My home was overflowing with coffee gadgets, from an Aeropress to a Chemex, espresso machine, grinder, and iced coffee maker. But the lack of space was becoming a problem. That might change soon, thanks to a new machine that could potentially replace them all. De’Longhi’s latest offering, the Rivelia, is a versatile coffee maker that can brew various drinks, including espresso, iced coffee, and milk-based beverages like cappuccinos. With customizable options, interchangeable bean hoppers, and user profiles, it brings the coffee shop experience to your kitchen counter.
The Rivelia is an intelligent coffee maker that doesn’t rely on a complicated app or voice assistant.
Verdict: While the De’Longhi Rivelia comes with a price tag, its versatility and quality make it a cost-effective investment for coffee enthusiasts. With the rising prices of coffee at cafes, this automated barista could pay for itself in no time. It offers a quick, quiet, and user-friendly experience, producing excellent results for a wide range of beverages.
Getting started with the Rivelia
The Rivelia comes with quick start instructions in the box, but its 3.5-inch TFT touchscreen provides detailed guidance on setting up the machine. It helps with installing accessories, creating user profiles, and conducting test grinds and rinses to get you started. Within about 15 minutes, you can go from unboxing to brewing your first cup of coffee.
The setup process is thorough, including a water hardness tester to customize maintenance routines based on your water quality. For users with hard water, more frequent deep cleanings may be necessary to prevent build-up that could harm the machine.
Once you’ve completed the setup, the touchscreen displays the extensive drink menu. With 18 recipes to choose from, you can customize grinds, strengths, and temperatures to suit your preferences. The machine’s “Bean Adapt” technology suggests grind and temperature settings based on your selection, syncing them with your user profile for a personalized experience.
For those who enjoy authentic espresso, adjusting the grind to the finest setting, opting for the strongest brew, and selecting the smallest volume can replicate the taste of a dedicated machine.
My wife prefers Americanos, which she makes daily with her customized settings on the Rivelia. The consistency and quality have surpassed her expectations, even compared to our local coffee shop.
As for me, I enjoy iced coffee, and the Rivelia delivers on that as well. The standard settings worked perfectly for me, eliminating the need for adjustments. The freshness of the beans and the convenience of no filter cleanup have elevated my coffee ritual.
Milk-based drinks
In addition to black coffee, the Rivelia can prepare milk-based beverages using a modular milk container. The machine froths milk instantly, whether it’s from dairy or a plant-based alternative. We tested various drinks like cappuccinos, flat whites, and lattes with different types of milk, guided by the machine’s “LatteCrema Hot technology” for optimal results.
The removable milk frother allows for easy storage of the container in the fridge between uses, reducing waste and simplifying cleaning.
Time to clean up
The Rivelia notifies you when it needs cleaning, making the process simple. After brewing, the machine disposes of the grounds into an easily removable receptacle for quick cleanup. It prompts you to clean it through a message on the touchscreen and performs self-rinses to maintain cleanliness.
If the machine is idle for more than three days, it initiates an automatic deep clean to prevent any residue buildup. While occasional deep cleans are necessary, the machine’s self-maintenance features minimize the effort required.
For deep cleaning, ensure you have sufficient space around the machine as it’s bulky and not easily movable.
So, who would buy the De’Longhi Rivelia Espresso Machine?
Priced at $1,500, the De’Longhi Rivelia is ideal for serious coffee aficionados. This one-touch bean-to-cup machine can replace multiple brewing devices, making it perfect for households or small offices with multiple coffee enthusiasts. The premium quality and versatility of the machine, coupled with the exceptional coffee it produces, justify the investment.
