But Really, Why Gooseneck?
Hot, nearly boiling, water is a necessity for brewing coffee. It’s that hot water that makes contact with the grounds and begins the delicate extraction of flavors and aromas from your favorite coffee. Yes, this may seem like basic information, but details such as how much of that water, at what temperature, and for how long it’s in contact with the coffee, is what plays a huge role in the evenness of extraction. The easiest way to achieve this, is to brew with a gooseneck kettle.
Gooseneck kettles get their name from their long, thin, curved spout that closely resembles the neck of a goose, and are most often used for pour over brewing. Don’t get us wrong, you can still produce an excellent cup of coffee with a standard kettle, but the control and consistency achieved through the use of a gooseneck kettle is unmatched. What is it about this design that makes such a difference though? Well, let us explain.
An Even Extraction
All of the components of these kettles work to help you produce an even extraction more consistently. The long, thin spout with small, round opening yield exceptional flow control; from a solid, steady, stream, to a mere trickle, these kettles put you in control. Unlike a standard kettle, there is more intentionality to your pours, and more evenly saturates your grounds.
Gooseneck kettles accommodate all brewing methods and pouring styles. Whether you’re brewing a small dose on the Espro Bloom and prefer a slow, high pour, or a large batch on the Chemex using a fast and heavy pour, a gooseneck kettle can accommodate your style. With a deliberate method of pouring, you have the freedom to experiment and decide what flow works best to create an evenly extracted, flat brew bed. Through that, you will create consistency, resulting in the recreation of the same delicious brew time and time again.
Our Favorites
Yes, you can make a great brew without a gooseneck kettle, but it is definitely a luxury item that we highly recommend, and you don’t have to break the bank to get one of your own. They are available at many different price points each with different features and styles to meet your brew style and aesthetic.
The V60 Buono Kettle is a brew bar staple that paved the way for gooseneck kettles. This stovetop kettle provides a comfortable hold thanks to its molded handle while its low-mounted, smooth curved spout provides great flow rate flexibility no matter your pouring style.
It's also available in 1.0 and 1.2 liter options, as well as a stainless steel or matte black finish to match a variety of brew setups.
The Fellow EKG/EKG+ provides more than just control of your flow rate, but gives direct control over the temperature of your water as well. Through its intuitive interface, including a large knob and LED display screen, you can easily adjust the temperature.
The EKG's ergonomically designed counterweighted handle is built for comfort and control while its spout provides a smooth and precise flow. In addition, it is an undeniably beautiful kettle available in a variety of colors.
Hario offers another notable gooseneck kettle — the Smart G. The “smart” in the name refers to the fact that it can be used with any heat source (except microwave and oven) and to its thermometer-friendly design, making for a more precise pouring experience. Additionally, it has a has a spot for storing a thermometer, and most importantly, the same easy-pour spout as the Buono kettle, but with an overall more sleek and modern design.
You can take your pour over setup to the next level with a gooseneck kettle. The added control and consistency will provide you with a more even extraction leaving you with a balanced and delicious cup of coffee every single time. If you’d like to learn more about the kettles we offer, check out our full comparison, here.
What questions do you have about how flow control can improve your brew? Let us know in the comments
