Coffee is an integral part of some people’s lives. They wake up and spend the whole day with a positive buzz with the help of it. And at one point, they cannot live without a shot of espresso anymore. And for that, they might need a device that can keep their coffee filters clean and also help save the environment a bit.
We’re talking about espresso knock boxes. And as someone who drinks coffee almost every day, you deserve to have the best espresso knock box that the market has to offer. That’s why we have put together a review of the 6 best knock boxes along with a buying guide to help you out.
Comparison Table of Top Knock Box
| Project Name | Editors Rating | Item Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dreamfarm Grindenstein | 4.9 out of 5 | 8.6 Ounces | Check Price |
| Breville BCB100 | 4.7 out of 5 | 2 Ounces | Check Price |
| De’Longhi DLSC059 | 4.8 out of 5 | 16.6 Ounces | Check Price |
| Apexstone Knock Box | 4.7 out of 5 | 14.4 Ounces | Check Price |
| HOMEE Knock Box | 4.8 out of 5 | 10.4 Ounces | Check Price |
| Motta Steel Knock Box | 4.6 out of 5 | 32 Ounces | Check Price |
What Is an Espresso Knock Box?
An Espresso Knock box is a convenient device. And it is specially designed for people who have coffee almost every morning to give them the buzz they need to start the day with a positive vibe. Now, where does its use lie and what does it actually help in?
Well, this device helps remove the used coffee ground from a coffee filter and keeps the filter clean which is of actual concern if you’re someone who indulges in coffee more than the usual amount. The leftover used coffee ground can jam stuff up, and this is where a knock box comes in handy.
6 Best Espresso Knock Box Explained
We have put together reviews for 6 of the top espresso knock boxes around in the market. So, let’s jump into it, shall we?
1. Dreamfarm Grindenstein – Coffee Grind
The first one on our list is by a renowned brand. They are known for making modern products that hold true to both quality and use. The Grindenstein is no different from the other products that Dreamfarm usually offers. So, let’s check out the different features that this knock box has to offer,
Firstly, this knock box is a plastic bin knock box. We’ll talk about the kind of knock boxes that you can find later on in the article. Now, being a bin knock box, it is both inexpensive and made of ABS plastic which promises to be durable, scratch and corrosion resistant, and dishwasher-proof.
Along with all that, like most bin knock boxes, this unit also happens to have a knock bar at the top, so that it can secure the coffee ground with ease and store it in. Now, the Grindenstein is made for baristas, so you can get every bit of functionality out of it. But, most importantly, you’ll be able to easily use it.
Moreover, the knock box is fairly compact. So, you really don’t have to worry about saving space to place this knock box. So, this is the perfect call for someone who has one to two shots of espresso daily.
And thanks to being compact, you can easily flip the knock box and clean it out into the recycle bin the way ground coffee is supposed to be recycled.
Product Information
| Model Number | 9334084001181 |
| Manufacturer | Dreamfarm USA |
| Color | Black |
| Dimensions | 4 x 4 x 4 inches |
| Weight | 8.6 ounces |
| Material | Plastic |
2. Breville BCB100 Knock Box, Die-cast
The next entry is by fan favorite, Breville. Most coffee maker enthusiasts know about Breville’s state of the art coffee machines and grinders.
But they also make knock boxes, and when it comes to quality, the BCB100 is no different. So, without waiting any further, let’s check out what kind of functionality it holds.
For starters, the BCB100 is another bin knock box in our list. But it’s actually made out of stainless steel. So, there’s a lot to say about that. As a bin knock box, this one also has a knocker at the top to help in gathering the coffee ground when it is discarded from the coffee filter.
Moreover, as it has a stainless steel exterior, it can be a bit on the expensive side. But that expense can be made up by quality. This is a die-cast metal barista knock box. So, you can expect it to go unscathed for a long time. But that’s not even the best part about this knock box.
The one feature that attracted us the most was that it has a detachable inner vessel. And wait for it, it’s top-rack dishwasher safe. So, Breville came ahead of all other metal knock boxes with this one.
