Wish i hadn't put it off - Kelly Kettle Aluminum Scout

I've considered getting a Kelly Kettle for about 40 years but always talked myself out of it. I have lots of ways to heat water and am not that fond of smelling like smoke or even campfires, as most of my camping is in hot weather. I finally broke down when we bought a seasonal home further north and I could no longer resist the siren call of all the positive reviews. Glad I did. I've used it about ten times over the last two weeks and have enjoyed it immensely. It heats quickly, with very little smoke (depending in your fuel source) and looks like it will last forever. Buy the medium. I thought I was buying the small but must have clicked the wrong picture and they sent the medium. The extra volume is well worth it for the few extra ounces it weighs. The medium allows you to make a whole pot of tea while making enough extra hot water to heat your pot first and start your wash up water. Please note the aluminum kettle comes with a stainless burner, I did not know that and was pleasantly surprised. I had read a review somewhere where the reviewer had stated his had leaked from the seam. I think what he was hearing was water that may have been on the kettle from filling running down and sizzling at the kettle/stove interface. The seam is rolled very nicely and does not leak. Do not use almost dry grass, it smokes and makes a sticky mess in the flue. Cedar is nice, I'm using camphor now. One problem here in Florida is all the blown down twigs have lichen on them and they burn fine but do make more smoke than clean dry wood. One final tip: keep a few pieces of rolled up paper/cardboard to hand in case your fire almost goes out before you water boils. Toss those in there and you can push the water that last little bit you need.

This review was written in the old system and had content requirements that are different than reviews written today.