From rather a lot of readers I would think there would be murmurings of…”what on earth is a Kelly Kettle, let alone how to use it?” From the other small proportion of readers, there is a probably a murmuring of “Hooray for the Kelly Kettle!” Those particular murmurs might be followed up by taking the thing outside immediately, to strike a match, (just because you can and will use any excuse to use the thing….I understand. Really.)
So how does it work?
It’s a bit like a rocket stove really, (which is wonderful for me, as I’m rather partial to the idea of a built in rocket stove* within the home and being in a rented apartment doesn’t allow much of that kind of building, damn it.)
What does it need?
Twigs and leaves really, and that’s all. It creates a rip roaring fire really easily and doesn’t need much to keep it going.
Is it safe?
Yes. As long as you use your common sense, and remember NOT to leave the plug in when boiling water, it’s a really easy safe contraption to use.
What can I use it for?
Boiling water (pictured here) and also cooking. For camping I think it’s excellent, for out and about I fancy a cup of tea moments it’s great and for city dwelling rocket stove covetting kinda people well… it’s the bees knees.
Far more detailed descriptions can be found on the Kelly Kettle website.
*Google the rocket stoves if you haven’t looked before. Some of the ones that are built within the house are so inspiring, it’s almost breathtaking.
I’ve heard of a Kelly Kettle but never used one or even seen one. They certainly are a great idea and would be an essential for a stint of camping xx
LikeLike
They are such a nifty little contraption. I adore ours.
LikeLike
I just saw my first rocket stove pic recently–those are cool. I would love to build an adobe one for my house.
LikeLike
They really are cool aren’t they. Some of the designs people have done are truly amazing.
LikeLike
Ohhhhhh I love this. I am just imagining the farm tour in winter ….taking people up the top and boiling the kettle with them for a cuppa…..then not leaving unattended coals. Brydie does it take long to cool down once you have used it ,so that when you pack up you can just load it in the jeep?
LikeLike
Kim, it does take a little bit to cool down, I reckon you could rig something up though so you can move it quicker to the jeep. The top bit is easy as it has a handle, it’s the bottom bit with the fire that would take a little longer to cool. You could roast a few marshmallows 🙂
(Earth Garden shop sells them too Kim.)
LikeLike
Thanks , I was wondering where to get it from . Great idea about the marshmallows too !
LikeLike
The ability to make a good cup of tea wherever you are is an ability not to be sniffed at (unlike a good cup of tea which should be sniffed, with your eyes closed, both hands united in caressing the mug and inhaled deeply for as many times as you need to return sanity to your world at any given time…) and thus, a Kelly Kettle should be something that each Aussie family is given once a year by the government of the time. Er…I seriously doubt that our government at the moment is going to give us anything, let alone a Kelly Kettle but it’s a great idea so I am putting it out there (for all of the governmental ministers that are reading this excellent blog post 😉 ).
LikeLike
Excellent idea Narf, although like you I’m not sure on the generosity of our government in sending them out to everyone. Hey we can hope.
LikeLike
Time for a petition… 😉
LikeLike
Well I am a country girl and I have never heard of these. What a great idea. I’m off to check out the site. Thanks Brydie xo
LikeLike
Julie Earth Garden sell them too, that’s where I bought this one.
LikeLike
well I never… you’ve opened my eyes and methinks I NEEEED one of these.
LikeLike
Girl, how do you NOT have one of these already for all your camping?!
Earth Garden shop hippity hop 🙂
LikeLike
We use something similar that has a billy type thing on top (can’t remember what it’s called) and we LOVE it. Making and drinking Turkish coffee in the paddock for morning or afternoon tea has never been such fun or so easy. xx
LikeLike
I was so excited seeing yours Kate! That was the first time I had seen anyone else use something similar. Me in my courtyard, you in your paddock 🙂
LikeLike
May I have a cup of Kelly Kettle please, black with a (literal) drop of milk please.
LikeLike
Done Rose. Tea is ready!
LikeLike
Love it Brydie! A girl can never have enough good quality outdoor gear 🙂
LikeLike
Totally agree Jane.
LikeLike
that’s quite brilliant! Thanks for the info 🙂
LikeLike
Looks like a neat little contraption….super cute name, too!
LikeLike
Oh I want one… Don’t know when I would use it, but I want one. LOL!
LikeLike
Goodness. I definitely fall into the fitst category of people…they look a nifty device, and can think of some people who would love one of these!
LikeLike
I’ve always wanted one of these for the allotment! Ooooh 🙂
LikeLike
Back in my girl scout days- absolute decades ago- I had a homemade contraption made out of a coffee can and an old coffee pot. It was called a billy burner and not so good looking- but it served the same purpose and my sister and I used it down by the creek to make many cups of tea. Thanks for the new version and the kickstart to many memories, Brydie!
LikeLike