At Cape Coffee Beans, we like to break with convention, especially in the spirit of improvement. Why do things the same old boring way that everyone else does them, when there could be a better way? We like to see the same philosophy in the products we sell; who knew that this type of thinking could apply to a knock box?

Let's start with the basic assumption: a knock box has to have a knock bar right? Wrong. At least, we now realise that this assumption, held by thousands of baristas around the world, is actually wrong. Sure, a knock bar seems to make sense. You can kind of understand why they were employed in the first examples of knock boxes, and have taken hold of the standard, but are they really necessary? It's a separate part. It's a bit harder to clean. It also can make things messy. Do we really need knock bars.... apparently not.

The Sonner Knock Box is a stereotype-busting, perspective-changing, man-I-wish-I-had-thought-of-that revelation of a little knock box. It does the job, without a bar anywhere in sight. Instead, what does it have? We're not sure what to call it. You might call it a ledge. Whatever it is, it's pretty sturdy, because it's part of the knock box wall itself. It doesn't come off. It also doesn't get in the way of the warm soggy coffee grounds you're knocking to the bottom of the knock box where they belong. It's also easy to clean. Genius!

The lack of a knock bar isn't the only thing that the Sonner has going for it though. It's beautifully designed, made of BPA-free durable plastic, with a non-slip rubber bottom and a striking tapered design that makes it look as good as it is clever. It's been rigorously (and roughly) tested out by the baristas at CCBHQ and it is up to the job; it will stay on its feet even when taking a serious knock. It's perfect for any espresso machine big or small. Brilliant.

Sonner Knock Box features & specifications

• BPA free
  
• Dishwasher safe
• Recyclable
• A coffee nerd conversation piece
  
• Colour: black
• Base diameter: ~14cm
• Opening diameter ~16cm
• Front height: ~10cm
• Back height: ~17cm