Are you tired of lugging gallons of drinking water to your campsite? Maybe you just woke up and want to have a nice cup of coffee. Whatever the case may be, being able to boil water on a campsite is an absolute necessity. Boiling is an excellent method of sterilizing water. Even if the water looks clean, it can contain many microbes invisible to the naked eye. It is recommended only to drink boiled water when camping. Unsure how to make your morning brew? Want to know the best way to boil water while camping? We will provide you with a list of 10 options you can use, each with its pros and cons. From car-powered kettles to using rocks, we have compiled everything to ensure that you can make your morning coffee with ease.
1. Campfire
The humble campfire is perhaps the best and most versatile heat source while camping. It will help you boil water and provide you and your fellow campers with a cozy place to sit down and relax.
This method requires one to know how to build a campfire and properly feed it fuel. You will need to be cautious as fire can easily spread if you are not careful. After all, you do not want the flame to engulf your water container making it irretrievable. This method of boiling water can also take quite a long time.
The following YouTube video is an excellent guide for boiling water using a campfire. It also goes over safe methods of removing boiling water from the campfire:
Pros
- Ideal when you are trying to ration your heating supplies.
- Sitting by a campfire is very enjoyable.
Cons
- It is not as convenient as some other options.
- Depending on how big your campfire is, it can take quite some time.
- Getting burned by the flame or the hot water bottle is a definite possibility.
2. Electric Kettle
Electric kettles can make your life easier. They are convenient and much safer than campfires. You don’t have many risks of setting things on fire or hurting yourself when using them. These reasons are why many consider electric kettles the best way to boil water while camping.
Electric kettles are undoubtedly very easy to use. You can even use them inside your tent. They work fast and only require you to pour in the water. If you want to buy an electric kettle, we recommend the COSORI Electric Gooseneck Kettle. It has an excellent build quality and multiple temperature settings for all your brewing needs.
The obvious problem that comes to mind here is that you might not have electricity at every campsite. This does not mean that you should limit yourself to camps with electricity. You can buy a small electric generator or look into some rechargeable kettles. Some kettles even use solar power to boil your water.
Pros
- The convenience is unmatched.
- It is unlikely that you will start a fire.
- You cannot beat an electric kettle when it comes to speed.
Cons
- Without electricity, it is completely useless.
- It needs to be carried wherever you go.
3. Liquid Fuel Stove
Another convenient way to boil water is by using a liquid fuel stove. However, this method has its fair share of pros and cons.
You can easily use a liquid fuel stove to boil water, but it can also help in other ways. You can cook meals and roast marshmallows with a liquid fuel stove for a dream camping experience. There is no need to go through the effort of starting and maintaining a campfire. They are also very cheap considering their excellent utility.
However, the problem with such stoves is that they are heavy and hard to carry. They also require a lot of maintenance. You will need to buy a fuel bottle and carry it around with care. There are, however, many types of fuel available on the market. We recommend using naphtha (aka Coleman Fuel), as it burns the cleanest.
There’s a wide range of options to choose from when buying a liquid fuel stove. However, due to its comparatively lightweight, high efficiency, and superior quality, we recommend the MSR Whisperlite Universal Stove.
Be mindful of your surroundings and keep the stove away from flammables such as hanging branches or dry grass.
Pros
- Extremely versatile.
- You can use it with a wide variety of fuels.
- Faster than using a campfire when boiling water.
Cons
- An open flame can cause problems.
- Portability is a concern.
4. Ghillie Kettle
Ghillie kettles are fun to use and extremely efficient. They consist of a fire chamber enclosed by a water jacket. There is no need to worry about fuel costs as they can utilize natural fuels like sticks or twigs. They can easily be considered the best way to boil water while camping.
To boil water using a Ghillie Kettle, you need to follow the following steps:
- Fill it up but be careful not to fill it to the brim. Do not put anything other than water in it since it will become impossible to clean it.
- Most of these kettles come with a stopper to ensure the boiling water does not spray out. Put the stopper on the kettle.
- Start a fire in the base with some small sticks and fix the base to the kettle.
- Feed the fire some sticks once it starts.
- When the water starts to boil, the top will start to whistle. That is how you know it is ready. It normally takes 5 to 6 mins for a liter of water to boil.
Pour the water with extreme care as the kettle will be extremely hot.
Pros
- Natural fuel is available at all campsites.
- Easy to follow instructions.
- Ghillie Kettles do not use electricity.
Cons
- It takes a long time for the water to boil.
- The risks of using a flame are everpresent.
5. Propane Stove
You might have heard a lot about propane stoves and heaters recently. Propane is a popular alternative fuel. It is rising in popularity and is very easy to find.
Propane is a fuel that leaves a low carbon footprint. It is also highly efficient as it burns less volume per hour than natural gas while producing the same amount of energy. Propane fuel tanks are environmentally friendly and are low maintenance.
Like any other fuel, propane can produce Carbon Monoxide during incomplete combustion. Carbon Monoxide is a silent killer as it is impossible to detect without special sensors. However, the first symptom of monoxide poisoning is dizziness. If you feel dizzy around it, turn it off and take it to an open space. Carbon monoxide is why using a propane stove in a closed space is not recommended.
