When you get started with the pour-over method, it’s easy to get overwhelmed when you consider the equipment you’ll need. A scale helps you measure out your coffee grounds with precision, while a thermometer ensures you get the water within the recommended 195F to 205F for the best coffee. You’ll also, of course, need a great pour-over coffee maker.
If you’re serious about pour-over, you’ll need a gooseneck kettle. These kettles come with a spout perfectly engineered to afford you the precise and controlled pour you’ll need when you’re making coffee like a hipster barista without leaving home.
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Contents
Our Top 13 Picks for Gooseneck Kettles
Products & Features | Image & Price |
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Coffee Gator Gooseneck Kettle Our #1 Pick
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Best Electric Gooseneck Kettle: Fellow Stag Electric Kettle
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Best Stainless Steel Gooseneck Kettle: Fino Pour-Over Kettle
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Also Great: COSORI Electric Gooseneck Kettle
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OXO Brew Adjustable Temperature Gooseneck Kettle
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Bonavita Variable Temperature Gooseneck Kettle
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Hario Stainless Steel Gooseneck Kettle
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Barista Warrior Pour-Over Kettle
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Bodum Melior Electric Gooseneck Kettle
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Steel Coffee Pour-Over Kettle
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Ovalware Pour-Over Kettle
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Kalita Wave Stainless Steel Drip Kettle
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Kalita Stainless Pot
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- The 10 Best Pour Over Coffee Makers
- The 8 Best Coffee Scales
- 10 Tips to Help You Make a Better Cup of Coffee
Why Should You Use a Gooseneck Kettle for Pour-Over Brewing?
There are three core reasons for using a gooseneck kettle for pour-over coffee:
- Keep Complete Control When You’re Pouring
- Complete Consistency Every Single Time
- You’ll Get Coffee That Tastes Better
Keep Complete Control When You’re Pouring
At first glance, you might incorrectly assume gooseneck kettles are awkward to use. On the contrary, the highly engineered spout is designed to give you maximum control over the pace and strength of the pour. If you try embarking on the pour-over method with a standard kettle, you’ll struggle to control either speed or consistency. A gooseneck allows you to dial the pace right back, key with pour-over where speed is your enemy. The slender spout lets you pour in the exact spot you want every time. This is crucial with a brewing method contingent on your saturating all the grounds evenly for optimum extraction. As a bonus, you’ll be able to influence overall brewing time by speeding up or slowing down the pour.
Complete Consistency Every Single Time
The extra control you get with a gooseneck kettle translates to a more consistent brewing method giving you exactly what you want from your pour-over. If you try using a standard-issue kettle with a regular spout, you’ll find it tough to use the same amount of water and you’ll also struggle to maintain a consistent pouring speed. You’ll also fail to evenly saturate the grounds leading to a coffee that’s imbalanced and awkward to replicate with any accuracy.
Use a gooseneck to:
- Pour the exact quantity of water you want
- Pour at a controlled speed
- Hit all the coffee grounds and saturate them evenly
You’ll Get Coffee That Tastes Better
By dialing in the variables with accuracy aided by a gooseneck kettle, the result will be a more consistent and balanced coffee. The even saturation afforded you when you roll with a gooseneck alone makes a massive difference to flavor. The balance you’re seeking is achieved as all ground surrender the same amount of flavor. You should eliminate the bitterness or sourness from under-extraction or over-extraction. With the brewing time also under your direct control, you can switch up the pace to shorten or extend overall time. Throw in the consummate ease with which you’ll pour and investing in a gooseneck kettle quickly looks more like an essential than a luxury.
What Should You Look for When Buying a New Gooseneck Kettle?
Buying a new kettle to complete your pour-over kit is a fairly simple task, but doubling down on the following will make it even easier.
- The All-Important Spout
- Manual or Electric?
- Materials
- Cool-Touch Handle
- Temperature Control
The All-Important Spout
If you’re the kind of person who also moves in a hurry, slow things up when you’re making pour-over coffee. Speed should not be your primary concern. A regular kettle simply doesn’t give you the control or the accuracy you need when you’re making pour-over coffee. Take full advantage of the long, slimline spout on a gooseneck kettle to wet your grounds with unerring precision. Check user reviews for any complaints about the handle mounting and make sure you don’t encounter any negative reviews about a weak handle.
