DeLonghi Rivelia Bean To Cup Coffee Machine

Description

If you’re familiar with our coffee machine reviews, you’ll know we typically prefer manual espresso machines for their superior control and coffee quality.

When we say bean-to-cup machines, we’re specifically discussing fully automated systems with built-in grinders and brewing units – not hybrid machines like the Sage Barista Express or Pro, which are sometimes misclassified as bean-to-cup.

Most bean-to-cup machines in the entry to mid-range market share similar technology and deliver comparable results. The real differentiation typically comes with premium models like the Bravilor Sprso, Gaggia Accademia, and DeLonghi Maestosa, which hover around the £2,000 mark.

However, the DeLonghi Rivelia has genuinely surprised us. This mid-priced machine stands out from its peers, offering features and performance that punch well above its weight class.

Features and Benefits

• 12 One Touch Hot Coffees
• 9 One Touch Iced Coffees (via optional addon)
• True micro foam (from a one touch milk carafe!)
• Quick Swap Hoppers
• Bean Adapt – Dialing In Assistance
• Very Intuitive, Interactive User Interface
• 1.4 Litre Water Tank (front accessed)
• Dump Box Capacity: 10
• Extra Shot Function
• Maximum Cup Height : 14.0
• Grinder Bypass Chute for Pre-ground

The Rivelia (Italian for “Reveal”) introduces several innovative features that set it apart. Its dual hopper system allows seamless switching between different beans, complete with a clever “switch” mode that lets you use the remaining grounds before changing beans.

We were immediately impressed by the user-friendly interface. Rather than cold, technical prompts, the machine communicates in a refreshingly natural way. During setup, instead of a basic time-entry screen, you’re greeted with: “Before we go any further, can you tell me what time it is? It’ll only take a minute.”

But the real revelation came when we started testing the coffee quality. The espresso extraction rivals the best we’ve experienced from automated machines. Even more impressive is the milk texturing – something that typically disappoints in bean-to-cup systems.

The Rivelia achieves what we previously thought impossible: genuine microfoam from an automated milk system.

While you won’t be creating intricate latte art (that still requires manual milk steaming and pouring), the texture quality is unprecedented for a one-touch system. The machine even offers adjustable milk consistency – want a denser foam for a modern cappuccino? Simply turn the froth dial to the “creamy” setting.

Bean Adapt Technology

The Rivelia includes DeLonghi’s Bean Adapt system – essentially a guided dialling-in assistant. While bean-to-cup machines typically offer limited adjustment compared to manual machines, this feature adds welcome precision to the brewing process.

You input your beans’ roast profile and initial grind setting, then provide feedback after each shot. The machine saves these preferences under your bean profile, recommending optimal grind size and brewing temperature for future use.

While this technology might seem more suited to DeLonghi’s La Specialista range, it still adds value for bean-to-cup users seeking consistency across different coffee beans.

Quick Swap Hoppers + Switch Mode

This innovative feature might be the most practical solution we’ve seen for managing multiple bean varieties. Unlike the Melitta TS Smart’s divided single hopper or the DeLonghi Maestosa’s dual-grinder system (at nearly £2,000), the Rivelia takes a more elegant approach.

The machine’s two interchangeable hoppers work with a clever switch system. When swapping hoppers, you can choose to make one final coffee with the beans already in the grinder or purge them instead. This makes switching between regular and decaf beans seamless – though in switch mode, you can’t adjust the coffee intensity.

Cold Milk Frothing

Beyond its hot coffee capabilities, the Rivelia offers dedicated iced drink options. With the cool lattecrema system (sold separately), you unlock a complete menu of cold frothed drinks – from iced lattes to cold foam flat whites.

Potential Drawbacks

While impressive overall, the Rivelia isn’t without minor limitations:

The milk temperature is fixed at 60-62°C – perfect for preserving flavour and microfoam quality, but potentially too cool for those who prefer very hot drinks.

We’d appreciate clearer communication about what the intensity settings mean in terms of coffee dose weight.

The minimum espresso volume (30-35ml for “small”) could be more adjustable for those who prefer ristretto-style shots.

A small design oversight: the storage compartment lid doesn’t close properly with both the hot water spout and cleaning tools in place.

The touch-sensitive power button includes a tactile marker, presumably for accessibility, but its high sensitivity might make this feature less practical for visually impaired users.

Final Verdict

These minor quibbles aside, the DeLonghi Rivelia stands as the most impressive mid-range bean-to-cup machine we’ve tested. Its unprecedented milk texturing capabilities, innovative bean management system, and consistent coffee quality make it a standout choice in its price category.