One tip, if I may please. When using any version of the many twig fed stoves available, carry a pair of garden secateurs. It's loads easier and quicker to cut and prep the fuel to light and feed the fire in the base. Especially if you're trying to burn gorse or thorn if that's the best available fuel. Cheers, Chris, from Cornwall, UK.
I have a Ghillio kettle and I endorse this message. Found this out on my trip out. I ended up carrying firestarter instead because it was quicker and drier.
I had to look up secateurs, though I guessed correctly from the context. I often carry pruners with me when hunting because every time I find a good tree to sit down against, there is always some sprouts growing right where I want to sit, or some brush my gun barrel would hit against.
Great review, thanks! One potential safety improvement might be to anodize the cap bright red, so it's clearly visible when setting up the kettle for heating. At the moment it 'blends in' with the spout a little too well... That might also help to find it later, when it inevitably rolls off the table and into the sticks and leaves on the forest floor (where every treasured camping tool disappears!) :)
Some red paint would do the trick. It won't be used on the fire, so the paint doesn't even have to be heat proof. Nail varnish would probably also work (any old cheap brand), and has a built-in brush. Plenty to touch up if some wears off.
Mark, Thanks very much for this review. With the earthquake we just recently had in nearby Ishikawa prefecture, and very tough living conditions they are experiencing, I have been updating my emergency kit....and the Petromax is going to be part of that. It should arrive tomorrow.
Great detailed video review. Thank you. Yes, those features of silicone prtected pouring handles, raised fire bowl with integral legs and the possibility of storing and carrying water already inside, are game changers. I have never owned a storm kettle, and use a variety of twig and other fuel type stoves for my trips. The fact this is stainless, over aluminium is also a huge plus for me. The only thing I would like to see on this for extra safety awareness for 'newbies' is to have the screw cap in fluorescent orange with a 'Remove Before Use' tag, permanently attatched. I am sure that could easily be done by bonding a flag to that lid. Then, there would be so little chance of anyone forgetting to remove it. If I buy one, I will certainly modify it that way for my own satisfaction and the safety of anyone who might borrow it. Overall, its a big improvement on the other basic storm kettles I have seen.
Hi Mark, nice review👍I've had my Petromax FK1 (500 ml) for about 2 years now and love it to bits. Boils the water damn quickly and uses minimal fuel. The 3 feet on the base are a real gamechanger to keep the fire bowl off the ground and the butterfly handles on the side certainly make it easy to pour and keep the hands well away from the top of the flue so you don't burn your pinkies.. This latest model looks really good. I was originally going to get a Kelly Kettle but when I contacted them directly they said they had problems shipping to Malaysia so I managed to source my FK1 ...from an an outdoor shop in Thailand ! I've never been fussed about not having Kellyesque attachments like the hobo stove as I can take my Trangia and Firebox Nano to cook with. As a pure water boiler for tea/ coffee and rehydrated meals, these storm kettles are hard to beat. ATVB from a warm and very wet Malaysia🇲🇾
The Kelly Kettle might be easier to handle in one sense: the handles on the Petromax are probably too small to get a large gloved hand through. Increasing the size of the bails might be something that Petromax would consider. Kelly Kettle only makes two base sizes. The Base Camp and Scout use the same size (I have all three). Btw: I prefer the Scout to the Trekker model: the larger fire bowl and slightly larger diameter, which allow for greater volume inside of the water jacket, make it more useful and efficient. The larger diameter is the only drawback beside a few ounces. I do carry it on shorter hikes. I call it my backcountry microwave and my wood-fired Jetboil. Using it completely goes against my ultralight mantra, but I dabble in bushcraft as well. Thank you for another thought provoking video.
