5 Best Espresso Machine Knock Boxes 2020
A knock box is a must-have accessory seen beside every professional and home espresso machine. Once you’ve ground your beans and pulled the espresso shot, you’re left with the coffee puck.
Do you trail to the bin, dripping coffee everywhere and creating a mess, banging the portafilter on the edge which is full of germs, or do you use a dedicated knock box or grind bin to dispose of it?
It will sit right next to your machine, making it easy to get your next cup of coffee ready. Plus it is an item which takes pride of place in coffee shops, so if you want to look the part then you’re going to need one too. Here is the best of the best.
The Best Knock Boxes
1. Sage Knock Box Mini
Specifications
- Dimensions: 14.4 x 14.8 x 15.8 cm
- Material: Stainless Steel
Understandable that the leaders in espresso machines also have a range of accessories. Whether this is to match your Sage coffee machine or you just want something stylish and stainless steel, it is a bestseller for a reason.
The knock bar is removable so it can be thoroughly cleaned when the time comes, and the corners are curved so it is simple to get every last trace of coffee out. With a rubber grip base, it won’t budge no matter how hard you bash it either, so there is no worry about making a mess.
It has a nice spacious opening so you aren’t going to struggle getting the puck into the bin and the brushed steel stays looking nice and clean.
Reasons to Buy
- Stylish
- Very reasonable price for quality and name
Reasons to Avoid
- Only holds around four coffees worth
2. Grindenstein Knock Box
Specifications
- Dimensions: 10.2 x 10.2 x 10.2cm
- Material: Plastic
Specially designed to be compact enough to store on your espresso machine’s drip tray when not in use, this is a handy little grind bin for anyone who wants something easy to use and look after but can’t let it be too imposing.
The thick, rubber coated knock bar will ensure your portafilter doesn’t get damaged no matter how much you have to bash it to get rid of the puck. If you are worried about keeping your box clean and mould-free, you will be happy to hear it is top shelf dishwasher safe so just give it a rinse, and everything else should be removed during the wash.
We love the little book it comes with as an extra, too. You have the grounds collected, but what do you do with them now? How about turning them into a garden fertiliser? There are a few fab tips for help with that no waste lifestyle.
Reasons to Buy
- Great for smaller kitchens or setups
- Really strong and sturdy
Reasons to Avoid
- Compact size means it will need emptying frequently
3. De’Longhi DLSC059
Specifications
- Dimensions: 10.8 x 14.1 x 14.8cm
- Material: Stainless Steel
Another big name in the appliance world, and when it comes to coffee too. This knock box is an ideal accompaniment to your coffee machine.
It is stainless steel and rounded, so nice and easy to keep clean. You can also remove the bar for full access to the wasted grounds, so there is no chance of any build up. Said bar is nice and sturdy, so you don’t have to go easy with the portafilter.
Reasons to Buy
- Clean, simplistic look to match existing equipment
- Rounded and easy to clean
Reasons to Avoid
- Perhaps a little pricey for its small size
4. Motta 7750 Knock Box
Specifications
- Dimensions: 14.5 x 10.5 x 10.5cm
- Material: Stainless Steel
You will be forgiven if you have never heard of Motta before. But they happen to be one of Italy’s premier stainless steel manufacturers, which shows why it is a high quality product which is sturdy enough to last years.
The inside is very smooth which makes it easy to keep clean, and there is a thick rubber pad on the base of the unit which is great for shock absorption to keep noise and vibration to a minimum when you’re using it.
If you make an awful lot of coffee, the fact it holds around 15 pucks will be music to your ears as it means a little less upkeep every week. The price is reasonable for the size and material if you’re serious about having one of these.
Reasons to Buy
- Strong steel material – better than usual plastic
- Very stable when in use
Reasons to Avoid
- Price
5. Fdit Knock Box
Specifications
- Dimensions: 27.6 x 12.1 x 17.5 cm
- Material: Stainless Steel/Wood
If large capacity is your main concern and you either have a coffee-loving household or need something for a commercial environment, then this could be the perfect fit.
First of all, it has a very spacious opening so you don’t need maximum concentration to ensure that every ground ends up in the actual tub.
It is wooden and stainless steel, which doesn’t only give it a slightly different look but also ensures great quality. The thick rubber sleeve on the knock bar will keep both the box and the portafilter in one piece with no damage.
The inner steel box can be removed for a full wash when needed, and is also curved at the edges and corners so no coffee is left behind. A non-slip base also keeps it nice and secure which is important in a busy environment.
Reasons to Buy
- Large capacity
- Strong materials and sturdy build
Reasons to Avoid
- Wooden outer may be hard to match up to other appliances
Espresso Grounds Knock Box Buying Guide
What is a knock box?
A knock box is a tub which sits alongside an espresso machine, for when you need to get rid of the puck in your portafilter (i.e the used coffee grounds in the device you use to extract the coffee).
Do I really need a knock box?
Not particularly. Some people may just empty the puck straight into the bin or into a standard tub, but some reasons why a knock box is a better options include:
- Hassle Free – No running to the bin as the box just sits alongside your coffee setup
- Reduces Mess – The grounds need to be emptied out ASAP to prevent them sticking to the filter, but transporting them across the room could mean dripping coffee and grounds falling
- Easy To Clean – The tubs are often made from metal and have curved corners to ensure all coffee is removed, especially if it is damp which could otherwise be a breeding ground for bacteria and germs
- Dedicated Knock Bar – Hitting the portafilter against a surface could result in damage to either side, but the bars on a knock box are specially designed to take the blow and get every bit of coffee out without damage
Things to bear in mind
- Size – You want something which looks nice in your coffee station, not too imposing, and you’d also feel comfortable working with. Check the dimensions before you buy, especially if you’re going to want to store it somewhere
- Capacity – How many coffees do you make every day? Do you want to leave it as long as possible to empty the box? Use the dimensions to work out how much it will hold. Some will only take around three or four pucks, but others could reach nearer 20
- Material – Most are stainless steel as this is easy to clean and strong to cope with the ‘bashing’. There are some plastic models out there which are generally cheaper, but just think about how careful you’re going to be with it