Best camping tea kettle
Fire-Maple Antarcti Camping Kettle
An all-around heavy-duty camping kettle built to last.
Best for backpacking
Stanley Adventure Camping Cook Kettle
A rust-free camping tea cook kettle with two insulated cups.
Best collapsible camping kettle
Sea to Summit collapsible Kettle
A compact camping tea kettle that saves space like no other.
Sipping tea while catching the sunrise on the campsite is one of the greatest delights. And it’s not only about tea. Boiling water is vital for plenty of other outdoor activities, like:
- Making safe-to-drink water if the camping water filter goes off;
- Prepping morning coffee and tea;
- Hydrating pre-made camping meals;
- Warming up after a cold night;
- Putting some hot water into a camping shower or portable sink.
We didn’t think a camping tea kettle was necessary for a while, and boy, we were wrong. Bringing it on to boil water for any camping need is awesome. Sure, regular pots can do the job just fine, but a grip and a spout are real game-changers.
Whether you’re looking for something to boil water quickly and get cups of fav drinks for the whole family or something lightweight and easy-to-carry on a backpacking trip – we’re sure you’ll find the right option.
We’re here to bring you the camping tea kettle best picks for 2022.
What to look for in a camping tea kettle?
Before we jump into the winning picks on the market, let’s break down the deciding factors you should mind while choosing a proper camping tea kettle.
Material
Different materials bear different qualities that can affect your camping experience.
For instance, stainless steel is incredibly durable, can handle open flames, and is relatively lightweight, while aluminum is an even lighter, corrosion-resistant option but can warp if exposed to direct fire. Cast iron is excellent at retaining heat even if thrown in flames; however, its weight makes it cumbersome to lug around while camping.
While deciding on which camping tea kettle to purchase, think about its intended use, heating source (stove or campfire), and the camping conditions you plan to encounter. Every material has strengths and weaknesses, so keep them in mind to choose one that fits your needs.
Size and weight
Size is crucial as it determines how much water it can hold. Obviously, the camping tea kettle needs to contain enough water to make tea for everyone on your camping trip, but the size is about more than just capacity. If you’re looking for added convenience, a camping tea kettle that fits more easily into your campfire cooking kit and is light enough to carry with you on hikes would be ideal.
The best camping tea kettle will find the perfect balance between size and weight; they will be lightweight enough to carry around while still being spacious enough to quickly produce multiple cups of drinks.
Extra comfort features
When looking for a camping tea kettle, comfort features can be just as important as practical elements.
Look out for insulated handles that don’t become too hot to the touch when your kettle is boiling. Measurement marks will help you gauge the water you need for various beverages or meals. Non-slip grips on the base prevent your kettle from slipping off camping stoves or fires.
Also, wide-opening lids can serve for eating directly from the kettle, while their secure locks make sure steam doesn’t escape while you fill up your camping teapot.
And if you like camping in cooler climates, you may opt for one with double-wall insulation, so your drinks or ingredients remain at their desired temperature for longer.
These might seem small details, but they all add up to make the difference when it comes time for a steaming hot cuppa at the end of all your camping trips.
Best camping tea kettles in 2022
Now that you know what to pay attention to when choosing camping tea kettles for your next camping adventure, let’s take a closer look at our top picks.
1. Fire-Maple Antarcti Stainless Steel Camping Kettle – best overall
Specifications
- Material: Stainless steel
- Capacity: 1 quart
- Weight: 10.4 ounces
- Size: 6 x 6 x 4 inches
Pros
- Large rotating handle without silicone or plastic parts
- Rugged and lightweight
- Mesh bag included
- Heats up fast
- Feels very solid
- Great pouring control
- Easy to clean
- Heavy-duty, polished construction
Cons
- Handle gets hot on an open fire
- No graduation marks
If you’re looking for a camping tea kettle that is rugged, lightweight, and perfect for backpacking, you should definitely give the Fire-Maple Antarcti Kettle a shot.
Crafted from stainless steel and packed into a nice mesh bag, this kettle is solid and sturdy, boasting excellent quality construction and a polished appearance.
Happily, the handle has no plastic or silicone parts, so you don’t ever have to worry about it melting when set over an open fire. Plus, a locking mechanism on the handle keeps the lid in place so you can pour without surprises (with heat-resistant gloves, of course!).
Thanks to its large surface area on the bottom, the Fire-Maple Antarcti heats up quickly. It also cleans back up to its original state quite easily, with the lid being a breeze to remove when necessary.
The only real drawbacks were that the handle gets hot on an open fire and no graduation marks are included.
Overall, if you need a camping tea kettle that is up to tough conditions and comes with quality craftsmanship, then the Fire-Maple Antarcti Kettle is your best bet.
