ECM knock box – polished stainless steel knock box for coffee grounds
A short tap, a muffled knock, the puck comes out in one piece – and the kitchen stays quiet.
That muffled sound is the real difference. The knock bar is noise-dampened, the tap loses its harshness and the wet puck still drops cleanly out of the basket. If you get up early and don't want to wake anyone, you'll notice it on the very first morning.
And it's more than comfort. A puck that drops out in one piece tells you something about the extraction: it was dense, evenly flowed through and let the water pass at the same speed everywhere. No shot can be replicated – the bean, the humidity and the person change every day – but the puck in the box is an honest little look back at what just happened.
What sets it apart
The container is made of polished stainless steel, round, 140 millimetres in diameter and 165 millimetres high. It stands firmly without slipping or tipping – the rubber base keeps it where you put it, even when you knock out with some swing.
The knock bar lifts out easily for cleaning. That leaves a smooth inner wall that can be rinsed out in seconds. Coffee grounds are moist and oily and stick if left standing for long – a container you can take apart in one move actually gets emptied every day.
Whether you want a knock box on the counter or a drawer under the machine is purely a matter of taste. We like the round shape because you can put it wherever there's space. Our opinion is one of many.
At a glance
| Material |
Polished stainless steel |
| Diameter |
140 mm |
| Height |
165 mm |
| Knock bar |
Noise-dampened, removable |
| Stability |
Non-slip and tip-proof thanks to the rubber base |
| Brand |
ECM, made in Germany |
| Item number |
AC100073-00 |
Who it's made for
For anyone with an espresso machine on the counter – regardless of brand and model. A knock box is brand-neutral: it suits every machine and every portafilter, and it's one of those things you won't want to be without after two weeks.
Especially for anyone who works in an open-plan kitchen or is first up in the morning. And for anyone who pulls several shots in a row: the round shape holds several pucks before it needs emptying. You'll find more versions under knock boxes and knock-out containers.
What goes with it
After knocking out, the basket is empty but not clean. In machine and grinder cleaning you'll find what you need for that: a daily backflush without detergent, and about every fifty shots once with detergent, which takes around five minutes. That keeps the group head free of coffee oils that would otherwise turn rancid and end up in your next cup.
Before the shot, preparation is what counts. Among the tampers, both routes sit side by side: the Spring-Loaded Tamper from Normcore for anyone who wants affordable and precise – the tamper from Weber Workshops for anyone who wants more. The same goes for puck screens: Normcore as the affordable, very good route, Weber Workshops for anyone who wants more. No budget is just a beginning.
Frequently asked questions
Does the knock box work with any espresso machine?
Yes. It's brand-neutral and works with any portafilter, regardless of manufacturer and portafilter size.
How big is it?
140 millimetres in diameter and 165 millimetres high. That means it fits on any counter next to the machine without taking up much space.
How loud is knocking out?
The knock bar is noise-dampened, so the tap sounds noticeably more muffled than with a rigid bar. It isn't completely silent, but it's quiet enough for early mornings.
How do I clean it?
The knock bar lifts out, after which the inner wall is smooth and rinsed out in seconds. It's best emptied daily, because damp coffee grounds otherwise dry on.
Can I see the product before buying?
Our showrooms in Bern (Gerberngasse 44) and Zurich (Hagenholzstrasse 50b) show a wide selection, but not our entire range – the display changes. Drop us a quick line at [email protected] before your visit, and we will check whether the product you have in mind is currently there. If you order online: delivery to Switzerland and Liechtenstein takes 2 to 4 working days.
From the roastery
How well a puck holds together also depends on the bean. Dense, full-bodied roasts like Cozy Chocolate and Nutty Delight give a compact puck and a round, sweet cup with chocolate and nut. If you want maximum body without any acidity, go for Very Nutty. And if you're after something fruity, you'll find it in Wild Peach – lively, a discovery on the side. That's our recommendation, one of many; any other bean works just as well.
