The Best Pour Over Kettle (Gooseneck Kettle)
Some believe that using a pour over coffee kettle is a waste of time and energy. A gimmick that makes you look more like a coffee hipster, rather than providing results. They couldn’t be more wrong.
But you can’t blame them; they aren’t serious about great tasting coffee. But you are…that’s why you’re here.
You have a great coffee maker and now you want a gooseneck kettle, but you’re having a hard time choosing one. We get it; there are dozens of them for sale online and the majority of them are a waste of money. Some lack pouring control, some burn your hand, and a surprising number of them leak strange, and possibly toxic, chemicals into your brew. Eek.
That's why we did an in-depth roundup of the best gooseneck kettles available online. Choose one of these and you’ll know you didn’t just pay for something that's going to ruin your coffee.
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Fellow Stagg EKG
Fellow Stagg is dominating this category with the EKG Pour Over Kettle. Its the preferred choice of world-class baristas thanks to the sleek design, built-in precision features, and its FULL 1 year warranty. If you're serious about pour over coffee you can't go past the EKG.
Click the button now to level up your pour over game:
Related articles:
The Best Gooseneck Kettles For canada of 2023
Without further ado, here are the top-rated gooseneck kettles on the market right now. There is an option for every style and budget. If you want to buy a gooseneck kettle to improve your coffee brewing skills, then any of the below options is a good choice.
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | |
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Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Pour-Over Kettle |
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Coffee Gator Pour Over Kettle (Pour Over Kettle With Thermometer) |
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Hario Buono V60 Drip Kettle |
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Bonavita 1.0L Variable Temperature Gooseneck Electric Kettle (BV382510V) |
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Grosche Marrakesh Pour Over Kettle |
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Kalita Wave Kettle |
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Brewista Artisan Electric Kettle |
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Willow & Everett Electric Kettle With Temperature Control |
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Although it is possible to make a delicious cup of coffee with a standard hot water kettle, having a gooseneck can certainly up your game. There are many filter coffee recipes that require a methodical attention to detail, like Blue Bottle’s Nel Drip (1).
When it comes to mastering manual pour over coffee, even extraction is crucial, because it leads to improved flavour and aroma of your brew (2). A gooseneck kettle lets you control where your hot waterfalls on your ground coffee, allowing you to more easily achieve a balanced saturation (better extraction).
A gooseneck kettle is for the barista what a fine-tipped brush is for the painter: a perfectionist’s tool.
Let’s not forget, pour over brewing requires incremental pouring — some recipes even require you to meticulously regulate each pour by weight. A gooseneck kettle makes it much easier to avoid the pain of under-pouring or over-pouring each round.
What To Look For In A Great Gooseneck Kettle
Given that these funky metal kettles are the tools of a connoisseur, it’s absolutely worthwhile to be a little pernickety. For this reason, we are going to touch on some of the fine details to pay attention to when shopping for your own pour over kettle.
Flow Rate
Some gooseneck kettles pour slower than others, and some are more responsive to subtle shifts. Although a relatively quick pourer may take some practice to get used to, its purpose is wasted if it can’t pour evenly: (2)
Manual methods are victim to human error and bad pouring techniques… So, it’s important that baristas learn how to pour in a way that evenly immerses the grounds in water.
Obviously, you want a gooseneck kettle that doesn’t pour too fast, but speed is the lesser issue in comparison to consistency. The main goal with slow coffee — and likely the reason you are even looking into gooseneck kettles — is even extraction of your coffee beans’ flavour. A kettle that sloshes out the spout or dribbles at the beginning of a pour is going to ruin all of that. When you're brewing with something like the Hario V60, good flow rate and control is critical.
Material and Design
The enemy here is rust, so try to avoid options built with inferior metals. Those cheap unknown brand kettles you may see on Amazon for very low price points often suffer from quick wear and tear as well as cracking along joints as they use low-quality metals and too many plastic parts. AVOID.
Comfort. Yes, Comfort.
Keep in mind that you may be holding this kettle over your brewer and out away from your body for minutes at a time, gradually pouring in repeated increments. Therefore, it is important to make sure the gooseneck kettle you purchase is comfortable to hold.
Ironically, some kettles, in what seems like an attempt to keep up with fashion, have handles that feel more like an afterthought than anything else. Although comfort is a relatively subjective matter, a pretty handle isn’t so pretty when it’s awkward to hold while pouring or too hot to grip.
Capacity
Most goosenecks stick within the same maximum capacity range, which is somewhere around 1 litre. However, there are variations, and a few decimal places to the right or left can make a big difference, depending on how you brew. If, for example, you’re the barista of the family, a large gooseneck kettle will allow you to keep on brewing without constant refills of unheated water halting your stride.
Extra Features
Since you’re here, reading these reviews of a (arguably) niche tool, we can safely assume that you appreciate maximizing utility. Luckily enough, there are numerous options out there to both satisfy your desire for a gooseneck kettle and your compulsion for efficiency: (3)
Many don’t realize that, with the right tools and a little practice, pour over is the superior method for enjoying good coffee—right in your very own kitchen.
