Has anyone who has used the Swiss Ranger Volcano Stove also used a Kelly Kettle/Ghillie Kettle/Bengahzi Boiler/Thermette?



I'm wondering how the volcano stove and a Kelly Kettle type stove compare.

HJ

A Buddy & I did a comparison of the 2 a few yrs ago.He had a 2-Liter Kelly Kettle,& I the Volcano.His was Whistling when Mine was just starting to bubble at about 3 minutes,Both of us were using 1/2 liter of water,with Oak tree trash for fire in mine,& Pellets for his.About 2 minutes later mine,Was on a Rolling Boil.I paid $20 bucks for 2 Volcano stoves-(New) His cost was around $140-(New)! I still have Mine,His got Stolen,Along with his Duluth Pack,& All his Patagonia clothing/Wiggy Gear in Yosemite,2 yrs ago!

I was kind of wondering if the Kelly Kettle type might be faster. The design seems like it would create such a good chimney effect, and having the heat go all the way up the length of the water vessel seems more efficient. I'm sorry your friend's got stolen though.

The price differential seems kinda steep. Are there any decent Kelly Kettle type stoves out there for a reasonable price? I wonder what makes them so expensive and the Swiss volcano stoves so cheap?

HJ

The ones from Ben's Backwoods are a lot cheaper.

Defintely cheaper. Pretty danged heavy though. A pound and a half for a 0.5 L kettle is quite a bit. Intriguing device though...

HJ

It's not for the ultralight set, that's true. I've never seen one but I've been intrigued with them for awhile. It looks like a fast & efficient means of boiling water. The weight is not inconsiderable but if it serves as both stove and vessel it might be worth it.

Not that I'm exactly an ultralighter, but for day hikes I have put together a small but complete kit that weighs about 10 ounces including 2 oz of alcohol fuel. It's nice for soup or hot chocolate on a cold day.

Here are the contents:
1. Snow Peak 750 ml titanium pot
2. 2 fl oz capacity flip top squeeze bottle of alcohol
3. Bic lighter (standard size)
4. Swedish "fold-a-cup"
5. Titanium windscreen
6. Medicine measuring cup (for measuring out the alcohol)
7. Home-made pop can alcohol stove

As I say, the total weight is about 10oz, which is pretty light for a fairly complete set that includes everything except the water and whatever you're going to mix into the water. Well, I guess you could include a spoon for stirring, but a lot of the time I'll just roll up the package after I've emptied out the contents and use that for stirring.

HJ

I think the purpose of the Kelly Kettle would be longer term use where you'd use wood and natural fuels & tinder vs carrying alcohol. I agree it's a little heavy but it might be nice as a base camp item, or in situations where every ounce didn't have to be watched.

I have two Kelly Kettles (aluminum and stainless) and a Thermette and must confess that I haven't used any of them. And a couple weeks ago I got the new stainless steel cook kit and base that goes with the KK.

Perhaps I could brave the cold for a time trial in the next week to see which one boils faster.

I would love to see the results of your testing.

If it seems like you have one too many volcano stoves, I might be able to take it off your hands!