8 Best Gooseneck Kettles for a Perfect Pour Over Coffee (2024)

Pour-over coffee is one of the most satisfying specialty coffee brewing methods. This brewing technique is hands-on and time-consuming, but the results are almost always better than an automatic drip machine.

And one of the crucial factors to properly extracting coffee in the pour-over method is to use a gooseneck kettle. These kettles allow you to subtly control the flow rate of the water and evenly pour over the coffee grounds—that is the key to the perfect coffee extraction. But what is the best gooseneck kettle to buy?

There are many factors to consider when choosing a gooseneck kettle, and this article will cover almost everything you need to know. And while our top pick—the Fellow Stagg EKG—might not be for everyone, this article will hopefully convince you that it is worth the investment.

Our Top Pick: Fellow Stagg EKG

While looks are not everything when choosing a gooseneck kettle, you can confidently trust your first impression of the Fellow Stagg EKG. This kettle not only looks beautiful but also functions beautifully. The Fellow Stagg EKG has a sleek design that is aesthetically pleasing and subtly beautiful.

But this kettle has an optimized flow rate that is easy and intuitive to control. The vertical spout design and counterbalance of weight in the handle allow you to find a precision pour that you will not accomplish on most other kettles.

The kettle’s heating element gets you to the perfect temperature, and its LCD screen shows you the real-time temperature. There is a steep price involved, but that is because it is one of the best kettles on the market!

You might have already learned enough about the amazing Fellow Stagg EKG and are ready to handle its higher price tag. But if you want a more detailed review of that kettle and some of the other top models, keep reading to learn all about the best gooseneck kettles and their features.

1. Fellow Stagg EKG

You have already read about the basic features of the Fellow Stagg EKG kettle, but let’s dive deeper into some of its features. Firstly, it is an aesthetically beautiful kettle made with smooth stainless steel that looks sleek and is easy to clean.

In addition, the kettle comes in different colors, including matte black or white, pink, and polished steel. There are even options to add a wooden handle!

But aesthetics aside, this kettle is designed to allow you to brew like a professional barista. Its unique vertical spout design gives you a slow and precise flow rate.

There is even a counterbalanced weight in the handle that gives you a steadier control over the flow—no dribbling like the cheaper kettles tend to do.

And finally, the 1200-watt heating element quickly gets your water temperature to exactly what you need. There is even an LCD screen that shows you the real-time temperature inside your kettle—temperature control is crucial for proper extraction.  

Pros:

• Variety of color options, including wooden handles
• Precision spout design and weight-balanced handle
• Hold function that keeps your water at the perfect temperature
• Real-time LCD screen
• Built-in stopwatch

Cons:

• High price
• The lid can fit too tightly.
• Its 30oz capacity is slightly lower than other kettles.

2. Bonavita Variable Temperature Gooseneck Electric Kettle

This Bonavita gooseneck kettle is an excellent second place kettle for those who can’t quite stomach the higher price of the Fellow Stagg EKG. The appearance of this kettle is not as sleek and beautiful, and the pour is not as precise, but it is still an advanced kettle.

Made with brushed stainless steel, this kettle will avoid rusting and holds together firmly. Barring any significant bumps into the spout, you will be able to enjoy using this kettle for years.

The only maintenance required of this kettle is to periodically descale the inside, especially if your local water is harder than usual.

But the main feature of this kettle, something it gets even better than the Stagg, is its temperature settings.

There is a temperature set button with preloaded values for quick access, and there are also buttons that allow you to dial in an exact temperature between 140˚-208˚F.

The real-time temperature reading is extremely accurate, and there is a hold feature and the ability to switch between Celsius and Fahrenheit.

Pros:

• Fast heating and temperature holding ability
• Built-in timer
• Brushed stainless steel to avoid rusting
• Dial-in exact temperatures
• Preset temperatures for fast heating

Cons:

• Flow rate not as nice as other kettles
• Spout leaks/dribbles when the kettle is full

3. Willow & Everett Gooseneck Electric Kettle

This Willow & Everett kettle is similar in functionality and looks to the Bonavita kettle you just read about. It is an electric kettle with preset temperatures, and you can hold those temperatures automatically to keep your brewing water exactly where you need it.

You will find that the 120-volt base heats your water faster than many other kettles.

In terms of construction, the materials are high-quality stainless steel and do not contain any of the chemicals that can mess with the flavor of the water. In addition, the airtight lid fits securely in place, and you will never have to worry about spills with this kettle.

And compared with the similar Bonavita kettle, this handle/spout design is a bit more natural, allowing you to control the flow and get a more consistent pour. Of course, the feel of a kettle is usually a personal preference, but you will probably find that the shape of this kettle makes it easier to handle.

