BEST ESPRESSO KNOCK BOX: HOME BARISTA GEAR TESTED BY PROS
So you’ve slopped used espresso grounds across your kitchen for the last time and are ready to invest in a knock box. Wise choice!
Now don’t make the mistake of buying something too flimsy for a good knocking or too big for your space. Instead, check out this round-up of the best espresso knock box reviews.
After extensive testing, I’ve picked my five favorite espresso knock boxes on the market right now. One of them is sure to be the right fit next to your espresso machine.
At A Glance
- TOP PICK: Breville Barista Style Knock Box
- GREAT VALUE: HOMEE Espresso Knock Box
- DRAWER STYLE: Normcore Espresso Knocking Drawer
The 5 Best Espresso Knock Boxes In 2026
| Image | Product | Details | |
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| No products found. | Breville Barista Style Knock Box |
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| No products found. | HOMEE Espresso Knock Box |
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| No products found. | Normcore Espresso Knocker Drawer |
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| No products found. | Dreamfarm Grindenstein Knock Box |
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| No products found. | Easgiu Knock Box |
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A knock box is a vital tool in the toolkit of any avid home espresso lover. Personally, I think it’s one of the most underrated espresso accessories.
A knock box is a must-have accessory for any machine that uses a portafilter to brew. They make clean-up a breeze and let you get back to your espresso faster.
An espresso knock box is one of those things you don’t think you need until you get one – and then you wonder how you ever lived without it.
Here are five tried-and-tested espresso knock boxes, covering all shapes and styles. One is guaranteed to be perfect for you.
1. Breville Barista Style Knock Box
Style: Bin
- Dimensions: 7 x 7 x 5 inches
- Material: Die-cast metal exterior, plastic interior
- Shape: Round
It’s no surprise that Breville, maker of high-quality home espresso machines and grinders, delivers my favorite coffee knock box of the year (1).
The Breville “Barista Style” is well-named; even professional coffee baristas love this heavy duty knock box.
The exterior is die-cast metal with the same attractive brushed finish found on Breville coffee machines, and the base is fitted with a non-slip polymer ring. The interior is plastic with the bar integrated into the inner vessel. So while the knock bar can’t be removed, the entire inside comes out for easy washing in the dishwasher.
The Barista Style is the largest knock box on my list, which is a perk for heavy home users or professionals. You’ll save time not having to empty and clean it frequently, especially if you enjoy multiple espressos a day. Plus, its wide opening makes it the best at catching any splatter, suitable for the aggressive knockers out there.
On the other hand, it might feel a bit overbearing in a tiny kitchen, in which case you might consider the Breville Knock Box Mini instead.
2. HOMEE Espresso Knock Box
Style: Bin
- Dimensions: 5.31 x 5.31 x 5.2 inches
- Material: ABS Plastic
- Shape: Round
HOMEE’s knock box has a simple and inexpensive design, but compared to the other budget options I tested, it felt much sturdier and better made. On top of that, I think its matte black aesthetic gives it a premium look that belies its low price point (2).
A removable knock bar makes it easy to empty the old coffee waste quickly, and the entire thing is made from dishwasher-safe ABS plastic, so cleaning is a piece of cake.
Its compact size is perfect for stowing on your espresso machine’s drip tray when not in use. It even fits in my tiny Breville Bambino. A rubber gasket on the base keeps it from sliding around the counter, even when you’re knocking a particularly stubborn espresso puck.
HOMEE sells another version with a metal rubber-coated knock bar, which is a few dollars more expensive. Personally, I didn’t find it performed any better, but it does have a fun coffee bean pattern in the rubber that might strike your fancy.
3. Normcore Espresso Knocker Drawer
Style: Drawer
- Dimensions: 6.7 x 6.7 x 1.1 inches
- Material: Stainless steel, wooden handle
- Shape: Rectangular
I’ve already professed my love for the Normcore Tamper, and the Normcore Espresso Knocker Drawer carries on the brand’s tradition of stylish, high-quality espresso accessories at reasonable prices.
It’s available in two sizes. I like this smaller model for home use, which is designed to fit under an espresso grinder. The larger option slots under your espresso machine and is suitable for home or commercial users. In either case, you’re adding height rather than countertop sprawl to your espresso set-up.
The other perk of a drawer-style box is that it’s tidy. You won’t see (or smell) any used coffee grounds.
The Normcore Knocker Drawer is stainless steel and available in three finishes – matte black, matte white, and polished steel. All three are beautifully designed with a modern-looking angled front, and the white and steel options feature a warm wood handle. Rubber feet on the bottom and nylon runners inside ensure a smooth and silent operation.
4. Dreamfarm Grindenstein Knock Box
Style: Bin
- Dimensions: 4 x 4 x 4.3 inches
- Material: ABS plastic
- Shape: Round
The Dreamfarm Grindenstein is the most popular plastic knock box on the market. While it doesn’t have quite the same heft or longevity as metal, the plastic keeps it light, easy to handle, inexpensive, and dishwasher-safe.
The Grindenstein is the smallest model on this list, making it my choice for the best compact espresso knock box, but it still has plenty of capacity for the average home user. I found I could pull 15 or 20 espresso shots before it needed to be emptied and cleaned, which is about a week’s worth in many households.
The compact design is a huge asset in a small kitchen like mine. I can store the Grindenstein right on the drip tray of my espresso machine between uses, keeping my counter clear.
It has a sleek, polished look that is available in three colors – black, red, and silver – which have clearly been chosen to correspond with the popular colors of espresso machines. It’s also available in a larger size (4.9” diameter x 5.3” tall) if you want more capacity.