One ‘make life easy' feature is the variable temperature gooseneck kettle: it allows you to set the exact temperature you’d like your water heated to. If you control the temperature of your water, your brew will taste noticeably better (4). We particularly had this experience when we tried the Timemore Fish Kettle for our review.
Another add-on offered by some is a built-in temperature gauge. These normally take the form of a probe thermometer attached to the lid, and eliminate the need for post-boil countdowns. This is another way to breach the precise temperature required for amazing coffee.
To see how all these factors play into the final product, watch Steven from Home Grounds compare five top kettles in this video:
The 8 Best Pour Over Coffee Kettles (as of 2023)
Here are 8 options that you can spend your money on without worrying whether you bought a dud. They allow you to control the rate of water flow, and in some cases, the temperature. Best of all, they will last for years as long as you use them as intended.
The table summarizes each for the impatient among us, however, you can scroll down for more information.
1. Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Pour-Over Kettle – Best Overall
Electric or stovetop: Electric
- Material: Stainless steel
- Capacity: 900 ml
- Temperature control: Yes
Modern styling and a matte-black finish (among others) make the Fellow Stagg EKG Electric a natural choice for the kitchen fashionista. But the built-in variable-temperature controls appeal to the serious home barista as well. You can dial in the desired temperature, between 57 °C and 100 °C, and the EKG will hold your water at that precise temperature for up to an hour. Great for those times you're going to be making multiple carafes of pour over throughout the morning (or the evening).
The temperature display shows your goal temperature as well as the current temperature, to give you something to look at while you're waiting for the water to boil. There's even a built-in brew stopwatch to help you time your pour to the second, and an easy toggle to switch from Fahrenheit to Celsius.
No wonder that the Fellow Stagg EKG came within a hair's breadth of taking the top spot on this list.
2. Coffee Gator Pour Over Kettle (Pour Over Kettle With Thermometer) – Budget Pick
Electric or stovetop: Stovetop
- Material: Stainless steel
- Capacity: 1 litre, 1.2 litre
- Temperature control: No
The Coffee Gator kettle may seem to be the perfect choice, and thousands of strong customer reviews online only confirm this. Here's why so many customers, including us, love this gooseneck kettle: It has a built-in thermometer (no need to spend extra money on an external one). The gooseneck spout makes it easy to achieve the pour over coffee, and it comes with a strong 100% money-back guarantee.
What's not to love?
Our only objection: This little kettle (and we do mean little) is advertised to hold 1 litre, but the instructions state not to fill it much more than halfway. Not a problem, unless you're brewing 3+ cups of pour over coffee at once. And, if you are someone who wants an all-in-one package deal, then the Coffee Gator gooseneck kettle may be good for you.
Dive into our review to find out if the Coffee Gator kettle is right for you.
3. Hario Buono V60 Drip Kettle – Best Stovetop
Electric or stovetop: Stovetop
- Material: Stainless steel
- Capacity: 1 litre, 1.2 litre
- Temperature control: No
Chances are, if you order filter coffee at a coffee shop, you will see the barista using the Hario V60 Buono kettle. The Hario gooseneck kettle is trusted by professional baristas and at-home enthusiasts alike.
Despite this devotion, the Buono doesn’t offer as much control over water flow as some other goosenecks. Finding the exact angle to achieve a slow, steady pour requires practice (but so does pour over coffee brewing, in general).
The Buono is a capable little dude holding a bit more water than others which would make it a good choice for someone who brews in large batches. Additionally, its beehive design nicely harmonizes with nearly all of Hario’s other coffee products, like the newer Hario Smart G kettle, making it an attractive choice for the fashion-conscious as well.
Electric or stovetop: Electric
- Material: Stainless steel
- Capacity: 1 litre
- Temperature control: Yes
The Bonavita Variable Temperature Electric Gooseneck Kettle comes with a 1000W quick heating function and PID-based temperature control. This brings your hot water up to your desired temperature, and keeps it there. The hold feature means you can set the temperature and it will keep the water at that temperature for up to 1 hour. Wow!
Furthermore, the Bonavita offers impressive flow control. Water flows easily and predictably out the gooseneck spout, and the ergonomically designed handle, with its (brilliant) little finger notch, makes small adjustments a breeze.
The Bonavita kettle’s features make pour over coffee much more fun
Set and forget?
This kettle is a good fit for someone who highly prizes convenience and accuracy. It's commonly agreed upon that it's the best Chemex kettle. There are many temperature control kettles available online, but as per our review — the Bonavita Kettle is the best electric gooseneck kettle for large batches of manual coffee by far.
