8 Best Espresso Knock Boxes for Home Use and Coffee Shops

A variety of the best espresso knock boxes to keep your countertop tidy when brewing your coffee.
By
Samanta Fryer
Samanta Fryer
Writer
Samanta Fryer is our senior editor and content writer, at CoffeeVibe. Apart from writing and reading, she’s fond of the coffee brewing process and enjoys tasting new coffe read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Ryan Hendricks
Ryan Hendricks
Expert
Ryan Hendricks is our tester, who puts products through their paces. He used to be a barista and is now a full-time coffee enthusiast. He’s always testing out new gadgets, read more
Last updated: September 09, 2023
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If you adhere to conscious consumption in everyday life, you must’ve faced the question of what to do with spent coffee grounds. The most obvious way is using them as fertilizer for plants in the garden or yard, or to repel mosquitoes. But to conveniently collect such coffee, you need a special accessory. Our comprehensive guide will show you the best coffee knock boxes and help you choose the suitable option.

We’ve looked at 26 different knock boxes and picked the 8 best ones, out of which the Cafelat Knock Box is the best option. When shopping for a knock box, it’s essential to consider your individual needs. Choose among tiny options if you only pull a home espresso shot or two per day, or vice versa if you’re a huge fan or need it for a commercial coffee machine at your cafe. We’ve rounded up our top picks with durable materials of various shapes and prices to help you find the best option for your coffee needs.

Quick Summary

  • Editor's Choice: Cafelat Knock Box
    "This high volume model adds a touch of simplistic elegance to your kitchen or wherever it is used."
  • Best for Easy Cleanup : 1st In Coffee Knock Box-60
    "This model features a perfect structural frame for domestic use and easy clean-up."
  • "This model comes fitted with state-of-the-art features that offer more value for your money."
  • Best for Aesthetic Design: Dreamfarm Grindenstèin Knock Box
    "This model is made with a perfect blend of materials for durability and aesthetic effects."
  • Best for Large Capacity: Apexstone Coffee Knock Box
    "This model comes with a large capacity for mess-free disposal of espresso grounds."
  • Best for Portability: Aileen Coffee Knock Box
    "This model is a go-to option for anyone who needs a knock box for on-the-go use."
  • Best for Ease-of-Use: AIFUSI Coffee Knock Box
    "This model features a mess-free design that offers easy and convenient use."
  • Best Non-Slip Base: De'Longhi Knock Box
    "Its non-slip and removable bar base is one of those things that set this product apart from the rest."
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5334 people in the past 30 days
9.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.5
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.5
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.2
9.7
1
Editor's Choice

Cafelat Knock Box

Features
  • Dimensions: 5 x 6.5 x 9 in.
  • Material: stainless steel
  • Shape: rectangular
  • Weight: 43oz

Other features: brushed finish, durable thermoplastic rubber over-mold, silicone rubber, satin bead-blasted finish inside

Speaking of a product that has outdone its previous model, this is a perfect example in our opinion. It only proves how much the manufacturers are committed to offering nothing short of the products to consumers.

One of the most significant improvements has to do with the rubber-made part meant to accommodate the knocks when disposing of the pucks. It is a lot more durable and reliable than the previous model, and we have to stress how much of a good job the manufacturers have done to make this happen.

    Why did it make our list?
  • Improved quality on the handle
  • Improved noise reduction
  • Sturdy design
  • Good look
    What is not ideal about it?
  • A little compactness will help a lot
  • The structural design allows disposed pucks to be in the open glare. The design needs to make this concealed.
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 6640 people in the past 30 days
9.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.1
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.2
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.1
9.5
2
Best for Easy Cleanup

1st In Coffee Knock Box-60

Features
  • Dimensions: 5.5 x 6.25 in.
  • Material: stainless steel
  • Shape: round
  • Weight: not specified

Other features: easy to dispense used coffee grinds, easy to clean, for domestic use

We believe that users of this product have just the right size of espresso knock box. This plays a huge role in making sure that disposing of the pucks does not leave any mess behind and is a reason it comes highly recommended.

We should also add that it has a great look and would go a long way in complementing other coffee-related items you have around you. Cleaning it also comes easy, mainly because of the structural design of the product.

    What makes it special?
  • Compliments other coffee-related items very much
  • Easy to empty and clean
  • Has the perfect structural frame
  • Looks good
  • Great for domestic usage
    What cons did we find?
  • Prone to leakage, and the manufacturers need to work on this
  • Inability to detach the knock-bar at the center for cleaning or any other reason
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 8137 people in the past 30 days
9.3
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.9
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.1
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.8
9.3
Features
  • Dimensions: 4 x 4.5 x 4 in.
  • Material: stainless steel
  • Shape: rectangular
  • Weight: 15.8oz

Other features: easy clean-up, anti-slip rubber grip on the bottom, durable knock bar, no-mess coffee puck removal

Breville Knock Box far outweighs many other options in terms of durability, in our opinion. This is considering how it can withstand more aggressive use. It has an ultra-durable design and materials used, and it also offers a distinct cleaning feature whereby you can remove the knock bar for easy cleaning.

