Just in case you haven't figured it out already - I *really* love kitchen gadgets! I like smart, sleek design that not only looks good but also has an everyday practical application to my life in the kitchen. I also like gadgets that don't require one to have a PHD in order to figure out how to use them. True genius (I think) is found where simplicity and expediency intersect.

Most of my girlfriends love kitchen gadgets too. What does that say about the company I keep? Well I'd like to think that it says I'm in good company. So come birthdays, Christmas and house warmings you won't see me bearing flowers, chocolates or a token indoor palm tree for some inconspicuous corner. No I usually come bearing food in one arm and a much loved kitchen gadget in the other.




It goes without saying that my sister also loves a cleverly designed kitchen gadget. And so for Christmas last year I got her a bright red Grindenstèin knock box to go with her sleek gunmetal Francis Francis coffee machine. For the tea and instant coffee drinkers of this world a 'knock box' is just the name for the stainless steel container or pan that sits next to your espresso machine that you then knock the Portafilter on to remove the coffee grounds.



I have a white Grindenstèin knock box and we have put it through a gruelling workout over the last couple of years and I must say it has far surpassed my expectations. It's made out of sturdy scratch-resistant ABS plastic and has a solid steel core so it's virtually unbreakable. The Grindenstèin knock box is also dishwasher safe, well priced and is designed to be stored on your espresso machine's drip tray, so to reduce clutter. Yes this cute little thing does not take up precious bench space - love that!



The Grindenstèin knock box also comes with a great booklet filled with ideas on how to recycle the collected coffee grinds into a fantastic natural fertilizer for your garden. The other exciting thing is that the wonderful people at Dreamfarm are now planting a tree for every product they sell (and people say drinking coffee is a bad thing)!  So if you're a coffee loving, home espresso machine person not in possession of a satisfying knock box I suggest you order one now from the Dreamfarm website - yes they deliver world wide.