How to light a Kelly Kettle

Kelly Kettles are one of the best portable methods of boiling water for a group without a gas stove. Using small twigs and ingenious design, volcano kettles are fantastic pieces of kit for boiling water fast. However, they can be tricky to light, in this video, I cover two different ways to light your Kelly Kettle effectively and consistently.
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Пікірлер: 61

  • @icanary64
    @icanary64Ай бұрын

    Best tutorial on lighting the kelly kettle I've seen.

  • @BrackenOutdoors

    @BrackenOutdoors

    Ай бұрын

    Thank you, they are tricksy things to light.

  • @edphillips5952
    @edphillips595221 күн бұрын

    Thank you Bracken really helpful and straightforward with an easy explanation

  • @BrackenOutdoors

    @BrackenOutdoors

    19 күн бұрын

    Glad it was helpful!

  • @ensignj3242
    @ensignj32425 ай бұрын

    You are the first reviewer who knew how to properly light this kettle. Well done. It irritates me when a reviewer doesn’t read how to properly operate a tool.

  • @BrackenOutdoors

    @BrackenOutdoors

    4 ай бұрын

    Thank you, I get the feeling a lot of reviewers have barely even used the equipment before they review it. I aim to get at least a years use of something so I can properly review how it performs long-term and have a better understanding of its strengths and weaknesses

  • @AdventUK
    @AdventUK7 ай бұрын

    A friend of mine we met up in Yorkshire to go Metal Detecting.. Tim is joiner by trade so has plentifull access to wood shavings from working with a plane, and also pieces of timber cut into about 2 two inch long by half an inch wide. Getting his Kelly Kettle going was simple enough and a hot brew was in my hands in no time at all.

  • @BrackenOutdoors

    @BrackenOutdoors

    7 ай бұрын

    Great use of a waste stream there! I do often wonder whether I should be putting down a tarp to catch the woodchips whenever I teach wood carving.

  • @terencewilkinson961
    @terencewilkinson9613 ай бұрын

    The kelly kettles now have a whistling bung which seals the water in but allows the steam to escape and as a result boils even faster and keeps the bung from dangling all over the place.. also alerts you when water has boiled. Great video.

  • @BrackenOutdoors

    @BrackenOutdoors

    3 ай бұрын

    Definitely a design improvement, however because I have both types of bung in my kit and people will encounter older kettles I keep it simple and recommend that the people on my session don't use it.

  • @Citizen-pg8eu
    @Citizen-pg8eu7 ай бұрын

    Very helpful. The stuff method! I never would have thought of that!

  • @redpillnibbler4423
    @redpillnibbler44237 ай бұрын

    I make mine into a non-tend stove by making a wigwam of kindling sticks in the base held together with jute twine so it keeps its shape,then put the stove top on and pre-load it with several sticks higher than the top. Now when you light it you can just walk away - no need to tend it.👍

  • @kristinaviolette5081
    @kristinaviolette50815 ай бұрын

    Valuable information! Thanks for sharing. I have these fire starter but have never tried to use. After watching this I realized I had no idea how to start a fire 🙄

  • @BrackenOutdoors

    @BrackenOutdoors

    5 ай бұрын

    You are welcome, it's a learning experience and everyone starts at the beginning at some point.

  • @MrBigCookieCrumble
    @MrBigCookieCrumble Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for a lovely video, got a kelly kettle (trekker) and tried it out in the garden, was a bit tricky to keep alive but i now realize not only did i use too little fuel, but also too thick pieces, so thank you and love from sweden!

  • @BrackenOutdoors

    @BrackenOutdoors

    Жыл бұрын

    Yes, they are incredibly tricky to get going, I'd say using too little or too large kindling at the start is where 90% of people struggle with firefighting. Happy kettling and thank you for your comment!

  • @redpillnibbler4423

    @redpillnibbler4423

    10 ай бұрын

    Make a wigwam shape in the base using thin split dry kindling - tie the top with jute twine so it holds its shape.Fill the center of the wigwam with tinder (newspaper/firelighter etc)

  • @redpillnibbler4423

    @redpillnibbler4423

    7 ай бұрын

    Mine’s evolved into a non-tend stove by making a wigwam of kindling sticks held together with jute twine so it keeps its shape,put timder in the middle and in the hole opening then put the stove top on and pre-load it with several sticks higher than the top. Now when you light the tinder you can just walk away - no need to tend it.👍

  • @johnseddon2955
    @johnseddon29559 ай бұрын

    Thank you for these 2 methods and the reasoning ‘ details behind them. I particularly liked method 1 as it looks really effective - perhaps especially in adverse conditions (windy and rainy). I would never have thought if it by myself. I find lighting the Kelly kettle difficult and will try this out. Thank you so much

  • @BrackenOutdoors

    @BrackenOutdoors

    9 ай бұрын

    Great that you found this video helpful and thank you for the comment. Good luck with the Kelly!

