On a chilly morning, there’s nothing better than wrapping your hands around your favorite coffee mug and taking that first sip. Whether you prefer tea or coffee, finding the best gooseneck kettle can raise your brewing game to the next level.
With other types of kettles, the flow of water can be choppy and uneven, resulting in a mess and sometimes ruining the flavor of the drink. The best gooseneck kettle gives you precise control over the amount and speed of pour when brewing, which is especially important for pour-over coffee.
- BEST OVERALL: Bonavita 1.0L Variable Temperature Electric Kettle
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Apexstone Mini 20oz Pour Over Coffee Kettle
- UPGRADE PICK: Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Pour-Over Kettle
- BEST ELECTRIC: COSORI Electric Gooseneck Kettle
- BEST STOVETOP: Hario Gooseneck Coffee Kettle ‘Buono’
- BEST COPPER COLOR: OPUX Gooseneck Kettle for Pour Over Coffee | Copper
- BEST FOR CAMPING: Chefbar Tea Kettle for Stove Top Premium Gooseneck
- BEST LARGE-CAPACITY: Coffee Gator True Brew Coffee Kettle
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Gooseneck Kettle
There are a lot of features to keep in mind while shopping for the best gooseneck kettles. Seeing the number of options available can become overwhelming, but understanding the features listed below can help narrow down the options based on each user’s individual needs.
Consider items such as whether the kettle is a stovetop versus an electric model, its material and finish, its capacity, the handle and pouring spout, the speed and temperature settings, the noise level, the safety options, and any other features that will make the brewing experience better.
Stovetop vs. Electric
There is no correct answer when it comes to stovetop versus electric kettles. Both of these options have pros and cons that will make them better or worse on an individual basis. It depends on each person’s needs and how the kettle will be used.
For example, someone who needs a gooseneck kettle for camping trips won’t want an electric kettle, since finding a plug in the middle of the woods tends to be difficult. Alternatively, a person with a busy schedule can turn on an electric kettle and continue to get ready while waiting for the water to quickly boil and turn it off when it’s ready.
Either way, both electric and stovetop kettles will need storage space in the kitchen. A stovetop kettle might be easier to store since it doesn’t have a base and cord, while an electric kettle can sit on the counter and always be ready to make a quick cup.
Material and Finish
To ensure a new gooseneck kettle suits the rest of the home’s aesthetic, pay close attention to its material and finish. Many kettles come in more than one style and finish, so it is easy to purchase the model that best flows with the home’s design. For example, a farmhouse-style kitchen looks lovely with a matte black gooseneck kettle on the counter.
In addition to finding the right kettle style, the material is crucial for safety reasons. While most manufacturers avoid using plastic or harmful metals when making kettles, it’s vital to check. There should be no plastic pieces where the water boils, to prevent the release of any toxic chemicals into the water. It’s best to find kettles made with stainless steel.
Capacity
Be sure to note how much water the kettle can boil at one time. If only one person in the home uses it, a smaller kettle will work fine for one or two cups of coffee. However, if multiple roommates or family members plan to brew every morning, a larger-capacity kettle will ensure everyone gets their day started right.
The average-size kettle holds 0.8 to 1 liter, or 27 to 33 ounces. A few options reach up to 54 ounces, ideal for bigger families or those who drink lots of tea or coffee throughout the day.
Handle and Pour Spout
The product information on gooseneck kettles often mentions the handle and pot balance. This is because a well-balanced kettle will pour and create a perfect cup of coffee almost effortlessly. Particularly when brewing pour-over coffee, the rate at which the water flows out of the pot is a crucial element to get right. An unbalanced kettle can be difficult to pour out at a consistent rate and might ruin that precious morning cup.
Also, pouring boiling water into a tea infuser can be precarious if the water flow is choppy. Many infusers have small openings and need a precise pour to ensure there isn’t any dangerous hot water spilling everywhere.
Speed and Temperature Settings
Those on a mission to learn how to make the best cup of coffee can find a greater chance of success with temperature settings on electric kettles. The correct water temperature can ensure the coffee doesn’t burn while keeping the water hot enough to draw just the right amount of flavor from the grounds.
Similarly, many teas can taste burnt or turn bitter if brewed with water that is too hot. For example, green tea can turn downright nasty if brewed with water hotter than 158 degrees. To avoid this teatime tragedy, invest in a kettle that has a temperature gauge or settings. This lets the user set the desired water temperature, and the kettle will turn off when it reaches that mark.