2. Stanley Adventure Camp Cook Kettle – best for backpacking
Specifications
- Material: Stainless steel
- Capacity: 0.75 quart
- Weight: 7 ounces without cups, with cups – 14 ounces
- Size: 4 x 4.3 x 5.8 inches
Pros
- Vented top
- Lockable, foldable handle
- Has graduated marks up to 20 oz
- Double-wall vacuum insulation
- Rust-free
- Fits a small stove, spork, or butane canister inside – perfect for backpacking
Cons
- Plastic pull on the lid can melt over an open fire
- Can be tricky to balance it due to the small footprint
- Can change colors over time cooking over an open fire
Stanley has certainly hit a bullseye with this rust-free, small camping kettle. The Stanley Adventure Kettle is like no other when we talk backpacking. It not only fits on a small stove, but you can literally fit a spork or butane canister inside it.
With a timeless classic design, this rust-free camping necessity also has double-wall vacuum insulation that keeps drinks hot while keeping the handle cool to the touch.
It’s the right size for 1-2 people (and its nested insulated cups inside that come with it are truly genius), while the extra room allows you to squeeze some coffee, tea bags, or even cutlery. On top, with graduated marks and a foldable handle, this camping tea kettle is both practical and aesthetically pleasing.
You should bear a couple of features in mind, though, such as the plastic pull on the lid, which can melt over the direct flame. Before use, remove any poorly placed and very adhesive stickers on the bottom of the camping tea kettle.
Overall, this camping tea kettle deserves a round of applause for being one of the most robust yet versatile camping products on the market. Almost 23K 5-star reviews on Amazon just can’t be wrong.
3. Sea to Summit X-Pot Collapsible Kettle – best collapsible camping tea kettle
Specifications
- Material: Aluminum base, silicone side walls, nylon handles
- Capacity: 1.375 quart
- Weight: 6.5 ounces
- Size: 6 x 6 x 3.5 inches
- Packed size: 6 x 1.25 inches
Pros
- Very compact, collapsible
- Heats quickly
- No unpleasant odors
- Space-saving like no other
- Pairs nicely with a collapsible cup
Cons
- Unsuitable for boiling over open flames
- Can be challenging to put the lid on tightly after filling it with water
- Can collapse when full if not used carefully
The Sea to Summit Collapsible X-Pot Kettle It’s an incredibly efficient camping utensil; it collapses easily, making it great for on-the-go camping situations, and it heats up quickly with a small flame. Additionally, it can produce enough water for two cups in one go and has an easily adjustable spout, making pouring your drinks effortless.
Unlike some similar camping kitchenware, the X-Pot does not emit any silicone or chemical smell or taste when in use, meaning you’ll get to fully enjoy the flavor of your hot beverage without worrying about odd scents.
One of its best features is that you can pair and fit the matching collapsible cup inside it without taking up more space – so all you need for your morning caffeine fix is ready in one neat bundle.
Naturally, this product isn’t suitable for cooking over campfires, but with the emergence of lightweight camping stoves, this kettle has earned itself a deserved place on camping trips.
The only downside we noticed during use was that if it isn’t handled carefully while full, it may start collapsing – but overall, these are minor flaws compared to the convenience this camping tea kettle offers.
Runners-up
We showed you our favorite ones, but that’s not it. The market has some other noteworthy camping tea kettles with their unique features. Let’s jump straight into them.
Specifications
- Material: Stainless steel
- Capacity: 1 quart
- Weight: 9.3 ounces
- Size: 6.3 x 5.9 x 3.5 inches
Pros
- Foldable and lockable handle that doesn’t get too hot
- Can be used over a stove top and open fire
- Relatively lightweight
- Heats quickly
- Flat, wide, and not too tall
- Durable
- Sturdy and well-made
Cons
- No spout cover
- The lid may fall off when you’re pouring from the kettle (some latching lip would be a nice add-on to the design)
- No measurement markings
The GSI Outdoors Glacier Kettle provides a great balance between size, weight, and performance. With its foldable, lockable handle and lightweight overall design for backpacking, it’s the go-to choice for those hunting for a versatile kettle to use over a stove or a campfire.
It heats quickly, and the handle doesn’t become too hot to touch, making it both safe and enjoyable to use. The flat and wide shape of the kettle ensures an optimal gravity center for even cooking. The lid is wide enough so you can eat directly from the kettle – doubling it as a pot.
The smooth pouring spout makes serving up coffee or tea easy, and its solid build ensures you’ve just got a reliable camping companion that will serve you for years (with only a couple of blackened outside spots, but that’s what happens with open fires).
On the downside, the GSI Outdoors Glacier lacks a spout cover, so ashes can move inside when boiling. But you can easily remedy that by adding a little aluminum foil to cover.
