicone Grip Handle
- Large Stable Base
- Light weight
- Not As Light As Titanium
Details
Using a similar spout, handle and lid design to the Primus Litech and costing a little bit more, you might wonder why we’ve included the Tentock Outdoor camping kettle in our list of best camping kettles.
Well, the answer is that it includes an excellent additional design feature – around the bottom circumference of the anodized aluminium kettle is a heat exchanger which allows 30% improved heat transfer between the stove and the kettle. This reduces boiling time and the amount of fuel you need to burn to get the water to boiling point. Win win? Well not exactly, because you lose out in the size and weight of kettle you need to carry. The 1 litre capacity Tentock kettle weighs 352g which is significantly more than the Primus. It is also larger at 17.5 x 9 cm.
It’s a quality bit of kit though, and if you have the space in your rucksack then the fuel saving alone could make it a great option. Best camping kettle? Yes absolutely if you have the space in your rucksack then the Tentock stove-top kettle is top of the tree!
MSR 'Titan' TITANIUM Ultra-Lightweight Camping Kettle
- Light weight
- Titanium
- Spout
- Dual Folding Handle
- Small - but great for solo camping
- Price But Its Titanium
Details
MSR make some of the best camping gear available, from tents to stoves. Their fantastic Titan Titanium camping kettle might look like a standard stove pot but is actually an awesome kettle will last a lifetime and will never let you down. So what makes it so good?
Well for starters it’s made of titanium – the clue is in the name! As discussed above, titanium has the highest strength-to-density ratio of any metallic element in the periodic table. You simply won’t get a lighter full-metal kettle of the same capacity if it’s not titanium. The MSR Titan weighs a mere 118g which is absolutely nothing in a rucksack, but will still hold 0.85 litres of water.
The Titan is essentially a titanium pot with a spout in the rim and a thin dual handle for lifting up. The handle looks flimsy but does not get too hot and does it’s job well. When not in use, it folds flush against the kettle body to aid storage and save space. Did we mention that this kettle is only 118 grams?
There is also a lid with a separate red handle. This should be fitted in place snugly to allow the water to boil as rapidly as possible.
The MSR Titan is simplicity itself and is perfect for boiling water on a stove, either for a brew or for cooking a boil in the bag meal say. It does it’s job as well as any stove-top kettle could and will last a lifetime. Plus you can keep a small gas cannister inside it which is very handy. Sometimes it’s best to buy quality and revel in that feeling of smugness when you know you’re using titanium…
iBasingo 1.4L TITANIUM Camping Kettle
- Light weight
- Titanium
- Spout
- Folding Handles
- Anti Scold Handle and Lid
- Price But Its Titanium
Details
If you need a larger capacity titanium camping kettle then have a look at this offering from iBasingo.
It has a 1.4 litre capacity and weighs only 190g which is almost exactly the same capacity-to-weight ratio as the MSR Titan above. However the iBasingo is the same price as the MSR! This is exceptional value for an ultra-lightweight titanium kettle and should definitely be considered if you need to boil that much water.
The folding handle of the iBasingo is actually semicircular and attached over the top filling aperture of the kettle. I personally prefer the side handle of the MSR as I found it easier to pour, but this is personal preference.
The iBasingo is an excellent quality camping kettle and the best value for money titanium option we’ve found. The question is whether you need 1.4 litres of capacity. For my solo adventures it is too much, and so my preference is MSR – I’m a fan of the brand in general. However, we were impressed indeed with the iBasingo and can wholeheartedly recommend it.
NGT ALUMINIUM Camping Kettle
- Aluminium
- Spout
- Folding Handle
- Silicone Grip Handle
- Large Stable Base
- Light weight
- Not As Light As Titanium
Details
If you’re on a limited budget but are still after a decent stove-top camping kettle then look no further than the NGT Anodized Aluminim Camping Kettle.
It’s available for under the magical £20 mark and inherits many design cues from the more familiar (but more expensive too) brands. Somehow, it didn’t quite have the same finesse as the Primus or the Tentock but it accomplished the job of boiling water admirably, and for the price this cannot be ignored.
