Last Updated on September 20, 2021 by John Moretti
Many people have questioned the necessity of a kettle, specifically a gooseneck kettle, and have gone on to regret it, myself included. We all feel initially, when trying the pour-over technique, that we have to take our time and pour, and everything will be alright.
We’ve all been proven wrong because the gooseneck kettle is an essential part of the process of brewing the perfect pour-over coffee. After all, it allows for accurate flow and even distribution of the water.
Yes, there are many manual kettles from which to choose for brewing, which vary in prices from ridiculously cheap(and not worth our time and money) to the costly ones that you’ll only invest in for a conversation piece.
To help you choose the ideal one, I’ve compiled a comprehensive guide, including the ten most prominent and efficient ones on the market.
- Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Kettle
- Coffee Gator Coffee Kettle
- Hario “Buono”
- OXO On Electric Kettle
- Fellow Stagg Kettle
- Bonavita Electric Kettle
- Gourmia Electric Gooseneck Kettle
- Kalita Stainless Pot
- Willow & Everett Electric Kettle
- Fino Pour Over Kettle
Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Pour-over Kettle
If you like the style and functionality of Fellow’s Stagg Kettle, you’ll want to check out the Stagg EKG, their latest upgraded version. This pour-over kettle features a simple design that makes a statement without compromising control.
The Stagg EKG, according to Fellow, is where “straightforward elegance meets powerful design,” and you can tell why at first glance. Every detail of this kettle had meticulous consideration to ensure a faultless experience while also demanding attention as a decorative element on your counter.
Although the initial Stagg is a great buy, the EKG adds even more functionality if you have access to power.
It features an identical smooth-pouring gooseneck nozzle that lets you adjust the pouring rate from a drip to a full stream. The kettle’s balance is a little different, and it’s a little heavier due to the thermal source in the base. The counterbalanced handle, on the other hand, helps you pour slowly and steadily.
In addition, with a temperature range of 135 to 212 degrees Fahrenheit, the Stagg EKG gives you complete control over your water temperature. Setting the proper temperature is quick and straightforward with the control knob.
If you’re brewing a pour-over, tea, or a quantity of hot cocoa that won’t scald the kids, you’ll be able to dial in the ideal temperature.
The current temperature and your intended temperature display on a small LCD screen, so you can see how close you are to reaching your objective.
You may also use the LCD screen as a stopwatch to timing your brew once you’ve arrived. It also provides a nice countdown (beginning at 3) before it starts, so you have time to prepare.
We will find two analog switches on the back of the base. One lets you change the temperature from Celsius to Fahrenheit.
The other option is to put it on hold. It is pretty helpful because it will maintain your desired temperature for up to an hour. It’s ideal for tea or coffee.
The Fellow Stagg EKG is difficult to beat if you want an unusual design that works.
Pros:
- A gooseneck spout and counterbalanced handle allow for precise pouring.
- The PID controller enables accurate temperature control by quickly heating the 1200 watt heating element to a temperature held for an hour.
- Brew stopwatch built-in
Cons:
- For some people, the 9-liter capacity may be insufficient.
Coffee Gator Coffee Kettle
The Coffee Gator kettle is an excellent example of how form and function can work together. If you plan to keep the kettle out of the cupboards, the surgical stainless steel looks fantastic on the stove or counter.
The sport’s curve shapes like an S, and the wavy handle provides lots of gripping areas. The pot itself is attractive, with its piled ridges.
This kettle has a built-in thermometer in the lid if you’re worried about knowing when your water is at the right temperature for pouring. Even the best range has markings in a lovely green.
It’s an excellent kettle for individuals who have a gas or electric stove because it’s not electric. Coffee Gator also guarantees your complete satisfaction. As a result, it’s a risk-free purchase.
Pros:
- Anti-rust design with a triple-layer base
- Thermometer built-in
- Pouring spout with precision
- It looks fantastic on the stovetop or the counter.
Cons:
- The 1-liter capacity is a little limited, especially considering the vendor recommends just filling it halfway.
Hario “Buono”
If you currently own a V60 pour-over brewer from Hario, its kettle will fit right in. The small spout gives you more control while pouring, and the handle is comfortable to hold.