Its build, capacity, effective ground disposal system, and many other things explain why this model is one of the best options. Finally, you’ll definitely like its no-mess coffee puck removal.

    Why is it special?
  • Stainless steel canister
  • Knock bar removes for easy cleaning
  • Anti-slip rubber grip
  • Ultra-durable for aggressive use
  • No-mess coffee puck removal
  • Economical
    What are the flaws?
  • Its bar alignment needs to be improved
  • A little more work needs to be done to its polymer bar to make it long-lasting
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 9856 people in the past 30 days
9.1
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.8
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.0
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.8
9.1
4
Best for Aesthetic Design

Dreamfarm Grindenstèin Knock Box

Features
  • Dimensions: 4 x 4 x 4 in.
  • Material: steel, plastic
  • Shape: round
  • Weight: 8.6oz

Other features: durable rubber sleeve, 3 colors available, quiet to use, dishwasher safe

What makes this knock box distinct among the others is its stein which bangs out your coffee grinds into this stein after filtering. Our love for it is pretty hard to conceal, from the clever design to the economical price and durability.

It also comes with a free recycling fertilizer booklet and it has an eco-friendly design you’ll fall in love with. You’ll like its booklet that contains excellent ideas on how to recycle the collected coffee grinds as a natural fertilizer for your garden. Finaly, it has a modern look. Despite it being a plastic knock box model, the ABS plastic in it is super sturdy, thick, and durable.

    What makes it special?
  • Makes recycling easy
  • Stylish design
  • Durable and lightweight
  • Its use helps keep the portafilter safe
  • Shock-absorbing design
    What cons did we find?
  • A larger or bigger opening would do
  • A removable bar would do for easier usage
  • Its capacity also needs to be increased
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5460 people in the past 30 days
9.0
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.9
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.9
9.0
5
Best for Large Capacity

Apexstone Coffee Knock Box

Features
  • Dimensions: 8.7 x 7.8 x 4.1 in.
  • Material: stainless steel
  • Shape: rectangular
  • Weight: 15.9oz

Other features: ITL engineering rubber, high capacity, mess-free

We highly recommend the Apexstone coffee Knock Box because of its cushioning properties due to the ITL engineering rubber it is made of and its high capacity. It can accommodate a lot of coffee grounds which makes it not require constant emptying. It is the perfect knock box commonly and extensively used by baristas at western restaurants, bars, and home kitchens, of course.

It also has a non-removable rubber-wrapped bar. The bar features a steel core so, no doubt, it’s made to last.

    What are our favorite features?
  • It is highly durable
  • High and spacious capacity
  • Extensive use in cafes, western restaurants, bars, etc.
  • It can be cleaned easily
    What could be better?
  • A replaceable bash bar could go a long way in making it easier to use
  • Its designs need to be upscaled
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5112 people in the past 30 days
8.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.3
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.7
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.3
8.8
6
Best for Portability

Aileen Coffee Knock Box

Features
  • Dimensions: 3.9 x 3.9 x 5 in.
  • Material: ABS plastic, metal
  • Shape: round
  • Weight: 14.1oz

Other features: easy clean-up, high capacity, quiet to use, durable

We believe the Aileen Coffee Knockbox is a High-Quality Coffee Knock Box because of some of the tremendous qualities it possesses. It is made of special ABS material, durable, which keeps it clean at all times.

It is incredibly satisfying, and because of its countless qualities, we would recommend anyone to buy this as it is long-lasting and helps reduce the amount of municipal garbage. Aileen Coffee Knock Boxcan be cleaned just by mere rinsing, making clean-up easy for coffee lovers.

    Why are we impressed?
  • Perfect size
  • Durability
  • Little or no maintenance is required
  • Extensive usage
  • Reduction in the amount of municipal garbage
    What negatives must you be aware of?
  • A replacement bar is necessary as an extra for the bash bar
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 9827 people in the past 30 days
8.6
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.3
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.2
8.6
7
Best for Ease-of-Use

AIFUSI Coffee Knock Box

Features
  • Dimensions: 5.28 x 5.24 x 5.2 in.
  • Material: ABS plastic, rubber
  • Shape: round
  • Weight: 12oz

Other features: removable knock bar, non-slip base, mess-free, high capacity

Based on our collective opinion, we feel that AIFUSI’s knock box is just the right choice for every coffee lover. It is an espresso knock box that does the disposal of coffee grounds for you conveniently. We believe it isn’t problematic and very convenient to use.

