Stove (log burner) kettle

Poppycat

Can you use a metal or enamel kettle on a log burning stove? Obviously safety is paramount and we dont have young children etc

I was wondering if you can as it would save some energy using kettle as the top of the stove is very very hot when its going for 30min or so.

I was looking at a cheap kettle type as you have to way the costs of it compared with energy used for a electric kettle

Here's my log burner

paddy's_mum

I do this all the time. My woodburner is on pretty constantly from late October to end of March and I have two kettles constantly on the go on the top. So easy to grab one for a quick wash-up or to start off water for cooking vegetables. We also make a hot drink last thing and fill up a couple of hot water bottles if it promises to be really cold overnight.

I personally wouldn't trust any thin bottomed kettle such as aluminium or lightweight steel. We have a very old and heavy enamelled one and a much larger Le Creuset one which is specially designed for use on stoves like yours or Aga's.

They do save you money overall since, quite correctly, you would not be using alternative means of heating, just tapping into what you are already producing. Don't forget that you can also use any heavy steel saucepans that you may already have.

I use my woodburner top for all kinds of other useful things like drying apple rings (elevate on a cake rack if the stove is really hot) drying out breadcrumbs from whizzed-up leftover bread then store for stuffings (or feeding the wild birds) and most vital of all - I no longer fear power cuts. I have cooked several supper-type meals on mine - think pasta, hash, fried bread and eggs, hot drinking chocolate - it is amazing what you can achieve with a half ton of wood stored at the bottom of the garden and a little old woodburner in the house.

Hope that helps - try thinking laterally but above all, enjoy the flexibility your stove can give you.

Badger_Lady

Yes - my parents have an almost identical one and leave a kettle on permenantly to help keep the air in their home humidified. The boiling water is a bonus to them!

Poppycat

Thanks guys, I had a look at the cheap aluminium and thought they probably not all that good for the stove. Now have to find a cheap kettle some where

John_3:16

We got a stainless steel one from Ikea. But just to add we cook all our rice and pasta on the stove and anything else that needs warming.We do use good quality low water stainless steel pans.

Poppycat

This site looks good

http://www.cookability.biz/kettles/a_2.htm

Is this any good

Athena Whistling Pink Kettle

Might even use some of the hot water for washing face/hands (cold water first), hot water bottles, washing up (when not using dish washer) and maybe cooking. Wow this sounds brill

paddy's_mum

Poppycat - do you think we could or should start a new thread on the Old Style section about what one can do with a wood burning stove? I suspect that many of us could both teach others and also learn a lot.

May I be so bold as to suggest that the thread is entitled Power Cut Strategies? With that title, we may well get sound advice from cooks of all persuasions.

Poppycat

I am glad I tried a pan (no lid couldn't find one)on the stove, although the water in it is warm (ideal for washing your hands and face) it doesnt seem to boil. So looks like I wont be getting a kettle. I did email two sellers yesterday one shop I emailed Athena Whistling Pink Kettle said it wasnt suitable as it has got a flat bottom, they suggested a £45-£50 kettle. Another Ebay seller who sells many types couldnt recommend on either

knightstyle

Aga do or did a special thick bottomed aluminium kettle for stoves. It is more efficient, boils quicker, than any other kettle I have used.

Lotus-eater

I can hardly believe your water won't boil on top of your woodburner, it should easily, was the pan you used flat bottomed? Of course a lid would definately help and it will take longer than the electric kettle of course.........

John_3:16

I find it strange you cannot get a kettle to boil. There is something wrong with how hot your stove gets. Your stove should get alot hotter to the point of not being able to touch it. What wood do you burn and are you concerned about lack of heat?