As an espresso lover, I was so incredibly amped when I finally bought my first espresso machine. I had the best coffee beans, I perfected my ratios and I nailed the preparation. But only after I pulled my first shot did I realize my setup was missing something essential.
When I went to throw away the puck — the spent espresso grounds left in the portafilter — in my trash can, I left a trail of coffee on the floor. It didn’t take me long to realize I needed a knock box, and ever since I got one, I haven’t had to scurry to the trash can after every shot I pulled.
A knock box is a little box you set next to your espresso machine so that you can easily (and cleanly) throw away your pucks after every time you pull a shot. What makes a knock box a knock box is a bar that runs horizontally across the box for you to bang your portafilter to expel the puck.
Editor’s Pick
Dreamfarm Espresso Knock Box
Made of solid steel, this compact knock box can take a decent beating but the rubber sleeve will keep the noise to a minimum. It’s available in two colors, and the price is not too bad for a high-quality espresso accessory. Plus, it’s easy to clean and even safe to throw in the dishwasher.
Pros
- Compact enough to fit in most drip trays
- Solid steel and rubber make it sturdy and quiet
- Available in two sizes
Cons
- One side is shorter than the other, limiting storage space
After you pull a shot, the puck is wet and hot. The moisture of the puck makes it get stuck inside the filter, and the puck is way too hot to go jamming your finger in there. Knocking the portafilter against the bar helps to get you a clean filter in almost no time at all.
Added convenience
Instead of running back and forth between your espresso machine and your trash can, the knock box becomes a trash can. (Just don’t throw anything that’s not a coffee puck in there.)
Also, if you’re pulling a lot of shots, cleaning out your portafilter over and over becomes as easy as knocking on a door, er, knock box.