Convenience comes in how quickly a kettle can heat the water. Boiling water with a stovetop kettle can take what feels like ages, but many electric kettles can bring the water to a boil quickly and save time during the morning routine.
Noise
Electric kettles are relatively quiet, and most only produce soft rumble sounds as the water begins to boil. Stovetop kettles, however, tend to whistle to notify users when the water reaches boiling.
Although the signal can be handy, it can be loud and disturb others in the house. This is especially true if sleeping babies or napping spouses are nearby. Gooseneck kettles include these whistling features less often than other kettle options, but it’s still something to keep in mind.
Safety Features
When dealing with high temperatures, there is a safety aspect that users should not overlook. Along with the water heating up, the outside of the kettle can get quite hot as well. To avoid accidentally touching and burning any fingers, look for kettles with “cool-to-the-touch” sides or “jackets.”
Steam is another aspect of beverage brewing that can cause injury. Many kettles utilize special ventilation to direct the steam away from the user’s hand while pouring.
For electric kettles, an auto-shutoff feature is an excellent way to ensure no one gets accidentally burned. Additionally, a lid that secures tightly to the kettle will keep users safe from hot water spilling. Many kettles come with a lid that has a locking mechanism to avoid this painful accident.
Additional Features
An on-kettle temperature gauge is a convenient feature, as it ensures the kettle doesn’t burn or ruin the morning ritual with water that is too hot. Some gooseneck kettles have options for setting the desired temperature, and the kettle will shut off automatically once the water reaches it.
Other features can improve the hot-drink-making experience. These might include ergonomic handles or cleaning tools that come with the kettle purchase.
Our Top Picks
Saturday mornings are made so much better with a hot cup of tea or coffee while snuggling on the couch. Perfect that special drink with one of the best gooseneck kettles. Use the considerations mentioned above and this list of top options on the market to find the best solution.
Photo: amazon.com
Hone those brewing skills with this stainless steel electric kettle by Bonavita. It adjusts in 1-degree increments between 140 and 212 degrees for precise user control. The kettle also can maintain a specific temperature for up to an hour with a “hold” button.
It’s even possible to preset the most frequent temperature setting to save time. A built-in timer keeps track of brewing times and processes without asking a smartphone for help. The handle is a black BPA-free plastic that won’t get hot with the kettle. The exterior is brushed stainless steel, which will hold up well over time and look great in almost any style of kitchen.
With 1,000 watts, this kettle heats up quickly to keep up with busy morning schedules; this can be a bit noisy, but it’s fast and convenient. The Bonavita kettle holds up to 1 liter (nearly 34 ounces) of water, and steam vents in the lid can direct hot steam away from the pourer’s hand.
Photo: amazon.com
The Apexstone Mini Pour Over stovetop kettle holds just 20 ounces of water, but its small size and affordable price do not diminish its usefulness. The gooseneck spout pours out the water at just the right speed to make an excellent cup of tea or coffee.
The matte black finish is a classic look that will complement traditional or modern-style homes. It’s made with 304 stainless steel, which is rustproof and corrosion safe. This kettle has no whistle feature, which means sleeping family members or neighbors won’t be alerted every time it’s used.
Although the kettle’s sides get hot during use, the lid has a locking feature that ensures it won’t flop open while pouring.
Photo: amazon.com
The Fellow Stagg EKG electric kettle has all the bells and whistles—but without an actual whistle. It’s quiet but powerful, with a 1,200-watt element that heats the water quickly to save time during rushed mornings.
Fellow has designed a stainless steel gooseneck kettle with five color options, including copper, matte black, matte white, polished, and pink. With its expertly designed spout and counterweighted handle, this kettle will pour as well as it looks.
A dial lets users control temperature settings within a range of 135 to 212 degrees. If desired, the temperature control can change to Celsius with the flip of a switch. It also can hold a specific setting for up to an hour, and it keeps track of brewing times with the built-in timer. The maximum capacity of the Stagg EKG kettle is 0.9 liters, or about 30 ounces.
Photo: amazon.com
This electric kettle by COSORI has a 3- to 5-minute boil time that will save precious seconds during crazy mornings. Easily brew favorite teas or coffee with one-touch buttons for ideal water temperatures for a variety of drinks, including white tea, green tea, oolong, coffee, or black tea.
