While I do love a good coffee brewer, sometimes all I want is the methodical ritual of pouring hot water over a heap of grounds. The smooth stream of hot water is like…a gentle stream splashing over pebbles? A small waterfall awakening coffee grounds to their fullest expression? Okay, it’s just a fun way to make coffee. But what’s not fun is an icky, burnt, bitter-tasting cup—which is, sadly, an all too common occurrence with pourovers. This is why, drum roll please, a good kettle is essential. When we tested gooseneck kettles, the Stagg EKG was by far the best. It was the only kettle that nailed the exact degree it was set to, and it also held that temperature for an hour. I use one every day for my morning coffee, and I’d have a hard time brewing without it.
Water temperature can be tricky for coffee brewing—boiling water can extract bitter and acrid flavors, and brew temps below 190ºF struggle to bring out coffee’s sweetness. With a typical electric kettle, you set it to boil, wait 30 seconds, and cross your fingers that your temperature is accurate. With the Stagg EKG, you can actually fine-tune the water temperature to the exact degree. While this is a boon for pourover aficionados, it’s great for loose-leaf tea lovers, too. Different styles of tea have a wide range of suggested temperatures, and knowing how to nail the brewing instructions exactly means you can feel a little more confident buying high-grade matcha or pu-erh pucks.
The Stagg EKG also delivers its perfectly heated water nicely—its thin gooseneck spout juts outward with two angular bends, giving you precise pouring control no other kettle can match. And if that wasn’t enough, the counterweight in the handle keeps a full kettle balanced while you pour: no more wrist strain trying to tilt for the bloom. So sure, I could probably brew a pretty great cup of coffee with any old stovetop kettle, but the specificity of the Stagg EKG’s temperature, pouring speed, and agility can brew a better one.
Serious Eats / Ashley Rodriguez
To buy: Fellow Stagg EKG Gooseneck Kettle, $163 at amazon.com
Good to Know
- Wattage: 1200 watts
- Materials: Stainless steel, plastic handles
- Weight: 4.52 pounds
- Voltage: 120 Volts
- Stated capacity: 0.9 liters
- Length of time it holds temperature: One hour
- Warranty: 1-year limited
FAQs
How long does it take to boil water in a Fellow Stagg EKG?
The Fellow Stagg EKG kettle takes around three-and-a-half minutes to reach boiling, but because it’s programmed to hit a specific temperature, it can take slightly longer than other kettles. When the Stagg is heating water, it’ll start to slow down before it hits its target temperature—it’s much easier for a kettle to hit 200ºF exactly if it slowly heats the water from 198ºF.
Can you use the Stagg EKG for tea?
Yes—the Stagg EKG is perfect for tea because its precise spout makes it easy to pour water over the tea, and its accurate temperatures make it perfect for any tea style. It was the most accurate kettle we tested, making it suitable for pricier teas that have specific water temperatures in their brewing instructions.
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