Equipment & Tools
Knock Box
A sturdy container with a padded crossbar used to knock spent espresso pucks out of the portafilter after extraction. It keeps the workspace clean and speeds up shot-to-shot workflow.
Vertieft
Knock boxes are made of stainless steel, ABS plastic, or silicone-lined materials that absorb impact without damaging the portafilter. The crossbar is typically covered in food-grade rubber to cushion the strike. In busy cafes, large drawer-style knock boxes are built into the counter and can hold dozens of pucks before emptying. Spent coffee grounds collected in knock boxes are commonly composted, as they are rich in nitrogen and beneficial for soil health.