An undeniably cute final detail is that every Grindenstein comes with a booklet detailing how to use a knock box for fertilizing your garden (3).
5. Easgiu Knock Box
Style: Bin
- Dimensions: 5.35 x 5.24 x 5.12 inches
- Material: Plastic and rubber
- Shape: Round with stylish angles
Operationally, the Easgiu Knock Box is the same as any other bin-style model. But if you are looking for something to add a little pizzazz to your espresso bar, it’s one of few on the market with a unique form factor.
The Easgiu is round-ish but stands out from the crowd thanks to a fun angular geometric pattern. My only complaint is that the top opening feels a little narrow, especially with a full-size 58 mm portafilter. This probably isn’t the pick for someone who likes to knock with a lot of dramatic flair.
It only comes in one color, and I have to say that I like the basic black. It showcases the funky design but keeps it from becoming the focal point of your coffee corner. The espresso machine still gets top billing.
It’s a compact and lightweight model made from plastic with a non-slip rubber base. The knock bar slots in the top, so it’s easy to remove when emptying the bin. And the whole thing is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
How To Choose The Best Knock Box
Does the sheer number of knock boxes on the market feel overwhelming? All those shapes, sizes, styles, and prices for something that is essentially a small trash can for your counter.
Don’t worry! This buyer’s guide is here to make sure you nail down the right knock box for you.
What Does An Espresso Knock Box Do?
An espresso knock box is used to knock the firm puck of espresso grounds out of your portafilter after pulling a shot.
In my experience, every espresso lover can benefit from a knock box. It makes your morning routine more efficient. But there are two cases in which it is particularly useful:
- Your garbage or compost bin is far away from your espresso machine. Spare yourself the displeasure of carrying a hot portafilter across the room while it dribbles a trail of coffee on the floor.
- You often pull a lot of shots in a row, either at home or in a commercial setting. A knock box next to the coffee maker is the most efficient way to clean the portafilter and get ready for the next shot.
Which Coffee Knock Box Style is For You?
There are three main styles of knock boxes: bins, drawers, and shutes. The bins are the most common knock boxes for home use, while the other two are more often found in commercial coffee shops.
- Bin knock boxes, also called bash bins, are essentially small extra-sturdy trash cans with a knock bar running across the top. They’re inexpensive, compact and easy to store, easy to clean, and come in a variety of colors and designs.
- Knock box drawers are drawers with a built-in knock bar designed to fit under your espresso machine or grinder. This saves counter space and keeps your used coffee pucks hidden away for a less cluttered look. The downside is that they tend to be expensive and harder to clean.
- Knock box chutes are designed to be built into your countertop. I didn’t include any on this list because they’re much more common in commercial settings. But you might consider one if you’re building a dedicated home coffee bar. They’re efficient, durable, and less expensive than a drawer.
How Much Espresso Do You Make?
Your countertop space and the amount of espresso you make should dictate the size of your knock box.
If you only pull a shot or two a day, choose a smaller knock box. They’re less expensive and easier to store and clean. For reference, mini knock boxes with around 4-inch sides can hold about 20 espresso pucks.
A larger knock box will be more efficient if you make a lot of espresso because you won’t have to empty and clean it as often. If counter space is a non-issue, go for a large-capacity bin. If space is limited, consider spending a bit more for a drawer.
Materials and Maintenance
The most common materials for knock boxes are plastic and metal.
Stainless steel knock boxes are heavier, sturdier, and more durable. They’re a great choice if you make a lot of espresso or you’re aggressive with your knocking. On the other hand, they’re usually more expensive and often not dishwasher safe.
The plastic models are mostly made of ABS plastic, a relatively inexpensive and easily recyclable plastic. It’s highly resistant to scratches, cracks, and corrosion, and it’s dishwasher safe (4).
A metal bar coated in foam or rubber is an excellent combination of durability and shock absorption. You want something strong enough to get the puck out but soft enough to do it quietly. If you’re a gentle knocker, you might be able to get away with a plastic or rubber bar.
The Verdict
Adding a knock box to your home coffee set-up is a simple way to speed up your morning routine while sparing yourself a sloppy mess. This year, my favorite is the Breville Barista Style Knock Box. It has the capacity and durability to handle whatever you throw at it — or knock into it!
FAQs
Knock boxes don’t smell provided you clean your knock box regularly. Spent espresso pucks smell a little like coffee when they’re still hot and wet but are essentially odorless once dry. Just be sure to empty the grounds into the trash or compost on a regular basis.
The bar on the knock box, also called a bash bar or knock bar, is to tap the portafilter against to help knock out the used espresso puck. You should hit the bar with the handle of the portafilter close to where it meets the filter basket.
You should empty a knock box as it becomes full. If you make a lot of espresso at home, you may need to empty the box every few days. If you’re a less frequent user, it may only be once a week. I wouldn’t leave it for more than two weeks, however, as spent espresso grounds can eventually mold.
References
- Bryman, H. (2019, June 13). From Pro Scene to Home Machines: A Conversation with Breville Coffee Guru Phil McKnight. Retrieved from https://dailycoffeenews.com/2019/06/13/from-pro-scene-to-home-machines-a-conversation-with-breville-coffee-guru-phil-mcknight/
- Pelchen, L and Allen, S. (2023, September 27). Matte Black: The Hottest Home Design Trend For 2024. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/design/matte-black-home-design-trend/
- Hendry, A. (2017, December 28). A Common-Sense Guide to Using Coffee Grounds in the Garden. Retrieved from https://www.growveg.com/guides/a-common-sense-guide-to-using-coffee-grounds-in-the-garden/