Manual or Electric?
Only you know whether you would prefer a stovetop kettle or an electric model. Electric kettles have the benefit of auto shut-off. They also typically include some form of onboard temperature control. On the downside, electric kettles can be pricey. Stovetop models don’t all work well on all types of stovetop. If you have an induction cooker, you should always check closely for compatibility before committing to purchase.
Materials
Stainless steel kettles are the best bet with the numbers used when describing them expressing the thickness of the steel. You’ll find these kettles boil water quickly and energy-efficiently. The niggle with stainless steel kettles is that they’re quite flimsy which can mean truncated lifespan. Make sure your kettle has BPA-free plastic if there’s any plastic in place.
Cool-Touch Handle
The time you spend pouring with this labor-intensive method means you need a kettle with an ergonomic, cool-touch handle. Make sure any plastic is free of all contaminants and won’t leave your hand scorched.
Temperature Control
If you’re searching for that elusive golden cup of coffee, you should be aware of the importance of getting the water temperature right. The best coffee is made with water anywhere from 195F to 205F. Many pour-over kettles come with onboard thermometers, many equipped with handy presets. This is highly convenient and saves you from buying yet another piece of coffee paraphernalia.
The Top 13 Gooseneck Kettles
1. Our #1 Pick: Coffee Gator Gooseneck Kettle
Pros: Triple-layered base so works on all types of stove. Premium stainless steel for durability and heat retention. Generous 34oz capacity so make a large batch of pour-over. Works with all stovetops including induction.
Cons: A few niggles about rust developing over time.
Bottom Line: Coffee Gator delivers everything you could want in a pour-over kettle including enough capacity to make a large batch.
2. Best Electric Gooseneck Kettle: Fellow Stag Electric Pour-Over Kettle
Pros: Jaw-dropping looks in matte black. Temperature readings in both Fahrenheit and Celsius. Potent heating element for quick brewing. Hold temperature for an hour at the push of a button.
Cons: Obviously not a stovetop model.
Bottom Line: If you have a fluid budget and you’re looking for the perfect marriage of form and function and one of the best pour-over kettles on the market, it’s got to be the Fellow Stag.
3. Best Stainless Steel Gooseneck Kettle: Fino Pour-Over Kettle
Pros: Curved and elongated spout for a precise pour. Angled handle prevents scorched fingers. Rugged stainless steel build with impeccable insulating and heat distribution. Use on any stovetop.
Cons: Feels lightweight and disturbingly flimsy.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking for an affordable entry-point to gooseneck kettles, Fino’s back-to-basics model gets the job with no frills or fanfare at a very reasonable price.
4. Also Great: COSORI Electric Gooseneck Kettle
Pros: Elegant and commanding aesthetics. Onboard thermometer with 5 temperature presets to streamline brewing. Food-grade stainless steel build with no Teflon. Boil water in just over 3 minutes thanks to 1200-watt heating element.
Cons: A few complaints from disgruntled users about build quality.
Bottom Line: For a mid-range and powerful gooseneck kettle that punches above its weight, our only real issue with the COSORI is its questionable lifespan.
5. OXO Brew Adjustable Temperature Gooseneck Kettle
Pros: Classic, understated design. Multiple variants available. Adjustable temperature from 140F through 212F for all your brewing needs. Cordless convenience. Integrated timer ideal for the precision required with pour-over.
Cons: Couple of customers suggest they experienced leaking.
Bottom Line: If you want a potent and multipurpose pour-over kettle with everything you need and nothing you don’t, OXO Brew gives you performance at a reasonable price-point.
6. Bonavita Variable Temperature Gooseneck Kettle
Pros: Rapid heat-up with 1000-watt element. Broad temperature band from 140F to 208F. Count-up timer perfect for dialing in your pour-over brew. Stainless steel build. Thin and lengthy spout.
Cons: A number of concerns about build quality over time.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking for an affordable, durable and versatile pour-over kettle, the Bonavita gives you variable temperature at a keen price.