Therefore, we can easily recommend this knock box to you due to all the benefits that you get. This is the ultimate metal bin knock box.
Product Information
| Model Number | BCB100 |
| Manufacturer | Breville |
| Color | Silver |
| Capacity | 2 Ounces |
| Dimensions | 6 x 7 x 7 inches |
| Weight | 1 pounds |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Country of Origin | China |
3. De’Longhi DLSC059 Knock Box
The third entry on our list is by De’Longhi. They are mostly known for their other coffee-making products. That includes coffee machines, grinders, milk frothing pitches, coffee tampers, and, of course, knock boxes.
The DLSC059 is no different from the other products that have the best reviews from customers. So, let’s check it out.
The first thing that caught our eye about this knock box is that this one is also a bin knock box. And just like the Breville knock box, this one is also made out of stainless steel. But let us bring out the difference with this first. This one features an anti-slip bottom which will stay put on any smooth surface.
Most stainless-steel knock boxes tend to slip on smooth surfaces. That can pose a problem while dumping the coffee ground off the filter. So, the anti-slip does help a lot.
Moreover, unlike the Breville knock box, this whole knock box is dishwasher safe. So, once you’re done dumping the old coffee onto a compost bin, you can just throw this in the dishwasher.
In addition to all that, the knocker bar has plastic handles that you can use when you need. But mostly, this knock box gives you the experience of a barista and people who have used it have all recommended it to other people as well. So, we would like to do the same as well.
Product Information
| Model Number | DLSC059 |
| Manufacturer | De’Longhi |
| Capacity | 2 Liters |
| Dimensions | 4.25 x 5.55 x 5.82 inches |
| Weight | 1.04 pounds |
| Country of Origin | USA |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. |
4. Coffee Knock Box, Espresso Knock
For our next entry, we have a knock box that actually pulls in a lot of features together to give us the service that we all were looking for. They caught our eye, and they will surely catch yours too. So, without waiting any longer, let’s get down to these features and see how they can help you out.
Firstly, this is also a bin knock box, but it has the form of a knock box chute. So, you can place it in positions that are usually made for knock box chutes. Saves some space, right? Well, this one is actually used widely in coffee shops and restaurants. And they are all giving it good reviews as well.
Moreover, the Coffee Knock Box is made out of stainless steel, which promises proper durability and longevity. Along with that, it also has a rubber knock bar to help you unload the used coffee ground from your filter. It’s properly cushioned for a better measure, which also happens to protect the filter handle.
But what helps this knock box stand out is the fact that it has a high capacity that actually stops your coffee ground from creating a complete mess on your counter. So, seeing all these features and judging from the way this knock box is serving everyone, we would definitely recommend it to you.
Product Information
| Model Number | 8541894851 |
| Manufacturer | Apexstone |
| Dimensions | 8.31 x 6.73 x 4.37 inches |
| Weight | 14.4 ounces |
| Material | Stainless steel Rubber |
5. HOMEE Espresso Knock Box 4.8 Inch
Our fifth entry is from the brand HOMEE. They have actually created a knock Box that goes perfect with a minimalist kitchen design and has some amazing features, which earned this one a place in our list of six. So, let’s get down to discussing this product’s feature set, shall we?
The first thing that caught our eyes was this knock box style. It has a matte black look thanks to its ABS plastic body. Thanks to that kind of material, this knock box is very durable and scratch and corrosion-proof.
Further, the material is promised to be shock absorbent. So, you really don’t have to worry about this knock box falling a breaking.
Moreover, this knock box also does a good job of concealing the foul odor of the used coffee ground. But what caught us by surprise was the removable knocker bar.
So, you can just take the knocker bar off and clean the insides when necessary. This makes maintenance a whole lot easier and more time-efficient.
Along with that, the knock bar is also rubberized to prevent dents and easier unloading the leftover coffee ground. In addition to that, there is also an anti-slip rubber band at the bottom of the knock box to keep it stable. So, overall, this Espresso Knock Box by HOMME provides great value for money.