Pros
- No electricity is required.
- You can cook or heat your food as well.
- You can choose the stove that fits your needs.
Cons
- It takes more time and effort than using a kettle.
- You will need to carry additional items, including a pot, a lighter, and a propane gas canister.
- Carbon Monoxide poisoning can occur in closed spaces.
6. Jetboil
An explorer’s best friend, the jet boil, is a portable stove. We believe it is the best way to boil water while camping if you have it available. You will find it to be exceptionally useful and easy to use.
Jetboil is compact, fast, and efficient. It utilizes propane which, as discussed early, is an eco-friendly fuel. It is an extremely versatile and easy-to-use tool. Moreover, it isn’t too heavy or large. It gives users various options to choose from, and everyone can find one according to their needs. Jetboil has products for cars, traveling, budget options, and much more. The common factor is their stable base, high quality, and efficiency.
There are many options available. We recommend this model due to its affordable price, compact size, and integrated pot.
Pros
- Different sizes are available for your convenience.
- Extremely portable due to its lightweight.
- All in one system, just add your water.
- Ideal when camping at heights where oxygen is low.
Cons
- They are quite expensive.
- The container is too small to boil water for multiple people.
7. Car Powered Stove
Car-powered stoves are modified electric stoves designed to work in cars. They use 12-volt power from the lighter outlet in your car and are extremely easy to use. Just fill it with water and plug it in.
Imagine camping out, and the electricity goes out, or you run out of fuel for your traditional stove. You can always count on a car-powered stove to help you in your time of need. These stoves are simple to use and require no prework or extra resources.
Do not use car-powered products while your car is off. You can flatline your battery which will ruin your mood and may also ruin your camping experience. So it’s better to be mindful of your car battery if you don’t want to end up stranded at a campsite.
Pros
- Very convenient, exactly like an electric kettle.
- No open flame is required.
- Very quick to boil water.
Cons
- You will need a car.
- They can drain your car battery a lot.
8. Biofuel Stove
Biofuel stoves are less popular than other methods to heat water on a campsite. But biofuel stoves are a good choice due to their low cost and excellent safety.
The obvious reasons to go with a biofuel stove are its low cost of fuel and extremely eco-friendly nature. Biofuel, unlike fossil fuels, can be created from natural sources such as sugar cane. These stoves leave no harmful gases except very small amounts of carbon dioxide.
Biofuel stoves are normally better to use indoors compared to traditional stoves. They have low smoke production and zero production of ash and soot. They are less likely to burn your belongings and are not as risky as other stoves.
Pros
- It is very environmentally friendly.
- You can use it indoors.
- There is less risk of causing a fire.
- Biofuel is quite cheap.
Cons
- They take much longer to boil water than traditional stoves.
- Biofuel is uncommon compared to fossil fuels.
9. Immersion Heater
Immersion heaters are the old-school way of warming up your water. They are efficient but have limited utility which is their primary drawback.
The process of using an immersion heater is undoubtedly the easiest. Put the heater into your water. Wait for a short while, and now you have boiling hot water.
The primary drawback of an immersion heater is its low utility. Sure, it can boil water for you, but that’s all it can do. Other than that, these heaters rely on electricity so you will also have to consider that.
Immersion heaters have one advantage over all others. They are extremely cheap. You can even get ones compatible with car lighter sockets. We highly recommend the following model due to its low cost and car socket compatibility:
Pros
- They are very easy to use.
- A lot of models are compatible with car lighter sockets.
- You can buy it for cheap.
- They are easy to carry.
Cons
- They have low utility besides heating water.
- They are dependent on electricity.
10. Rocks
This method is quite simple. All you need to do is heat some stones. Once the stones are hot enough, use sticks to put them into your water. The water will rapidly heat up and be ready for use. These hot stones can also keep your tent warm during winter camping.
All you need is a fire and a container to store the water. Putting hot rocks in water might feel primitive. Still, this method is on the list because you can use it to heat your water even if you have no equipment.
Be extra careful if you go this route, as the rocks will be sizzling hot. You should never pick them up with your hands, even while wearing protective gear. You need to find a forked stick, and the process will become extremely safe.
Pros
- Rocks are everywhere.
- They can keep your water warm for a long time.
Cons
- Difficult to move when hot.
- Must be washed thoroughly before using.
Final Thoughts
So, those were our top picks for the best way to boil water while camping. All of them have their pros and cons. Our favorite method, however, is to use the campfire. Nothing beats the serene feeling of sipping your morning brew next to a cozy campfire. You can also use the campfire to kill those pesky ticks that keep annoying you.
Consider your preferences, budget, and needs. Then choose a method that fits your requirements and skills. Keep in mind that a campfire is not the best method for beginners.
If you have recently started camping, we recommend getting an electric kettle. It will boil your water in minutes, and you will not need to worry about starting a fire or hurting yourself.
There are many flammable materials near campsites, and forest fires are no joke. Just be extra cautious if you decide to use an open flame. It is a good idea always to keep a portable fire extinguisher handy.