Attractive stainless steel look. Solid construction. Does not take up a lot of counter space. When portafilter is "knocked", the box does not move.
Negative Product Points
Rubber padding on knock bar is Short. It should cover the knock bar from side to side.
Detailed Commentary
This is the knockbox featured in the "New and Noteworthy" section of Coffeegeek.com. Once out of the shipping box, this knockbox looked like if it was designed to stand next to my Racilio Silvia. They look great together.
The knockbox has a small profile, yet it is very sturdy. The rubber footing keeps the box anchored in it's place. Bang your PF away - this baby ain't going anywhere. The knock sound that is produced sounds solid as well.
The only negative I found with this knock box is the robber padding in the knock bar. Rancilio Silvia's PF is 58mm wide. When I knock out the PF I have to make sure that I'm hitting the bar smack in the middle. If not, one side of the PF will hit the steel bar, making a "CLANK" like sound.
If you are a serious espresso afficionado but you still do not own a knockbox, you don't know what you are missing. You can work faster and avoid the mess of banging your PF against the vinil kitchen trashcan or the kitchen sink (BANG, BANG.... spent coffee grounds all over the place. . . something I have been doing for over 10 years!) My wife was concerned that this would be another "appliance" that would take up counterspace. But she now enjoys my coffee organization in the kitchen.
Buying Experience
espressoparts.com service SUCKED! Placed order on site on a Saturday. Called the following Thrusday because I had only recieved confirmation of my order. When I called and asked "Has my order been shipped?", the "DUDE" said, "DUDE, we've been totally swampped with orders, but it just happens that I'm packing up your order right now". BS. Order was shipped the following Monday and arrived that friday. For $8.00 shipping and handling, you would expect that they could ship your merchandise a little sooner (and tell you the truth!). If you can buy this some place else, go for it!
