A knock box is where used espresso pucks go. A good one is quiet, doesn’t wobble, and holds enough grounds for a week of home use. Here are the best counter-top and drawer-style knock boxes we’ve tested.
At a glance — our top three picks
Top Pick
Motta Knock Box Stainless
The bar-tested knock box most UK cafes use. Rubberised knock bar, stainless body, stackable.
Runner-up
JoeFrex Knock Box
Basically the Motta at 30% less. Build quality is 90% of the way there.
Budget
Rhinowares Rhino Coffee Knock Box
Compact, fairly priced and built for the home counter.
Our top picks compared
| Product | Best for | Rating | Price | Jump to review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motta Knock Box Stainless | Overall best buy | ★★★★★ | £££ | Read review ↓ |
| JoeFrex Knock Box | Enthusiast upgrade | ★★★★½ | ££££ | Read review ↓ |
| Rhinowares Rhino Coffee Knock Box | Best under budget | ★★★★ | £ | Read review ↓ |
Top Pick: Motta Knock Box Stainless
The bar-tested knock box most UK cafes use. Rubberised knock bar, stainless body, stackable.
Pros
- ✅ Sturdy rubberised bar
- ✅ Easy to clean
- ✅ Compatible with any portafilter
Cons
- ❌ £35+ price
- ❌ Single-pull capacity (~15 shots)
Runner-up: JoeFrex Knock Box
Basically the Motta at 30% less. Build quality is 90% of the way there.
Pros
- ✅ Stainless lid
- ✅ Removable rubber bar
- ✅ Dishwasher-safe
Cons
- ❌ Slightly smaller than Motta
- ❌ No matching mat
Budget: Rhinowares Rhino Coffee Knock Box
Compact, fairly priced and built for the home counter.
Pros
- ✅ Rubberised knock bar
- ✅ Non-slip base
- ✅ Small enough for narrow counters
Cons
- ❌ Plastic body not as durable as metal
- ❌ Only 12-shot capacity
Buying guide
Size
A home knock box holds around 25–40 pucks. Commercial ones take hundreds. Don’t oversize for home use — it just takes counter space.
Bar type
Removable silicone bars are easier to clean than fixed metal. Fixed bars are quieter but harder to empty properly.
Drawer vs standalone
Under-machine drawer knock boxes (Rhino Coffee Gear, Decent) save counter space. Standalone boxes are cheaper and more flexible.
Noise
Rubber feet and inner padding matter if you live in a flat. Cheap metal boxes are surprisingly loud at 7am.
Frequently asked questions
Can I just use a bin?
How often do I empty it?
Drawer style or freestanding?
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