Kelly Kettle Testing

The Kelly Kettle is a unique water boiler that is essentially a water jacketed double walled aluminum chimney with a removable aluminum fire pan. To use, a small fire is built in the pan, the water filled chimney is placed on top and the fire heats the jacketed water. The images show the Kelly Kettle's can be used indoors as well as out.

The KELLY KETTLE review was carried out in a standard kitchen laboratory using a natural gas fired stovetop as the source of fire. This preliminary evaluation was undertaken for two purposes; to familiarize the test personnel with the operating characteristics of the Kelly Kettle; and to determine the operating performance in a controlled test environment.

Materials and Methods:

The Kelly Kettle is available in two sizes from Wilderness Access, a 2.5 pint and a 1 pint version. This evaluation used the 1 pint Kelly Kettle. Volume determinations were performed using a standard plastic vessel, commonly known as a measuring cup. Heat source was a natural gas stovetop burner running at maximum heat output.

Results:

The absolute maximum volume of the 1 pint Kelly Kettle was determined to be 24 US fluid ounces (700mL) to the base of the spout. In actual use the volume used should not be greater than 20-22 ounces as the boiling water splashes out of the vessel. All boil determinations were done using 20 ounce fills (600mL).

Five boil tests were run. The first boil was done using 24 ounces of water and was not timed. Kelly Kettle instructions recommend the first boil be discarded to remove residual sealant. The next four boils were done using 20 ounces of 15degC water (59degF) with the gas flame at maximum output. The resultant boil times were: 6 min 20 sec, 6 min 35 sec, 6 min 20 sec, and 6 min 24 sec. This is an average of 6 min 25 sec, with a standard deviation of +/- 7 sec.

Discussion:

The Kelly Kettle is a well made device. The spun aluminum container, fire pan, and fittings including the handle and cork are well fitted. The aluminum rolled crimp at the top and bottom of the vessel are smooth and clean. The rivets holding the handle bail and cork chain are smooth and did not leak at any time during the 5 boil tests. Manipulation of the Kelly Kettle over an open fire is an important aspect to learn for safe and efficient use. The handle bail naturally places the holding hand over the top vent of the chimney. Placing the Kettle over the flame for the first boil resulted in all the little hairs on the fingers being melted off. An appreciable amount of heat is essentially directed up through the chimney and remarkably focused on the fingers. This resulted in a very rapid re-understanding of the laws of thermodynamics. The handle bail needs to be held at a 90 degree angle to the Kettle to prevent such catastrophic removal of finger hairs.

Indoor Use Impressions:

The Kelly Kettle is a unique boiling device, with appeal as the light weight package (a bit over a pound) allows brew ups without carrying fuel, stove, pans etc. It is possible that the boiling times using a wood fire will be appreciably different as the fire pan and/or the turbulent nature of a wood fire may change the heat transfer properties. On a further note, the eclectic nature of the device is also personally appealing.

The Kelly Kettle Fuel; After an extensive walk, the Kelly Kettle was filled with cold water from a small creek. Western Red Cedar was picked up from the forest floor as fuel, we made small shavings, and a couple of fuzz clumps from the wood and Bark. Then the tinder was ignited with a stick match. After the tinder started burning nicely, the Kelly  Kettle was placed on the fire pan.  Additional small cedar pieces were dropped down the chimney to keep a good flame going.

Vigorous boiling was achieved in about 5-6 minutes. Additional cedar pieces about 3 inches long were dropped down the chimney as needed. The kettle burned fast and hot using this fuel.

Outdoor Use Impressions:

Overall this is a fun and useful boiler. It is lightweight and has the ability to use found fuels; which makes it a very useful day trip kettle, and will take the place of other stoves even on longer trips. The Kelly Kettle, used with moisture reduced food and drinks is a most efficient lightweight product for the backpacker, fisherman and camper. The larger Kelly Kettle 2 and a half pint size (Imperial measure) would be necessary for parties larger than 2 persons.
 
After many months of field use, we have learned that the easy way to start the fire is with fire starter cubes. These are obtained in the Fireplace section of your local supermarket. Cut the bars into 1 inch squares, place them in a zip lock bag and store them inside the chimney of the Kelly Kettle.

To start, place one, or two cubes in the fire pan next to the air vent hole, light with a stick match or a small butane lighter of some kind, through the vent hole. As the cubes start burning, set the pan on a non flammable surface like sand, gravel, rock, any level ground that is not combustible. As the cubes burn hotter, place any small sticks, dry preferred, to get the fire well started. Then add, pine cones, dry grasses, bark or pieces from downed trees. Fill the Kelly Kettle with water and place on the fire pan. Began dropping small fuel down the chimney.

Soon the flame will be coming out the top. Let it burn until you hear the Kelly Kettle start to sound like it's going to boil.

[DO NOT BOIL WITH THE CORK IN]  At this point, place a small rounded rock in the air vent hole in the fire pan, this acts as a damper, just like the one on a wood stove. Keep the water boiling for two minutes. The water in now safe for you to use in your food as well as any drink you may want to make.