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.
Breville Knock Box Mini
- Product Dimensions: 6.26 x 5.83 x 5.47 inches
- Item Weight: 1.12 pounds
- Manufacturer: Breville
- Materials: Stainless Steel
- Measures 4″ L x 4″ W x 4.5″ H
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Dreamfarm Grindenstèin Modern Espresso Knock Box
- Brand: Dreamfarm
- Capacity: 445 Milliliters
- Color: Silver
- Coffee Maker Type: Espresso Machine
- Product Dimensions: 4″D x 4″W x 4″H
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De’Longhi Knock Box DLSC059
- Product Dimensions: 4.25 x 5.55 x 5.82 inches
- Item Weight: 1.04 pounds
- Manufacturer: De’Longhi
- Materials: Stainless Steel
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The Best Knock Boxes
Breville Knock Box Mini
Specs:
- Product Dimensions: 6.26 x 5.83 x 5.47 inches
- Item Weight: 1.12 pounds
- Manufacturer: Breville
- Materials: Stainless Steel
Main features
- Measures 4″ L x 4″ W x 4.5″ H – Mini size can accommodate up to 8 pucks
- Removable knock bar for easy cleaning – Stainless steel construction
- Non-skid base stabilizes the box and protects the bench
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Overview
The Breville Knock Box Mini is a small, compact version of the original Breville Knock Box. It measures 4″ L x 4″ W x 4.5″ H and can accommodate up to 8 pucks. The removable knock bar makes it easy to clean and protects your bench from drips. Its non-skid base stabilizes the box and protects your espresso machine’s dip tray.
The Breville Knock Box Mini is perfect for home use or for those who want to store their knock box right on their espresso machine’s dip tray for quick access during the next shot.
Cons
- Can accommodate up to 8 pucks
Dreamfarm Grindenstèin Modern Espresso Knock Box
Specs:
- Brand: Dreamfarm
- Capacity: 445 Milliliters
- Color: Silver
- Coffee Maker Type: Espresso Machine
- Product Dimensions: 4″D x 4″W x 4″H
Main features
- It features a patented shock-absorbing design
- Built from sturdy ABS plastic
- Solid steel core and covered in a durable rubber sleeve
- Space-saving storage
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Overview
The Grindenstèin is the original modern knock box.
Get your coffee game on even stronger with this stèin from Grindenstèin. It features a patented shock-absorbing design, just tap your portafilter against the knock bar and directly into the 445ml stèin to empty out the used grounds. No mess, no fuss.
Built from sturdy ABS plastic with a solid steel core and covered in a durable rubber sleeve that absorbs blows. It’s quiet to use, near impossible to break, and dishwasher safe.
Pros
- Great for smaller kitchens or setups
- Really strong and sturdy
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Compact size means it will need emptying frequently
De’Longhi Knock Box DLSC059
Specs:
- Product Dimensions: 4.25 x 5.55 x 5.82 inches
- Item Weight: 1.04 pounds
- Manufacturer: De’Longhi
- Materials: Stainless Steel
Main features
- Anti-slip bottom grip for increased stability on the countertop
- Mirror polished Stainless Steel Body
- Plastic handles
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Overview
This Knock Box helps you knock out the most tightly packed coffee pucks for easy mess-free cleaning. It features an anti-slip bottom grip for increased stability on the countertop, and it’s made in Italy with a mirror polished Stainless Steel Body. The handles are plastic. The diameter is 4 inches, and the cut is 40 degrees. This Knock Box is Dishwasher Safe.
Pros
- Clean, simplistic look to match existing equipment
- Rounded and easy to clean
- Dishwasher safe
Motta stainless steel Knock Box
Specs:
- Brand: Metallurgica Motta
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Special Feature: Manual
- Product Dimensions: 4.5″W x 9.8″H
Main features
- Lage opening with silicone bar for knocking coffee grounds from your port a filter.
- Made of 18/10 stainless steel with a non slip silicone base
- Developed with the Italian Barista Association
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Overview
If you want your coffee to taste perfect every time, the Motta Stainless Steel Coffee Grinder is the product for you. Made from stainless steel, it is sturdy enough to last for years. The inside of the grinder is smooth and easy to clean, and a thick rubber pad on the base of the unit reduces noise and vibration when in use. If you make a lot of coffee every week, this product’s ability to hold 15 pucks will be music to your ears because it means less upkeep. The price is reasonable for a high-quality product such as this one.
Pros
- Strong steel material – better than usual plastic
- Very stable when in use
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Price
Fdit Coffee Knock Out Box
Specs:
Brand: Fdit
Material: Plastic
Color: White
Product Dimensions: 2.36 x 2.36 x 2.36 inches
Main features
- Rubber bar and plastic body are able to reduce the noise when using
- Detachable rubber bar makes it easy to clean.
- Made of premium ABS material
- Durable, non-slip, wear-resistant
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Overview
This premium ABS knock box is made of a durable material that lasts and doesn’t break easily. The deep bent design makes it easy to remove the coffee pucks from your portafilter or group handle without spilling, and the detachable rubber bar makes it easy to clean. Its affordable price makes it a reliable addition to any home or business coffee shop.
Pros
- Portable and Easy to clean
- Premium material
- Large Capacity
Cons
- Noisy a bit
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

Dan is a former competition barista and has been honing his knowledge of coffee for over two decades.
He has worked in coffee farms in Peru, as well as roasters in Australia. He now trains new baristas and hosts cupping experiences in Austin.
Jump To a Section Below
- Breville Knock Box Mini
- Dreamfarm Grindenstèin Modern Espresso Knock Box
- De’Longhi Knock Box DLSC059
- The Best Knock Boxes
- Breville Knock Box Mini
- Dreamfarm Grindenstèin Modern Espresso Knock Box
- De’Longhi Knock Box DLSC059
- Motta stainless steel Knock Box
- Fdit Coffee Knock Out Box
- Espresso Grounds Knock Box Buying Guide