Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Gooseneck Kettles for Home Baristas
A gooseneck kettle is a key tool for those who want full control over their pour-over coffee brewing process. In this article, we will closely examine some of the best gooseneck kettles available.
You might think you don't really need a gooseneck kettle to make good coffee. However, having one makes the process much easier. It's like cooking – you can cut vegetables with a dull knife but it's much better to have a sharp chef's knife. A gooseneck kettle is similar. It might be a small expense but it's worth it if you view your daily coffee brewing as an important ritual.
Additionally, most gooseneck kettles are simple in design. They are durable and the technology doesn't become outdated quickly. This means you can use the same kettle for many years.
TOP 5 GOOSENECK KETTLES: ELECTRIC & NON-ELECTRIC
1: TIMEMORE FISH 800ML SMART ELECTRIC KETTLE
The kettle heats water very fast. It keeps the temperature stable during brewing with its hold mode. In my tests, it heated 600 ml of water to 98∘C in just two minutes and 24 seconds. That's quite fast.
The Timemore Smart Kettle comes in two sizes: 600ml and 800ml. I suggest the 800ml size. It's bigger but still easy to handle, especially if you're brewing more than a small amount.
Touchpad and Other Downsides
Some might say this kettle looks a lot like the Fellow Stagg, a well-known matte black kettle. But I think Timemore's design stands out. It matches well with the Black Mirror coffee scale they also make.
The main issue with this kettle is the touchpad used for temperature control. Sometimes it doesn't respond right away. You might need to try a few times to get it to work. But it gets easier once you're used to it. The touch interface is otherwise simple to use.
Sometimes the temperature sensor might read too high and cause the water to boil too much. This happens if there's water or dirt near the kettle's base or sensor. So, it's important to keep it clean.
Timemore has made another good product. It's more affordable and user-friendly than many others. The kettle is quick, accurate, comfortable to hold, and looks great. It would be a good choice for many people looking to improve their coffee brewing at home.
2: FELLOW STAGG EKG 1200W
The Stagg EKG by the innovative US-based Fellow is now a top choice in the market. It's popular for its cool look, fast heating, and all the needed functions. It comes in a matte black version but you can find it in many colors.
There is a more affordable stovetop version and an advanced Bluetooth-enabled model known as the EKG+.
Made for Precision
The Stagg is good for precision pouring. It's the right size and holds up to 0.9 liters. This is enough for most pour over batches, which are usually 250-500 ml. It lets you preheat and rinse filters properly.
The flow rate is designed for pour over coffee. It creates a gentle stream that leads to a smoother tasting coffee. But some might find the flow a bit slow.
High-Quality Temperature Control
The Stagg has great electronic features. It uses PID temperature control, has a lot of power (1200W), a clear display, and an easy-to-use dial. You can set the temperature easily and keep an eye on it. It can keep the temperature stable for up to an hour.
This kettle can heat water for pour-over coffee in under two and a half minutes, which is impressively quick.
The main downside of the Fellow EKG is its high price. It's more costly than other kettles. If money isn't an issue, you should consider this kettle.
Some users have reported issues with malfunctioning units. Problems can happen with electric kettles because they use electricity, heat and water. This is unfortunate given its price.
Most users, however, are very happy with the Fellow kettle.
PS: The kettle includes the pre-loaded game "Worms," which can be played using its dial and compact display.
3: HARIO BUONO POUR-OVER KETTLE
The Hario Buono is a classic for good reasons. It's beautiful and works well. It might not be the newest or most advanced but if you want a good-looking kettle for your coffee this is a great choice.
4: BREWISTA ELECTRIC GOOSENECK
The Brewista Kettle series is becoming more popular, especially among professional baristas. These kettles are efficient and electric, making them a good choice for many.
Temperature Control
The main feature of the Brewista Smart Pour is its temperature control. When making coffee every detail is important. Being able to adjust the heat by 1 degree gives you a lot of control. The temperature setting is very accurate. If you check with an infrared thermometer you'll see it's right on target.
The Brewista takes about 5 to 6 minutes to heat and boil water starting from cold.
Size and Build
The Brewista like the Hario Buono is a bit large. It's not heavy but it's something to keep in mind. It's made of stainless steel which feels strong and durable.
The flow rate and precision of this kettle are very good. It's not too fast or too slow. It's better than the Hario Buono in this regard.
For dedicated home baristas, this kettle ranks among the top choices for gooseneck kettles. It has many helpful features that make brewing easier. If it's within your budget this kettle would be a great addition to your coffee tools.
5: KALITA STAINLESS COFFEE POT
Kalita is a Japanese coffee brand that has become increasingly popular in the Western world in recent times. The company initially emulated the design of the German coffee brand Melitta. After a few years it has developed its own unique style since then. Kalita is well known for the "Wave" pour over dripper. However they also make a range of other barista tools.
Simple and Effective
The Kalita stainless steel pot is available in different sizes but the 0.7 L size is particularly good. This model is quite simple which can often be the best choice. It has a minimalist look and does its job very well.
The spout is thin which gives you good control over the water. The handle is also comfortable and easy to use. This kettle is great for following detailed pour over recipes.
Heating Time
There are a few things to consider with this kettle. Because of its shape it doesn't heat up very quickly on the stove. I typically heat water in an electric kettle before transferring it to the Kalita.
If you do use it on a stove the steel handle gets quite hot so you need to be careful.
