My Favorite Space-Saving Kettle for Van Camping (That I Use Every Day)

When you’re living or traveling in a van, every item you bring has to earn its place. Space is limited, weight matters, and multi-purpose or compact gear always wins. That’s why I started looking for a portable kettle I could use on the road, and I ended up trying the Ultrathin Upgraded Food Grade Silicone Travel Foldable Electric Kettle — and honestly, it’s been a game-changer for my van camping setup.

Why I Chose This Kettle

When you’re boondocking or parked at a campground with shore power, having a way to quickly heat water makes life so much easier. Whether it’s for instant coffee, tea, oatmeal, or even cleaning up dishes, a kettle can save a lot of hassle.

I went with this one because:

• It’s collapsible – The kettle folds down to just a few inches tall, which means it takes up almost no space in my van’s kitchen setup.

• Dual voltage – It works with both 110V and 220V (US and EU outlets), which is perfect since I split time between the U.S. and Europe.

• Decent capacity – At 555mL, it’s just enough for two mugs of coffee or tea.

• Safety features – It has boil-dry protection, so I don’t have to worry about accidentally burning it out if I get distracted.

You can check it out here on Amazon if you want to see the specs and color options.

How It Performs on the Road

In my van, I keep this kettle tucked away in a small drawer, and it pops up in seconds when I need it. The silicone sides feel sturdy (and they’re food-grade, which is reassuring). It heats water fairly quickly — not lightning fast like a full-size electric kettle, but fast enough for its size and power.

I also like that the power cord is detachable. That may seem minor, but it makes packing and storing it even easier. Plus, it’s one less thing to get tangled up.

How I Use It

Here’s when it comes in handy most:

• Morning coffee: Pairing it with my AeroPress makes a quick and simple coffee setup.

• Instant meals: Great for ramen, oatmeal, or dehydrated backpacking meals.

• Quick cleanup: Hot water helps when washing greasy dishes in colder weather.

If you’re the type who can’t live without a hot drink (especially when waking up in a chilly van), this kettle earns its keep.

A Few Things to Note

• It’s not meant for stovetops — only plug it in.

• It works best on level surfaces, so I usually set it on my counter or a stable outdoor table.

• At 555mL, it’s small — great for one or two people, but not for big groups.

You can see the current price here.

Final Thoughts

If you’re tight on space but still want the convenience of boiling water in your van, the Ultrathin Foldable Travel Kettle is a solid pick. It’s compact, safe, and easy to use — exactly the kind of low-effort gear I love keeping in my van.