Moreover, the AIFUSI’s knock box has an outstanding design, and it has its way of blending with the room. It lets you easily empty your portafilter and makes disposal easy for you, making it one of the best that we recommend. Also, it can occupy large coffee grounds, hence it doesn’t require constant emptying.

    What are our favorite features?
  • Has a very stylish look and elegant design
  • Has a removable knock bar
  • Lasts longer due to the ABS material
  • Noise-proof plastic body
  • Dishwasher safe
  • BPA free
    What could be better?
  • A replacement bar could go a long way just in case the first bar gets faulty
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7055 people in the past 30 days
9.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.5
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.7
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.4
9.8
8
Best Non-Slip Base

De'Longhi Knock Box

Features
  • Dimensions: 4.25 x 5.55 x 5.82 in.
  • Material: stainless steel, plastic
  • Shape: round
  • Weight: 16oz

Other features: mess-free, disposal of a coffee puck, removable bar and non-slip base, dishwasher safe

We believe that this is an excellent choice for people who need to knock out tightly packed coffee pucks. In addition to doing a good job getting the pucks easily out of your way, it does this in a manner that does not cause a scene and will not leave a mess behind. It is for this reason that we strongly recommend it as a great option.

Furthermore, easy use of these products does not come any better than with such options. This is because of the plastic handle, a sturdy body that is made of stainless steel that is mirror polished, an anti-slip bottom grip, and the fact that it is dishwasher safe.

    What makes it stand out?
  • The possibility of washing it with the dishwasher
  • The bar is removable and replaceable
  • Anti-slip bottom rubber pad
  • Gets the coffee pucks out easily
  • Little or no mess left behind while cleaning
  • A countertop with increased stability
  • Good looking product
    Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
  • A little addition to the size would not hurt
  • Better structural design to cope with effects of knocking the coffee grounds off

Things to Consider

You know how many coffee grounds one person can create in a day if you’re a coffee junkie Trusted Source The invisible addiction: is it time to give up caffeine? | The Guardian For most of us, to be caffeinated to one degree or another has simply become baseline human consciousness. www.theguardian.com who drinks coffee every day. In effect of the way people consume coffee daily, a massive number of coffee grounds are produced. The majority of the grounds from the portafilter are deposited into the garbage can. There is, however, a superior option: the knock box.

Why do you need a knock box?

A knock box could be an investment worth making for the following reasons:

  • It protects the portafilter: When you need to empty the puck from the filter holder into your garbage can, you must beat it against the palm of your hand or the side of your trashcan to ensure that it is fully expelled. There’s always the risk of ruining your portafilter and garbage can if you do this. Utilizing a specialized knock box will capture all of the trash while protecting your portafilter.
  • To prevent odor buildup: Coffee grounds that have been discarded have an awful smell. If you discard them in the garbage, the odor will spread throughout your home. Even after you’ve emptied the garbage, the stink may linger. While storing old coffee grounds, a knock box traps the odor.
  • You may use old coffee grounds for gardening: Old coffee grounds can be used as excellent manure for your garden beds. Knock boxes provide plenty of storing room for leftover coffee grounds, which you may later move to a compost container.

Knock boxes are relatively inexpensive espresso equipment that requires minimal maintenance. You need to wash them now and then. However, they are effortless to clean, so you won’t have to exert much work.

Using the knock box could not be simpler. It takes very little care and maintenance, aside from being emptied and rinsed. You may empty your coffee grounds Trusted Source The many uses for coffee grounds | Medical News Today Coffee grounds have many uses, including skin scrubs, natural dyes, and garden fertilizers. www.medicalnewstoday.com in one smooth motion by just knocking the filter against the bucket’s top. It’s never been easier to clean up after preparing a pot of coffee.

Although alternate coffee alternatives such as compostable or recyclable coffee pods are available, they still have an environmental impact and can only hold one cup at a time.

You may create single cups of coffee or whole pots of coffee with the Knock Box, and there is almost no waste.

The simple task of emptying the filter into the knock box may save a tremendous amount of trash in coffee houses and other business equipment, and it is simple enough for anybody to do.

Coffee connoisseurs are picky about their favorite hot beverage. They like the exact ingredients to include from the coffee grinds; they know exactly what they want, and it might be tough to break such a long-standing habit.

Introducing the knock box into your house, office, or your business, on the other hand, can save you a lot of time and effort while simultaneously lowering your ecological footprint.

How to Choose the Best Espresso Knock Box

The size of your knock box should be determined by the amount of espresso you produce and the amount of counter space you have. Choose from smaller knock boxes if you just pull a shot or two per day. They’re less expensive, and they’re also more convenient to store and clean. You can make your choice using the various features below:

Size

8 Best Espresso Knock Boxes for Home Use and Coffee Shops
Apexstone Coffee Knock Box dimensions

Which knock box size should you choose? The answer to this inquiry is determined by your capacity requirements and preferred space. Some of us prefer our kitchen counters to be as uncluttered as possible. An enormous knock box

like the Apexstone model may reduce your productivity, compelling you to reevaluate your decision to purchase a knock box.

