As a passionate pourover coffee geek, the kettle and the dripper are my favorite tools. I've used multiple kettles before, from stovetops to electric ones. Trying the Fellow kettle was the next step in my coffee journey. You've likely seen the Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Kettle from the Kardashians or during your search for your next gooseneck kettle. This premium kettle is designed to be a game-changer for pour-over coffee lovers, offering precise temperature control and pour spout. Here is the review for this kettle to see if it truly transforms the coffee brewing process.
Features
Brew Stopwatch: You can use the stopwatch to time your pourovers or cupping.
Precise Water Temperature: Set the water temperature to your favorite settings.
Temperature Hold: Hold the temperature up to 60 minutes.
Precise Pouring Spout: Easy to manage, consistent pour without any splattering.
Design & Ergonomics
The first thing that comes to mind with Fellow products is their angular aesthetics. The Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Kettle was designed with the same design language in mind. Designed with ergonomics in mind, it offers a thumb rest above the handle, enhancing grip and control during pouring.
Included in the Stagg EKG set are the electric base, kettle, and a detachable lid. The main button of the base is on the right side, functioning both as a temperature adjustment knob and a power switch. On the left side, an LCD provides a temperature readout and doubles as a timer. One thing to note is the short, 2.5-foot power cord. You will need an outlet near your kettle, but the short cable makes for a cleaner counter.
In the back, there is two toggle buttons: one for selecting temperature units between Fahrenheit and Celsius, and the other to engage a hold function, to set temperature for an uninterrupted 60 minutes, crucial for maintaining temperature consistency during coffee brewing.
If you're, looking for the most premium option, Fellow came out with the Stagg EKG Pro Studio Edition with fully customizable brew settings, access to wifi updates, and connectivity to Acaia scales. The new studio features a glass base and metal touchpoints. Not everyone needs the upgrades, but if you like having a more premium feel, it could be worth it.
Size
At less than 1.4kg, the Fellow Stagg kettle is manageable, even when filled to its 0.9L capacity. Its made from stainless steel, which, while aesthetically pleasing, conducts heat, resulting in the exterior becoming hot to the touch. This also means that is loses heat and has less temperature stability. For those inclined towards DIY solutions, insulating the kettle could enhance its thermal stability.
Variable Temperature Control
For those serious about pour-over coffee, having an electric kettle with variable temperature to maintain water temperatures between 90 and 96 degrees C makes brewing much easier. No need to use a thermometer to measure temperature or go by time. The Stagg EKG will set the temperature precisely to prevent bitterness associated with too hot water and avoid under-extraction from insufficient heat, crucial for pour-over coffee.
With the Stagg EKG, you have precise control over your brewing temperature, from 40 to 100 degrees in one-degree increments, always accurate within a degree. Whether you prefer Fahrenheit or Celsius, this kettle adapts to your preference. Additionally, its LCD screen ensures you're always informed of the current and target temperatures.
Heating Time
The Fellow Stagg electric kettle, equipped with a 1200W heating element, significantly reduces boiling time compared to stovetop kettles, ensuring water reaches boiling point in under five minutes, even when at full capacity.
Precise Gooseneck Spout
While testing the best electric kettles of all kinds, which included three popular gooseneck models, the Fellow Stagg EKG emerged as the clear winner. A good kettle will have a long unbroken stream to allow you to pour from higher and agitate your brew.
In my search for the perfect gooseneck kettle water stream, the Fellow Stagg EKG has its place with the top kettles. The Stagg kettle has a consistent pour without any splattering.
The other criteria in a great pour over kettle is the water debit or how fast you can pour. The Stagg kettle has a narrow spout, which offers better control and drip accuracy. However, it can be limiting beyond pour over as the slow pour may not be as advantageous, for cupping or french press.
The shape of the gooseneck also has an impact on the coffee brew. With the Fellow Stagg, the gooseneck is relatively straight. This makes it slightly harder to get close to the coffee and have less agitation. I much prefer the shape of the gooseneck on the Timemore Fish.
Price
At a retail price of $229 CAD, the Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Kettle is a significant investment. However, if you're passionate about pour-over coffee, the value it brings with its conveniences does justify the expense.
Warranty
If you buy your Fellow kettle through Café Fabrique, you’ll get standard coverage for one year, although you can tack on an extra year if you register the kettle with Fellow.
Final Thoughts
The Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Kettle excels for pour-over coffee lovers. It features precise temperature control and an elegant gooseneck spout, offering a superior brewing experience. Suitable for any coffee enthusiast, it combines precision and style. Despite its premium price, small downsides, and heat considerations, its performance and the Stagg EKG make it a worthwhile investment for pour over.