Since I've been looking at Kelly Kettles (about 2 years) the one thing that has bugged me is their lack of folding handles like these. In this video, your hand/four fingers look like they're a little cramped for space within the handle, as it appears the opening could been made "taller". I do like the wire pan adapter for the top and the wire feet on the burn pan... this gives the unit a wider stance so, hopefully, it's more stable. The one drawback of the wire feet is that the burn pan is not leak-proof... as in you can't put alcohol directly into the burn pan ,as you can with a Kelly Kettle. And the ability to carry water inside is a big bonus. All of these improvements are something Kelly Kettle dropped the ball on and basically invited competitors to make a better design. There's a video here on YT where a gent puts denatured alcohol into the burn pan of a trekker and brings the .6L of water to a boil in less than 3 minutes, fifteen seconds, which is really fast for an "alcohol stove." Another video shows the boil time @ 2:56. Here are links: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-6ursdlAOnnw.html&pp=ygUUYWxjb2hvbCBrZWxseSBrZXR0bGU%3D ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-4cxvtF63tKw.html&ab_channel=sitdwnandhngon
I have tried a number of ways to use alcohol with my Trekker except directly in the fire bowl. Will have to give this a try. The folding handles have more room than it looks like on the video. I have used it with winter gloves with no issues. Thanks for commenting
@@MarkYoungBushcraft Thanks, Mark. I think this Petromax is the one I will get when they're back in stock at Lehman's Hardware. The video I was referring to is here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-6ursdlAOnnw.html&pp=ygUUYWxjb2hvbCBrZWxseSBrZXR0bGU%3D
I have the whistling silicone cap on my Kelley Kettle and it’s easy to take off without upsetting the kettle. I don’t think the screw-on whistle is well thought out though, it doesn’t keep water in so the threads are unnecessary and who wants to unscrew a metal cap that has steam coming through it?
I still think the New Zealand thermette is a better design, fire ring on the bottom, cooking ring on the top so you can cook and boil water at the same time. Ok, no cap, but at least it won't explode like that one will if you forget to take the cap off.
I'm old and very weak so I'd rather have a Kelly kettle instead of of one with folding side handles cause I'd be afraid that I would burn my knuckles on the side of the kettle and drop the kettle and spill boiling water on myself or drop it on the side of the fire pan and send hot coals onto myself.
Doesn't seem to pour very well. Would have thought they would have had to incorporate a safety valve in that screw on cap. Pressure vessels require safety valves normally.
It pours pretty much the same as other storm kettles. The water was still bubbling as I poured and I was trying not to pour fast and have it spatter. Since the kettle is not designed to be operated with the screw on cap I don't see it as an issue. Making sure it is removed is the same as using the plugs provided by the other storm kettle makers. Having said that, screwing on the whistle could be an issue trying to get off once the water boils. I just set mine over the spout to make it easy to get off. Thanks for commenting
If that cap is not fail safe it is for sure an issue, a huge issue!! And even if it is, the threads are still there for something else to be screwed on. Should not be threads, use a cork. ITS A BOMB!
I like the threaded cap, Kelly used to use a cork that could turn it into a bomb as well. It is sad that things have to be made for the dimmest people , they should not even make a fire. Cool improvements over the Kelly, but until I wear my base camp out I won't rush out to buy this. For a.first purchase I would definitely consider this one, great review.
@@craigbutler623 Yup, and so a smart guy like you (not dim like so many of us) leaves it unattended with the spout capped. Then your kid, wife, or whoever lights a fire in it while you are not standing guard over it. That's only one scenario. Funny, smart guys like you are exactly the reason why we have product safety laws. If this was designed to be used in a kitchen as a stovetop kettle, or as a plug in for that matter, its sale would be banned from sale. Never make it to market.
Extra space in the bag can easily be for cooking utensils, and more dehydrated meals all in 1 bag. Silicone handles are becoming the norm. Unique design.
I had to pause at 3:44, I love the idea of a screw on lid, not just for carrying water in it without spilling but on a cool/cold night after water is heated and off the fire screw the cap on and it would make a nice sleeping bag warmer
This kettle is interesting, thanks for the introduction, Mark. To boil 750 ml of water, you only need a small handful of dry wood, which is very economical. I store chip and wax firelighters in the chimney of the kettle, along with a newspaper plug, which can also be used to start a larger fire. With just one or two firelighters, you can boil 1 liter of water. I suggest cutting the wood no longer than the diameter of the fire bowl. This way, you can take the kettle and put it down without having to put back branches that are too long and fall in all directions. It's much more practical 🙂
Good suggestions. I find longer thin sticks allow the flame to climb resulting in a faster boil but as you say, if when I Iift the kettle form the base, the sticks can fall out. Thanks for commenting
Have you ever tried using solid fuel or an alcohol stove with a storm kettle? If so what were the results? It occurs to me that you could store a fire kit inside the kettle if you don't mind a little soot.
Yes, I have tried a number of alternative fuels with my original KK and have been planing on making a video for them. I will push it up on my work list. Thanks for commenting
Sorry, but watching you hold it by the handles, your knuckles are touching the kettle. I would rather have my hand further away. I’ll keep my Kelly kettle 5:58
Thanks for the video review Mark. I have the Kelley Trekker which I love, but think the improvements on this one make it better. Those handles on the side are great and those legs on the base fire bowl are a really good idea. Now I just want one to come out in titanium!