Product Information
| Model Number | HMKFZH001 |
| Manufacturer | HOMEE |
| Dimensions | 5.28 x 5.16 x 5.16 inches |
| Weight | 10.4 ounces |
| Material | Plastic |
| Country of Origin | China |
6. Motta Stainless Steel Knock Box, 6.5-Inch
And last, but definitely not least, we have an entry by Motta. And this one has a feature set that none of us actually expected. Moreover, Motta is known for their state-of-the-art products which always give its users an advantage.
So, for starters, this knock box by Motta is actually manufactured in Italy, and it was developed with cooperation from the Italian Barista Association. So, you can understand that this knock box was professionally crafted for Baristas to use.
Hence, if you use this, you can easily get around with work, because the knock box was designed to keep efficiency while making coffee in mind.
Along with that, it’s made of stainless steel which declares durability on its own, and the whole thing is actually ergonomically designed for ease of use. All of this was done for easy knocking. The sturdy stainless-steel material is well crafted and also looks amazing.
Moreover, this knock box is quite big in proportions, so you can work in peace without worrying about the coffee ground spreading all over the place. It stores the coffee pretty easily and it also conceals the foul odor well. So, it gets a recommendation from our part.
Related article for you: How to keep clean your espresso machine using a cleaning tablet. The ultimate guide.
Product Information
| Model Number | 8250 |
| Manufacturer | Tomson Inc |
| Dimensions | 6.69 x 4.33 x 6.69 inches |
| Weight | 2 pounds |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
How to Pick the Perfect Espresso Knock Box?
Now that you have read the reviews. There are a number of certain factors that come to play when you’re choosing the perfect knock box for your kitchen. We’ll show you all that much more.
Now, before you choose a knock box, you’ll need to ask a couple of questions. And then you must let the features answer them. So, here goes:
What Style Are You Looking for?
The first factor to look at is the style that you want your espresso knock box to pull off. Now, this is an important factor because that knock box will stick around your kitchen for quite a while until you buy a new one to replace it. So, let us introduce you to the styles already available if you don’t know yet.
Bin Knock Boxes
These knock boxes look like sturdy trash bins, and they are so, but only for used coffee ground that has already been extracted from them. They happen to come with a knock bar running across the top to help you get the filter clean. Along with that, they are compact and very easy to store and clean.
They are the cheapest option and they come in a variety of designs and colors that can easily match the environment of your kitchen. That itself makes these a viable option.
Knock Out Drawers
These are drawers that have built-in knock boxes. They are the perfect solution for a less cluttered kitchen counter. Why, you ask? Well, the answer is pretty simple.
Knock Out drawers are designed to fit under an espresso machine or a grinder, and they can also save used pucks. So, you can clean up right after you make your daily espresso.
However, they are the most expensive among the bunch and that’s their only drawback. So, if you want something convenient and have some money to spare, then a knock out drawer would be the perfect choice for you.
Knock Box Chutes
Knock box chutes are mainly designed to be set onto the countertop, which makes disposal a whole lot easier and that is exactly why they are popular in commercial businesses. Along with that, this would be a perfect choice for you if you make a lot of espresso at home.
So, compared by price, Knock Box Chutes fall in the middle. They are a bit more expensive than Bin Knock Boxes and less expensive than Knock Box Drawers. So, they are perfectly midrange.
So, you get to choose from these three different styles of knock boxes. Put some though into this question before you move on to the next one.
How Many Espressos Are You Making?
The next factor would be how much espresso you’re actually making. These knock boxes have a capacity. So, a lot of the whole process of choosing depends on how much waste you are throwing in every day.
So, if you have one or two shots, a day, a mini knock box should do the trick for you. They can hole up to 20 pucks of coffee.
But, if you have a lot of espresso shots in a day, then we can recommend you get a large knock box. They are a bit more expensive, but they should save you the time of cleaning your knock box frequently.
What Kind of Material do You Want It to Be Made of?
The next factor that we need to address is the kind of material that your knock box will be made of. They actually come in different variations. So, you can choose between both plastic and metal options. Now, this factor is important because it will stay in your kitchen for a long while.
