Before the first use, the manual advises rinsing the kettle’s interior briefly and then boiling a small amount of water to 212 degrees Fahrenheit. I repeated this test again using just 3 cups of water so I could more accurately compare the speed of each model.

Fellow Stagg Pouring Kettle - Brewup Coffee Fellow Stagg Pouring Kettle - Brewup Coffee

The Coffee Gator Coffee Brewing Kettle covers both these areas thanks to a built-in temperature gauge and a precision-flow spout. I also appreciated that the control buttons on the kettle’s base light up when pressed, making it easy to tell which setting it’s on. Editorial Director Taysha Murtaugh received a sample to test and found the kettle easy to control, with a steady flow rate. And when making coffee with this kettle, it was easy to control the location and flow of water from the spout, allowing me to saturate the coffee grounds evenly with just the right amount of water. Its main weakness was—at least in my experience—that it wasn’t the most precise at lower temperatures.The precision pour spout guarantees a steady and controlled flow, allowing you to pour with finesse. If you frequently host guests, it’s worth getting a larger kettle to make multiple servings at once. The majority of electric kettles have either stainless steel or glass bodies, and there are benefits to both materials. For anyone who regularly drinks tea, pour-over coffee or other hot drinks, the best electric kettles offer convenience and precision that stovetop kettles simply can’t match. I also checked the water for any funky tastes and tested the effectiveness of the “keep warm” feature, where applicable.

Fellow Stagg EKG+ Electric Kettle - WIRED Review: Fellow Stagg EKG+ Electric Kettle - WIRED

You can absolutely get an electric kettle with temperature control for cheaper, but what you’re paying for here are build quality, looks, and a myriad of other factors. Wide-mouth kettles are another useful option, as they’re easy to fill with water and quicker to clean, since you can often fit your hand inside. As much as I’d like to think my morning beverage is sending me signals from the universe, it’s a lot more likely that good coffee or tea is easy to make when you have the mental energy and patience to do it just the way you like. The app’s basic function is appealing, as it's uncluttered and gets out of your way; there’s no fiddling with settings. It's an excellent option for those who have large pour-over coffee makers, or for those who are never satisfied with a single cup of tea.

I really loved this feature because I could choose the exact temperature I wanted without any guesswork.

Fellow Electric Kettle | Stagg EKG Kettle - Horsham Coffee Fellow Electric Kettle | Stagg EKG Kettle - Horsham Coffee

It’s also one of the most versatile options I tested, allowing you to select a precise temperature in 1-degree increments, and it also has a built-in timer that helps you get your pour just right. When I measured the water temperature at a few different settings with an instant-read thermometer, it was always within 1 degree of its set temperature. The curved handle has a hard plastic covering that makes it easy and comfortable to grip, and the same material runs down the kettle body, protecting your hand from all sides. For those who want a deep dive into these aforementioned features, check out my detailed standalone review of the Fellow Stagg EKG. It’s quite easy to use as well; one knob and two small switches handle all functions from adjusting desire temperature, changing from Celsius to Fahrenheit, initiating temperature holding mode (up to 60 minutes) and the built-in brew timer.At minimum, all electric kettles can bring water to a boil—and if you opt for an inexpensive model, such the Cosori Electric Glass Kettle, that’s all the kettle can really do.