Capacity is 1.1 litres, weight is only 260g and the dimensions are 16.4 x 15.8 x 9.4 cm. The colour is described as gunmetal grey, and we would agree with that. It looks suitably rustic and would be great as a stove when you’re fishing or bivvying.
Beware that some owners have reported leaking around the handle rivet near the spout, but our kettle didn’t have this issue. Overall, the NGT camping kettle is worth considering for the excellent value for money it offers.
Ridgemonkey Square ALUMINIUM Camping Kettle
- Adonised Aluminium
- Spout
- Folding Handles
- Silicone Grip Handle
- Large Stable Base
- Light weight
- Not As Light As Titanium
- Only 0.5l capacity
Details
Ridgemonkey have been making big waves with campervan owners due to their fabulous dual-pan grill. They have recently massively extended their range of products and now offer this excellent Square Aluminium camping kettle too.
According to Ridgemonkey, the square shape (0.5 litre version has dimensions of 15 x 15 x 6 cm) allows a greater surface area of the base on a typical camping stove or BBQ and hence faster boiling.
We really like the slightly ‘military’ look of the Ridgemonkey and it is well served by a decent spout and two great folding handles on the top, straddling the square filling aperture. It is also available in a 2 litre version which is the same shape but taller. We think this smaller version is great to slide in the rucksack.
Ridgemonkey have pulled a blinder here. There isn’t another kettle which looks like this on the market and it simply screams survivalist or tactical solo missions. “Bravo Two Zero, we’ve found your camping kettle!”
Be sure to read our in-depth roundup of the best thermos flasks for your adventures – a great alternative to a kettle.
'Classic' gas stove-top designs - the Whistling Camping Kettle
It wouldn’t be an article choosing the best camping kettle unless we covered some of the ‘classic’ stove-top kettles from days of yore – the whistlers that Grandma used to use when you visited her for tea and scones. No? Just me then…
We definitely feel that they still have a place in a modern camping set-up – especially if you’re camping with a fire pit or BBQ and also have access to decent levels of storage space – i.e. at a campsite with a car or campervan for transport. Be sure to get one that will work on all stoves, be it open flame or induction. Some of the cheaper options available (<£10 say) can decolour rapidly on a flame stove and even give off noxious fumes!
Pykal STAINLESS STEEL Whistling Camping Kettle
- Gas, Electric, Induction, Halogen
- Stainless Steel
- Whistling Spout
- Push Button Spout Opener
- Large Stable Base
- Quite Large
Details
The Pykal Whistling Steel Camping Kettle is my idea of visual perfection in a kettle. It’s made out of stainless steel and looks the absolute business. It even includes a couple of tea infusers which you can fill with tea leaves and drop into the boiling water to act as a teapot as well!
This is a big beast of a stove-top kettle and can boil 3 litres of water (5.3 pints). As a result, it weighs 1.36kg which is significant. Be assured that ou’re not going to carry this in your rucksack! However, it will work on any stove, be it gas, alcohol, wood or even induction hob!
We must mention the handle. This is the most ergonomic we’ve tested and is safe to touch after being used on a wood fire within a couple of seconds. This is due to the silicone thermal protection material used. The handle also incorporates a button which releases the spout cover and allows pouring of the boiled water. This spout cover also incorporates a whistle which signifies when you’ve hit the jackpot!
The Pykal camping kettle is a superb ergonomic design with great features and performance. It also comes with a 1 Year Full Replacement Warranty. We love it immensely!
DWD STAINLESS STEEL Whistling Camping Kettle
- Very good value
- Stainless Steel
- Whistling Spout
- Flip Spout Opener
- Folding Handle
- Large Stable Base
- Quite Large
Details
We’ve scoured the market and firmly believe that the DWD Whistling Camping Kettle is the best value gas stove-top camping kettle on the market. It’s can be found at under £15 which represents an excellent choice. It even looks great in our opinion, coming in fetching green and blue options.
