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
By Nick Miley ⋅ Senior Review Editor ⋅ January 28, 2020
Contributions From: Michelle Powell & Austin Palmer
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, what 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, 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 and 58 seconds. Not exactly a record time, but not too bad either.
Pouring
Our pouring test actually measures how well the kettle brews a proper pour-over cup of coffee. The process requires precise timing, and that timing depends on consistently controlling the flow of water discharged from the kettle into the grounds. Having a gooseneck and an angled handle gives 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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