If you prepare a lot of coffee daily, you should get a larger knock box making the Apexstone  useful here. A smaller knock box like the Dreamfarm Grindenstein, on the other hand, would do if you don’t mind unloading and washing it periodically.

Larger knock boxes are required in an executive arrangement. You won’t have time to empty it during open hours and then prepare it for future usage. A huge knock box would be useful if you wish to repurpose old coffee grounds as fertilizer.

Materials: should you opt for a stainless steel knock box necessarily?

Metal choices are more substantial, sturdier, and long-lasting. They’re an excellent choice if you make a lot of espressos or knock a lot. However, they are usually more expensive and aren’t always dishwasher safe.

ABS material is frequently used in the creation of plastic models. It’s a low-cost plastic that’s highly scratch resistant, splits, and corrosion, as well as being dishwasher safe. It has the advantage of being easily recycled as a thermoplastic.

A metal bar with a foam or rubber coating provides exceptional durability and shock absorption in knock boxes like the Dreamfarm Grindenstein. You’ll need something tough enough to get the puck out yet soft enough to do so silently.

Sturdiness

The knock box would be incredibly sturdy if it were constructed entirely of stainless steel. It does, however, have some disadvantages. Full metal body boxes are more costly and bulkier than alternative options. The unit’s plastic construction, on the other hand, makes it more inexpensive, but it becomes flimsy after extended usage.

Grindenstein boxes from Dreamfarm are a good compromise. It has a stainless-steel core inside and a plastic outside. This keeps the price low while also ensuring that the box is sturdy.

Durability & Price Tag

When looking for an espresso box, try to strike a perfect balance between price and durability. Some of these boxes can set you back as little as $20, while others may set you back more than $50. Now comes the matter of how much money you should spend on a box that will function as a dedicated rubbish container for your used coffee grounds.

What’s the difference, you might wonder? Isn’t a knock box made of plastic just as good as a stainless steel one for holding coffee waste? While that line of reasoning isn’t entirely incorrect, you should still think about the box’s durability.

What Is the Best Knock Box Style?

8 Best Espresso Knock Boxes for Home Use and Coffee Shops
Dreamfarm Grindenstèin Knock Box has an eco-friendly design a modern look.

Bins, drawers, and chutes are the three primary styles knock boxes come in. The bins are most commonly used in homes, while the other two are more commonly found in coffee shops and restaurants.

  • Bin knock boxes, also known as bash bins, are compact extra-durable trash cans with an espresso knock bar across the top. They’re usually the most affordable alternative, are compact, can be kept easily, simple to clean, and available in several colors and styles to compliment your room design. Examples include the AIFUSI and Aileen 
  • Knock box drawers include a built-in knock bar that fits underneath your espresso machine. It doesn’t consume extra space, and it hides your used pucks, resulting in a less cluttered appearance. The main disadvantage is that they are usually quite costly.
  • Knock box chutes are more popular in coffee shops and restaurants because of the way they are designed. They are made to be incorporated into your countertop. They are, however, the most efficacious way to get rid of your coffee grounds in case you prepare a lot of espresso at home. They’re also far more durable and cost less when compared to a drawer.

FAQ

When Should I Empty My Knock Box?

To keep mold at bay, you should empty your knock box every one to two days.  If you have a wet puck at the end of a session, try to empty it. It takes less than 15 seconds because all you have to do is drop the grounds into the kitchen compost bin.

How Do You Clean a Steel Knock Box?

Cleaning the filter traditionally entails scooping out the remaining coffee grinds and rinsing the filter to eliminate any lingering contaminants. However, you can simply tap the top filter and empty it in one or two fluid moves with the knock box.

Is It Challenging to Make an Espresso?

It is simple and quick to learn how to produce high-quality, basic espresso-based drinks in your business or at home. It does not necessitate the use of a trained barista.

Our verdict

The Dreamfarm Grindenstèin Knock Box is a great choice, as it provides you with the perfect blend: the plastic shell saves money and weight, while the stainless-steel core ensures the box’s durability. The Cafelat Knock Box is another good choice, offering a durable and sturdy design that would add elegance to your kitchen.

You can also check the other options in this review and find the best espresso knock box that meets your needs. Whether you need one with wide capacity or focused more on design, there are different knock boxes that you can purchase.

References

1.
The invisible addiction: is it time to give up caffeine? | The Guardian
For most of us, to be caffeinated to one degree or another has simply become baseline human consciousness.
2.
The many uses for coffee grounds | Medical News Today
Coffee grounds have many uses, including skin scrubs, natural dyes, and garden fertilizers.
9,7
Total Score
Cafelat Knock Box - Editor's Choice
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