The DWD has a 2.5 litre capacity and a flip-top whistling spout cover. The handle and filling lid each have insulation covering but they still get quite hot to the touch – care should be taken when picking up after boiling. Also, be careful that the handle is not folded down when you are using it over a stove – the hot kettle body can melt the insulating material on the handle. If you’re sensible, this shouldn’t be too much of a problem.
Dimensions of the DWD kettle are 19cm wide x 23cm tall at full height of handle and it weighs only 530g. When handle folded the height is 16.5cm. The DWD kettle will work on an electric hob as well as a naked flame gas stove, but we recommend that it’s not used on a large open wood fire or BBQ as the colouring may degrade if the flames lick around the side.
For the money, we think this is the best value camping kettle on the market today. Its combination of light weight and low price is a winner in our view, but there are more complete kettles available.
VonShef STAINLESS STEEL Whistling Camping Kettle
- Gas, Electric, Induction, Halogen
- Stainless Steel
- Whistling Spout
- Flip Spout Opener
- Silicone cool grip handle & lid
- Large Stable Base
- Quite Large
Details
If you’re after a stylish mid-range stainless steel stove-top camping kettle then we think the VonShef Whistling Kettle is an excellent choice.
The base itself is made from an induction-friendly aluminium layer sandwiched between stainless steel. The kettle body has an attractive black satin finish with exposed stainless steel on the spout and lifting handle. Capacity of the VonShef is a decent 2.5 litres and it measures 23cm height x 26cm wide. Weight is 820g.
The kettle spout includes a whistling cover and it gives a mighty shriek when the water is boiling. There’s no ignoring this bad boy! We did find that the cover took a bit of effort to open using the thumb lever system, and this did get quite hot to the touch. Not ideal, and we must say that the button release of the Pykal is better in this regard.
Overall, we would say that the VonShef is more of a campervan or caravan stove to be kept inside rather than a wild camping workhorse which you can whack on to an open wood fire or BBQ. We would be concerned that the black satin finish could degrade over time if treated too harshly. That being said, the VonShef camping kettle looks great and works very well for the low price.
Collapsible Camping Kettles
Gone are the days of hauling around an industrial-sized cauldron for your morning brew. Now, with collapsible camping kettles made of silicone, you can fold up your trusty teapot into a neat disc and shove it into a rucksack, leaving plenty of room for… well, more biscuits, naturally. But are these futuristic silicone kettles up to the task? Do they boil water as well as they fold? Are they a sturdy companion for the unpredictable British weather, or will they leave you parched and praying for a cuppa?
Hi-Gear COLLAPSIBLE Stove-Top Camping Kettle
- KEY SPECS
- Capacity: 1.5L
- Size: Height: 21cm Width: 18cm
- Weight: 360g
- Collasped Size:
- Gas, Electric, Induction, Halogen
- Stainless Steel Base
- Cool grip handle & lid
- Collapsible
- Light weight
- Longevity Potentially Due To The Collapsing Nature Of It. Time Will Tell
Details
If you want to save space in your rucksack or car/campervan then it’s worth considering a collapsible camping kettle.
This offering from Hi-Gear is excellent value and folds up extremely small – only 15 x 21 x 5.6cm and yet it will boil 1.2 litres of water. Weight is 380g owing to the stainless steel base.
The kettle uses hardened plastic for its handle and filling lid, and silicone for the collapsible body. The kettle can be used on open flame stoves but you must be careful that the flames do not rise around the base – this could melt the silicon. In our tests, we found that it worked surprisingly well.
In summary, we think the Hi-Gear kettle is an excellent option for camping and provides surprisingly good value for money. As always with collapsible utensils, we would urge that you look after the seal from the base to the silicone layer – they can peel away after multiple uses, but we saw no sign of this after a weekend of use.