The sleek design comes in matte black or silver. The inner lid, spout, and bottom of the kettle are made with 100 percent stainless steel to ensure no toxins are released into the boiling water. The COSORI kettle will sound an alert with three beeps when the water is ready, but users can easily turn the signal off if they prefer.
It also has an auto-shutoff, boil-dry protection, and overheating protection, features that prevent the kettle from ruining itself and keep users safe. It holds up to 0.8 liters of water (about 27 ounces).
Photo: amazon.com
The traditional way to brew a good cup of coffee has not been lost on Hario. This company has designed a classic-style stovetop kettle with an elegant gooseneck spout. The spout helps users control the amount and flow of water over coffee or tea. It has 1- or 1.2-liter options, and it comes in either matte black or silver.
The Hario kettle lid has vent holes along the front to keep fingers safe from hot steam while holding the handle to pour water. This kettle can heat on any cooktop surface, including gas, electric, and induction models.
It’s made with stainless steel, which is less likely to rust than most metals, but it will probably need descaling every few weeks or so. Hario also makes this kettle in an 0.8-liter electric version.
Photo: amazon.com
Make a statement with this bold copper stovetop gooseneck kettle from OPUX. It works on any cooktop surface, including electric, induction, ceramic, halogen, and gas. It’s also dishwasher safe.
The ergonomic handle balances out the spout and makes it easy to create a smooth, consistent flow when pouring. The lid has a built-in glass thermometer to track the water’s temperature and vents to direct steam away from the fingers.
The stainless steel body keeps the kettle rust-free and holds up to 40 ounces (1.2 liters) of water. It’s available in this glossy copper finish or a glossy black. There’s also an included cleaning brush to rid the kettle of any limescale buildup.
Photo: amazon.com
When camping, there is no need to sacrifice good morning coffee with this lightweight Chefbar gooseneck kettle. It uses high-quality stainless steel to hold 1 liter (33 ounces) of water. The ergonomic handle balances out the kettle to allow for easy pouring, plus it is heat resistant and will stay cool.
This is a stovetop kettle, so it can be used on a camping burner or at home on a gas, induction, or electric cooktop. The Chefbar kettle comes in a choice of three colors: mirror silver, matte black, and brushed silver.
Photo: amazon.com
Fulfill the coffee needs of many with this 54-ounce gooseneck kettle from Coffee Gator. It features a flip-top lid for easy filling and an integrated swiveling thermometer. The thermometer shows the temperature to help ensure teas and coffee brew at the ideal temps for the best taste possible.
Made with high-quality stainless steel, this kettle will hold up over time without rusting. The finish has an elegant brushed-metal look that goes nicely with most kitchen styles. It’s designed for use on almost any cooktop, including induction, gas, ceramic, radiant, electric, or even a camping stove.
A gray insulated silicone jacket and multiple “Steadyflow” cool-touch points help protect fingers from burns. The handle balances with an outward design for easy and consistent pours.
FAQs About Gooseneck Kettles
With the various temperature settings, heating speeds, and style choices, selecting the best gooseneck kettles can be a challenge. After reviewing the top picks above, there still might be some questions. Here are the most common questions about gooseneck kettles and their corresponding answers.
Q. Can I use a gooseneck kettle for tea?
Yes, gooseneck kettles are fantastic for brewing tea, whether it’s loose-leaf or bagged.
Q. Can I put a gooseneck kettle on the stovetop?
There are two kinds of gooseneck kettles: electric and stovetop. Stovetop kettles are, naturally, designed to be used on a stove, but placing electric kettles on a hot stovetop will ruin them.
Q. What is the healthiest tea kettle material?
Stainless steel is the safest and healthiest material to use for kettles. It’s also essential to avoid having plastic components within the kettle to ensure no toxins leak into the boiling water. Luckily, most manufacturers don’t use any plastic parts in the compartment where the water boils.
Q. Why do kettles rust?
While it can happen, kettles typically don’t rust; however, they can acquire a buildup of “scale.” This is a natural and almost unavoidable result of boiling water repeatedly. Removing this scale reduces the risk of rust developing.
Let a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar sit in the kettle overnight. Then heat the kettle and allow the solution to boil for at least 5 minutes. After it sits for about an hour, rinse out the kettle, and it should be sparkly clean again.
Q. Is it OK to leave water in a kettle?
No, leaving water in the kettle will cause that limescale to build up even more quickly and can shorten the kettle’s lifespan.