I have had the KellyKettle for about 15 years and I love it. When we are two or more it is a wonder for warm water and cooking. Have the assessories too. Love the video! The stand is amazing though. I think the bail handle and the chain is better though.
Petromax has really improved the classic version of this kettle. I bought the original, read the instructions and the warning about the cork, and put the pot away for a while. Naturally, I scalded my hands the first time I fired the pot up. The whistle top is a great thing. So are the legs on the bottom. The whole thing is now a useful bit of kit.
Nice. Although I already have 2 Kelly Kettle. Prefer the KK whistling plug, since don’t have to unscrew it, just pull it off. As for the carry screw cap, I found a rubber butterfly wing nut that plugs the opening.
I have been looking for an expansion plug to try in my KK and Ghillie. I agree about screwing off the whistle so I just lay it on the spout. Still works. Thanks for commenting
Why does every single storm kettle NOT have a hole in the cap/plug? Even the famous kelly kettle only within the past few years have finally put a whistle stopper in them. (They even changed that out on the older aluminum version that everyone fears because they don't understand that andonized metal means food safe).
this thing looks awesome. After seeing your review of the Ghillie kettle I attempted to order one, directly from their site. Unfortunately it was one of the worst customer experiences I've ever had. after multiple emails over the course of multiple months, the only responses I got were "i'm on holiday, I'll figure it out next week". I ended up needing to get my bank to reverse the charges as I'm not wealthy enough to ignore 200 dollars down the drain. Perhaps it was a good thing that happened, as now I could spring for one of these if it seems like a true improvement. especially if the customer service is better than Ghillie.
Another fine review. Those handle certainly are good. The screw on cap, that's a worry. Is the spout diameter small than the competitors? When you poured it didn't appear to pour smoothly. Also those base legs appear to do a great job providing just enough clearance from the ground, stable too. Thank you for your continued dedication in providing comprehensive reviews.
The diameter of the spout is a tiny bit smaller than the KK; however, it was not the issue when I poured the water. The water was still actively bubbling as I poured and I was trying not splash my meal out of the bowl. It works the same with the other storm kettles. Thanks for commenting
Looks like a cool version....apart from the cap😂. I have a good old Kelly and the whole concept is excellent. Drinking from still pool not a great idea though. Even if you are boiling it.
These are called Thermetes or Bengazi boilers in NZ,Troops were sent out to battle Fritz in North Africa in WW11 and NZ road workers have used them since the 1930s.Theres probably no patent on them because of their simplicity.
I liked the stand for fire pot. Handy. Dont look real sturdy or long lasting, but great idea. I like the cap.. with most anything, person must use common sense!! Safty 1st, shouldn't be problem at all
It's huge! Not something i would ever carry in by foot. If i was going in with some type of vehicle, i would choose something with far more versatility. Highly specialized cookware, for me, is reserved for the kitchen and not for camping.
Fingers crossed one day you can test, better still compare & contrast test, the two 500ml UK variants, each £60. One is the "mKettle SAS" and the other the "Desert Storm DS Kettle". Perhaps reach out to them? 1000ml and 750ml are great sizes, but for two mugs of tea the 500ml are beautiful.
This type of water boiler was invented in New Zealand and called thermette, Was nicknamed Benghazi boiler by nz troupes in WW2 Often was used with oil ( used ) soaked rag in desert 🐪
Just ordered the 1.5l version. The cap doesn't worry me to speak of, as the threads are a shallow roll form rather than machined. Has the Kelly kettle and others beat, hands down.
One would like to think most adults have basic intelligence and enough sense not to leave the cap screwed tight while boiling it! If that is going to put them at risk, perhaps they should not be making a fire cause they might “forget to put it out” and burn the forest down!!
They should make it be a pop-on cap instead of threaded. That way it will pop off if pressure builds. Would also be good if there was some insulation on the exterior of it.
I see you like the handle, but I have a concern with it…it is too close to the unit, possibly making a burn issue for your fingers or hands. The other features look nice, though.
So, the handle looks close but it isn't. I have room for my hand with gloves on and still have clearance to the side of the kettle. Thanks for commenting
well... in Russia, this is called a samovar... it is best to drown with fir cones. I wonder when petromax will come up with an analogue of the boot that was used to fan the fire in Russian villages?
You taking the water directly from the lake without filtering it. Is there no need to because you’re going to boil the water? Thank you for your videos.
Very nice design Kettle. I have one from a different brand and really like these type kettles, though to be honest, I rarely use it. They are very fast at boiling water that is for sure.
