THE NEW FELLOW STAGG EKG PRO - Worth The Upgrade?

Summary

In this video, the host reviews the newly released Fellow Stag EKG Pro and Pro Studio kettles, highlighting their updates and improvements over the original model. The Pro Studio features a metal base and a full-color LCD screen with innovative features like guide mode, adjustable hold mode, and Wi-Fi connectivity. While the design remains familiar, the host discusses the quality-of-life upgrades and their impact on daily use, as well as the potential for future software updates. The video also addresses the price point and whether these enhancements justify an upgrade for current EKG owners.

Takeaways

• 🆕 Philip Products has released a new lineup of kettles, the Stag EKG Pro and Pro Studio, which are updates to the popular Stag EKG kettle.
• 🔍 The Stag EKG Pro retains the familiar design and gooseneck spout of the original EKG, with subtle updates like rubber feet and a metal end cap on the handle.
• 🔄 The Pro Studio model features a metal base instead of plastic and a glass top, enhancing durability and aesthetics.
• 📱 Both the Pro and Pro Studio models come with a full-color LCD screen, introducing new features such as guide mode, adjustable hold mode, chime adjustments, and Wi-Fi connectivity.
• 😐 The reviewer has not yet experienced the app functionality, which is a disappointment as it is a significant feature of the new models.
• 🔄 The new models include software updates from Fellow, indicating a commitment to future enhancements and improvements.
• 🕒 The scheduling feature allows the kettle to reach a specific temperature at a set time, catering to convenience and modern lifestyle needs.
• 📊 The guide mode presets temperatures for various brewing methods, offering a tailored experience for different types of coffee or tea.
• 🔔 The chime feature alerts users when the desired temperature is reached, with adjustable volume settings.
• 🚫 The adjustable hole feature allows the kettle to hold water temperature for a set duration, which can be useful for sanitizing water before brewing.
• 🏞 The altitude feature helps avoid over-boiling by adjusting to the user's elevation, ensuring optimal water temperature for brewing.
• 💰 The Pro Studio model is priced higher than the original EKG, starting at $225, which may be a consideration for potential buyers.

Q & A

What new product lineup did Fellow State release today?

Fellow State released a new calendar lineup including the Stag EKG Pro and Pro Studio.

What makes the Stag EKG Pro different from the original Stag EKG kettle?

The Stag EKG Pro has a new electronic base, a full-color LCD screen with additional features, and quality of life upgrades such as rubber feet, a metal end cap on the handle, and a new lid with a rubber gasket.

What is the significance of the Stag EKG kettle in the specialty coffee world?

The Stag EKG is considered the flagship kettle of Fellow State and is likely the most popular gooseneck kettle in North America, known for ushering in a new era of specialty coffee pour-over brewing with its flow restriction and precision design.

What are some of the new features available on the Stag EKG Pro's LCD screen?

The new LCD screen on the Stag EKG Pro offers guide mode, adjustable hold mode, chime adjustments, altitude pre-boil scheduling, and Wi-Fi connectivity for software updates.

How does the Stag EKG Pro's pour control compare to other kettles like Brewista and Time More Fish?

The Stag EKG Pro offers precise control flow but lacks the speed of Brewista for faster pours. It has more control at slower speeds than the Barista but is different from the Time More Fish, which holds a steady stream at higher heights with slightly more control.

What is the starting price for the Pro Studio model of the Stag EKG kettle?

The Pro Studio model of the Stag EKG kettle starts at $225.

What is the main issue with the new lid design on the Stag EKG Pro?

The new lid with a rubber gasket can be difficult to remove after boiling due to expansion, which can be problematic for back-to-back brews.

What is the reviewer's opinion on the Stag EKG Pro's LCD screen quality?

The reviewer finds the LCD screen to be good, stating that it does the job and makes the price of the kettle more understandable, despite not being an OLED with perfect blacks or having a high refresh rate.

What is the reviewer's stance on the upgrades made to the Stag EKG Pro?

The reviewer appreciates the upgrades but wishes there were more innovative features, such as adjustable flow rates, that haven't been done yet on the market.

Should someone upgrade to the Stag EKG Pro if they already own a gooseneck kettle?

The reviewer suggests that it depends on the individual's needs and whether they value the new features of the Stag EKG Pro. If the features are not important to them, they can opt for the cheaper original Stag EKG or other kettles on the market.

What is the reviewer's involvement in the design process of the Stag EKG Pro?

The reviewer had a small say in the design process of the kettle, providing feedback and input during the prototyping stage, but was not paid or compensated other than helping create the product.