Outdoor Cooking Kettles
From LoveToKnow Camping
Outdoor cooking kettles are an essential part of the camping and outdoor cooking experience. Though there are certainly many useful outdoor cooking utensils, a good kettle could be one of the most important cooking items you purchase. Grills and outdoor cooking stoves are wonderful items, but without an outdoor kettle you will not be able to boil water. You'll need boiling water to make coffee, tea and hot chocolate. You will definitely appreciate having a kettle in your camping gear, especially in the mornings, when boiled water is the bread and butter of a wonderful breakfast at the campsite.
Things to Consider About Outdoor Cooking Kettles
When deciding which kettle to purchase you must consider a few things, including:
- The size of the kettle:
- You must remember to take into account not only how large the kettle is, but how much it weighs. Car camping, RV camping, and walk-in camping is ideal for kettles. However, if you are going deep into the backcountry you might want to use a pot instead of carrying a heavy kettle. Make sure the kettle fits well with the size of your cooking stove. It’s often best to purchase cooking sets. Sets will include all the pots, pans, and kettles that you will need to cook a delicious outdoor meal. One liter is usually sufficient, but two and three liter kettles are better for large groups of people. Just remember that the more water in the kettle, the longer it takes to boil.
- The material the kettle is made from:
- Kettles for outdoor cooking come in a variety of materials. Metal camping cookware is designed for durability and outdoor performance. Aluminum and stainless steel are the two most common types of kettles. The price is about the same. Titanium and cast iron are other options. Cast iron is the heaviest material, and is therefore not ideal for backpacking. However, cast iron is very durable and great for the RV. Packing light will enable you to move faster and cover more area, so make sure that your kettle will not hold you back. A good kettle specially designed for outdoor cooking should cost between five and 15 dollars, depending on the size and the manufacturer. Purchasing cooking sets might save you some money, instead of buying a kettle separately.
Where to Purchase Cooking Kettles
Make sure that you purchase a kettle that is specially made for the outdoors. The best place to find durable cooking kettles designed for outside cooking is a camping outfitter store. Choosing a kettle that was made for outdoor cooking will ensure that your kettle will stand up to any weather conditions. Coleman is a very popular maker of cooking kettles designed for camping. Camping outfitters that sell great kettles for outdoor cooking include:
Tips to Remember when Using the Kettle
There are some things you might want to keep in mind when using the outdoor cooking kettle. For your own safety, and the safety of those around you, please make sure you know how to safely use the kettle in an outdoor environment. This is not the same as cooking tea in your kitchen. You must take into account the weather conditions, such as wind and precipitation. Make sure you practice using the outdoor kettle in an outdoor environment. Here are a few things you should keep in mind:
- Never place the kettle over a fire without water in it.
- Definitely do not pour water into the kettle after placing it on the fire. This will burn a hole in the kettle. Put the water in first and then carefully place it over the fire.
- Try not to situate the kettle over any stove or outdoor cooking device that is placed on snow or frozen ground.
Learn More
This page has been accessed 1,395 times. This page was last modified 01:10, 2 January 2009.
© 2006-2009 LoveToKnow Corp.
Visit us on facebook