DeLonghi Rivelia Review: The 2 bean hopper machine that changes everything?

The main complaint about bean-to-cup machines is the impossibility of switching coffee easily.

The De’Longhi Rivelia promises to revolutionize our daily routine with its Bean Switch system featuring two interchangeable hoppers. No more emptying the hopper and cleaning the grinder with each change!

I bought this machine for $1499 to test this innovation. After weeks of use and precise measurements, here’s my complete verdict on this home espresso machine that divides opinion.

Technical Data Measured by Colin

Design and Build Quality: A New De’Longhi Look

This Rivelia really breaks the De’Longhi mold! Unlike the Magnifica or Eletta models, the screen is completely flat on top and the water reservoir is positioned on the side. This home espresso machine displays a modern and streamlined silhouette that completely changes from the brand’s usual aesthetic.

The Rivelia measures 24.5 cm wide by 43 cm deep, a reduced footprint compared to the Eletta Explore (26 cm wide). In my kitchen, this compactness really makes a difference. I can finally place three cups on the countertop next to the machine.

My infrared measurements: After 20 minutes of use, I recorded only 39°C (102°F) near the touch screen versus 43°C (109°F) on the side panel. De’Longhi intelligently kept electronics away from heat sources, a positive point for long-term durability.

The plastic used doesn’t feel cheap at all, and this protected metal grille on top prevents scratches when placing cups. But I noted a disappointing detail: the plastic hot water spout contrasts with the overall quality. On the Magnifica Evo, it’s solid metal. For a machine at this price, it really feels low-end.

Interface and User Experience: Technology Serving Coffee

The 3.5-inch touchscreen impresses with its fluidity and intuitiveness. Animations are polished, colors vivid, and even without a manual, everything becomes obvious. The machine literally talks to you with messages like “I’ll use some hot water to warm myself up” or “Would you like me to save your new settings?”

This personification might seem gimmicky, but honestly, for beginners, it’s reassuring. My mother, who had never touched an espresso machine, immediately understood the operation.

The Bean Adapt Technology system constitutes real added value. The machine guides users to adjust grind fineness, dose, and temperature according to the beans used. Coffee Routines learn your habits: after a week, my Rivelia directly suggests a double espresso at 7:30 AM without me asking!

Small technical issue: The screen sometimes requires two attempts for a selection. Nothing dramatic, but you can feel the electronics aren’t perfectly calibrated yet.

Cup Results: Performance and Extraction Quality

Here’s the heart of the complete test: what does this machine deliver in the cup?

Espresso and Long Coffee

My measurements with freshly roasted coffee reveal solid performance:

• TDS between 6 and 7.5%: well-balanced extraction, neither under-extracted nor bitter
• Maximum temperature of 83°C (181°F): perfect for preserving aromas without burning
• Optimal setting at positions 3-4 of the grinder (absolutely avoid position 5)

At position 3, I get beautiful persistent hazelnut-colored crema and an espresso with body. Extraction flow stabilizes around 25-30 seconds, perfect for a 40ml double shot.

The taste reflects this De’Longhi signature I appreciate: extraction faithful to the bean, body present for an automatic machine, respected aromas. With an 80% arabica / 20% robusta espresso blend, chocolate notes come through well without excessive bitterness.

For long coffee, the machine offers several programmable volumes. Personally, I prefer making a 40ml double espresso and adding 60ml of hot water via the dedicated spout. This method better preserves aromatic complexity than direct lengthening.

Bean Switch System: Revolutionary Innovation with its Limits

The Bean Switch system constitutes THE unique characteristic of this machine. Two 250g hoppers perfectly interchangeable in 3 seconds flat. The promise is appealing, but my in-depth tests reveal important nuances.

What Works Perfectly

The mechanical exchange happens instantly. You lift one hopper by its ergonomic handle, place the other, and you’re set. The machine automatically detects the change thanks to integrated sensors and offers to purge old beans remaining in the grinding chamber (about one dose).

This intelligent purge avoids flavor mixing. In practice, it’s excellent for:

• Regular vs decaf coffee: perfect alternation for couples with different needs
• Different intensities of the same coffee: mild blend in the morning, strong in the afternoon
• Espresso vs filter blends: similar profiles but distinct uses
• Two brands with similar profiles: diversity without extraction compromise

The Limitation Nobody Tells You About

My revealing test: I wanted to push the system by using a dark roast Brazilian Santos (chocolate profile, low acidity) and a light roast Ethiopian Sidamo (floral notes, pronounced acidity). Result? Extraction wasn’t optimal for either one.

Why this limitation? These coffees require radically different grind settings. Dark Brazilian needs coarser grinding to avoid bitter over-extraction. Light Ethiopian requires finer grinding to develop its subtle aromas.

An automatic machine isn’t designed to constantly change grind settings between each extraction, unlike manual machines where you adjust bean by bean according to origin.

My practical recommendation: Use the Bean Switch with coffees having similar roasting profiles. Two medium-roasted arabicas from different regions (Guatemala + Colombia for example) work perfectly together.

For 90% of households, this limitation isn’t blocking. Most people just want to alternate between regular coffee and decaf, and there, it’s magical!

Milk System and Milk Beverages: LatteCrema in Action

The integrated LatteCrema system produces dense and smooth foam that rivals many semi-automatic machines. My detailed measurements reveal:

• Starting temperature: 75°C (167°F), then stabilization at 80°C (176°F) after 30 seconds
• Correct texture with homogeneous microfoam, fine bubbles
• Frothing: milk doubles in volume, foam persists 5-8 minutes
• Effective automatic cleaning after each milk beverage

The LatteCrema carafe detaches completely for refrigerator storage between uses. The automatic circuit rinse system works well: 15 seconds of steam eliminates milk residues.

