OXO Brew Gooseneck Review

The OXO Brew is a great gooseneck kettle that offers continuous temperature settings, temperature holding, and a streamlined design focused on user experience. It stands out in a crowded market by offering precise control where it matters most for specific brewing methods. One of the best feeling handles we've tested, combined with exceptional pouring performance, elevates this seemingly basic design, making it a great choice, particularly for pour-over coffee lovers, while still proving highly capable for everyday kettle tasks like heating water for tea or instant meals.

Boiling Speed

Like most quality electric kettles reviewed here, the OXO significantly reduces boiling time compared to stovetop methods, but this model distinguishes itself by being especially speedy. Thanks to its powerful 1500 W heating element — the maximum wattage typically supported by a standard US household circuit — this model will bring our test volume of 500 mL of 57° F water to 201° F (the boiling temperature at our testing elevation) in just under 3 minutes. Fundamentally, boiling speed is a direct function of power; since 1500 W is the practical limit for standard outlets, achieving drastically faster speeds isn't likely without changes to home electrical standards. This efficiency means less time waiting and more time enjoying your beverage.

The OXO consistently ranks at the top of the pack in our boiling speed tests, securing its position as the fastest among the gooseneck kettles we've evaluated. What difference does this speed make? Consider the daily routine: the average US coffee drinker consumes more than 3 cups of coffee at home per weekday. Saving even just a single minute per boil might seem small, but it accumulates quickly, potentially giving you back upwards of 13 hours over the course of a year. When compared to slower kettles on the market, the time saved can add up to multiple days annually. This impressive speed, combined with its other features, contributes significantly to why the OXO earned our Editor's Choice award for electric kettles.

Temperature Accuracy for Green Tea

In the crucial test for delicate green tea brewing, the OXO performs admirably, demonstrating excellent consistency, although some competitors achieved closer adherence to the target temperature. Our tests showed it consistently heated water to approximately 6.5° F warmer than the commonly recommended 175° F target for optimal green tea flavor extraction (which helps avoid bitterness).

While we did have to slightly penalize the OXO in scoring for its green tea performance due to this offset, the key takeaway is its consistency. Because the kettle reliably heats to the same slightly higher temperature, users can easily compensate. You can either set the target temperature a few degrees lower (e.g., set to ~169° F to achieve ~175° F) or simply allow the water to cool for a minute or two after heating before pouring over your delicate tea leaves. This predictability makes achieving the desired brewing temperature manageable.

Temperature Accuracy for Coffee

Brewing coffee with the OXO is a genuine joy, largely thanks to its strong performance in temperature accuracy within the critical coffee brewing range. It ranks among the top-tier kettles for maintaining temperatures between 195° F and 205° F, the zone widely recognized by experts for optimal coffee extraction, balancing acidity, sweetness, and bitterness.

The temperature accuracy demonstrated by the OXO during our coffee brewing tests is impressive. When set to 200° F, its average measured temperature stabilized around 202° F. This result falls squarely within the ideal range for brewing exceptional coffee, and its high degree of consistency ensures repeatable results brew after brew. Similar to its performance in the green tea test, it tends to settle slightly above the set temperature. For coffee aficionados seeking absolute precision to the degree, this means either setting the target temperature a couple of degrees lower or allowing a brief cooling period before pouring.

Pour Feel

The overall user experience during pouring is significantly enhanced by the superb handle design and excellent balance of the OXO kettle. The handle features a thick, comfortable rubberized grip that not only feels secure but also effectively distributes the weight of the full kettle, minimizing strain. Furthermore, it provides excellent insulation, ensuring your hand remains comfortably cool even when the kettle is boiling water.

Unlike some larger or less ergonomically designed kettles that can feel unwieldy or require an awkward wrist angle, the OXO maintains a comfortable pouring angle throughout the process. The handle design thoughtfully includes contours where the thumb naturally rests on top, allowing for subtle pressure adjustments and enhancing fine motor control during the pour. It's sized generously to accommodate larger hands comfortably, yet its profile isn't overly bulky, making it suitable for users with smaller hands as well. A distinct nook for the index finger further enhances grip security and control, contributing to a truly great pouring experience.

Ease of Use

Excellent ergonomics extend beyond the handle; combined with a clear heating indicator light and a highly intuitive interface, the OXO proves to be remarkably user-friendly. It's an excellent choice for those who appreciate precision features but don't want to navigate complex menus, especially during a busy morning routine. Like many top-tier models, this kettle features a simple, easy-to-read digital display showing the current and target temperature, which is effortlessly adjusted using a single central dial/button.

Filling the kettle is straightforward. The lid is removed completely, revealing a wide mouth that easily accommodates filling directly from a faucet or water filter pitcher. Water level markings inside the stainless steel interior are clear, though perhaps they could be slightly more prominent. The base provides 360-degree swivel connectivity, allowing the kettle to be placed down from any angle, and includes tidy cord storage underneath to keep countertops clutter-free. Operating the kettle is as simple as setting the desired temperature with the dial and pressing it to start heating.

Precision Pouring

Precision pouring is where gooseneck kettles distinguish themselves, and the OXO excels in this critical performance metric. The carefully engineered gooseneck spout allows for exceptional control over the water flow rate. Users can easily initiate a very fine, slow stream, ideal for the delicate bloom phase in pour-over coffee, or increase the flow slightly for the main pour, all while maintaining accuracy and correctly agitating the coffee grounds.

The kettle's balance and handle design work in concert with the spout, making it easy to execute precise pouring patterns, such as controlled circles or targeted saturation. Starting and stopping the flow is responsive and virtually drip-free. Compared to standard kettles, the level of control offered by the OXO enables significantly more consistency and repeatability in manual brewing, directly impacting the final cup quality. While the flow rate is optimized for controlled methods, it's still adequate for filling a teapot or French press without feeling excessively slow.

Should You Buy the Oxo Brew Gooseneck?

Considering the OXO Brew Adjustable Temperature Gooseneck Kettle requires weighing its strengths against its price point. This kettle is an excellent choice for individuals who are serious about their pour-over coffee or specific tea brewing regimens and value precision, speed, and user comfort. If you frequently brew beverages requiring exact water temperatures and benefit from the controlled flow of a gooseneck spout, the OXO delivers outstanding performance in these areas. Its intuitive controls, comfortable handling, and rapid boiling make it a pleasure to use daily.

However, if your primary need is simply boiling water quickly for less temperature-sensitive applications (like instant noodles or basic tea bags) and you don't require the precise pour control of a gooseneck, a more basic, less expensive standard electric kettle might suffice. Similarly, budget-conscious buyers may find the premium price tag a barrier, as there are functional, albeit less refined, gooseneck options available for less. Finally, if maximum capacity is a priority (e.g., for large French presses or multiple people), its 1-liter capacity might feel slightly limiting compared to some larger standard kettles.

What Other Electric Kettle Should You Consider?

The OXO is a great kettle, but there are cheaper options. The Offacy gooseneck kettle does just about everything that the OXO does at almost half the price. If you don't care about being able to adjust the temperature of your water, the Bodum Bistro is a stellar kettle with a great cork handle that feels great to use. If you don't need anything fancy, the Amazon Basics brand kettle will heat your water up even faster than the OXO.