7. Hario Stainless Steel Gooseneck Kettle
Pros: Works well on all stovetops including induction cooker. Unbeatable brand heritage. Ties in very well with Hario Dripper. Stainless steel build with a premium on ergonomics.
Cons: Handle mounting could be more robust.
Bottom Line: If you’re a fan of stripped-down Japanese simplicity, this Hario gooseneck sits well with the rest of their broad and deep bench of great coffee equipment. Treat yourself.
8. Barista Warrior Pour-Over Kettle
Stainless steel build means your kettle won’t rust out and it’s light enough to maneuver without feeling fatigued.
Available in two muted finished and backed by a dependable 1-year limited guarantee, this gooseneck represents outstanding value for money. You can get a full refund at any stage during the first year after purchase so you have literally nothing to lose by road testing the Barista Warrior.
Pros: Thermometer baked in to enhance precision brewing. Slender spout ideal for pour-over. Rust-free 18/8 stainless steel build. Limited 1-year warranty for your peace of mind.
Cons: Quality control can be questionable so check the contents of your package closely upon arrival.
Bottom Line: For a cheap-and-cheerful gooseneck kettle with an inbuilt thermometer for maximum precision, the Barista Warrior is a solid option.
9. Bodum Melior Electric Gooseneck Kettle
Pros: Sleek, minimalist design. Choice of sizings to suit. Non-slip and cool-touch cork handle also breaks up the expanse of matte black nicely. Auto shut-off for your convenience and safety. Spout tailor-made for pour-over.
Cons: Prone to leaking if you fill close to the maximum line.
Bottom Line: If you want the convenience of an electric kettle with the inbuilt benefit of a gooseneck spout, coffee specialists Bodum smash another home run with the Melior.
10. Steel Coffee Pour-Over Kettle
Pros: Food-grade stainless steel build. Nicely angled spout promotes a perfect pour. Cordless stovetop convenience. Thermometer-ready so regulate your temperature for the best pour-over.
Cons: A few reported problems with rust developing over time.
Bottom Line: While not entirely stainless steel, you’ll get a solid overall performer from Steel with this pour-over kettle on a budget.
11. Ovalware Pour-Over Kettle
Pros: Highly convenient portable pour-over kettle. Dry-fast bottom for your convenience. Fiber-reinforced cool-touch handle. 34oz capacity enough for all the family. Works on gas and electric stovetops.
Cons: No bells and whistles. Inbuilt thermometer available only as optional extra.
Bottom Line: A solid all-rounder, this simple but effective gooseneck kettle makes a great addition to any coffee-making arsenal.
12. Kalita Wave Stainless Steel Drip Kettle
Pros: Base containing chrome for optimum heat transfer. Stripped-down Japanese elegance at its finest. Gooseneck spout to prevent pouring water too quickly when you’re making pour-over. Removable wooden handle is dishwasher-friendly.
Cons: Prone to tarnishing which is a disappointment.
Bottom Line: Kalita is a specialist when it comes to coffee kit and this kettle, designed to complement the Wave dripper perfectly, is a must for serious coffee fans and complete beginners alike.
13. Kalita Stainless Pot
Pros: Elegant design to grace any kitchen counter. Not too thick or heavy despite an overall solid feel. Easy to maneuver and a dream to pour. No issues with leaking.
Cons: The handle gets remarkably hot so use an oven mitt.
Bottom Line: If you want a kettle that feels a little more solid than Hario, Kalita bridge that gap without going overboard on the weight. This is a design-driven modern classic to jazz up pour-over coffee the right way.
Conclusion
We won’t pretend this is an instant brewing method, but pour-over is remarkably rewarding if you put in a little time and effort. Grind your beans directly before brewing then take your time to pour with precision. If you can set aside 10 to 15 minutes, that’s all you’ll need to make great pour-over from bean to cup. Along with a grinder, you should consider investing in a scale along with a pour-over coffee maker to bring everything together. Throw in one of these gooseneck kettles and you have everything you need to rustle up gourmet coffee in your home kitchen.