This Williams Sonoma knock box is the secret to making espresso drinks faster and reusing coffee grounds in the garden.
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Since jazzing up my little coffee corner with the Ninja Luxe Café, I’ve added a few coffee-bar essentials (beyond everything that already comes with the espresso machine). And honestly, the Luxe Café doesn’t leave much to be desired. It has an automatic grinder, a built-in tamper, a steam wand, a milk pitcher and more, so I wasn’t exactly hurting for accessories.
The one thing my setup was missing? A better way to deal with spent espresso grounds. Running back and forth to the trash every time I pulled a shot, especially when making a handful of lattes or cappuccinos for family, got old fast. Queue the knock box.
Is it essential for making tasty espresso? Not exactly. Is it perfect for keeping your coffee bar clean, organized and efficient? I think so. This knock box from Williams Sonoma is simple, sturdy and has everything I was looking for. Here’s why it earned a permanent spot on my coffee bar.
Espresso Knock Box
This large knock box is designed to quickly release hot espresso grounds after pulling a shot.
What is a knock box, anyway?
Think of a knock box as a dedicated bin for spent espresso grounds. Instead of carrying your portafilter to the trash after every shot, you simply tap the espresso puck into the knock box and move on to your next latte.
Why use a knock box when you already have a trash can?
Fair question. I wondered the same thing before buying one.
One of the biggest benefits is certainly convenience. If you’re making multiple drinks, you can clear your portafilter in seconds without trekking back and forth to the trash every time.
But there’s another reason I ended up loving it: it just feels cleaner. I’ve never been a fan of banging my portafilter against the edge of the trash can. It doesn’t seem especially sanitary, and if the filter basket decides to pop out and land in the garbage? That’s an extra cleanup you probably weren’t planning on.
Then there are the espresso coffee grounds themselves. They can make your trash smell and attract fruit flies. A knock box with a sealed lid keeps everything contained until you’re ready to empty it.
And if you compost or garden, even better. Used coffee grounds are rich in nitrogen, making them a great addition to compost or soil. Instead of tossing them in the trash, you can carry the whole knock box outside whenever it’s full.
Which knock box should you get?
There are plenty of knock boxes out there, but a few key features are worth paying attention to, and they’re what ultimately sold me on the Williams Sonoma Espresso Knock Box.
For starters, it has a tight lid, which helps keep odors in and fruit flies out. The rubber-coated knock bar cushions your portafilter, so emptying espresso pucks is quieter and gentler on your equipment. Inside, the removable insert lifts right out for easy cleaning, and the generous capacity means you can pull shot after shot without stopping to empty it.
I also love how it looks. The fingerprint-resistant brushed stainless steel matches my espresso machine perfectly, so it blends right into my coffee setup.
Best of all, my coffee corner stays noticeably cleaner. No more stray espresso grounds scattered across the counter, clinging to the trash can or ending up on the floor. It’s a small upgrade that has made making coffee at home more streamlined and tidier. Plus, it looks especially legit when I’m cosplaying as a barista in front of family and friends.
Where to Buy
Espresso Knock Box
Save yourself trips to the garden with this generously sized knock box.
If your espresso setup could use the same upgrade, you can shop the Williams Sonoma Espresso Knock Box above for $58. It may not be the flashiest coffee accessory, but if you make multiple espresso drinks or like to reuse your coffee grounds in the garden, it’s certainly one you’ll appreciate.