Pros:

• Fast electric heating—water boils in just over a minute
• Preset temperatures and holding ability
• High-quality stainless steel
• Great flow rate

Cons:

• Overly sensitive buttons
• Less-than-ideal plastic handle

4. Brewista Artisan Electric Gooseneck Kettle

This Brewista gooseneck kettle is similar in design to the Bonavita kettle above. But as the name suggests, the aesthetics of this product are much more artistic and thoughtful.

While there is an all-black version, you should consider one of the beautiful wooden handle models. There are also other color options available for the same price.

You can think of the Brewista Artisan kettle as an alternative to the Fellow Stagg EKG. It is similarly priced, will look beautiful in your kitchen, and the thoughtful design means you will get a precision of pouring worthy of the high price.

Its LCD temperature display can show both Fahrenheit and Celsius, and the highly accurate thermometer will hold your water to almost exact temperatures. Lastly, the handle has a unique design with a goose tail shape and a comfortable grip, making pouring easy and smooth.  

Pros:

• Precision temperature control
• Aesthetically beautiful design with lots of color options
• LCD temperature display
• Unique goose tail handle for precision pouring
• Flash boil setting for extra fast heating

Cons:

• It is an expensive kettle.
• Loses heat quickly

5. Hario Buono V60 Drip Kettle

Hario is a trusted brand name in the world of specialty coffee, and this Hario gooseneck kettle is an excellent option for those on a tighter budget who need a precision pour. The shape of the kettle—especially the handle and spout combination—gives it a balanced feel that you will quickly learn how to control.

You can imagine that the design of this kettle is meant to match Hario’s famous pour-over dripper, the V60.

When brewing on a smaller brewer like the V60, the slow pour of this Hario kettle is perfect. But you might find that you need a faster flow rate for a larger pour-over brewer like the Chemex or when brewing something like a French Press.

The other significant advantage to this kettle is that the 1.2-liter models leave you with plenty of water for brewing multiple cups at a time.

You will need a stovetop to heat these kettles, and you will need to buy a separate thermometer to get any real-time temperature readings. But if you are willing to spend a bit more money, Hario does make an electric version of this kettle.

Pros:

• Trusted brand name in specialty coffee
• Thin spout for smooth and steady pouring
• Compact and lightweight stainless steel design
• Its 1.2-liter capacity is larger than most other kettles.

Cons:

• Requires a stovetop or hot plate
• A slow pour that is not ideal for larger brewing situations

6. Coffee Gator Pour Over Kettle

This Coffee Gator kettle is similar in price and quality to the Hario stovetop kettle. But unlike the Hario model, there is no electric option with this kettle, so be sure that you will have a stove or hot plate around when making coffee.

In terms of design, the stainless steel material and overall shape—especially that of the handle and spout—resemble the balance of the Hario kettle. So once you adjust to this kettle, you will get a balanced and smooth pour to get those delicate flavors out of your pour-over coffees.

And while Coffee Gator is not as established a name in the specialty coffee world, this kettle has one feature missing from the Hario: a thermometer. The lid of this Coffee Gator kettle is designed with a precision thermometer built-in, allowing you to easily find precise temperatures lower than boiling.

Pros:

• Balanced stainless steel design
• 40 ounce model for larger brewing situations
• Precise thermometer built into the lid
• East to clean

Cons:

• No electric options
• Handle heats up on certain stovetops
• Thermometer made of flimsy material

7. Airyoyo Gooseneck Electric Pour-Over Kettle

Back into the world of electric kettles, this Ariyoyo gooseneck kettle is an ideal option for those who love the Fellow Stagg EKG but can’t afford it. You can think of this Ariyoyo kettle as the budget-friendly version of our top choice—at first glance, the similar appearance of the two kettles might even fool you!

At roughly half the cost of the Fellow Stagg kettle, this kettle comes with almost all of the features you need for making consistently delicious pour-over coffees. The company makes this kettle with 304-grade stainless steel that is durable and balanced.

You will notice that the handle/spout design is similar to the Fellow Stagg, although the feel of the pour is not quite as smooth and steady.

But with fast heating, precise temperature control, and an LED temperature display, this kettle is a step up from most of the other electric kettles you have read about here.

We think of it as the more artistic version of the Bonavita variable temperature gooseneck kettle, with the downside of not holding as much water.

Pros:

• Sleek and elegant design
• 304-grade stainless steel
• LED temperature display
• Balanced and steady flow rate

Cons:

• Low capacity at only 900ml
• The pour is too slow for some brewing methods

8. Kalita Wave Kettle

Kalita is a trusted name in the world of coffee, and if you are already a user of their Kalita Wave pour-over dripper, you might consider this kettle—it blends well with the capacity and size of the dripper.

You will notice that the design of this gooseneck is quite different from most of the other models in this article, and if that feels right for you, you should consider this kettle.

The shape of the spout is more of a dragon neck, with a wide base and an extra pinched lip—this allows for fast pouring with incredible control.

If you want a kettle that can handle the slow pours of a pour-over coffee while also being fast enough for something like a French Press, this kettle is worth considering.  

