The Bloc Espresso Knock Box + Tamp Station

The wood block itself is mostly fabulous but where this unfortunately falls short for me is the insert. The metal "bin" is thin and tinny and bends/flexes when you push your tamp down, I even added little rubber feet under it so that the screws don't click/scratch on my counter each time I tamp. Also, when you knock out your puck, the bucket will either hit your counter or rattle in the block, there's no nice "thunk" sound...more of a tinny pet bowl noise. A rubber gasket around the bin would probably help, I've so far improvised with rubber bands which helps secure it a bit and make it feel more solid, but nothing is going to fix the flex...honestly it seems like it would have been better if the cut-through was not the entire way through the block and instead had a wood floor which would give a more secure base for the bin. That I'm using rubber bands to make it feel secure is unfortunately on a relatively expensive item.

Also, if you're using this with Saint Anthony's leveler and tamp, know that the leveler won't sit flush in the designated spot. Both tool cut outs are relatively shallow and flat bottomed, so the wedge bottom of the leveler doesn't nest and the tool will rock back and forth, which you'll also notice when you knock out your puck. If the cut out for the leveler had a wedge bottom, it would sit much more nicely (though I realize folks may not all be using it with the same leveler...there's only so much one can do...but it could also be solved by making the cut outs deeper so that the tool portion could sit deeper)

Exactly what I hoped. Portafilter rests and can do it all one handed.

Amazing product, super high quality and looks great on my kitchen counter!

This is an exquisite piece! The workmanship is great. The size was perfect. The only miss is the tamp part itself. There’s a large round portafilter holder in the middle of the tamp area which makes the tamping less than ideal. A round bar going across the box would be a better choice in my opinion. Going to inquire with STI if that’s an option.

The workmanship is perfect and to be emulated. For my flow when preparing to pull a shot, I prefer a holder that I can use hand-free.