Cappuccino test: With 100ml of organic whole milk, I get a 180ml cappuccino with creamy foam that holds its shape perfectly. The final temperature of 75°C (167°F) is ideal for tasting.

Important point of attention: this standard version only includes LatteCrema Hot. For summer cold beverages, you need to buy the LatteCrema Cool separately (about $60). It’s a significant additional cost if you’re an iced latte enthusiast.

Sound Level: Positive Surprise in its Category

Excellent news for this home espresso machine! My professional sound meter measurements reveal remarkable performance:

• Grinder in action: 66-69 dB (2-second peak, 5-6 second average)
• Espresso pump: 55 dB average during extraction (25-30 seconds)
• Measurements at 1 meter distance in my normal kitchen (not in a soundproof room)

For reference, 66 dB equals the level of a normal conversation between two people. Compared to my previous Delonghi Eletta Explore, the sound level is equivalent, even slightly lower.

This Rivelia won’t wake the household during 6:30 AM morning coffee. My wife sleeps 5 meters from the kitchen, and she hears practically nothing during grinding.

Maintenance and Operating Cost: De’Longhi Simplicity

Classic De’Longhi with automatic rinses at startup (55ml) and shutdown (18ml), removable coffee group for rinsing under warm water, and touchscreen-guided descaling.

Appreciable innovation: The 1.4L reservoir fills from the top without removal! Unique at De’Longhi, this convenience largely compensates for the reduced capacity versus the usual 1.8L. In practice, I fill twice a week versus 1.5 times with my previous machine.

The grounds container holds about 10 espresso doses, the drip tray accommodates 200ml of liquid. Easy access, 2-minute daily cleaning.

Estimated annual cost:

• De’Longhi descaling tablets: $25/year (descaling every 3 months)
• Water filters: $20/year (change every 2 months)
• Total maintenance: $45/year, plus coffee obviously

Detailed Comparison with De’Longhi Range

Rivelia vs Magnifica Evo ($450-550)

The $300 difference is entirely explained by the machine’s “brain”. The Magnifica Evo makes good coffee with basic touch buttons and 6-7 programmed beverages.

The Rivelia offers the complete premium experience:

• Color touch screen vs simple buttons
• 16 beverages vs 7 on the Evo
• Unique Bean Switch vs single hopper
• Compact modern design vs classic aesthetic
• Intelligent Coffee Routines vs basic programming

If you just want a good daily cappuccino without frills, the Evo is amply sufficient. If you want technology, versatility and premium user experience, the Rivelia justifies its premium.

Rivelia vs Eletta Explore ($1999)

The Eletta costs $500 more but offers a different ecosystem:

• Integrated cold extraction: cold brew in 3 minutes vs impossible on Rivelia
• Dual milk system: LatteCrema Hot + Cool from origin vs Hot only
• More recipes: 50+ beverages vs 16 on Rivelia
• Larger reservoirs: 1.8L water + 300g coffee vs 1.4L + 250g×2

The choice clearly depends on priorities: unique Bean Switch vs complete cold beverage ecosystem. For summer cold brew enthusiasts, the Eletta is essential. For hot coffee flexibility, Rivelia takes priority.

Complete Technical Specifications

FAQ: Your Practical Questions about the Rivelia

Can you really use any coffees with the Bean Switch?

Yes but with some limitations, my in-depth test proves it. For optimal extraction of both coffees, prioritize similar roasting profiles. Regular/decaf alternation from the same origin works perfectly. Avoid extremes (very light vs very dark).

Is the Rivelia worth its price versus the Magnifica Evo?

If you just want good daily coffee without complications, the Magnifica Evo ($300 cheaper) is amply sufficient. The Rivelia justifies its premium through premium user experience, unique Bean Switch and modern interface. It’s a comfort and technology choice.

What’s the major difference with the Eletta Explore?

The Eletta focuses everything on cold beverages with its integrated cold extraction (cold brew) and dual original milk system. The Rivelia prioritizes hot coffee flexibility with its revolutionary dual hopper system. Two different philosophies according to your consumption habits.

Is the small 1.4L reservoir really annoying?

In practice, no! Top-fill without removal largely compensates. I fill twice a week (couple, 4-5 coffees/day) vs 1.5 times with a classic 1.8L reservoir that must be completely removed.

How much does annual maintenance really cost?

About $45/year in consumables (descaling tablets + water filters), plus 10 minutes/week routine cleaning. It’s in the low average for automatic machines in this range.

Final Verdict: For Whom This Machine?

Confirmed Strengths

• Revolutionary Bean Switch practical in daily use (with compatible coffees)
• Exceptional interface and intelligent step-by-step guidance
• Remarkably controlled sound level vs direct competition
• Compact and modern design that renews De’Longhi aesthetic
• Reservoir filling without removal (unique practical innovation)
• Extraction quality faithful to De’Longhi signature

Honest Weaknesses

• Limited Bean Switch with very different coffee profiles (proven test)
• Plastic hot water spout that really feels cheap for the price
• Highly variable pricing by geographic markets (2x factor)
• Smaller reservoir than standards (compensated by convenience)
• No integrated cold extraction (separate paid option)

Conclusion: My Assessment After 6 Weeks of Use

My final rating: 7.5/10. The De’Longhi Rivelia generally succeeds in its ambitious bet to simplify multi-coffee household life with style and modern technology. The Bean Switch really works, but not with just any beans – fundamental nuance that my in-depth tests revealed.

This home espresso machine clearly prioritizes user experience over pure performance. In its price range ($1000-1400), it’s a coherent choice with real practical innovations. The quality-price ratio remains justified against direct alternatives.

Six weeks after purchase, I don’t regret it. My wife perfectly alternates between organic decaf and my strong espresso blend. The interface still occasionally guides us, and the morning sound level really preserves family tranquility.