Quest Collapsible Electric Camping Kettle
- KEY SPECS
- Power: 750W
- Capacity: 0.8L
- Size: Height: 13.5cm Width: 18.5cm
- Collapsed Size: Height: 10cm Width 13.5cm
- Weight: 540g
- Low Watts
- LED Power Indicator
- Cool grip handle & lid
- Collapsible
- Light weight
- Automatic Cut Off
- Longevity Potentially Due To The Collapsing Nature Of It. Time Will Tell
Details
I’ve always had a soft spot for Quest gear and so I was pleasantly surprised to see that they have released a folding kettle which is collapsible, compact and electric – these are highly desirable attributes if you wish to use the kettle in a small tent or campervan.
The Quest collapsible kettle can hold a reasonable 0.8 litres of water (around 3 cups) by virtue of its expandable silicone body. When not being used, it can then be collapsed down so that the dimensions for storage are only 13.5 x 13.5 x 10 cm. Tiny and easily hidden away. The handle folds away across the lid to make it as small as can be.
The base contains a hidden electric element which draws around 750W of power. Boiling time is correspondingly slower than more power-hungry camping kettles, but it still comes in at under 15 minutes for the full kettle. It’s worth pointing out that the Quest kettle will automatically trip switch off once the water is boiling.
We have had bad experiences with collapsible silicone items before, having tried a collapsible washing-up bowl and other kitchen items – each of them developed leaks where the silicone came away from the metal. So far we have not seen this happen with this Quest kettle, but it is worth monitoring for.
We think it’s certainly a contender for the ‘best camping kettle’ accolade.
Electric Camping Kettles
Size is everything when it comes to cramming your camping gear into a car boot or small campervan. If you’re camping in something bigger and have mains hookup or a suitable power station available then you may want to use an electric kettle for the convenience.
In the next section we compare the best electric camping kettles for camping, concentrating on size and good design.
Amazon Basics Stainless Steel Kettle
- Cordless
- Auto Switch Off
- Power LED
- UK & EU Voltage
- Low Watts
- Water Level Indicator
- Lightweight
- Anti-limescale filter
- Boil Dry Protection
- Hinged Lid
- Comes With 2 Mugs & 2 Spoons
- Struggled To Find Any!
Details
The Amazon Basics Stainless Steel Electric Kettle is a solid choice for campers who want a no-nonsense, reliable kettle that gets the job done quickly. With 2kW of power, it heats water in a decent time (<7 minutes) but is not high enough power to be a tripping hazard for your mains supply at the campsite. It also works well with our Jackery 2000 Plus power station.
The sleek stainless steel design of the Amazon kettle isn’t just about looks—it’s tough enough to handle the rough and tumble of outdoor life. The cordless feature with a heat-proof handle makes it easy to pour, and the compact size, complete with a cord wrap system, ensures it won’t take up too much space in your caravan or tent.
For convenience, the kettle has a removable filter, a transparent water level window, and a concealed heating element, making it practical and easy to clean. Safety-wise, it’s got auto-shutoff and boil-dry protection, so you don’t need to worry about overheating.
In terms of performance, it boils quickly and efficiently, making it perfect for whipping up hot drinks, soups, or instant noodles while camping. With its low price and great features, it’s hard to find any real downsides. If you’re after a fast, reliable, and affordable kettle for your next camping trip, this one’s tough to beat!
Russell Hobbs Compact Kettle
- KEY SPECS
- Power: 1000W
- Capacity: 0.85L
- Size: Height: 18.1cm Width: 12cm
- Weight: 0.59Kg
- Auto Switch Off
- Power LED
- UK & EU Voltage
- Low Watts
- Water Level Indicator
- Lightweight
- Anti-limescale filter
- Boil Dry Protection
- Hinged Lid
- Comes With 2 Mugs & 2 Spoons
- Slowish To Boil
- Small Capacity
- Not Cordless
Details
This Russell Hobbs Compact Kettle caught our eye because not only is it compact and perfect for camping, it comes with two cups and two spoons.
So what else does it have that makes it a worthy contender? As it is only 1Kw it can be used with various power stations if you are off grid with no hookup. A 1000W power station will boil this kettle in around 10 minutes. See the Jackery Explorer 1000 Review to find out more on a suitable power station.