Most excellent review. 😎 Now I need a new kettle. You mentioned about screwing the lid back on to a kettle of hot water. My advice would be to never screw the lid down tight whilst the kettle and water is warm. As the water cools and shrinks, it'll pull a vacuum that'll make the lid almost impossible to get off again. Same goes for screwing a hot lid on to a cold kettle. I would also advise to never
Very good presentation. First time on your channel. I had no idea that these existed, but as I watched this with my wife, when you mentioned 'rocket stove' I said "watch this, it won't take long to make that hot water!". Interesting one, thanks for posting.
Absolutely love your review. So far I prefer alcohol stoves, mainly because they are silent and do not produce smoke or smell, but this one is worth a try! Greetings from the deep woods of 🌲🌲🇩🇪🌲🌲
This model is made of steel, unlike most other brands (as well as some other Petromax models) that are made of aluminium. Aluminium melts at a much lower temperature than steel, and is therefore much more prone to warping. This means this particular model should be much more suitable for cooking on the chimney, even without water inside. I say "should" because although I own one, I haven't used it enough to confirm this yet. Still, it should be much more durable (albeit heavier). Steel, even stainless, is however prone to rusting, especially since soot turns caustic when combined with water. So either store it bone dry (comes with the burning) or spotlessly clean (nearly impossible), but never ever wet whilst full of ash. (please correct me if I'm wrong on this)
I wish I knew about this version when I was looking for a larger kettle. I have an MKettle which is great fun to use on day hikes and much lighter than any of the larger kettles. The handles and screw top lift this storm kettle to the top of the list in my opinion. Thanks for the great review.
@@MarkYoungBushcraftI liked this review so much that I purchased one last week. I really like storm kettles and this one has very practical features. I missed my chance to buy a Back Country Boiler. It was even lighter than the MKettle.
I have something similar and it works well. However, after use, it stinks from the tars that condense on the inside of the fire cone. I can’t carry it inside the car because of this. This might only be an issue with the eucalyptus wood available in Australia.
Here, it is burning softwoods like pine and spruce that causes the tar and creosote buildup. I find a hot fire with hardwoods like maple or oak help burn off the build up. Last resort is to use an oven cleaner like Easy-Off. Hope this helps
@@MarkYoungBushcraft Thanks Mark. I may have to try oven cleaner. Finding softwoods in the Australian bush is a bit like finding rocking horse manure. Pretty much all native Australian trees are hardwoods. (Some are so bloody hard, you can’t drive a nail into them unless you pre-drill and then grease the nails.)
Apart from the "Screw" cap these Kettles are the best way to heat Water and ideal for filling hot water bottles to stick in a sleeping bag! I would Guess the Petromax costs quite a lot more than the Kelly? That said I think the folding handles, the bigger diameter firebowl and the folding legs make for a good contender! Do they make the equivalent size to Kelly's basecamp do You know? Very impressed though I must say 👍 nb just seen the link You have attached and yes they do make a 1.5 ltr and not much more costly 👍
I have carried jet boils or small solo style twig burners and a cub or pan for years. I have not seen that tyle of jet stove twig burner with water container all in one before . Never heard of kelly stove either. I do most of my camping VA,NC,TN areas. is that a northern/canadian design? Looks awesome. thanks
To the best of my knowledge, this style of storm kettle originated in the UK. I own two form the Irish company Kelly Kettle, one from the English company Ghillie Kettle and this one made in Germany. Thanks for commenting
Only the water chamber needs to be cleaned and then only if you put dirty water in it. The fire chamber does not get cleaned and does not come in contact with anything. Thanks for commenting
Mark the Kelly Kettle Scout hobo stove attachment is the same size as the base camp hobo stove attachment. Enjoy your videos and reviews. Appreciate your time sir 😊
After watching the first 4 minutes this morning, I stopped the video and ordered one from Lehman's. I'm going to try it with my Trangia and Swedish Army Svea alcohol burners for indoor emergency use. They might even work out doors with the burners. Double stacking looks interesting as well. Thanks! 😁
G'day Mark, looks to be very well made, I like a whistler too. Great that it can carry water around, though a bit of a beast to carry on the trail IMO. Something I'd use car camping, I reckon. Obviously you cant cook inside it like a pot; .... on top I'm sure it'd work well enough, but I wonder if you'd boil it dry in the process ? Also, how would one effectively clean out the water reservoir ? Sure, the heat will deal with a lot of micro-nasties, though for scale perhaps other solid matter, I dont think you'll be getting very far with scourer or bottle brush ; ) I s'pose you could introduce a chemical, even then I like to see that its properly done the business. Hey, I'm cool with a caveman steak for example, but a survival scenario aside, lets just say I'm not a big fan of "unidentified" floaters in my water, ........ there's quite literally, "clean dirt", and then there's ..... "dirty dirt" ; ) Cheers Duke.
