A gooseneck kettle is an essential tool if you want to control every part of the extraction. Here are some excellent models.
A gooseneck kettle is one of those things that you strictly speaking don’t really need to brew a good cup of coffee.
On the other hand, it makes your life a lot easier if you have one.
It’s a bit like cooking. Sure, you can chop vegetables with an old, blunt knife, but most people would prefer having a razor-sharp chef’s knife at their disposal.
Yes, it’s a small expense, but if you see your daily coffee as a bit of ritual that sets you up for the rest of the day, it’s totally worth it.
Plus, most kettles are relatively simple. They can’t really break, and the technology doesn’t go old every half year, so chances are good you can use it for a lifetime.
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The pour over kettle is one of the most iconic pieces of equipment in the third wave coffee movement.
Most people have walked into a minimalist-chic coffee shop and bewondered the careful circle motion pouring performed by a bearded barista.
hipster baristas don’t use a gooseneck kettle just because it looks cool. They do it because it makes life a whole lot easier when brewing pour-over coffee. With a device like the Aeropress, you don’t need one, but when brewing pour over, a kettle with a precision spout just makes your life so much easier.
| Kettle | Capacity | Power | Temp Control | Flow Rate | Material |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Timemore Fish Smart | 0.8 L 0.6 L |
1350W 1000W |
Yes | Slow | Stainless Steel |
| Fellow Stagg EKG | 0.9 L | 1200W | Yes | Slow | Stainless Steel |
| Hario Buono | 1.2 L 1.0 L 0.7 L |
Available | No | Fast | Stainless Steel |
| Brewista Smart Pour | 1.0 L | 1000W | Yes | Medium | Stainless Steel |
| Kalita Stainless Pot | 0.7 L 1.2 L |
N/A | No | Medium | Stainless Steel |
| Brewista Artisan | 1.0 L | N/A | Yes | Medium | Various |
If you’re looking for a modern, stylish gooseneck kettle that doesn’t cost a fortune, then I’d highly recommend this model from Timemore.
I have been using it almost daily since I got it in 2020, and it’s still doing a great job.
The ergonomics and balance makes it easy to maintain a slow, consistent pour rate, even down to 2 milliliters per second. Of course, it also has a precise temperature control, so you can regulate everything regarding extraction. The kettle also has a “hold” mode, so you can maintain a certain target temperature during a longer period.
In my testing, the kettle was able to heat 600 ml of room temperature water to 98 degrees celsius in just 2:24. That’s pretty impressive! Be aware that there is also a smaller version of the kettle, which is not as fast due to lower wattage.
Unless you’re only brewing very tiny batches or want to save money, I’d opt for the bigger version since it’s still very nimble and easy to operate.
The main downside to this smart kettle is that the touchpad controlling the temperature adjustment can sometimes feel unresponsive. It can take a few gestures/strokes to get it to react. However, it isn’t too bad once you’ve gotten used to the touchpad and its quirks. Besides that, the touch interface is intuitive and easy to use.
Timemore is actually releasing a slightly tweaked version of the kettle in 2024 called the “Fish Pro” kettle, but it is not available in a 110v version yet, so Americans will have to wait. One of the most noticeable changes to that version is the addition of plus and minus buttons for adjusting the temperature. With the new buttons, you can now press to make changes, although stroking is still an option if that’s your thing.
Overall, the new Timemore kettle feels like a small step forward in some ways and a slight step back in others. If you don’t mind the stroking action and prefer the older design, the previous model might still be the way to go. But if you value the updated control scheme and aesthetics, the new kettle is worth considering.
On occasion, I have also experienced that the temperature sensor shoots too high and goes into a rolling boil. This can happen if there’s water or dirt close to the kettle’s base/temperature sensor, so make sure to keep it clean.
Btw: you can see my comparison of the Fish Smart kettle and the Fish Pro kettle in this YouTube video – bottom line is: the old smart kettle is still outstanding value today.
The Timemore fish kettle is a bit of an underrated gem in the coffee community. Despite not getting much traction, likely due to a certain influential coffee persona’s aversion to “stroking” the kettle, I find it to be an excellent daily driver and excellent value for the money.