Although the lid lacks a thermometer, it does fit firmly, so there’s no risk of it slipping. Removing it is very straightforward, thanks to the flat knob on top.
The 120 model has a capacity of 1.2L, which is ideal for general pour-over use. The unit is also compatible with most stoves, including those that use induction heat.
Overall, the V60 is a beautiful and well-made kettle that will help you perfect your coffee routine.
Pros:
- Attractive beehive appearance
- Many kitchens will benefit from stainless steel.
- We can use it on open-flame, induction, and electric stoves to provide a steady flow of water
- It’s compatible with both the Hario V60 and the Chemex Brewer.
Cons:
- There isn’t a built-in thermometer.
- The smaller size (1L) might not be enough for larger brews because it does not remain heated for long.
OXO Electric Pour-over Kettle
With its On Electric kettle, OXO, a leader in well-designed kitchen items, enters the pour-over business. This kettle, as you’d expect from OXO, blends aesthetic appeal with practical design in streamlined packaging.
The steel kettle can hold up to a liter of water. Even when fully loaded, it can reach brew temperature in under four minutes, making it one of the fastest kettles available. (Thanks to a 1500 watt heating element, this is possible.)
The temperature control is simple and easy, allowing you to heat water to temperatures ranging from 104 to 212 degrees Fahrenheit. As a result, it’s ideal for almost any hot water requirement.
It also has an auto-hold function. It means that as long as you return the kettle to the base within 60 seconds, it will maintain your current temperature. There’s no need to bother about a hold button or resetting your thermostat.
The hold can keep your water hot for up to 30 minutes before automatically shutting off. Teas or numerous pour-over brews are ideal.
It’s simple to start a built-in timer. Press and hold the center button to create a stopwatch. After brewing, press it again to have the kettle maintain your water temperature.
If you’ve used any other OXO products, you’ll recognize the soft-grip handle, which allows you to get a solid grip on the kettle without risking scorching yourself. With the gooseneck, this is well-balanced and provides reasonable pouring control.
Pros:
- Even with a whole kettle, the heating time is short.
- Without having to fumble with a button, auto-hold keeps your water at the desired temperature.
- A timer that is simple to use
- Temperature and pouring may be precisely controlled.
Cons:
- There is no whistle or alarm to indicate when the water is at the proper temperature.
- If you’re running too many items in the kitchen, 1500 watts could trip the breaker.
Fellow Stagg Pour-Over Kettle
It’s a kettle with a personality! Fellow’s approach to the kettle is abrasive. At first glance, it appears to be more about angles than curves.
The spout is slender and tapers to a fluted point, which allows for optimum flow. On the other hand, the long spout gets its balance from a stocky-looking handle that is weighted. A brew thermometer on top of that lets you know when you’ve reached the 195-205 degree mark.
While the handle may appear clumsy at first, you’ll soon discover that its angles make pouring from varied angles simple. The black handle is standard, but the kettle is available in three colors (matte black, polished stainless, and copper). And each one makes a unique statement.
It’s easy to see why so many competitors utilize the Stagg Kettle, including the 2016 Brewers Cup Champions in the United States and the Netherlands, thanks to its distinctive style and functional features.
Pros:
- It has a handy thermometer
- There are three gorgeous finishes from which to choose
- We can use it on induction, electric, or gas ranges.
- Design with ergonomics in mind
Cons:
- When compared to comparable non-electric kettles, it’s a little costly.
Bonavita Digital Gooseneck Kettle
For a complete experience, the Bonavita enables precise control over everything from water heating to water flow, as well as assistance with pouring timing.
You can have water at the ideal temperature in 60 minutes if you use the heat-and-hold mode. You won’t have to wait for your second cup if you do it this way.
And, because the Bonavita kettle is temperature-adjustable in one-degree increments, you can get the precise temperature you desire, even if you’re not using it for a manual brew.
When you’re ready to brew, the base has a timer to keep you on schedule.
The Bonavita comes with a one-year warranty so that you can be sure of its quality.
Pros:
- Powerful 1500 watts quickly heat water.
- Controlled environment
- For an hour, it can keep the water at the specified temperature.
