Chemex brewing is one of the most popular and time-tested pour-over methods of today. There are so many elements involved in a Chemex brew that any avid coffee lover can spend hours learning about and tinkering with on their own Chemex to explore the wide variety of flavors that coffee has to offer. But it’s also an easy enough method that anyone can learn the basics and brew a great cup of coffee.
At a Glance: Best Kettle for Chemex
Whether you’re an inspiring coffee connoisseur, or just trying to find the best basic kettle to get your morning brew from, we have something for you.
First, we will go over each point of consideration when looking at kettles and then review 7 of our top recommendations to meet the needs of every kind of Chemex lover. We’ll finish off by answering any lingering questions you might have.
Quick Summary: Best Kettle for Chemex
 | Our Top Choice Fellow Stagg EKG Gooseneck Kettle |
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 | Bonavita Gooseneck Kettle |
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 | Bodum Melior Gooseneck Kettle |
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 | Cosori Electric Gooseneck Kettle |
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 | DmofwHi Gooseneck Kettle |
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 | Barista Warrior |
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 | Harriet Gooseneck Stovetop Kettle |
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Goose Neck Vs. Traditional Kettle Vs. Jug Kettle
The most common question asked when it comes to brewing on a Chemex is, do I really need a gooseneck kettle? The short answer is no. You can brew a great cup of coffee with any old kettle. Heck, you can do it with a pot on the stove and using a ladle.
So then why do you always see professional baristas exclusively using gooseneck kettles? Because it’s going to make the best cup of coffee, and it’ll be good every time.
Gooseneck kettles allow you to have maximum control of the water during the brewing process. The slender neck allows for a consistent stream and gives you full control of where your water will fall. This allows you to pour in a circular motion with consistent flow, avoiding the sides of the carafe and filter.
All those elements contribute to a more even, balanced, and consistent brew that you can work down to a science and get again and again each day. Gooseneck kettles are also very aesthetically pleasing, which adds to an already beautiful brewing process.
Traditional kettles have a much broader and shorter spout and a full, rounded body. This can make it difficult or impossible to get an even flow of water which will impact the extraction process.
Jug kettles are tall and have a more pointed spout which will give you a little more control than the traditional style, but monitoring the flow and where the water hits will still be difficult.
If you’re just the regular avid coffee lover who usually adds things to their coffee, you may not pick up on these differences and might find your average traditional or jug kitchen kettle to be sufficient.
It comes down to personal preference and how in-depth you want to go with tinkering with your coffee. We highly recommend gooseneck kettles and have reviewed only gooseneck kettles in this buying guide.
If you’re not sold on the efficiency of gooseneck kettles then check out our Ten Best Kettles buying guide that covers a range of styles other than gooseneck kettles.
Temperature Control vs. No Temperature Control
Boiled water is boiled water, whether you’re getting it from a stovetop kettle or an electric kettle. You want to brew your Chemex around 205 degrees Fahrenheit, which is slightly below boiling point (212F). Usually, we recommend bringing your water to a boil and remove from the heat source for 30-60 seconds before using.
Having a temperature control electric kettle, however, is going to give you the absolute most control over this element of the brewing process. You can set it to 205F and the kettle will keep the water at that for an extended period if needed.
If you’re wanting control over every element of the brewing process, you’ll want to look at our recommendations for temperature-controlled gooseneck kettles. These are more expensive as it’s an added element that most kettles don’t have, but it’s well worth the investment in order to perfect your Chemex brew.
Comfort of Hold
One thing to keep in mind when shopping for your perfect kettle is the grip and control aspect. Brewing with a Chemex involves pouring water in an even, circular motion for a minute or more.
The kettle will be relatively full, so you want a kettle that has a comfortable handle that will keep your hand safe and not slip easily as you move in a circular motion.
This is another reason gooseneck kettles are the best for pour-over methods because the handles are specifically designed to counterbalance the spout, often have more grip to avoid slipping during the pour, and are made for comfort.
Water Capacity
Another factor to consider is the amount of water that your kettle can hold. Most gooseneck kettles average around 1 liter, but some are smaller or bigger.
If you generally only make one serving with your Chemex, a 1-liter capacity will be enough. If you regularly make multiple servings, you’ll want to keep capacity in mind and go for the larger-sized kettles.
Our Top Seven Kettles for Chemex
Now that you have a good idea of all the elements of consideration when choosing a kettle for your Chemex brewing, we’ve reviewed seven kettle options that are all fantastic choices.
These recommendations are based on consumer reviews, thorough research, and some personal experience to provide some of the best options available on the market. We like to keep in mind the many different aspects of purchasing, so we have reviewed a variety of kettles to meet any budget needs and kitchen styles.
For Coffee Enthusiasts
If you want the best options that give you the maximum control with brewing, we highly recommend these two leading brands.
Fellow Stagg EKG Gooseneck Kettle (Our Top Pick)
Being one of the leading coffee equipment brands, Fellow provides a top-tier electric, stainless steel gooseneck kettle that holds .9 liters of water. With this sleek, modern-looking appliance, you can set your temperature and have it held there for up to 60 minutes.
With a 1200-watt quick-heating element, you’ll be able to heat your water quickly and also have maximum control with an even pour. There are body color options of black, silver, and bronze, and each version has a solid plastic handle that helps you have a steady grip and prevents burning.
Providing a one-year warranty at purchase, Fellow is known for its great customer service while also letting you buy replacement parts so you can fix issues if they arise for your kettle. Check out our full detailed review for more information on this excellent product.
