Man, oh man, did we generate some interest when we first told you about the CoffeeBoxx jobsite coffeemaker. The Oxx CoffeeBoxx is the brainchild of the folks at OXX, LLC based out of Grand Rapids, Michigan. When we first heard about their jobsite coffee maker, it was during their Kickstarter campaign. The project was fully funded (plus a little extra) and it became a Kickstarter Staff Pick. CoffeeBoxx had our attention based on its claims to be jobsite durable and even withstand a 1500 pound load!
Together with a K-Cup brewing system, we definitely had to get our hands on one of these units. Readers on Facebook and Twitter clearly were excited… but also had some doubts and questions. Following an early morning start, I’m headed to the CoffeeBoxx now to grab a cup of Joe and address some of those questions.
Oxx CoffeeBoxx Features
The makers of the Oxx CoffeeBoxx didn’t just slap some pretty housing around a $20 Hamilton Beach coffeemaker and call it jobsite tough. They put some real thought into what makes for great features on one. It starts with arguably the most popular coffee making innovation for multiple users – the K-Cup. Anyone’s K-Cup will work in the CoffeeBoxx. If you prefer your own brew (I’m a fan of Community’s Coffee/Chicory blend), you can use a reusable coffee filter like the EcoBrew instead.
The water tank is massive for a system like this. The 2.5 liter (84.5 ounces) is more than Keurig’s largest reservoir holds. With cup size options at 8, 10, or 12 ounces at the press of a button, you’ll get between 7 and 10 servings out of one fill. If you’re looking to use a larger cup, the drip tray slides out to offer more vertical room.
In all your masculinity, if you prefer to take a break bouncing a tea bag into a cup of hot water, the Oxx CoffeeBoxx has you covered there as well. You can bypass using a K-Cup and opt for simple hot water to be dispensed. That line is separate from the K-Cup line, so there’s no worry about getting that leftover coffee taste in your hot tea.
Durability – that’s the big feature and draw for the Oxx CoffeeBoxx. According to the website, “Featuring an impact-resistant shell, a crush-proof core that can withstand a 1500lbs load, water resistant and dust-resistant protection, rust-resistant hardware and construction, and a watertight system design that makes it spill-proof, it’s safe to say that this beast of a jobsite coffee maker can go anywhere you dare to venture.” We’ll take a closer look at that in a moment.
Since the initial launch, the CoffeeBoxx now comes in two additional colors with no additional cost: a black Special Ops edition and Desert Tan. There are also several bundle packages available. These new models look so nice, you may just want one in your kitchen.
Oxx is now producing their own brand of java—the appropriately named Workhorse Coffee.
Using the Jobsite Coffee Maker
Making a Cup of Coffee
The process of making coffee is simple. Once you’ve made sure that the water tank is full (or at least full enough for your cup), you’re ready to get going. Simply slipping a K-Cup of my preferred brew in place under the lid, I turned the power on. It took about 45 seconds for the heating process to take place. Once it was ready, I pressed the button for the 10 ounce cup. 95 seconds later, I had a steaming hot cup of coffee. It tasted just as good as it does out of my normal coffeemaker.
Okay, so maybe I misled you just a little bit with my comment about the hot tea and your masculinity earlier. That hot water feed is more versatile than what you may think on the surface. You can make instant oatmeal or grits. It’s even hot enough to make ramen noodles soft or prepare a cup of instant soup.
Maintenance
There are a couple of maintenance issues that need to take place every so aften depending on the content of dissolved solids in your water. First is the filter. This is recommended to be replaced every three months. Those filter replacements can be ordered on the Oxx website.
The second maintenance task is descaling. Oxx recommends that you do this at least every three months. There is an indicator light on the CoffeeBoxx that will let you know when it is time, even if you forget. This is a process that uses a descaling agent or white vinegar to clean out the build up that takes place naturally in a coffeemaker. Complete instruction are in the manual.
Other maintenance and cleaning instructions, including for a clogged needle, are in the manual.
Xox CoffeeBoxx Build Quality
Build quality is where the Oxx CoffeeBoxx attempts to set itself apart and add value to its customers. Here’s an overview of the durability features:
- Impact Resistant Shell
- Crush Proof Core
- IP54 rating for Dust and Water
- Rust Resistant Hardware
- Watertight, Spill Proof Design
- Retractable Power Cord
Without taking apart the system and doing some destructive testing, we can’t validate all the claims made here. I can say that the unit appears to be as durable as they claim. The IP54 rating means that there is limited protection against dust making its way in. It also means that it can handle water splashes from any direction. That doesn’t apply to your coffee cup which may experience an adverse affect on the taste of your coffee, depending on what’s in that splashing water. Heck, maybe it’ll improve the taste. If it does, you might want to keep that tidbit of information to yourself.
The CoffeeBoxx is indeed spill proof. I intentionally turned it every which way to try and get a leak out of somewhere, but it didn’t happen. I stopped short of dropping it just for the sake of the test. This is, after all, a $199 coffeemaker that I expect to last for several years.
The power cord is only 3 feet long, but it’s retractable. This is great since the unit is designed to be carried around to jobsites. Since you’re likely going to employ an extension cord, the manual offers guidance on length and gauge considerations. You’ve also got a rubberized handle grip and 6 tie down points to help secure the CoffeeBoxx during transport.
Conclusions
CoffeeBoxx does what it claims really well. Most importantly, it makes a great cup of coffee. CoffeeBoxx is the only coffeemaker designed to meet the caffeine intake needs of a jobsite, so it doesn’t have any real competition for comparison.
So what should we expect from a jobsite coffeemaker? 10 cup size settings, a plethora of pretty colors, and touch screen controls? Only if you want a lot of expensive parts to replace. Part of the value of the CoffeeBoxx is in its simplicity. You need it to be durable and still make a good cup of coffee. You need your crew to be able to use it without having a 3 hour training class. The CoffeeBoxx does all of that. It’s built for a jobsite, not an office full of hipsters wearing skinny jeans.
The CoffeeBoxx goes beyond ordinary by offering a variety of flavors without complexity via the K-Cup. With hundreds of K-Cup options out there, you’ll likely keep everyone happy with what they like to drink. It also helps eliminate some waste since a little bit of concrete dust doesn’t ruin a freshly brewed 12 cup pot. You can leave it with your crew knowing that the coffeemaker will survive longer than 15 minutes in rugged conditions conditions.
I give the CoffeeBoxx my hearty recommendation for those that are looking for a better jobsite option. Some potential users may be tempted to shy away based on the price. Keep this is mind though – if you need java on the jobsite like I do, you don’t want a office coffeemaker hanging out where only a CoffeeBoxx was designed to be.