Metal ones are sturdier, heavier, and more durable in general. Moreover, they’ll usually be very expensive and are not usually dishwasher safe. This might pose a problem if you let your dishwasher take care of the cleaning for you.
As for the plastic ones, they are usually made of ABS plastic and are relatively inexpensive.
Benefits of Espresso Knock Box
Now that you know all the factors that make a knock box perfect for use, let’s check out the benefits that you can get out of a knock box. So, here goes:
Environment Friendly
The first benefit from espresso knock boxes that caught our eye is actually pretty unusual. They are more environment-friendly than we actually realize. Why, you ask? Well, here’s the answer.
Very often, coffee grounds will end up in your garbage because people don’t actually know what to do with them. They are mostly oblivious to it. The coffee ground that ends up in the garbage actually contributes to its already foul odour. But, what most of us don’t know is that you can actually try composting this.
And thanks to knock boxes, you can keep the leftover coffee ground and use it for compost. They act as rich fertilizers. Or you can just empty the remains into a compost bin and help make the world a better place for those who’ll come in the future.
Prevents Odor
Now, as mentioned before, coffee ground adds to the foul odor of garbage. But, then again, they can also make your kitchen smell like burnt coffee all the time if you don’t dispose of the ground properly.
And that is where espresso knock boxes come into play. They do a great job concealing the smell and storing the coffee ground.
These Knock Boxes are actually designed to trap the odor in and not let it out. So, old and stale coffee can simply stay in your knock box, and later on, you can empty it into the compost bin. Now, that is what we call surprisingly handy.
Conveniently Designed for Easy Use and Fast Cleanup
Lastly, we need to talk about the way knock boxes are conveniently designed for our use. They actually do a great job in this case. They are both easy to use and clean up. So, that will save you a lot of time if you drink coffee on a regular basis.
Materials and Maintenance of Knock Box
Now that you know all that you need to know about Espresso Knock Boxes, let’s get down to the material used in these knock boxes and how you can actually take care of them. Now, these knock boxes are rather easy to use and clean up. So, maintenance is no hassle.
As we mentioned before in the buying guide, these knock boxes are usually made with two different kinds of material: plastic and metal.
Metal knock boxes are more durable, and they are reinforced. They don’t take damage that easily and can be cleaned up easily as well. Some water should do the trick. But they are usually more expensive and are not dishwasher-proof.
On the other hand, plastic alternatives are made of ABS plastic. So, they always promise durability. They are inexpensive compared to metal ones. But at the same time, they are also scratch-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and definitely dishwasher-safe. And as thermoplastic, you can also easily recycle them.
So, no matter what you buy, you can just wash them both manually, or put the one made with plastic in the dishwasher.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is a knock box necessary?
It definitely is a necessity, if you’re someone who has coffee on a regular basis. This device will take care of your coffee waste for you, and it will also conceal the foul odor of old and stale coffee grounds so that you can rest assured.
2. Do I need a tamper mat when using the knock box?
Yes, it is always best to use a tamper mat when using a knock box to protect your countertop from scratches.
3. What is a knockout drawer?
A knock-out drawer is a kind of drawer that has a knock box built into it. It’s usually used to hold used and expired coffee grounds. At the same time, you can also hold pucks in it once you use them to save you some time. They are built to be placed below a coffee machine or grinder.
4. Can I make my own knock box?
The answer to this question is a yes. You can easily make a knock box if you have all the stuff you need to complete the construction. You’ll find several DIY methods on the internet. Carefully follow them to make yourself a knock box.
5. Why use a knock box?
If you’re someone who has espresso shots on a daily basis, then you should definitely be using a knock box as you’ll make a lot of coffee waste. A knock box can store that waste for you.
Final Words
That’s all we had to help you find the best espresso knock box in the market right now. We hope that you can put this information to some good use and get a good knock box to keep your coffee filters clean and avoid making your home smell like burnt coffee.
So, with that, we would like to draw a conclusion to this review and buying guide. But, if you feel like we missed something or there’s something else that you want us to cover here on our blog, feel free to reach out. We always appreciate feedback from readers.