If you're experimenting with pour over coffee at home, one of the best tools you can invest in is an electric gooseneck kettle. Electric kettles are convenient, compact, and efficient, quickly bringing your water to the exact right temperature, allowing precise pouring, and ultimately, leading to better tasting coffee.
Let's take a look at how a quality electric kettle can improve your coffee experience, plus some non-coffee ways you can use a kettle.
How do electric kettles work?
Instead of boiling water on a gas or electric stovetop, electric kettles plug into a standard electrical outlet, powering an internal heating element using electricity. They're very efficient and heat water faster than on the stovetop.
Electric kettles offer temperature control
Better electric kettle models offer precise temperature control down to a single degree. Set the desired temp using digital controls for consistent results every time. With digital temperature control, you can be sure you're always using the exact same temperature water for your pour over - that's important for consistent results.
Slow and steady
Great pour over coffee happens over several minutes, allowing time for the grounds to bloom and really bring out the unique flavors of each coffee. Pour over coffee requires some specific, detailed instructions. With a gooseneck kettle, you have precise control over both the location where the water is poured as well as the desired volume of water.With the extra control provided by a gooseneck kettle, you have finer control over the exact extraction time. The unique shape of the gooseneck kettle also allows you to evenly wet the grounds, pouring in a circular motion. Without that level of control, it's harder to avoid over or under extraction.
Fast boiling with "keep warm" settings
No more waiting for a pot or stovetop kettle to heat up and boil. With an electric kettle you just tap a button and get water at the exact desired temperature (boiling, if desired) in minutes. Typical 1 liter kettles can boil water in 2-4 minutes, depending on make/model.
Better electric kettles also offer a "keep warm" setting, which can hold the water at the exact temperature you specify - ideal for multiple pour overs in a row!
Get the most out of your kettle
Use our tips to keep your kettle in great operating condition:
- Clean and rinse the kettle before use in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions
- Only add the amount of water you need - more water means it will take longer to come up to proper temperature (make sure to choose a model that shuts off automatically when empty)
- Keep it clean by never putting anything except water in the kettle
- Empty the kettle when done - it's a good practice not to leave water inside for an extended period of time
Beyond coffee
Gooseneck electric kettles have other applications beyond coffee. Once you own one, you'll never need to boil water on the stovetop or in the microwave again! Electric kettles are ideal for oatmeal, tea, soup, noodles, hot cocoa, and baking. You can even use an electric kettle for baby formula as a big time saver (just make sure to adjust the temperature!)
Recommended Models
Brewista makes some of the most desired kettles, used by professional baristas in competitions. Their 1 Liter capacity model is ideal for home users and looks great on your countertop, too!
