First, the principle is sound. The Kiwis (New Zealanders) have been using Thermettes since the 20's. The British got the idea from the Kiwis, and produced the Sirram Volcano. The Sirram Volcano was imported into Ireland where it became the Kelly Kettle. The Irish claim to have come up with the idea. A wee bit o' the Irish blarney methinks. All that to say that it's a proven design. The central chimney causes a draft which causes hotter, more efficient burning. Yes, some heat is wasted, but wood stoves generally do have some waste.

Second, though, the mKettle is a blatant rip off. The mKettle is a copy of the Backcountry Boiler, the creation of Devin Montgomery. There is speculation that the "M" in "mKettle" actually stands for "Montgomery Kettle," the original name of the Backcountry Boiler. The mKettle is being aggressively marketed. The Backcountry Boiler is just being sold by Mr. Montgomery, a law student in (I think) Pennsylvania. It's a shame that superior marketing appears to be depriving the innovative Mr. Montgomery of his intellectual property.

I'm sure that the people behind the mKettle will have a different slant on things -- although they have been notably silent about the issue.

The mKettle appears to be a solidly made product although it weighs more than the real Backcountry Boiler. The mKettle is also less expensive, although I personally won't buy one for ethical reasons. I support innovators and the type of cottage industry that Mr. Montgomery represents. I do not approve of someone copying Mr. Montgomery's work (even going so far as to call him to get details of the manufacturing under the guise of being a potential buyer) and then putting a cheap knock off on the market.

For the record, I have no affiliation with Mr. Montgomery or his product nor do I have any affiliation with the mKettle. The preceding has been strictly my opinion; I own it as such. I encourage others to investigate the facts for themselves.

HJ