Why does my caravan kettle (Quest) boil over quite frequently though not always? Happens on various campsites and is irritatingly erratic on all. Have to stand it on a plate! Recently bought a small travel kettle from Go Outdoors to see and this does the same thing if anything with more violent spitting.

Have you tried them indoors?

This might be like teaching a Magpie to suck eggs, but are you overfilling the kettles? In the interest of saving gas, I've taken to only putting a bit more water into the kettle than I need. I'm not sure if yours are ones that go on the hob (sorry, Nev!), or plug in, but the principle's the same.

It might be a case of the lid not being closed properly. In particular on the travel kettles the lid is prone to slight warping so it does not close completely. I think this might be allowing steam to escape too quickly so that the kettle does not shut down. That is certainly the case on ours but may not be relevant to you.
TonyP

Nope I haven't tried them indoors yet - but will do so when I get home. Yes I've tried filling them to different levels and yes I've checked the lids are on properly.

Solving most problems is a process of elimination, once you eliminate every thing else what ever is left has to be the answer, if they work ok indoors that eliminates the kettles ............. if you have trouble at home the kettles must be at fault.

Elementary my dear Watson.

Thanks Holmes! I'll try them indoors when we get back to Baker Street. In the meantime I will have to stand the erratic item on a plate!