This kettle is not much bigger than a tin of baked beans but can boil enough water for two cups of tea. The small size means you can pack this kettle away fairly easily in a campervan or caravan where space it at a premium.
The kettle can be used abroad as it meets the UK and EU voltage requirements and comes with a UK plug as standard. An adapter for the UK plug will still be needed for the relevant foreign plug sockets.
If you need a lightweight, compact camping kettle then the Russell Hobbs Compact should suit your needs. However, its 0.85-litre capacity is smaller than similar low-wattage options, and its lower wattage results in a slower boiling time. Consider these factors when choosing the right kettle for your camping setup.
Outdoor Revolution Premium Low Watt Electric Kettle
- KEY SPECS
- Power: 1000W
- Capacity: 1.7L
- Size: Height: 22cm Width: 19cm
- Weight: 0.85Kg
- Power LED
- Water Level Indicator
- Anti-limescale filter
- Hinged Lid
- Cup Indicator
- Cordless
- Spring Lid
- Includes UK to EU plug socket converter
- Takes A While To Boil
Details
The Outdoor Revolution 1.7L Premium Low Wattage Electric Kettle brings a touch of style to your camping setup with its sleek stainless steel body and simple, classic design. Whether you’re in a caravan, motorhome, or using hookup mains supply at your campsite, this kettle will be a trusty companion.
Its cordless design and 360-degree swivel base make it incredibly user-friendly, allowing you to place and pour from any angle with ease. The concealed heating element ensures quick boiling (though not the fastest), and the removable, washable water filter keeps your drinks free of impurities.
With twin water level indicators, you’ll never have to guess how much water is inside, making it perfect for group trips where multiple cups of tea or coffee are in high demand. Plus, at just 1kg, this kettle is lightweight and easy to store, making it a great travel companion.
Now for the pros and cons. What’s great? The stainless steel design is not only stylish but durable, built to handle the bumps and knocks of outdoor life. The generous 1.7L capacity is perfect for families or groups, and the compact size is ideal for tight spaces in your caravan or tent. What’s not so great? It took a bit longer to boil—over 10 minutes—so if you’re in a rush, patience is key.
Overall, the Outdoor Revolution Low Wattage Kettle is a robust and reliable option for any camping or caravanning trip, combining good looks with practical features. Just be prepared to wait a little longer for your brew!
Quest Low Wattage Compact ELECTRIC Camping Kettle
- Auto Switch Off
- Power LED Around Jug Base
- Low Watts
- Water Level Indicator
- Lightweight
- Hinged Lid
- Cordless
- Fairly Slow To Boil
- Small Capacity
- No Anti-limescale filter
- Glass Sides
Details
The Quest Low Wattage Camping Kettle does exactly what it says on the tin – namely, it has a small max power draw of only 1.6kW which means it will boil your water effectively without risking tripping your electrics. Smaller kettles like the Quest don’t actually need so much power to boil water quickly because the amount of water held on board is less.
The Quest is nicely compact and bijou at 20.5 x 24 x 17.5 cm and weighs only 0.95kg. The water capacity is 1 litre (1.75 pints) which is ample for a camping trip. It uses a glass jug with a plastic lid and a separate plastic base, both in black. We think it looks great for the price and it is nice to see the water boiling visually.
We found that boiling was slightly slower than expected at around 4-5 minutes for a full kettle, dropping to about 1.5 minutes for a mug’s worth. Not too bad!
Let’s talk about that sleek glass jug. Sure, it looks fantastic, but on a campsite, it’s a bit of a gamble. Compared to sturdy plastic, glass is more likely to break if you don’t have a safe spot to store it—or if little ones are dashing around. It’s stylish, but maybe not the most practical for the great outdoors!
But overall we thought the Quest Low wattage kettle was a sleek and well-designed electric camping kettle. Recommended.