Pros:

• Works perfectly with the Kalita Wave dripper
• Dishwasher safe
• Steady pour

Cons:

• No electric options
• Water burping during fast pours

What to Look for in Your Gooseneck Kettle

Now that you have read through some of the best features for best gooseneck kettles, let’s go a little deeper into what features make specific kettles more desirable. Knowing what to look for will help you differentiate between the kettles to find the one that best suits your needs.

Design

While the aesthetics of the design is a relevant detail—especially for those who want a specific decor in their kitchen—you should also consider the quality of materials. Within the world of stainless steel, there is a grading of steel quality that matters.

So even if a kettle looks sleek and well designed, if it is made with inferior metals and cheap plastic parts, you are in for some trouble.

Cheap materials and design usually mean the kettle will break or rust quickly into its lifespan. The plastic parts will break easily, and the joints connecting the spout to the kettle can easily break. You can usually spot such kettles by their low prices and unrecognizable brand names.

So when it comes to design, it is best to go with reputable brand names who make their kettles with high-quality metal and intelligent construction.  

Comfort and Convenience

You might not think that comfort is much of a factor for a kettle—it is not like you are purchasing a new armchair or sofa. But in reality, a gooseneck kettle that is uncomfortable to hold will affect both the quality of your brew and the enjoyment you have while making it.

A good gooseneck kettle should have a balanced weight that is comfortable to hold. Making pour-over coffee with a gooseneck should be a relaxing and almost meditative experience. However, when the kettle is out of balance or the handle is awkwardly designed, the whole process becomes more of a headache.

So make sure you are not just buying something that looks cool but also a product that is comfortable to hold. You should especially look out for well-designed handles and weight balance.

Capacity

When it comes to capacity, the primary consideration is what brew method you tend to use. For small pour-over brewers, a smaller kettle is fine, like the Hario V60 or the Kalita Wave. This smaller volume of water will be easier to hold, but it will also heat up much faster.

But if you tend to brew on a bigger brewer like the Chemex—the 8-cup Chemex can make up to 40 ounces of coffee at a time—then you should be sure to get a large enough kettle. Most gooseneck kettles average to around a 1-liter capacity, but you can also find models that go well above 1 liter.

In whatever way you brew, keep in mind that water can take a long time to heat up, and for a large family, a bigger kettle might be the best option.

Automatic Settings

Automatic settings are all about convenience. Unfortunately, this factor does not apply to stovetop kettles—those models can be great but don’t expect anything fancy from them in terms of automaticity.

But many electric kettles come with specific settings aimed at making your life much easier. Look for settings such as exact temperature control, timers, and holding settings to keep your water at an exact temperature for up to an hour.

Holding temperature is especially helpful in smoothing out your morning routine. Then, when you get out of the shower, your brewing water will be ready at whatever temperature you have decided is best for extraction.  

Flow rate

There are two aspects of flow rate to consider, and making sure your new kettle dials these in is crucial for extracting delicious coffee consistently. The first factor is how fast the water pours out: you want a kettle that has a relaxed and generally slow flow rate, but it should also have the ability to speed up when you lean into the pour and need more water.

And to that idea, the second factor is how the pour starts. Cheap kettles begin dribbling water before the person wants to pour. But the best gooseneck kettles will give you the control to flow water with precision.

After a few days of using a new kettle—if it is a good model—you should feel like you have the coordination to fine-tune exactly how the water pours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Before reading this article, you probably did not realize how much information there is about coffee kettles and the gooseneck design. But before you get ready to buy, let’s answer some of the most common questions people have about gooseneck kettles.

Can I use a normal kettle for a pour-over coffee?

Using a gooseneck kettle is not a strict requirement for brewing a pour-over coffee, and it is even less of an issue for other brewing methods like French Press or AeroPress. So you can make a pour-over with a standard kettle, but the gooseneck kettle will give you much more consistent results.

What is the point of a gooseneck kettle?

The main reasoning behind using a gooseneck kettle is that it gives you way more control over how you pour the water, both for speed and location. With a gentle turn of the wrist, you can control the flow rate precisely, and the smooth stream allows you to get an even extraction and control the agitation.

Is Fellow Stagg EKG worth it?

Considering all of the kettle features discussed earlier in the article—design, flow rate, precision, and automation—the Fellow Stagg EKG understandably comes with a high price tag.

But for the coffee lover who wants to up their game while also having an aesthetically pleasing product, this product is worth it.

Conclusion

As you can see, there is way more to consider in the world of gooseneck kettles than most people initially think. So whether you care about design and materials, flow rate, or automatic settings, carefully consider your needs before choosing your gooseneck kettle.

But if you are serious about investing in your specialty coffee future, the precision pour of the Fellow Stagg EKG is well worth the investment. You will notice a sharp increase in the consistency of your brews and a more relaxed pouring experience.

And on top of that, functionality. To put it simply, this kettle looks beautiful! You will drink better coffee while enjoying the added decor in your kitchen.