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The Stagg EKG from innovative US-company Fellow has quickly established itself as one of the top choices in the market.
It’s easy to see why: It looks “dope AF” (as the young people like to say), it’s heating rapidly, and has all the functions you need.
The most prevalent version is the matte black kettle, but there’s a wide range of color variations today.
There is a cheaper non-electric model for the stovetop and a more advanced (and probably unnecessary) Bluetooth-model called the EKG+.
The Stagg has a very convenient size compared to some of the other electric kettles, making it more comfortable for precision pouring. It only has a 0.9-liter capacity, but that should be ideal for most people’s pour over needs. The most common batch size for pour over is probably between 250-500 ml’s, so the capacity still gives you enough water for a proper preheat and filter-rinse.
The flow rate of the Stagg EKG is also explicitly made for pour over coffee. Having a gentle stream creates less agitation in the brew bed, which translates into smoother tasting coffee.
However, some people might find the stream on the slow side.
Besides looking cool, Stagg also comes packed with some smart technology. It has PID temperature control, plenty of horsepower (1200W), an excellent display, and an intuitive dial.
It’s easy to adjust the temperature and monitor the progress. The model will also hold temperatures for up to an hour.
The kettle will heat enough water for one pour over in less than two and a half minutes. Pretty impressive.
The LCD screen is easy to read, displaying the current temperature and your set temperature.
In terms of build quality, the Stagg feels solid and durable. The 304 stainless steel construction is not only attractive but also built to last. The kettle has a maximum capacity of 900mL, which is sufficient for most home brewing needs, although some users might prefer a larger capacity.
There is one significant downside to the Fellow EKG, and that’s the price. It’s more expensive than the competitors. However, this model should be on your radar if money is no concern.
There have been some reports about faulty units, but this is pretty natural with something like electric kettles. Heat, electricity, and water aren’t friends, so mishaps will occur. It’s unfortunate given the price of the pot, but probably unavoidable.
It seems that the vast majority of users, however, are delighted with the Fellow kettle.
PS: It the kettle comes with the old-school game “Worms” pre-installed. Use the dial and the tiny display, and you’re ready to play.
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The Hario Buono is ‘the original’ gooseneck kettle. For many years this was the only serious option out there. What the Hario V60 was for drippers, the Buono was for gooseneck kettles.
You can get both stovetop versions and one with a built-in heater and temperature control. I have mostly used the basic one on an induction stove, where it heats up incredibly fast.
The Hario Buono is a visually striking kettle. The design language is the same curvy-elegant one that we see applied across a range of the most popular Hario products: the V60 dripper, the Skerton grinder, and the cute little range server.
The Buono has a large capacity while still feeling relatively lightweight weighing in at 415 grams. The material itself feels sturdy, but given the light weight it might not be perceived as ‘premium.’
The Hario Buono is one of the bigger models on the market. For professional baristas in a coffee shop setting, this might be pretty handy. But for us home users 1.2 liters is a little excessive.
Just, think about it… Brewing your typical pour over, you might use 400 ml’s of water to 26 grams of coffee.
However, there is a smaller model of the Buono out there holding just 1 liter, which is probably more suitable for most people.
Compared to a lot of the newer models that are starting to become available in the US, the Buono has a faster flow rate.
Don’t get me wrong – it still offers superior control when pouring compared to all traditional kettles, but the other models in this comparison all have either a more narrow spouts or gooseneck angle, which results in a slower flow rate.
I’m personally not a big fan of pouring with the kettle because it seems like a minor movement could result in a very powerful stream churning up the brew bed.
Conclusion:
The Hario Buono is a classic for a good reason. It’s a beautiful kettle that gets the job done. It may not be the most innovatively model available, but if you need an attractive coffee kettle, then you got it right here.
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The Brewista series of kettles has been gaining a lot of traction in recent years. Many professional baristas are starting to turn to these efficient and electric models.
The Brewista Smart Pour’s main strength is the built-in temperature control. When brewing coffee every little parameter counts and with the ability to change the heat 1 degree plus or minus, you got all the options on your hand.