- Spout gives you a lot of control.
- A timer that counts down from one to ten
Cons:
- It necessitates the use of electricity.
- With more features, there’s a greater chance something will go wrong.
Gourmia GPK720 Electric Gooseneck Kettle
With its programmable electric gooseneck, Gourmia seeks to assist you with preparing the ultimate mug of coffee. When the water is hot, the stainless steel body rests on a small bottom and is user-friendly.
You can acquire a pleasant grip to pour accurately because of the nicely constructed curved handle. It doesn’t precisely fit some of the other kettles on the list, but it gets the job done.
The temperature display on the LCD on the base, and you may set the temperature for hours, giving you plenty of time to prepare another mug. Furthermore, an automated shutoff ensures your safety while also preventing you from wasting electricity.
The Gourmia also contains a beep that alerts you when your water has reached the desired temperature. You’ll get a reminder that you have hot water ready for tea, coffee, chocolate, or hot cereals as you walk away.
The temperature control is the Gourmia Commander’s primary flaw. While you can choose an exact temperature, it doesn’t always follow through, occasionally overheating your water by 10-20 degrees.
When you remove the kettle from the base, the preset temperature is also lost. To keep the water heated, you’ll need to turn it back on.
The Gourmia, unlike many electric goosenecks, lacks a built-in timer for keeping track of your brew time. The controls are simple to operate, although they aren’t as straightforward as those on other models.
The Gourmia GPK720 is an excellent beginner kettle. It has a modest price point and allows you to manage the temperature while also providing precise pouring.
Pros:
- Beeps when the water is ready to drink.
- For an electric kettle, this is a fantastic deal.
- A balanced design and a precision spout
Cons:
- When you lift the kettle, the temperature you set is lost.
- Temperature control isn’t as exact as it should be.
- It is not as fast as other kettles because it only has 1000 watts.
Kalita Stainless .7L Pour Kettle
You could confuse this pot with a more conventional silver kettle because of its fine gloss and fluted spout. With a capacity of less than a liter, the Kalita kettle’s slim spout is a space saver. It also takes up minimal countertop (or suitcase) room because the spout stays near the body.
It’s perfect for single-cup brewers because of its compact size, and it also works well as a changeover pot if you have a giant kettle for water heating. The pour itself, however, is reliable after you’ve gotten used to it, so it’ll suffice.
Be careful when boiling in the Kalita since the metallic grip and cover can become very hot.
Pros:
- Small size
- It can use as a travel kettle.
Cons:
- It’s too little to use for anything other than a single cup.
- Fingerprints and smudges are easily visible on the surface.
Willow & Everett Electric Gooseneck Kettle
The W&E gooseneck electric kettle is another electric kettle that allows you to heat water without watching the pot. The base switches off when the kettle reaches boiling temperature, presenting you with a heated kettle waiting to use.
The item resembles a standard kettle, but it has an expanded spout that allows for precise pouring. The black handle and knob combine wonderfully with the mirror-finish stainless steel.
Except if you manage to be close when the automated shut-off occurs, you’ll have to use a handheld thermometer or evaluate how hot the liquid is without a temperature print.
The W&E could be a good choice if you need a kettle that heats water rapidly and reliably.
Pros:
- From 1000 watts, it heats up quickly.
- The automatic shut-off prevents the water from boiling over.
Cons:
- For larger hands, the small closed handle may be a difficulty.
- The lid of a thermometer can be difficult to remove.
Fino Pour Over Kettle
The Fino kettle, as the final kettle in our list, marks a throwback to the classics. This simple gooseneck has a tiny spout and enough curvature to allow you to control the flow of water.
The tilted handle gives the spout an outstanding balance and lets you pour from a comfortable position.
The Fino, despite its simplicity, will look fabulous in the kitchen. Its shiny stainless steel has a glossy look, and the cover knob and handles complement the casual appearance.
We can heat it on an induction, electric, or gas stove, just like many other kettles. Even when it’s full, it swiftly heats the water.
The Fino kettle is a fantastic entry point into the world of goosenecks for pour-over coffees owing to its cheaper cost. You may desire to upgrade later, or you may find that this fundamental kettle is sufficient.