  • @ocsapy
    @ocsapy6 ай бұрын

    That is a neat way to start 😎 never seen it done that way before ... I have ordered one so can't wait ... THANKS

  • @BrackenOutdoors

    @BrackenOutdoors

    6 ай бұрын

    Let me know how you get on, they can be tricky beasts

  • @ocsapy

    @ocsapy

    6 ай бұрын

    Wow Hot Water in Super Quick Time 1.5ltrs ... 1st burn the traditional way filling the fire box can take some time preparing the right size kindling ... so long as your not in a rush no sweat ... But tried your way once fully cooled down by filling the chimney "SO MUCH QUICKER" and any size wood that fits in the chimney so much quicker all round ... also cooked some chicken on a small carbon pan surprised how little wood you need ... Great Piece of Kit will be used when Canoe Camping ... 👍😎👍

  • @BrackenOutdoors

    @BrackenOutdoors

    5 ай бұрын

    @@ocsapy Great to hear, they are very efficient and will take less than ideal fuel once they get going.

  • @mrwes100
    @mrwes1004 ай бұрын

    Great technique.

  • @BrackenOutdoors

    @BrackenOutdoors

    4 ай бұрын

    Thank you!

  • @Oldsparkey
    @Oldsparkey5 ай бұрын

    I carry two small containers with me to light wet wood. One container has Potassium Manganate and the other Glycerin. To start a campfire that does not want to start with a ferro rod. I put down some of the Potassium Manganate ( Not a lot ) and when I'm ready for the fire I add a little Glycerin to it very carefully and the chemical reaction starts a blaze in 20 to 30 seconds. The two containers are sealed and carried in separate parts of my pack.

  • @BrackenOutdoors

    @BrackenOutdoors

    5 ай бұрын

    Yep, a very effective firelighting tool to have in your arsenal. Great when you need to get a fire going no matter what.

  • @kenhutchinson9947
    @kenhutchinson99479 ай бұрын

    Been using a large kelly kettle as well as a small mkettle. Love them both. Quite amazing how fast they are, and how little wood they consume. I normally just use a diy firestarter, or a shot of alcohol to light them, both of which work well. But i really like your log cabin base method. I'll incorporate that into what i do. Thanks for posting, great video.

  • @BrackenOutdoors

    @BrackenOutdoors

    9 ай бұрын

    I have been seriously tempted by the Mkettle, I may just have to give in and get one to have a play. A good firestarter really does help get things going well and I do keep a few as back up if I really need to get it on fast. Thank you for your kind words and happy hot brews!

  • @redpillnibbler4423

    @redpillnibbler4423

    7 ай бұрын

    Mine’s evolved into a non-tend stove by making a wigwam of kindling sticks held together with jute twine so it keeps its shape,then put the stove top on and pre-load it with several sticks higher than the top. Now when you light it you can just walk away - no need to tend it.👍

  • @BrackenOutdoors

    @BrackenOutdoors

    7 ай бұрын

    @@redpillnibbler4423 that makes a whole lot of sense, I'll be giving that a go at the next opportunity I have.

  • @npsmediasolutions
    @npsmediasolutions9 ай бұрын

    Thank you for your video very informed now :)

  • @BrackenOutdoors

    @BrackenOutdoors

    9 ай бұрын

    You are welcome, always happy to have helped.

  • @OsmanKErol
    @OsmanKErol10 ай бұрын

    You can well hang the cap over the pouring orifice. By doing so you will protect it from touching dirty ground. Simply slide the cahin over the pouring orifice.

  • @BrackenOutdoors

    @BrackenOutdoors

    9 ай бұрын

    That's a neat tip, I presume you mean it hangs off the spout.

  • @OsmanKErol

    @OsmanKErol

    9 ай бұрын

    @@BrackenOutdoors Yes. The spout keeps the chain in place. Pay attentiın to the kettle 's handle in order not to interfere with the chain

  • @BrackenOutdoors

    @BrackenOutdoors

    9 ай бұрын

    @@OsmanKErol Makes sense, thanks for the tip.

  • @michaeldavidson1146
    @michaeldavidson1146 Жыл бұрын

    Really enjoyed your video...Best to you.