Philips Series 3000 Electric Camping Kettle
- KEY SPECS
- Power: 2200W
- Capacity: 1.7L
- Size: Height: 25cm Width: 22cm
- Weight: 1.2Kg
- Fast Boil
- Power LED
- Water Level Indicator
- Anti-limescale filter
- Boil Dry Protection
- Hinged Lid
- Cup Indicator
- Cordless
- Spring Lid
- High Wattage For a 10A Hookup
- High Wattage for a caravan or motorhome without 16A hookup
Details
The Philips Series 3000 Electric Kettle is a solid family-sized option with a 1.7-litre capacity and 1850W power. It boasts a sleek design and promises quick boiling with its flat heating element, ideal for when you’re in a rush for that morning cup of tea. Plus, the micro-mesh filter captures limescale, keeping your water clean and your drinks tasting great.
Safety features are well thought out, including a multi-safety system to prevent boil-dry accidents, and the pilot light makes it clear when the kettle is in action. The cordless design with a 360° base is a nice touch, offering flexibility in where you can place it.
Filling it up is easy, whether through the spout or by popping open the smooth spring lid, which also makes cleaning a breeze. The water level indicator is clear, and the cup measure helps save energy by letting you boil only what you need.
Now, onto what we liked and didn’t like. What’s good? The fast boiling time, easy-to-clean design, and thoughtful features like the anti-limescale filter and cup indicator make this kettle a winner in convenience. What’s not so good? At max power of 2200W, it’s creeping towards the top end of what a 10A hookup can handle in the UK, so you’ll need to make sure no other appliances are running while using it. A 16A hookup should be able to take this with no trouble also depending on how hefty other appliance power usage is.
Overall, the Philips Series 3000 is a great option for families who want a reliable and feature-packed kettle, but it’s worth keeping the power usage in mind if you’re on a campsite or have limited electrical supply.
Geepas Electric Camping Kettle
- KEY SPECS
- Power: 1500W
- Capacity: 1.8L
- Size: Height: 24.5cm Width: 19cm
- Weight: 0.78Kg
- Auto Switch Off
- Power LED
- UK & EU Voltage
- Low Watts
- Lightweight
- Boil Dry Protection
- Hinged Lid
- Cordless
- Slow To Boil
- No Water Level Indicator
- No Anti Limescale Filter
Details
Looking for an efficient and budget-friendly camping kettle? The Geepas Stainless Steel Cordless Kettle could be just what you need. Drawing only 1500W, it’s ideal for campsites where power is limited.
Made from sturdy stainless steel, it’s more resilient to knocks and bumps than fragile glass models, making it a solid choice for outdoor adventures. The 360-degree turn base and cordless jug design allow you to place the kettle anywhere and easily lift it off when ready to pour—super convenient when space is tight.
Safety is covered with features like automatic shut-off after boiling and boil-dry protection, so you can relax knowing it won’t overheat. The flip-top lid, opened with a simple button press, makes refilling quick and easy. Plus, the power LED indicator and cord storage under the base keeps things neat and user-friendly.
At the time of writing, this is the most affordable option in our electric camping kettle selection. Despite the low price, it comes packed with features and even includes a 2-year warranty for extra peace of mind. The shiny stainless steel finish adds a touch of style, too.
The only drawback? There’s no water level indicator, but at this price point, it’s a small compromise. Overall, the Geepas kettle is a durable, practical, and wallet-friendly addition to your camping gear.
Considerations When Choosing a Camping Kettle
Electric Kettle Considerations
The power draw of an electric kettle is important. Some power packs may not support more than say 1000W, and so you should choose your electric kettle wattage appropriately. Even a campsite mains hook up may have power limitations, especially if you’re running several electrical appliances at the same time (e.g. heater, hairdryer, kettle etc.). If the combined draw is too high then you may trip the electric feed, or not be able to use your kettle at all.
For this reason, we recommend choosing a slightly lower wattage kettle for campsites than at home. Look for a power of 1-2kW instead of a 3kW versions used at home. A lower power kettle will take a bit longer to boil, but can be used off-grid with a power station and is much less likely to trip your hookup.
12V camping kettle?