The temperature control works as well as advertised. If you use an infrared thermometer to double check, you will see that it is very precise.
The Brewista is pretty average regarding heating speed – it takes about 5-6 minutes to heat up and boil the water from cold.
Like the Hario Buono, the Brewista is also on the larger side. It’s by no means heavy, but it’s worth considering.
The material is stainless steel, and it has a nice sturdy feel to it.
The flow rate and the precision of the kettle are excellent. Not too fast, not too slow, just right. I like it much better than the Hario Buono.
Conclusion:
This is one of the most popular gooseneck kettles for serious home-baristas. All the nice tweaks and features are gonna make your life easier. If you can afford it, this kettle is a great addition to your coffee arsenal.
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Kalita is a Japanese coffee brand that has become wildly popular in the Western world in recent years.
In fact, the company is pretty old. They started out as an imitator of the German coffee brand Melitta but has somehow morphed into their own unique identity.
Kalita’s most famous product is the “Wave” pour over dripper, but they produce a whole range of slick barista gear.
Kalita’s stainless steel pot comes in various sizes, but we’re fans of this particular size – the 0,7 L.
In fact, this model is very basic, but sometimes that’s the ideal approach. It looks minimalist and cool, and it carries out its job to perfection.
The spout is thin and offers excellent control over the water flow. At the same time, the handle feels comfortable and precise.
This kettle will work very well if you want to follow advanced pour over recipes.
There are a few downsides to this model you ought to know about. Because of the slightly elongated design, the heat doesn’t transfer that quickly if you put it on the stove.
What I always do, is boiling the water in an electric kettle first and then pour it into the Kalita after.
If you do use it on a stove, you will also find that the steel handle will absorb a lot of heat, so be careful!
Conclusion:
The Kalita Stainless Steel Pot is not without its flaws, but if you’re able to live with them, you get an elegant and capable pour over coffee kettle. It’s a quality product that can help you make consistent drip coffee.
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The Brewista Artisan is a more advanced and elaborate product compared to the other of the brand’s kettles in this round-up.
Depending on your taste, you might think the Artisan kettle is beautiful or a bit too much. It’s available in a range of chic colors and designs — some of them even sporting wooden accents and handles.
One of the highlights of the kettle is the precision spout, which makes it really easy to pour without causing any unwanted agitation to the brew bed.
This gooseneck kettle offers accurate temperature control. You can switch between celsius and fahrenheit, depending on what you prefer.
The main downside to the Brewista Artisan is that it can feel a little bit clumsy to operate with its wide design combined with a rather elongated handle and a long spout.
Also, I think the control panel is not the most elegant solution around. There are too many backlit buttons, and they have a slightly cheap feeling to them.
For instance, the Fellow Stagg is a lot nicer in this regard.
See more reviewsThe first factor that should decide which model to go for is whether you want an electric kettle or not. It goes without saying that it’s fantastic to have an electric kettle. It means you don’t have first heat water on the stove or in a separate electric kettle.
At the same time, there are also a few drawbacks to this. For instance, if you want to use your electric kettles for other purposes than coffee making, the slow pour rate of a smaller spout could be quite annoying in daily use.
Of course, the price is also a factor. If you already have a decent electric kettle, it might be a better solution to save the money and just get a regular non-electric kettle.
The size of the kettle is something to have in mind. Back in the days, most kettles were typically around 1 L but nowadays pour over coffee kettles come in all shapes and sizes.
Unless you are a pro barista or a very unusual consumer, I’d suggest that you go something between 0,5 and 1.2 liters.
Some kettles come with a built-in thermometer. Some of the electric models will even be able to target specific temperatures. This is a neat feature if you want to geek out and explore different recipes.
The last point I want to include is design and aesthetics. A pour-over kettle should be easy to handle and at the same time easy on the eye. There are a lot of beautiful models to choose from, so here your taste should be your guide.
The flow rate is a tricky one. If you haven’t used a pour over coffee kettle before you most likely won’t pay much attention to this factor.
I like kettles with a slower flow rate, but not everybody agrees on this point. One of the most popular models, the Hario Buono, for instance, has a quite fast flow rate.
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