Crux 17642 espresso coffee machine: A Compact and Programmable Coffee Maker for Nespresso Pods

Published on Sept. 19, 2023, 4:45 a.m.

The Crux 17642 espresso machine is an excellent option for those looking for a compact, easy-to-use capsule coffee maker. With its sleek design and robust brewing capabilities, this little machine packs a punch when it comes to making delicious espresso drinks.

Overview

Brand: Crux
Model: 17642
Type: Espresso machine
Special Features: Programmable, compatible with Nespresso pods
Capacity: 1.5 lbs
Power: 1450 watts

The Crux 17642 espresso coffee machine features a stylish black and silver exterior that will look great on any kitchen countertop. Its compact footprint takes up minimal space but offers maximum functionality. It’s compatible with Nespresso Original line capsules and can brew single or double shots at the touch of a button. The 24oz removable water tank provides plenty of capacity.

Crux 17642 espresso coffee machine

Key Features:

Nespresso OriginalLine Compatibility
19 bar High-Pressure Pump
24oz Removable Water Tank
One-Touch Brewing
Programmable Espresso and Lungo

Crux 17642 espresso coffee machine

Design and Build

This Crux 17642 espresso coffee machine has a sleek and modern look with its black and silver exterior. It is compact in size, measuring 11.22” H x 14.17” W x 4.99” D. The machine only weighs 6.2 lbs making it easy to move around and store. The water tank is transparent so you can view the water level and it is removable for easy filling and cleaning. There is also a removable drip tray to catch any spills or drips after brewing.

Ease of Use

Operation is simple with one-touch buttons for espresso and lungo. The buttons can be programmed for your desired shot volumes. Cleaning is also easy since the water tank and drip tray conveniently detach. The capsules are inserted into the top of the machine. Used capsules are ejected into a holding tank that needs to be emptied occasionally.

Nespresso OriginalLine Compatibility

The Crux 17642 is designed specifically for Nespresso OriginalLine capsules. This gives you access to a wide variety of coffee blends and flavors, allowing you to explore different tastes and find your perfect cup. The machine’s brewing system is optimized for these capsules, ensuring optimal flavor extraction and a consistently delicious espresso.

Coffee Quality

The 19 bars of pressure and fast heating system extract bold and aromatic espresso with a rich crema layer on top. The resulting coffee has an intense, robust flavor.

One-Touch Brewing

The Crux 17642 is designed with simplicity in mind. With just one touch of a button, you can start brewing your favorite espresso or lungo. The machine takes care of the rest, precisely controlling the water temperature and brewing time to ensure a perfect cup every time. This streamlined operation makes it easy for anyone to enjoy delicious espresso at home, even if they have no prior experience with espresso machines.

Programmable Espresso and Lungo

For those who like to customize their coffee, the Crux 17642 offers programmable options for both espresso and lungo. You can adjust the volume of water used for each brewing type, allowing you to tailor the strength and size of your drink to your liking. This flexibility ensures that you can create the perfect espresso experience every time, whether you prefer a short, intense shot or a longer, milder lungo.

The Science Behind Espresso Extraction

Understanding the science of espresso extraction can greatly enhance one’s appreciation of the Crux 17642’s capabilities. Espresso is created by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee at high pressure. This process, known as extraction, pulls flavors, oils, and aromatics from the coffee grounds. The 19 bars of pressure mentioned in the Crux 17642’s specifications is significantly higher than the minimum required to make a true espresso, which stands at 9 bars. This ensures a richer and more intense flavor profile, characteristic of premium espresso shots.

19 Bar High-Pressure Pump

The heart of any espresso machine is its pump, and the Crux 17642 boasts a powerful 19 bar pump. This high pressure is essential for forcing hot water through the tightly packed coffee grounds in the Nespresso capsule, resulting in a rich, flavorful espresso with a thick crema layer on top. The 19 bar pressure ensures that all the nuanced flavors and aromas of the coffee are extracted, giving you a truly cafe-quality experience at home.

Fast Heat-Up Time

One of the standout features of the Crux 17642 is its rapid heat-up time. In just 25 seconds, the machine is ready to brew, allowing you to enjoy your espresso without having to wait around. This is a significant advantage over many other espresso machines, which can take several minutes to heat up. The fast heat-up time is made possible by the machine’s powerful 1450W thermoblock heating system, which ensures quick and efficient heating of the water to the optimal brewing temperature.

Water Tank

The Crux 17642 features a generous 24oz (710ml) removable water tank. This large capacity means you can brew multiple cups of espresso before needing to refill the tank, making it ideal for households with multiple coffee drinkers or those who enjoy several cups throughout the day. The removable design makes it easy to fill and clean, adding to the convenience and user-friendliness of the machine.

