REASONS TO BUY
Inexpensive
Push-button presets
Sharp look
REASONS TO AVOID
Slow to boil
So-so balance
Few presets
Cosori CO108-NK Review
The low cost of this gooseneck kettle offsets its shortcomings in balance and boil time
Credit: Laura Casner
Our Verdict
If you want a gooseneck kettle, but the cost made you balk, then this kettle is for you. It's not as balanced as some of the higher-end models, and as a result, it doesn't pour as smoothly. It also lacks continuous temperature settings. So, if you're dialed in on your tea or coffee temperatures it will leave a lot to be desired. However, if you're trying out refined steeping and extracting techniques, this economic gooseneck will be a good fit.
Our Analysis and Test Results
Above all, the thing that makes this model notable is that it's a gooseneck kettle that won't break the bank. It's decent quality, it has some nice features like temperature hold, and temperature presets, and of course a gooseneck spout and articulated handle for slow pours. While the Cosori CO108-NK checks most of the boxes for high-end brewing, it lacks continuous temperature selections, and it is slow to reach a boil.
The Cosori offers an affordable entry into gooseneck kettle for those interested in temperature and pouring control.
Credit: Laura Casner
Boil Time
We tested boil time by pouring 4 cups of 57° F water into the kettle and suspending a digital thermometer in the water and closing the lid. Next, we initiate the boil and simultaneously start the timer. The Cosori reached a rolling boil at 4 minutes, 58 seconds. Not exactly a record time, but not too bad either.
Pouring
Our pouring test is actually a measure of how well the kettle brews a proper pour-over cup of coffee. The process requires precise timing and that timing depends on being able to consistently control the flow of water discharged from the kettle into the grounds. Having a gooseneck and an angled handle give this model a distinct advantage in this test. However, in comparison to other gooseneck models, it's a bit rough and requires a bit more attention paid to the task for satisfactory results. Nonetheless, it is way better than a pitcher-style machine.
Proper pouring facilitates good extraction of those aromatic, specialty coffee. Here we see a gentle, even stream slowly saturating the grounds.
Credit: Laura Casner
Ease of Use Features
- Temperature selection: Presets - 170º, 180º, 195º, 205º, 212º
- Temperature holding: Yes
- Automatic shutoff: Yes
- Inside material: Stainless steel
- Lid attached or separate: Separate
- Type of spout: Gooseneck
- Max/Min capacity: Min: 1.7L/0.12L
- Water level indicator: Max line inside
Presets allow quick selection of water temperature but limits precision.
Credit: Laura Casner
Value
Given the combination of low-cost and specialty features, we find this kettle to be a solid value. However, this assessment comes with the caveat that if you end up going all-in on specialty tea and coffee you'll eventually want to upgrade to a machine with continuous temperature settings.
The Cosori teed up to make a perfect cup of drip coffee.
Credit: Laura Casner
Conclusion
The Cosori CO108-NK is not a high-end kettle. However, it shares several features with high-end kettles but with the notable exception of price. This model has a decent pouring system for drip coffee, and a variety of temperature presets for different teas and coffee varieties. All in all, it's a stylish water heater that is competitively priced.
—
Nick Miley, Michelle Powell and Austin Palmer
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