All in all, this portable camping kettle packs some sweet features that add comfort to camping trips – perfect for two people with average-sized camping mugs. And when you’re off backpacking – it’s also good to pair with a small stove, camping extras, and a metal water bottle.
Specifications
- Material: Cast iron
- Capacity: 2 quarts
- Weight: 6.5 pounds
- Size: 8.25 x 8.25 x 6.75 inches
Pros
- Rust-free
- Convenient handle that doesn’t get hot
- Flat bottom for comfy resting on placed stones
- Large capacity
- Built for lifetime
- Cheaper than most cast iron kettles
- Old-time look, nice quality
Cons
- The lid is attached to the handle, so you can’t fully remove it
- Hard to pour without dripping from the spout onto the counter
The Camp Chef Cast Iron Kettle is the perfect camping item, with a timeless look and durability that never fails. This camping tea kettle is enamel-coated on the interior, so it won’t rust, and it has an easy-to-grip handle made from metal that stays coolish even when the kettle gets hot.
This kettle is crafted from cast iron, so even if you throw it into the fire, it will not melt. With a flat bottom for stability, this camping tea kettle can rest comfortably atop placed stones without worrying about tipping.
This camping tea kettle can hold up to 10-12 cups of water and is built with forever in mind, as its well-constructed design promises longevity. All this at a reasonable price point.
The only nitpick is that the lid slides off but cannot be completely removed due to its attachment to the handle.
All in all, this camping tea kettle certainly holds its own amidst the competition with its old-time look and quality construction that’ll add charm to your camping spot.
Specifications
- Material: Aluminum
- Capacity: 1 quart
- Weight: 5.6 ounces
- Size: 6.3 x 3.2 x 6 inches
Pros
- Works for ultralight backpacking
- Surprisingly stable
- Wide top opening
- Good value for money
- Resistant to wear and tear
Cons
- Plastic handles can melt in too hot fires
- The lid doesn’t keep sealed
- A bit longer time boiling
The GSI Outdoors Halulite Kettle is an ideal camping tea kettle for the ultralight backpacker, offering one of the best bangs for the buck in terms of features and quality.
It’s a compact kettle that’s easy to pack, and yet it’s surprisingly stable when filled, with a wide top opening for extra convenience. This camping kettle is perfect for a camping trip for two people and stands up to being beaten up at the campsite or knocked around in your bag during hikes.
Although it isn’t non-stick, the GSI Outdoors Halulite Kettle is dead simple to clean after use, thanks to a pretty easy surface.
The plastic handles may melt in a hotter fire, so make sure not to leave this camping tea kettle over an open flame for too long.
All in all, the GSI Outdoors Halulite Kettle is an excellent choice for serious camping enthusiasts who are searching for a top-quality camping tea kettle without breaking their budget.
Specifications
- Material: Stainless steel
- Capacity: 3 quarts
- Weight: 1 pound
- Size: 9.81 x 9.7 x 9.34 inches
Pros
- Even heat distribution
- Pure surface doesn’t alter flavors
- Large capacity
- Has a basket inside
- Removable lid
- Can withstand some pretty hot flames
Cons
- Better not drop it on hard surfaces
- Bulky
- Difficult to fit the lid
- Durability concerns
- Handle gets hot
The Granite Ware Enamel Kettle is a cowboy-type coffee pot built with an inner core of carbon steel, which ensures even heat distribution and doesn’t alter the flavors of whatever is being heated.
A large 12-cup capacity makes it ideal for camping with a group, as no one will ever go thirsty. Inside this stainless steel kettle, there’s a basket keeping your coffee or tea leaves safely in place and ensuring nothing slips through.
Its ergonomic design gives a quick release on the lid – slide down the clasp and give it a slight turn to remove. On top, the durable structure can withstand any level of fire, making boiling water a breeze.
One thing to note is that you should be cautious while handling the kettle due to its hot handle and egg-shaped top that makes setting the lid quite tricky. Also, keep in mind that it requires some good fire if you want your Granite Ware to boil quickly – but with a bit of patience, the guarantee is you’ll have a great pot of camping tea.
Specifications
- Material: Aluminum
- Capacity: 1.3 quart
- Weight: 11 ounces
- Size: 6.6 x 6.6 x 3.9 inches
Pros
- Anti-slip, stable, and resistant to wear thickened kettle bottom
- Insulated non-slip handle
- Comes with a nice mesh bag
- Fast heating
- Very lightweight
- An open spout allows steam to exist
- Easy to clean
Cons
- The handle doesn’t lock and shouldn’t be exposed to open fires
- Poorly attached handle
- Must be extra careful when using it on an open fire
The Overmont camping kettle is another great alternative designed to make camping life easier. Although lightweight, it’s made from ultra-durable materials built to last through years of trips.
