REVIEW – I’m continuing to build out my “adventure vehicle” for longer road trips. I have a power station, a portable refrigerator, and a few compact camp chairs. What I don’t have is a way to heat drinks or snacks. I was intrigued by the Stoke Voltaics Kettle Pot because I didn’t need a whole cooking system, but just something to make tea, coffee, or maybe some hot chocolate while doing some astrophotography. Or have some instant noodles or soups instead of always having sandwiches on the road. And even, making some popcorn while watching an outdoor movie. I liked the idea, but how did it perform?
What is it?
The Stoke Voltaics Kettle Pot is an electrically powered kettle that can boil water for drinks, heat foods, and popcorn.
What’s included?
- Kettle Pot (with included heatproof sleeve)
- Power Cable (60in)
- Mixing Stick
- User Manual
- Sticker
- French Press Kit
Tech specs
Click to expand
- Model: CHEF001
- Capacity: 30oz (880ml)
- Power: 500W
- Voltage: 120V
- Height: 7.5in
- Width: 4.4in
- Weight: 694g
Design and features
Ok, I admit that I watch way too many YouTube videos on overlanding and adventure camping. And many of the videos I’ve watched (almost all of them), show a YouTuber making coffee with a device that rhymes with Petspoil. It always appears to be fast and easy (as long as you have the fuel and skip the part for the setup and breakdown). I’m in the camp of less is more and keeping things simple. I’m sold on going electric. With my power station and solar panels, along with charging while driving, I’ll have energy readily available to make my adventuring more pleasant.
The Stoke Voltaics Kettle Pot sparked my imagination. With this electrically powered cooking device, I have some options for hot drinks and food while out on the road. It is a simple device that only has one button with three options. It’s small enough to fit under the back seat of my Ford Maverick and doesn’t require anything other than electricity. For my testing, I was able to use the Anker SOLIX C800 Power Station (reviewed here). Keep in mind that a power station that can support at least 500W is required. The Anker SOLIX can support up to 1200W, but both my smaller GoLabs and Tenergy power stations could only handle 200W and failed to power the kettle. When using the Anker SOLIX power station, I did see a power draw of 480W when choosing the DRINK option.
The container is made from 304 stainless steel and FDA-approved materials and holds 16oz of liquid, about the same size as a bottle of water. The entire container size is 30oz which allows for food. The container came pre-installed with a neoprene-like heat sleeve.
There is only one button, with three different options: DRINK, EAT, and POP. Each option can be selected by sliding the lever to the appropriate setting. The button acts as on or off. Each option is explained here:
- DRINK: this mode will bring the liquid to a roaring boil and then automatically shut off. (500W)
- EAT: this mode will bring the liquid to a boil, then food can be added, but must be manually turned off after cooking. (500W then 240W)
- POP: this is mode will pop dry seed kernels and then automatically shut off (450W cycles)
I tested DRINK mode by filling the Stoke Voltaics Kettle Pot with water, up to the ‘Max Safe Fill’ line (16oz). After connecting it to my power station, I pressed the button and started my stopwatch. For my test, I had the lid on and could see at a little over five minutes, bubbles from boiling were present. The boil just intensified for another minute or so and the unit automatically shut off after six and a half minutes. The water was definitively too hot to consume, but ideal for cooking and steeping.
To test the EAT mode, I repeated boiling water, but at the five-minute mark, I added a packet of instant noodles and let it continue to simmer for another 3 minutes. I turned off the kettle and enjoyed some Top Ramen! Some other options I’m looking forward to trying are oatmeal and soups. Reading the website, the EAT mode transitions from the full 500W boil to 240W simmer.
The POP test was one that I was looking forward to! The instructions point out that the lid should be used to measure both the dried seed kernels and the amount of oil. You can see in the picture below, that there is a small quadrant specifically for the oil. Fill the lid with kernels. After measuring both items, I poured the oil, and then the kernels into the kettle and pressed the button. I used the included stir stick once I heard the kernels start to pop. Once the popcorn was finished, the unit turned off automatically. The kettle automatically turned off after almost 11 minutes. Something to note, the manual indicates to wait 10-20 minutes before popping kernels again.
Performance
On the Stoke Voltaics website, it states that the Kettle Pot can get to a “rolling boil assured in 300 seconds”. That may be true, but the unit automatically shuts off in about 6.5 minutes on the ‘Drink’ setting when filled to the max fill line (16oz).
What I like about the Stoke Voltaics Kettle Pot
- Electric, no need for gas or other fuel
- Easy to use, only 3 options
- Portable, easy to store and carry
What needs to be improved?
- Pouring out of the kettle is a little messy as there is no ‘spout’
- The kettle is one piece, the power base is not removable when cleaning the container
- The lid is plastic and potentially will be prone to warping
Final thoughts
I went into this review wanting a simple way to enjoy hot drinks and maybe some snacks on the road. After using the Stoke Voltaics Kettle pot, I will be including it on all our road trips! I don’t do a lot of camping, but as a hobbyist photographer, I do drive a lot to hike, and take pictures. I suspect, just as the 12V frig was a game changer in keeping drinks cold, this kettle will make my trips more enjoyable by giving me an option for hot drinks and snacks. I’m already planning my next trip and excited about using the Stoke Voltaics Kettle Pot on the road!
Price: $109.99
Where to buy: Stoke Voltaics Kettle Pot and Amazon
Source: The sample of this product was provided for free by Stoke Voltaics. Stoke Voltaics did not have a final say on the review and did not preview the review before it was published.
