Since one is using such tiny twigs, and feeding them into the chimney it is easy to regulate and stop as the water is getting close. Also, if it does "boil over", then the water runs down into the pan extinguishing most of the fire. I never had an issue with hot embers.

Lifting the kettle off the base is tricky, but once you learn how to use the handle and the cork chain, it is easy to do without needing heat resistant gloves.

In my first post I said I don't use it anymore except to play. It is too bulky, to heavy for backpacking. If I want to use wood as fuel I either build a fire or use my "little dandy" wood stove.

If you are deciding between a KK and a jet boil, I would go with the jetboil. If you wanted to be able to "cook" over the KK, then get a different canister stove like a primus micron and a pot set like an Evernew. In fact, I would recommend the primus/evernew setup over the jetboil anyway.