Pros:
- A thin spout with a fluted mouth controls the water flow
- We can use stainless steel pots on a variety of burners
- Suitable for many cups
Cons:
- There is no thermometer.
- It might be tough to tell when something has reached boiling point.
Is a Pour-Over Kettle Necessary?
In a nutshell, no. But that is also like asking if utensils are necessary when eating. It’s crucial to have a good grinder, fresh beans, and a pour-over brewer.
However, while a special kettle isn’t required, it’s essential for pouring over coffee and helps in mastering the technique.
Pour Over Kettles: What You Should Know
The pour-over method’s simplicity is one of its most appealing features. You’re making coffee by pouring boiled water over newly ground beans. There are no specialized plungers or presses required. There’s nothing here to take up valuable counter space.
However, a few essential tools should go a far way in ensuring a precise pour. That should include a good gooseneck kettle.
Is Gooseneck Important and Why?
It is essential to control the volume of water and how it disperses over the coffee beans. That’s why you went with the pour-over method in the first instance. Pour-over coffee is more like handcrafted coffee than any other brewing method.
You get to pick the right grind and temperature for your water. You have complete control over how much water falls on the grounds, where it falls, and for how long.
Without a pour-over kettle, fine-tuned control is not feasible. These kettles come equipped to optimize your input in terms of both water quantity and placement.
Water Amount
If you’ve ever poured from a standard kettle, you’re familiar with the moment where the liquid is almost gone. You’re carefully tipping, tipping, tipping in the hopes of getting just a drop of water.
Only to be met with a torrential downpour from the spout. Then you try and back off; however you don’t get as much water as a result. You go back and forth. You can simply manage how much water comes out of the spout with a good longneck kettle.
The design of a pour-over kettle enables you to accurately pour as much water as you desire while maintaining a consistent rate. Tiny modifications have minor consequences, allowing you to manage the water flow better.
Water placement
We pour a steady stream of water over the ground coffee.
One of the most critical aspects of the pour-over process is getting the water to go where you need to go. Unlike an immersion approach, you do not just submerge the coffee in water and wait for it to absorb the water.
Based on the mixture, you may want to pour in a swirl, down the center, or in another way. All of this happens in the hopes of evenly saturating your grounds and extracting the most flavor from the beans.
With a conventional kettle, that level of precision is difficult to achieve. Because of the narrow neck, the spout is very far away from the base of the pot. The spout does not pour where you would want the water to go. It could also spatter or flow unevenly due to the big hole.
With a pour-over pot, we can place the spout directly next to the coffee, allowing you to control the water flow precisely where you want it.
How to Select a Pour-Over Kettle
You’ve probably pondered what distinguishes the excellent from the low-quality from the hideous while looking at manual brew kettles. You won’t be comparing many fancy items, though, since kettles are a relatively simple gadget. Instead, it would help if you concentrated on design and functionality.
Search for a style that you like that reflects your personality and looks excellent in your kitchen. It’s unnecessary to have an appliance out all the time, but a fantastic design demands attention.
You’ll also need a kettle that is compatible with your brewing process. Assess how effectively the kettle flows and whether it offers you the level of control you require regarding usefulness.
When shopping for a pour-over kettle, keep the following factors in mind:
- You can go for a wow effect or something more subtle in terms of overall appearance.
- Is the pot well-balanced in terms of usability? Is it pouring at the right angle for your method?
- Do you want to boil water on the stovetop or just connect your kettle to the wall?
- Look for built-in thermometers, holding temperatures, and other valuable features.
Bottom Line
Kettles come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, and they all fulfill a specific purpose. Make sure that whatever style of gooseneck you purchase fits you correctly.
Pick a gooseneck kettle that you’ll love using on a regular schedule because hand brewing is just as much about the process as it is about the final result. Don’t be put off by your first pour, though.
Every kettle has its charm, and you’ll need to be patient as you get to know yours. Take several trials pouring in the sink if you need to. It’s a terrific approach to figure out what your kettle is capable of doing.
Although a gooseneck kettle isn’t a requirement for hand brewing, I’ve never heard of anyone regretting making the transition. It isn’t easy to put into words how much difference the tiny, curved spout can make.