They has some issues but it's still one of the top pour over kettles at this price. This is a high-quality item that assists in brewing excellent drip coffee. If you can work around its small drawbacks it's a great choice.
6: BREWISTA ARTISAN
The Brewista Artisan distinguishes itself as a more sophisticated and intricate kettle relative to other models from Brewista.
Style and Design
The look of the Artisan kettle may vary for different people. It comes in several stylish colors and designs. Some models even have wooden accents and handles. This gives the kettle a unique and fashionable appearance.
Precision and Control
A key feature of this kettle is its precise spout. This makes pouring easy and helps avoid disturbing the coffee grounds too much. The kettle also provides precise temperature control, allowing you to select either Celsius or Fahrenheit, which is a useful feature.
Handling and Operation
However, there are some downsides to the Artisan. Its wide shape combined with a long handle and spout can make it feel a bit awkward to use.
Control Panel
The control panel is another area where the Artisan could improve. It has many backlit buttons that might feel a bit low quality. Compared to something like the Fellow Stagg, the controls on the Artisan don't seem as well-designed.
Despite these issues, the Brewista Artisan is a unique kettle with its own set of strengths, especially in terms of style and temperature control.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT COFFEE KETTLE?
The pour over kettle is a key piece of equipment in the third wave coffee movement. You might have seen it in modern coffee shops where a barista carefully pours water in a circle over coffee grounds.
But these baristas don't use a gooseneck kettle just for its looks. It really helps when making pour-over coffee. It's the same reason they use a coffee scale – it just makes things easier.
The Brewista is a great example of a versatile kettle
I learned this from personal experience. When the Hario V60 was becoming popular, I tried to save money. I kept using my old electric kettle with a clumsy spout.
For some coffee-making methods like the Aeropress, you don't need a special kettle. But for pour over, a good kettle makes everything easier.
Eventually, I switched to a better kettle and I've never regretted it. Now, I can't imagine making coffee without one.
Kettles are simple tools. There are only a few important differences between each model. But those differences can have a big impact on your coffee-making experience.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT POUR OVER COFFEE KETTLE
Electric and Non-Electric Kettles
When picking a pour over coffee kettle, the first thing to think about is if you want an electric one. Electric kettles are great because they heat water on their own. You don't need to use the stove or a separate kettle to heat water.
But, electric kettles have some downsides. For example, if you plan to use your kettle for more than just coffee, the slow pouring rate from a small spout might be frustrating for everyday tasks.
Price is another important factor. If you already have a good electric kettle, you might want to save money. In this case, getting a standard non-electric pour over kettle could be a better choice.
Kettle Size
Consider the size of the kettle. In the past, most kettles were about 1 liter, but now pour over kettles come in various sizes. For most people who are not professional baristas or very unique users, a kettle between 0.5 and 1.2 liters is a good choice.
Temperature Features
Some kettles have a built-in thermometer. For electric models, you might even be able to set a specific temperature. This is a great feature if you enjoy trying different brewing recipes and want precise control.
Design and Style
Think about the design and look of the kettle too. A pour-over kettle should be easy to use and also nice to look at. There are many beautiful designs available, so you can pick one that matches your style.
Flow Rate
The flow rate is important but can be overlooked if you're new to using a pour over kettle. I favor kettles that pour more slowly, though not everyone shares this preference. For example, the popular Hario Buono has a faster flow rate. Each person may have a different preference when it comes to how quickly the water flows out of the kettle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why should I use a gooseneck kettle for pour-over coffee?
A gooseneck kettle offers control when it comes to pouring water onto coffee grounds, which is crucial in the art of pour over coffee brewing. The slender spout of the kettle enables an even water flow allowing for extraction of the coffee's flavors. Consequently incorporating a gooseneck kettle into your routine can greatly enhance the taste of your brewed coffee.
Should I get an electric or a non-electric pour-over kettle?
Determining whether to opt for an electric pour over kettle depends on your specific requirements. Electric kettles provide convenience as they rapidly heat water without requiring a stove making them ideal for those seeking a cup of joe. On the other hand non electric kettles are suitable if you already have a means to boil water and prefer simplicity at a more affordable price point.
What size kettle is best for pour-over coffee?
When selecting a kettle size, take into consideration how much coffee you typically brew at once. For individuals or couples who usually prepare coffee in small quantities, a kettle sized around 0.5 liters would suffice. However if you frequently make larger batches to serve multiple people opting for a larger capacity kettle, up to 1.2 liters would likely be more suitable.
Consider also that larger kettles can be more cumbersome and challenging to handle.
How important is the design of the kettle?
The design of a kettle holds importance for both aesthetics and ease of use. A designed kettle should provide a comfortable grip ensuring smooth pouring. Additionally many individuals prefer a kettle that complements their kitchen decor given the plethora of styles and colors.
What is the best flow rate for a kettle?
The ideal flow rate for a kettle varies depending on preference. A slower flow rate allows for control during the brewing process resulting in a smoother cup of coffee. However some individuals may prefer a different flow rate based on their preferred brewing method.
Do I need a kettle with temperature control?
Having temperature control in a kettle can prove advantageous particularly if you enjoy experimenting with coffee brewing techniques. Various coffee beans often taste better at specific temperatures. With temperature control capabilities you can set the temperature required to produce excellent coffee.
Check out Lifeboost Coffee Automatic Pour Over Coffee Machine.