What about 12V kettles such as the Anggrek 12V shown opposite? Our advice is – don’t bother unless you’re a masochist!
12V kettles only draw 120W and so you’ll be waiting for at least 30 minutes to boil a pint of water! However, if you only have 12V power available (e.g. from a leisure battery) then it might be worth having one in your kit as a last resort – personally however, I’d use a stove-top kettle in that situation!
How many watts for an electric camping kettle?
UK campsites have come a long way in terms of providing power for its campers. A lot of campsites now offer a hookup with 16 amps (16A), some with 10 amps (10A) and some with just 6 amps (6A). This is usually stated on the campsite’s website.
But what does this mean in real world scenarios? How many watts does a 16 amp hookup actually cope with? What appliances can I use with a typical UK hookup?
We calculated the watts for the three examples above of 6A, 10A and 16A so that it is easier to see what appliances and gadgets can be used with each.
Here is a general guide to the wattage for each amperage level based on a typical UK campsite hookup voltage supply of 230V:
| Amps | Watts |
|---|---|
| 6A | 1380W |
| 10A | 2300W |
| 16A | 3680W |
As you can see from our results in the table above even a 6 amp hookup can boil a kettle but only up to around 1300 watts. If you want a kettle that can be used all over the UK, then this is the absolute maximum wattage. Bare in mind though that the lower the watts (power) the longer the kettle will take to boil.
Caution!
Keep in mind, that these wattage values are the maximum total watts that can be used altogether by all of your appliances when plugged in. If the fridge or coolbox is humming and the lights are blazing, your kettle will have less power to work with. Ever closed your eyes while flipping on the kettle, bracing for that dreaded click as you trip the fuse at the hookup post—or worse, knock out power for the entire row of campers? If so, you’ll understand why it’s essential to be cautious!
Can I use a fast boil kettle?
If you want to take your amazing fast boil 3Kw kettle from the kitchen then you will definitely need the 16 amp hookup. But you may have to unplug everything else before you use it else you may trip the fuse.
But if you want a good kettle and a bit more flexibility then Camping Secrets recommends kettles up to around 2.2Kw maximum to be able to use both 10A & 16A hookups and not to have to wait ages for a cuppa.
Camping Secrets Top Tip
The smartest move? Go for a mid-range kettle up to 2kW. That way, you can comfortably use both 10A and 16A hookups while still having enough power left to run other appliances. No more kettle-or-fridge dilemmas—just a smooth camping experience!
Stove-Top Kettles
Stove-top kettles sit on top of a gas, wood or alcohol camping stove and boil the water via heat from a flame.
How many watts does a typical UK caravan or motorhome leisure battery supply?
Let’s break down how a typical 100Ah leisure battery stacks up against a mains hookup at a campsite. A 100Ah battery can provide 5 amps of current for 20 hours – perfect if you’re running a few lights or charging a phone. But if you’re powering more, say 10 amps worth of gadgets, that same battery will only last 10 hours.
A 2kW kettle running at 240V will draw about 8 amps. That same leisure battery would last about 12 hours if you were running the kettle continuously. Alternatively, if it takes 10 minutes to boil then you would be able to fully boil a kettle of water about 72 times on that leisure battery if you didn’t use it for anything else. Not bad really!
Understanding this simple math helps you figure out how long your battery will last based on what you’re plugging in. The more power-hungry your setup, the faster the battery drains.
How many millilitres are in a cup or mug?
Camping Secrets Cup and Mug size for the UK
1 cup = 250ml – average UK teacup size
1 mug = 330ml – average UK mug size
Before we spark a nationwide debate, here’s a little disclaimer: these are just our humble opinions, gathered after some serious internet sleuthing. We’ve done our best to figure out what we think the average cup and mug size is—so please, no pitchforks over our measurements!
That concludes our roundup of the best camping kettle for each of our categories. We hope you find something that will enable you to make the ultimate brew! Let us know if you find something even better – we doubt that’s possible!
Thanks for reading, and also thanks to Sean Benesh on Unsplash for the featured photo.