  • @BrackenOutdoors

    @BrackenOutdoors

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks Michael, it's good to know that you enjoyed watching.

  • @tomdonaghy8757
    @tomdonaghy87579 ай бұрын

    Well done, sir! I am intuitively using method#2, works well. Seems you have used a lot more fuel than needed to get to a boil….the big takeaway is to get your fuel sized and organized before setting fire to it. Nice work, happy camping!

  • @BrackenOutdoors

    @BrackenOutdoors

    9 ай бұрын

    Thank you. I think I tend to overpack with fuel as a habit as I generally do more than one boil with the group sizes that I work with, that way I ensure a good supply of embers for the next load of water.

  • @redpillnibbler4423

    @redpillnibbler4423

    7 ай бұрын

    Mines evolved into a non-tend super frugal stove by making a wigwam of kindling sticks held together with jute twine so it keeps its shape,then put the stove top on and pre-load it with several sticks higher than the top. Now when you light it you can just walk away - no need to tend it.👍

  • @oscar38
    @oscar38 Жыл бұрын

    Interesting method. Packing the chimney before you light the base. I'll have to try that. I've found that a hollowed out piece of elder, or a 6" long sml diameter tube to blow through directed through the base hole really helps if your fire is struggling.

  • @BrackenOutdoors

    @BrackenOutdoors

    Жыл бұрын

    That's a good tip, it can a pretty delicate balance between airflow and the amount of fuel. If the base is too crowded it can restrict the airflow, I would imagine that adding oxygen directly would really help things along.

  • @redpillnibbler4423

    @redpillnibbler4423

    10 ай бұрын

    Even slightly damp kindling makes it much harder to get going,especially of there’s no wind.A pocket bellows is invaluable in these conditions.

  • @redpillnibbler4423

    @redpillnibbler4423

    7 ай бұрын

    Mine’s evolved into a non-tend stove by making a wigwam of kindling sticks held together with jute twine so it keeps its shape,put tinder under the wigwam and in the hole opening,then put the stove top on and pre-load it with several dry straightish sticks higher than the top. Now when you light it you can just walk away - no need to tend it.👍

  • @peetsnort
    @peetsnort11 ай бұрын

    Slowly. Then little bits often till roaring. People forget the water is a massive heat sink initially

  • @BrackenOutdoors

    @BrackenOutdoors

    10 ай бұрын

    That makes sense it being a heat sink, I had not thought of it that way. Once it gets going it's pretty easy to keep it going.

  • @GeorgeAdventure101
    @GeorgeAdventure1017 ай бұрын

    Looks great 😍 I'm waiting a good deals for kelly kettle base camp kit. I can't wait to order my kit😭

  • @BrackenOutdoors

    @BrackenOutdoors

    7 ай бұрын

    It's about the right time of year, look out for sales around Christmas.

  • @GeorgeAdventure101

    @GeorgeAdventure101

    7 ай бұрын

    @@BrackenOutdoors Thanks for the tip👍👍👍

  • @BrackenOutdoors

    @BrackenOutdoors

    6 ай бұрын

    Just spotted that Kelly Kettle are doing 10% off and free shipping for the rest of the month of November. Hope this helps.

  • @tommiller9743
    @tommiller97438 ай бұрын

    How did you get the outside of the kettle so stained... are you allowing flames to go on the outside, too?

  • @BrackenOutdoors

    @BrackenOutdoors

    8 ай бұрын

    Sometimes errant branches mean that there isn't a perfect seal between the kettle and the base, I have also in a pinch used these on top of open fires (not recommended).

  • @user-bt6py7zl4c
    @user-bt6py7zl4c2 ай бұрын

    Does anyone know would it be okay to use charcoal briquette for kindling

  • @BrackenOutdoors

    @BrackenOutdoors

    2 ай бұрын

    There is no major reason why you shouldn't be able to. Charcoal would just take quite a bit more time to get going and last longer after the water is boiled. So unless you are looking to boil the kettle multiple times in a row, I would personally go for something else.

  • @jeffschuler5659

    @jeffschuler5659

    2 ай бұрын

    Try Lump coal for a quick/hot start.

  • @Pwecko
    @Pwecko3 ай бұрын

    The first method was terrible. It blocks the chimney and creates lots of smoke.

  • @BrackenOutdoors

    @BrackenOutdoors

    3 ай бұрын

    Yes, the stuff method will kick out a lot of smoke as it gets going. If you are having trouble with airflow, I'd recommend trying thinner, springier branches (birch is perfect) which will help keep it all in but allow space for airflow and hopefully less smoke.