You can get a feel for how it works by Watching our in house brewing expert Steven use it in this video while teaching you how to brew with the Hario V60:
5. Grosche Marrakesh Pour Over Kettle – Best for Camping
Electric or stovetop: Stovetop kettle
- Material: Stainless steel
- Capacity: 1 litre
- Temperature control: No
Elevate your coffee experience on the trail with the durable Groche Marrakesh Pour Over Kettle. This versatile option can be used for all kinds of cooktops, indoors and out, including electric coil, glass induction, gas, ceramic and camping stoves. You can also use it over a coal or woodburning stove if you ensure that the handle is kept well clear of the flames.
It offers you an amazing degree of flow control. The narrow spout allows hot water to flow smoothly, and the cleverly angled handle makes pouring much more convenient. The lid stays put when pouring, and features two steam vents to avoid any pressure building up.
Just be aware that although the full capacity is 1 litre, it’s recommended that you add a maximum of 700 ml for safe boiling.
6. Kalita Wave Kettle – Best Design
Electric or stovetop: Stovetop
- Material: Stainless steel, wood
- Capacity: 1 litre
- Temperature control: No
Carrying on the theme of matching, Kalita, like Hario, also offers a gooseneck kettle to match its drippers. The Kalita Kettle has a stouter neck than most gooseneck kettles, which makes for a stronger than average flow rate. If you’re used to a slower pour, getting used to the Kalita may be a bit tricky, yet it isn’t unconquerable.
The Kalita gooseneck kettle gives a very steady and predictable pour, and aiming is relatively easy. In terms of design, the Wave kettle scores high for its graceful styling and classic wooden handles. Kalita's related products are renowned for being the best in the biz, and this kettle is no exception.
7. Brewista Artisan Electric Kettle – Best Temperature Control
Electric or stovetop: Electric
- Material: Stainless steel
- Capacity: 1 litre
- Temperature control: Yes
The Brewista Artisan kettle isn’t cheap, but it’s packed with a wide range of features that make it excellent value for money. From the slick digital control panel, you can program your temperature to 1-degree accuracy anywhere from 40 °C to 100 °C. Once your water is ready, simply hit the keep warm button and it will stay at this temperature for an hour.
With manual brewers in mind, the Brewista Artisan includes a count-up timer. Once you remove the kettle from the base, the timer will start, allowing you to time your French press extraction or pour over. If you just need hot water in a hurry, there’s a flash boil button that will bring the kettle to a boil immediately.
8. Willow & Everett Electric Kettle with Temperature Control – Best Value for Money
Electric or stovetop: Electric
- Material: Stainless steel
- Capacity: 1 litre
- Temperature control: Yes
This Willow & Everett kettle is an upgrade to the basic model. It’s slightly more expensive, but the addition of temperature control makes it much more useful for tea and coffee drinkers. There are five presets ranging from 82 °C for green tea to 100 °C for boiling water.
The angle of the handle and the gooseneck spout makes it comfortable and functional to use. And the mirror-finish stainless steel exterior gives it a different look from the usual brushed-stainless construction of so many kettles.
There’s a spill-proof lid so you don’t need to worry about water gushing out the top if you pour too quickly. Most impressively for this price point, you get stainless steel, automatic shut off, and the precise water flow you need from a gooseneck kettle.
The Verdict
So, it's all quite simple. Choose the Fellow Stagg EKG if you want the best performer in this category. It's not cheap, but you won't regret your purchase. But, at the end of the day, the best gooseneck kettle you'll use for your pour over depends on your preferences.
FAQs
Yes, you can use a regular kettle for pour over coffee. But you'll have a hard time pouring at the same speed and using the same amount of water each time, which will leave you with different tasting coffee every morning. So, unless you want to compromise the deliciousness of your pour over, a gooseneck kettle (and even a pour-over stand) is non-negotiable. It will make your coffee taste better.
A gooseneck kettle is better because it allows for more precision when brewing coffee manually. The specially designed kettle lets you control the water flow (amount + speed) to achieve the best possible results for your pour overs, consistently. And remember, consistency is key when it comes to coffee brewing.
Pour over coffee is a manual coffee brewing method used by professional and home baristas alike. Here's a guide on this brewing style. Simply put, pour over means pouring hot water over freshly ground coffee to extract the flavour of the coffee beans used into a cup or other type of coffee vessel. To brew pour over coffee, you need freshly ground coffee, a filter and filter holder, hot water and your preferred coffee holder.
References
- Nel Drip Pot Brewing Guide – How to Brew Coffee – Blue Bottle Coffee. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://bluebottlecoffee.com/us/eng/brew-guides/nel-drip
- Soque, N. (2019, February 06). Everything You Need to Know to Brew Great Pour Over Coffee. Retrieved from https://perfectdailygrind.com/2019/01/everything-you-need-to-know-to-brew-great-filter-pour-over-drip-coffee/
- (n.d.). Pro-Tips: Coffee Maker vs Pour Over Retrieved from https://blog.bluebottlecoffee.com/posts/coffee-maker-vs-pour-over
- Guerra, G. (2018, July 02). How to Limit Water Temperature Variation for Better Coffee. Retrieved from https://perfectdailygrind.com/2018/04/how-to-limit-water-temperature-variation-for-better-coffee/
