Fellow Stagg EKG Review

Pros: Exceptional pouring control, temperature holding, continuous temperature settings
Cons: Long boil time, expensive, narrow functionality
Manufacturer: Fellow
Our Verdict
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Editor's Choice Award-winning Fellow Stagg EKG is a unique kettle in that it is a built to purpose pour over coffee machine. The EKG sports a very narrow gooseneck stem and angled handle which promote precision pours. It also has continuous heat settings to dial-in the perfect water temperature for extraction as well as a built-in stopwatch to time the process. If this isn't enough control for you, this model is also Bluetooth enabled so you can manage these variables on your phone. Finally, the model comes in four colors: white, black, copper, and polished steel.
Boil Time
Our boil time tests are simple. We start with four cups of 57° F water, we set the machine to 201° F — the average boiling temperature at our location — and we turn the machine on at the same time as a stopwatch. At 6 min, 38 sec the Fellow is quite slow to achieve a boil. Interestingly, the kettle reaches ~199° F in 5 min, 30 sec but requires another minute to make the remaining few degrees.
Pouring
If your goal is to make drip coffee, you can't get a better pour than that delivered by the EKG. This model has a very narrow diameter spout with a fluted tip that produces a slow pour rate in an even stream. Thanks to the gooseneck spout (which pulls water from the bottom of the reservoir) and articulated handle, this kettle is also exceptionally well balanced. Both characteristics make the methodical circular pouring technique required for quality extraction an easy task.
Ease of Use Features
- Temperature selection: 104º - 212º (Bluetooth enabled)
- Temperature holding: Yes
- Automatic shutoff: Yes
- Inside material: Stainless steel
- Lid attached or separate: Separate
- Type of spout: Gooseneck
- Max/ Min capacity: 0.9L (max only)
- Water level indicator: "Max" line (internal)
Value
By our definition, value is created when a product stretches the consumer's dollars. For example, a value product is either less expensive than equivalent products or the same price as other products in its class but of a higher quality. The Fellow Stagg EKG is relatively expensive, especially when one considers that it has a very specific function. That said, if this model fits your needs it's certainly worth the money spent, but we wouldn't describe this product as being a great value.
Conclusion
The Fellow Stagg is an elegant, single purpose kettle that is unique in the class. The sole function of the machine is to make the best cup of coffee or tea possible. While its boil time didn't impress us, its functionality warrants the award we have bestowed this superb pour over machine.
— Nick Miley, Michelle Powell and Austin Palmer