Customer Reviews

Espresso Knock Box & Tamper Ready Base Stainless Steel

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

At first I felt that this knock box was too expensive and put off ordering it. But, having used it for several weeks, I see that it is worth the price. It is a very sturdy and well designed piece of equipment. I bought Terry's tamper and it fits very nicely in the base. It really improved my espresso-making experience.

This combo unit has a convenient slot for the tamper. I am forever misplacing it. It now sits neatly with the knock box and does not disappear with the kitchen utensils.

I bought this to substitute the knock box on my gaggia base. The problem with the knock boxes that come integrated into the bases for espresso machines is that, at least in my experience, the coffee grounds tend to get fuzzy with mold. You have to empty and clean those boxes every 2 days otherwise you have some vegetation growing in there. I'm sure it's due to the moisture and relative humidity and warmth that the espresso grounds produce. I assumed that with an "open air" knock box, the steam from the grounds (mine produces a semi dry puck) would dissipate into the air and not produce a moldy puck. I was right. the open air boxes allow you to leave the pucks in the box for a few days more. The only reason i still have to empty the box every 2 days is because i fill it up so fast since it is a bit smaller. I can't argue with the size since i bought it to fit on my counter. I'd say you could knock about 5-6 double shot pucks in there. I like the fact that my tamper fits next to it nicely as well. Easy to clean too.

received knock box. The stainless look is very nice. However, knock box is made with two pieces of Stainless. The bottom is not sealed. If you dump more than four espresso shot grounds the water left in the brewed espresso leaks out.

The rubber base does keep it from leaking out onto your counter. however, i am disappointed that the seam of the two pieces of the stainless were not sealed.

The knockbox is rather cheap compared to others I have seen. It is an excellent value though as the others I've seen are very over priced. The base ads an incredible convenience as their tamper, sold separately, fits the base perfectly. The small size fills quickly but encourages regular emptying.

Crappy Knockbox Haiku

I opened the box,
to look at the product within.
I will return this.

Product Pros:

+ It is, functionally, a knockbox
+ It is made of stainless steel


Product Cons:

- The way the knockbox is manufactured, it is welded at the bottom. Since coffee is made with liquid, a knockbox that is not composed of separate pieces is preferable, as many of the welded varietals will leak liquid (you will get liquid often if water is left hanging out atop your portafilter).
- The rubber encased metal rod which is meant to be knocked on is poorly designed. First of all, I was worried I was going to break it with my portafilter, the thing is so dinky. Second of all, the metal is not fully covered by the rubber, so now not only did I fear for the knockbox itself, but I also feared for my portafilter, since it would have been in constant contact with bare metal.
- The "convenient" location for the tamper does not accommodate a full size tamper like the Reg Barber I got for my Silvia. The size of this dock is not indicated, so be wary if you have anything bigger than 48mm.
- The thing is laughably small. I guess I should have paid attention when I bought it, but believe me, you'll be dumping this out by your 3rd or 4th puck.
- This thing is $50 dollars. That's twice the price of a grindenstein (which, although it's made of plastic, seems to be far more durable than this guy).


Bottom line, buy a grindenstein.

I would have given this knock box a 5 out of 5 if it wasn't for one major flaw in the product. The knock bar padding is not wide enough. As you can see from the picture, there is about a 1/2" of metal that is not covered by the padding. I didn't notice until I started using it. The first time I heard metal to metal contact, I just about flipped. Luckily, I didn't slam it hard enough to damage my espresso basket. I like the look and the design of the tamper having a little cubby right next to it. If they would beef up the padding on the knock bar, I would give this product a 5 out of 5.

Can be cheaper but it works great and good placement for the temper. I used it vertically instead of horizontally next to my espresso setup.

Substantial construction, neat, clean, usefull, a good value, the design show is not the one I purchased, but if it's from the same manufacturer it's probably as good.