Bonavita Gooseneck Kettle
This stainless steel, electric kettle offers full temperature control that will hold your water temperature for up to 60 minutes, along with preset brewing temperatures for teas and coffee.
Coming with a one-year warranty, Bonavita provides top-notch customer service that will help you with any questions or troubleshooting, and you can also get different protection plan services at an additional price for a maximum appliance lifespan.
This sleek design allows a comfortable hold that prevents burning your hand and gives sufficient grip for maximum control of pouring. The rust-proof gooseneck kettle can hold 1 liter of water at boiling and you can even get the same kettle in a glass version.
Some negative features of this kettle are the silicone ring and the small plastic part of the handle attached to the inside of the kettle. Although it’s FDA-approved material, it’s always concerning having any amount of plastic exposed to boiling water. Check out our full review for a more in-depth look at all the elements of the Bonavita kettle.
Budget Friendly Pick Gooseneck Kettle
Not convinced that the price of the Stagg or Bonavita is worth it? Here’s a great alternative that is much more budget-friendly!
Bodum Melior Gooseneck Kettle
With a stainless steel body (available in silver or matte black) and a cork handle, this attractive gooseneck kettle gives you a great consistent pour and a quick heating time.
Holding only 27 ounces (smaller in size compared to most), this kettle doesn’t have a temperature control feature or a thermometer but switches off automatically once the water has boiled.
With 1000 watts, boiling time usually takes 5-6 minutes when filled to the max line and is not too loud even at full boil. Although the body does heat up, the firm grip provided makes it safe to handle without fear of burning yourself. Overall, this is a great kettle for the price and a great gooseneck kettle to get you started in your pour-over game.
Cosori Electric Gooseneck Kettle
Want all the bells and whistles of the Fellow or Bonavita but for half the price? Check out this great option from Cosori which comes in Matte Black or silver. With 5 preset temperatures, you can not only pick how hot your water will get but can also keep it at that temperature for up to an hour.
Made with stainless steel, this kettle uses 1200 Watts, leading to short boil times. It also is controllable by Bluetooth, so you can set a timer on your water to start boiling before you’re even in the room!
What are the drawbacks? You’re paying for cheaper materials that may not last as long as a better-quality kettle. Users found the lifespan of this kettle to be only a few years, so you may be looking to replace it within a year or two.
The connection part on the bottom of the kettle, which locks into the base, is not waterproof. Users found this frustrating when needing to clean the kettle as any exposure to water on the base will kill your kettle. It’s also on the smaller side, holding only .8 liters.
DmofwHi Gooseneck Kettle
This adorable kettle comes in four different colors and has a more jug kettle shape, while still sporting the slender gooseneck spout. The handle doesn’t have quite the counterweight that most pour-over kettles have to help with the evenness of flow, but the spout does help control the flow of the water.
This kettle is made with stainless steel and uses 1000 watts which will give you a 5-6 minute boiling time. Although the handle and lid are made of plastic, there’s no exposed plastic within the kettle.
There’s no temperature control with this kettle, but it will shut off automatically once boiling. Consumers found it easy to clean with water and vinegar and did not find rusting to be an issue. Overall, this little kettle is a great basic gooseneck kettle that won’t break the bank and will look great in your kitchen!
Stovetop Selections
All of our options have been electric so far, but if you’re looking for a stovetop kettle, here are two great options to review.
Barista Warrior
Being a new up-and-coming coffee products manufacturer, Barista Warrior has created this sturdy, simple, and sophisticated-looking stovetop gooseneck kettle. Made with stainless steel, this kettle holds 1 liter of water and has a built-in thermometer on its lid that allows you to gauge its temperature.
The black, plastic handle offers balance control, allowing for a steady and consistent stream as you brew from your Chemex.
With a lifetime warranty and excellent customer service, this attractive stovetop kettle comes in three different color options: silver, bronze, and black, all of which are rust-proof and able to be used on any type of stovetop.
Harriet Gooseneck Stovetop Kettle
Coming in five different color options, this cute stove top gooseneck kettle is another great option for making a great Chemex brew. With a built-in temperature gauge on the lid, this kettle can hold 1.1 L of water and offers a comfortable plastic handle that looks like wood for a classic rustic look.
Some users found that the paint would peel, but it seems that this problem arises only when exposed to flames that reach beyond the bottom of the kettle.
Manufacturers offer a one-year warranty and the kettle is usable on any stovetop, just keep in mind the flame reach when using a gas stove.
FAQ
We hope that by now you’ve already purchased your first kettle for pour-overs, or at least have an idea of what to look for. We of course want to leave no stone unturned though, so here are some of the most common questions we get about kettles.
What kind of kettle is best for pour-over coffee?
Any type of pour-over brewing method is best when paired with a temperature-controlled gooseneck kettle. They allow for the maximum amount of control during the brewing method to achieve the best-tasting coffee.
Do you need a kettle for Chemex?
Boiled water is boiled water and that can be achieved without a kettle. Having a kettle allows for a much more even distribution of water during the brewing process though, so if you want a good-tasting cup of water, then yes, you need a kettle.
Does Chemex need a gooseneck kettle?
Chemex brewing is most flavorful and tasty when brewed using a gooseneck kettle. The slender neck allows for precise direction and control of the water distribution and quantity. We highly recommend using a gooseneck kettle for maximum quality of your Chemex brew.
What gooseneck kettle do baristas use?
The Fellow Stagg is used by many professional baristas and in cafes as it has fantastic temperature control and is a quality build compared to other brands.
Happy Caffeinating!
