Yes, it is.
Every coffee lover who enjoys more than one cup of coffee daily understands just how much coffee puck one person can produce in a day.
Used coffee grounds often stink with time and can make your coffee station dirty and messy. They can also clog the portafilter of your coffee machine, thus interfering with your brewing process. Because of this, it is critical to get rid of the puck immediately. The most convenient way to do that is by using a coffee knock box.
If you are unfamiliar with this gadget, do not worry. In this article, I’ll give you all the information you need to have about the knock box.
A knock box is a small bin made explicitly for disposing of used coffee grounds. After brewing a cup of coffee, you clean your filter by literally knocking the puck out of the filter into a box hence the name knock box.
Many people prefer the traditional way of cleaning coffee filters – scooping out the puck then giving the filter a nice rinse to get rid of any stuck coffee. It works, but most of the time, it can be pretty inconvenient.
Coffee puck remains wet after brewing; hence they quickly get stuck to the bottom of the filter; therefore, they become difficult to scoop out. On top of that, they can be quite hot, especially right after brewing. This is where the knock box saves the day. Simply knocking your filter onto it dislodges the coffee grounds leaving you with a clean filter in seconds.
There are different types of knock boxes on the market today. However, since their main look is practically the same, they only vary in design style and the materials used to make them. Below are a few examples of knock boxes.
These are the most affordable boxes on the market. They are available in several colors and different design styles because they’re easy to shape. They are lightweight, easy to use, making them ideal for daily use at home.
Plastic knock boxes may be convenient; however, they are the most durable gadgets on the market.
Stainless steel knock boxes may be more expensive than the average plastic, but most cafes and households prefer them more. This is because they are more durable and can be made in bigger sizes without compromising their sturdiness.
Moreover, stainless steel usually looks better and more professional than plastic, so many coffee lovers prefer them.
In terms of design, these knock boxes take the cake. They are flat rectangular boxes with a built-in drawer designed to fit under a coffee grinder or a coffee machine.
Drawer-style knock boxes are more expensive compared to the rest. They also have to be cleaned regularly because the drawer design limits airflow and ventilation, making it easy for molds to flourish.
There are three reasons every coffee lover should own a good knock box:
Using a knock box is very convenient, especially when brewing coffee for a large group of people. It is easier to empty your puck into a nearby container instead of running back and forth to the trash or sink every time.
Coffee puck often remains wet, and sometimes the liquid in it leeches out after disposal. Emptying your coffee grounds in a bin may cause your trash to start dripping after some time, leaving you with an awful mess to clean up.
Also, emptying your filter may require you to bang it against the side of the trash can to release the wet coffee grounds. In this case, you’ll always have to clean your filter with water before brewing the next cup of coffee.
You can avoid all these by using a knock box to empty your filter. Everything stays contained in one container making the cleaning process much more manageable.
Using a knock box also minimizes the damage to your portafilter. Continuously banging the filter against the trash may cause damage to both the trash can and the filter.
If you use the sink, the deal is the same. You may cause a dent in your sink or your portafilter. Additionally, continuous disposal of coffee grounds may cause a build-up that clogs your drain and pipes.
You can avoid all these by investing in a good knock box.
Finding the best knock box for your home will add efficiency to your coffee routine. Below are a few factors to look out for when choosing one that suits your needs.
The size of any kitchen appliance matters a lot. So, when choosing a knock box, you should consider how much surface space you have in your kitchen. You want to choose something that fits perfectly in your coffee station without messing things up.
Always consider the dimensions of the knock box you’re about to purchase to ensure that it fits into your kitchen space effortlessly.
Once you figure out what size knock box fits in your space, it’s time to find out how much puck it can hold at a go.
The capacity of the knock box you choose will solely depend on the amount of coffee you take daily. If you’re a one or two-cup type of person, then a tiny knock box will work fine for you. If you drink a ton of coffee or make it for a ton of people, then you should go for a larger knock box.
Choosing a knock box made with a sturdy material is a must because you’ll be banging the portafilter against it. Metal boxes are ideal, but those made from strong plastic should work well too.
Rubber knock boxes are also well suited for the job because they’re durable and unlikely to crack; however, they degrade over time.
It would be best if you chose a knock box that is easy to clean. It’s should neither be heavy nor have a complex shape.
Knock boxes that are easier to clean are either round or square. Choosing one with a complex design will make cleaning a challenging task, making your brewing process even harder.
If you are a coffee enthusiast who has been looking for a way to keep your coffee station less messy, then the knock box is a suitable gadget for you. It keeps your coffee puck in one place, making your brewing process faster and your coffee disposal easier.