Hi Duke. I guess if I was worried about silt and the like building up inside I would start with a filter like a Millbank bag. As you say, heat will kill the nasties. After that, maybe a full rinse. Thanks for commenting
Mark: I always enjoy your videos, as you write from my home province, I miss living there, My youngest sister did in fact move back, so we do have one member of the family who does have some smarts. Ha Ha
Can’t find these in stock anywhere, except eBay Japan. Curious. And I suppose, to protect their distributors, the site in Germany shows the items in stock, and will not ship to North America.
Petromax has a page on their site with dealer sites. I have two site in the video description that might help. Both are in Canada. Thanks for commenting
The idea is that it provides a pot-rest for a second pot or pan. The heat from the chimney is very high so it is best suited to boiling than it is other types of cooking. Hope this helps@@happyhome41
Thanks again for sharing. No reply necessary. The Kelly Kettle Scout has the same fire bowl as the Base Camp model (& accessories), but is shorter (than the BC). I have a hard anodised aluminium mKettle by Ghillie. Carries water too, all very compact. It's 500ml. But the fire bowl is small narrows to the base sharply and is tippy. I've made various additional stabilising supports, much needed. But would recommend it. Good for days out walking or cycling. Thanks again.
I have the exact same Mkettle and have also added extra stabilising legs from titanium tent pegs - which were useless as actual tent pegs, so were kind of free.
I like the handles, nice addition. I have a Kelly Kettle and love it. I can see some of the benefits you mentioned, but I also think the bail for the Kelly is handy. Vast majority of use for me is sitting on the beach making a tea and I prefer to carry mine by the bale handle. I tried it for camping and never did find the fire base or the top to be great for cooking most things. To me, this is a perfect tool for those stormy days fishing. I really don't like the screw on cap and for me, that makes it a no go. While the cork or silicon option for the Kelly Kettle makes it less hand for carrying long distances (which I wouldn't anyway), the risk of the screw cap just isn't worth it for me. I camp with a lot of newer campers and inevitably, someone will accidentally make a bomb.
I'm happy to see you review this kettle , a very good product . Boil fast , no cooked hand like the Kelly and Ghillie ,my only gripe being i have to straighten the base occasionnally . thanks for sharing ! :)
So....Petromax makes from pretty high quality and premium stuff. I fully expect to pass down my Petromax HK500 high pressure brass lantern down to my grandkids and expect they'll be able to pass it along again to theirs. Honestly...it's that well made. This volcano kettle appears to be no exception. Sadly, the incremental improvements don't seem to be significant enough to go grab one on top of the Kelly Kettle and accessories I already own.
The cap is going to need a pressure release valve for the US market...you can see the law suits from a mile away. I suppose it wouldn't be too difficult to install one by yourself. (Or just drill a small hole into it and cover with tape or similar.)
Okay, Its a good idea. I like the handles on the side of the kettle, plus the screw on lid. But what if its been raining for a few days. Cant find any dry wood, or very little. Could you use a Trangia spirit burner ? I am most likely going to get the Kelly Kettle, due to the hobo stove and various other bits of kit you can get with it.
GSI ketalist - smaller yet plenty enough capacity for lunch and a cuppa, wide enough for carrying an alcohol burner like the Evernew titanium or Goshawk mini burner and stand, etc. Much less weight, much less bulk, same results, silicone handles too! 480 grammes (just over 17 oz) with the Evernew burner inside, cups, lighter, spork and cleaning sponge. Easy!
I have the base camp Kelly which i like, but do like the tri-leg fire pot stand on this one. The folding side handle is nice, but it could still be a knuckle burner. Would take getting used to, but not hard. The Kelly bail handle and chain on the other hand can be used two-handed which allows you to hold the kettle with the bail on the side but its tricky. Kelly could fix that so easy with a little redesign, and there are lots of ways they could approach it. Just don't pickup the Kelly off that fire with the bail handle and chimney swinging under your hand. No No No. You will never do again.
When I saw the thumbnail I thought, ug another Kelly kittle nock off. I watched anyway and was surprised, I like it. A update/modernization, addresses the shortcomings of the Kelly etal.
Petromax manufactures a Fire Stand, which is two stainless steel cross bars with various, downwards pointing protrusions *(or legs)* that interlock in an X-shape. The Petromax website is vague as to whether the Fire Stand functions with the Fire Bowl of the Fire Kettle, but my suspicions are that it will fit the 0.75 liter model, but perhaps not the 1.5 liter model.
