Offacy Gooseneck Review

The Offacy is very good across our array of tests and has all of the features found in more expensive kettles. The design of the kettle is clearly inspired by some of the more expensive mainstays in the category, but that means it looks similarly elegant, featuring a matte finish and a clean silhouette that fits well in modern kitchens. It has features like temperature hold, variable temperature control, and a built-in timer for precise steeping times, making it versatile for various hot drinks. A well-built appliance, it feels sturdy despite its lighter weight compared to some premium models.

Boil Speed

When it comes to boiling speed, this kettle isn't the absolute fastest on the market, but it keeps up well with a lot of its gooseneck kettle cousins, which often prioritize precision over raw speed. It has a 1200 W heating element compared to the category maximum of 1500 W found in some rapid-boil kettles. This 1200W element allows it to heat up 500 mL of 57°F tap water to a full boil in approximately 3 minutes and 30 seconds. While not record-breaking, this is a respectable time for its category.

Temperature Accuracy for Green Tea

The Offacy performs very well here in our green tea temperature test, demonstrating reliable precision for delicate brews. The ideal temperature range for most green teas is generally accepted as 170-180°F to avoid scalding the leaves and extracting bitterness. We tested the kettle's ability to reach a target of 175°F from room temperature water three separate times to ensure that our data was consistent and accurate.

Across the three tests, the Offacy was, on average, just 1.6°F above the desired 175°F target temperature. This minor deviation is well within the ideal green tea brewing temperature range, indicating excellent control and reliability for tea enthusiasts. Therefore, it scores well in our ratings for this specific task.

Temperature Accuracy for Coffee

The Offacy continues its strong performance in temperature accuracy when tested for coffee brewing ranges. It is among the top-ranking kettles for temperature accuracy in the all-important specialty coffee temperature range, typically cited as between 195°F and 205°F for optimal extraction. Achieving and holding a stable temperature in this zone is crucial for pour-over and other manual coffee brewing methods. The Offacy consistently hit the target temperature with minimal overshoot or undershoot, proving itself a reliable tool for coffee aficionados seeking precision.

Pour Feel

The pouring experience with the Offacy is commendable, especially considering its price point.

The Offacy is a light kettle, which reduces wrist strain during the slow, controlled movements required for pour-over coffee. It remains well-balanced even when full, largely thanks to its sufficiently long, ergonomically shaped handle that acts as a good counterweight. A thoughtful addition is the thumb rest integrated onto the top of the handle, giving you a secure and comfortable place to apply downward pressure for enhanced stability and control, meaning you're not just relying on your pointer finger or wrist strength for grip during intricate pouring patterns.

Ease of Use

The Offacy provides a nice user-friendly experience. It has a great, clear display that shows you what is happening with the kettle at any given time. Displaying both the set temperature and the actual real-time temperature simultaneously is a great feature that not all kettles offer, allowing users to track heating progress easily. The touch-sensitive buttons for activating the temperature hold feature, starting the built-in steeping timer, and switching the units between Fahrenheit and Celsius all work well enough so as not to be a source of annoyance during regular use. The central control dial has a satisfying tactile click with every degree change, helping you get precisely to the temperature you want without accidentally going over or under your target.

However, there is one operational quirk that could be viewed as either an annoyance or a feature, depending on your habits. When the kettle is lifted off the base before it reaches its set temperature (and thus before it automatically shuts off), it will attempt to resume heating when placed back on the base. This means if you prematurely remove the kettle, pour out all the water, and then absentmindedly set the empty kettle back on the base, it will continue trying to heat until its boil-dry/overheat protection sensor eventually kicks in and shuts it down. Doing this repeatedly could potentially leave a slight burnt smell or residue and likely shorten the lifespan of the kettle. Users need to be mindful of switching the kettle off or ensuring it has reached temperature before removing it if they don't intend to use all the water immediately.

Precision Pouring

The quality of the water stream during pouring is crucial for gooseneck kettles, especially for pour-over coffee, where even water distribution is key.

The stream quality characteristics of the Offacy are just above average. The water flows smoothly from the spout without sputtering or unwanted drips. However, the coherence of the stream breaks up slightly after about 8 inches. 8 inches of stable flow is plenty fine for most home applications, including standard pour-over coffee techniques, allowing for good control over water placement.

In the slow-motion video footage captured during testing, you can also observe that there are virtually no stray droplets coming off the mainstream during a controlled pour. This is important as stray drops can disrupt the coffee bed or lead to less precise wetting.

Should You Buy the Offacy Gooseneck?

Deciding whether the Offacy Gooseneck is the right kettle for you depends on your priorities. This kettle is an excellent choice for individuals who are serious about brewing tea or coffee, require specific water temperatures, and want features like variable control, temperature hold, and a built-in timer without paying the premium price often associated with top-tier brands offering similar functionality. Its elegant design mimics more expensive models, making it a stylish addition to the countertop. If you appreciate precise temperature control, a comfortable pour, and a clear user interface, the Offacy delivers significant value.

However, this kettle might not be the best fit if your absolute top priority is boiling speed, as its 1200W element is competent but not the fastest available. Furthermore, users who might be forgetful or frequently interrupt the heating process need to be aware of the auto-resume heating function when the kettle is lifted prematurely and returned to the base, as this could lead to accidental dry heating if the kettle is empty. If you prefer physical buttons over capacitive ones or demand the most robust, unbroken stream possible for advanced pouring techniques over greater heights, you might look at higher-end alternatives, but good luck finding a better value.

What Other Electric Kettle Should You Consider?

If the Offacy Gooseneck doesn't seem like the perfect fit, several other excellent electric kettles are worth considering. The Fellow Stagg EKG is often considered the benchmark in design and precision pouring for coffee enthusiasts. It offers similar features but typically comes at a higher price point and features a counterbalanced handle known for exceptional pour control. The Cosori Electric Gooseneck Kettle is similar in features and price range to the Offacy, often with preset temperature options. It's another strong contender in the value-for-features category and worth comparing directly based on current pricing and minor feature differences.

Value

The Offacy Gooseneck Electric Kettle presents a strong value proposition. It delivers performance in key areas like temperature accuracy and pour control that rivals some more expensive competitors. While its boiling speed isn't chart-topping, its comprehensive feature set (variable temperature, hold function, timer) combined with an attractive design at a generally competitive mid-range price point makes it a compelling option for those seeking precision brewing tools without the highest-end investment. It offers features and performance comparable to more expensive models for significantly less money.

Conclusion

Overall, the Offacy Gooseneck Electric Kettle is a well-executed appliance that successfully blends elegant design with the practical features needed for precise tea and coffee brewing. It excels in temperature accuracy for both critical green tea and coffee ranges, offers a comfortable and well-balanced pouring experience, and includes desirable functions like temperature hold and a timer, all accessible via a clear interface. While it's not the fastest boiler and has a potential usage quirk regarding its auto-resume heating, these are minor points considering its overall performance and feature set. For the price it typically commands, the Offacy represents excellent value, making it a highly recommended option for budget-conscious enthusiasts who don't want to compromise significantly on functionality or aesthetics.