The open spout allows steam to exist, while fast heating ensures you can get camping tea ready much quicker.
With an anti-slip, stable, and wear-resistant thickened bottom, it will stay put no matter where you set it up. The insulated non-slip handle helps you move the kettle safely, though be careful as it’s silicone-made and shouldn’t be exposed to high flames.
This kettle has been really easy to clean, too – due to its wide top opening and short spout – allowing you to reach every corner. You may need something small like a straw scrubber to ensure it’s absolutely clean after making hot drinks, but overall this camping kettle is straightforward to take care of.
One flaw that caught our eyes was how the handle was attached. Basically, it just sits loosely over the top, so when you tilt the kettle to pour the boiling hot water out, it might slide off, exposing hot steam to your hand. You should cover and hold it with a cloth so it doesn’t burn you, and you don’t spill the contents.
Specifications
- Material: Aluminum
- Capacity: 2.4 quart
- Weight: 0.6 pounds
- Size: 7 x 7 x 5 inches
Pros
- Heat-insulated, anti-slip handle
- Nice mesh bag
- Corrosion-resistant, rust-free, durable
- Secured lid
- Thickened, anti-slip bottom
- Big capacity
- Boils quickly
Cons
- Handles get hot even if moved to the side a little
- Boiling water spews out if you fill to the brim
The Bulin 2.2L Camping Kettle has several great features that make it useful and long-lasting. The heat-insulated and anti-slip handle on the lid knob and the kettle’s body makes sure it won’t slip out of your hands when you’re in the middle of pouring, while a corrosion-resistant body means rust and other damage won’t be an issue.
The thickened, anti-slip bottom is resistant to high temperatures, so it can easily handle open flames and stand stable on even surfaces, so heating water will be a breeze. It comes with a handy mesh bag for extra convenience.
Even better, its size is perfect for boiling enough water for drinks and snacks like coffee and instant ramen with plenty left over. Just be careful not to fill the kettle to the brim so that hot water won’t escape during use!
Still, if you’re looking for a large, long-lasting camping tea kettle for outdoor activities, look no further than the Bullin 2.2L Camping Kettle.
Specifications
- Material: Aluminum
- Capacity: 1.6 quart
- Weight: 15.8 ounces
- Size: 7.6 x 7.28 x 5.2 inches
Pros
- Silicone-coated, foldable handle
- Corrosion-resistant
- Excellent heat transfer
- Comes with a mesh bag
- The water boils very quickly, and the kettle is very easy to pour
- Lightweight but sturdy
- The handle doesn’t get too hot
- Very solid and well made
Cons
- The handle will melt if exposed to open flames
- The lid could be lockable and secured
This lightweight yet sturdy aluminum kettle yields 3-4 cups of coffee and is equipped with a corrosion-resistant interior plus an excellent heat transfer, meaning your water will boil really fast.
The handle is silicone-coated, which allows you to pour without protection and stays cool to the touch. The foldable handle also makes it very portable and can fit snugly into the provided carry pouch.
But what’s especially lovely is that it’s very solidly designed. The only downside is the lid not staying on if you tilt it too far forward, but that’s a minor issue given that the handle locks, and there’s the padded loop on the lid. All in all, this kettle offers everything you need for outdoor adventures.
How to wash my camping tea kettle?
Camping kettles can quickly build up dirt and soot from use. It’s essential to take good care of them to extend their lifespan.
Ideally, if camping, you should avoid washing the camping tea kettle on the spot, as the windy air and sun will have it ready for next use; there is no need to spoil it with any extra rinsing. For the outside of the camping tea kettle, a bit of scrubbing with just water should do the trick when needed.
Back at home, get familiar with the cleaning instructions specific to the model.
It’s also a good idea to take a box with you to store it in until you can bring it home for advance cleaning – this will keep it safe and ensure dirt does not spread all over inside your pack or car.
How to use a camping tea kettle over a campfire?
Using a camping tea kettle over a campfire requires careful thought and planning. When choosing to use your camping tea kettle on an open fire, make sure that the material of your camping tea kettle is suitable for direct contact with fire.
When setting up your camping tea kettle, you can place it securely on top of a campfire-specific grate, or if no grate is available, you can use two large rocks to prop up your camping tea kettle safely and balance it over the flame. The closer your coals are to the camping tea kettle, the faster it will boil and the hotter it’ll get.
We’ve covered all the campfire temperatures and tips on measuring and adjusting them in our blog post.
Remember to use a heat-resistant camp glove to put your camping kettle from the open fire without leaving your skin on.
Got anything to add?
Have any experience to share or questions to ask about camping tea kettles? Leave a comment below!
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