Automatic Shut-Off

The Crux 17642 features an automatic shut-off function, which activates after 9 minutes of inactivity. This not only saves energy but also provides peace of mind, as you don’t have to worry about accidentally leaving the machine on. The automatic shut-off is a practical and safety-conscious feature that adds to the overall convenience and user-friendliness of the machine.

Innovation

The Crux 17642 espresso coffee machine’s rapid water heating allows coffee brewing to begin in just 25 seconds, much faster than competitor models.

Advanced Cleaning Features

The Crux 17642 espresso coffee machine not only prioritizes brewing quality but also emphasizes ease of maintenance. Its removable components, such as the 24oz water tank and drip tray, are dishwasher safe, simplifying the cleaning process. Furthermore, the machine’s intelligent descaling alert system is a standout feature. It notifies users when it’s time for a descaling cycle, ensuring the machine’s longevity and consistent coffee quality. This automated alert system reflects the machine’s user-friendly design, catering to both novice and experienced espresso enthusiasts.

Noise:

The Crux 17642 espresso coffee machine produces approximately 65-70 decibels of sound when brewing. This is comparable to other domestic espresso machines. The noise comes mainly from the internal pump which provides the 19 bars of pressure for espresso extraction. While not silent, the noise level is reasonable and less than many full-size automatic machines. The pump sound is a low hum that runs for about 30 seconds when pulling a shot. For most home kitchen use, the noise should not be disruptive. However, some users may prefer a quieter machine if making early morning coffee while others are sleeping nearby. Considering its affordable price and small size, the moderate noise output is understandable.

Safety

The housing is BPA-free plastic and the machine meets electrical safety standards.

Power

It has a 36 inch power cord and consumes 1450 watts. There is no auto shut-off feature.

Maintenance

Descaling every 2-3 months is recommended. No other regular maintenance is required besides rinsing and wiping.

Brand

The Crux brand focuses on delivering affordable and reliable kitchen appliances that simplify food preparation. Founded in 2002, Crux introduces thoughtful product designs optimized for everyday use.

Crux 17642 espresso coffee machine

Use Cases:

Home use for daily coffee and espresso drinks
Office coffee station for employees
Small café or restaurant serving espresso-based drinks
Travel and mobile coffee maker for trips

User Feedback Analysis:

Reviews of the Crux 17642 espresso coffee machine show a range of customer experiences. Positive feedback from satisfied buyers praise the convenience, ease of use, and portability of the machine. Many like the fast heat up time, compact size that saves counter space, and quality espresso it brews from Nespresso capsules. Customers mention it’s an affordable option compared to higher-end Nespresso makers while still delivering delicious coffee drinks.

However, a common complaint from critical reviewers is water leaking from the machine. Several users reported defects causing internal water lines to disconnect and spill water within the housing. This points to potential quality control issues with a subset of units that slipped through before shipping. Thankfully, the water leaks out of the exterior vents rather than onto the counter. But it still results in a non-functional device that requires replacement.

Beyond the water leaks, some reviews suggest improvements like making the espresso hotter, reducing the noise during brewing, and using a larger used capsule container. The machine appears louder than some buyers expected for home use. And the espresso it brews may not be piping hot for those who prefer extra high temperatures.

In summary, when functioning properly the Crux 17642 espresso coffee machine earns praise for being an affordable, compact, and easy-to-use single serve espresso maker. But quality control problems causing internal water leaks disappoint a number of customers who receive defective units. Addressing these manufacturing issues would improve overall satisfaction and ratings.

Pros and Cons:

Pros
- Compact size
- Fast heat up time
- Adjustable shot volumes
- Removable water tank
- Automatic cleaning

Cons
- Only works with Nespresso capsules
- Small used capsule bin
- Quality control issues reported

Value:

The Crux 17642 espresso coffee machine provides exceptional value for the price. At under $100, it’s one of the most affordable espresso machines compatible with Nespresso capsules. You get convenient single-serve brewing and adjustable shot volumes along with programmable options, automatic cleaning alerts, and a fast 25-second heat up time. For the price, it’s hard to beat the features and performance this compact machine delivers. The combination of small footprint, quality espresso, and easy maintenance makes this an extremely cost-effective option for brewing cafe-style drinks at home.

Crux 17642 espresso coffee machine

Conclusion

Overall, the Crux 17642 espresso coffee machine is a great option for Nespresso pod brewing at home. It produces authentic, full-flavored espresso drinks in a compact and highly programmable machine. The ease of use and maintenance makes it ideal for beginners and experienced users alike. Just be aware that there have been some quality issues reported with leaking. If you receive a properly functioning unit, it can be an excellent everyday espresso maker at an affordable price point.