Thread: Eco-billy

G'day All, Don't want to sound like a smart ***e but I think mine's miles better than that, mine is a Volcanoe kettle originally designed by the British Armed forces WW2 for use in the desert, I bought it in the UK about 13 years ago, it is constructed of Aluminium it is used in the same way as the one you have shown, but I can't show you mine because I'm a dummie when it comes to posting pix anyway I suppose we should support the locally made products cheers Dennis

I must have one of the originals - have been using it for about 40 years now.
Unfortunately most clones that I have seen don't have sufficient air holes for the fire to breathe efficiently. Originals had a separate base with a single large (about 100 x 40mm) cut out. This meant that you could face it fully or partially into the wind/breeze depending on how fierce you required your fire to be. Also, another advantage was that you could lift the top section off, pour a few 'cuppas' and return it without your fire collapsing.

I have a similar one of 2.2 litre capacity, called a Thermette http://www.thermette.com/. Made in NZ by Kestrel Developments.


NZ forces used these in the desert during WW 2, where they were known as Benghasi Boiler.

They have an adaptor that allows you to cook with a frypan or saucepan over the chimney, while the water is boiling.

It would be nice if these were also available in stainless steel.

I wonder where that photo came from Mar Tyn
Perry

Do reckon spinnefex would do the trick? if so that would be very handy in the desert

After searching for quite a while I finally sourced one from Opposite lock at Rockdale, yesterday. (Gordon the owner had been trying all over Aus to get one in) It seems like they have been like the proverbial rocking horse **** lately.


Martyn

Not blowing my own trumpet, but arnt all of these just variations on the Kelly Kettle.

I've got an Eco-Billy. Great piece of kit!. I just use leaf litter off the ground. Never would have believed it if I hadn't tried it!