DeLonghi Rivelia Review
The delonghi rivelia review is worth reading if you want café-style coffee at home without spending time grinding beans, preparing espresso and frothing milk manually. The DeLonghi Rivelia is an automatic bean-to-cup coffee machine designed to make everyday coffee preparation easier while offering customisation for different tastes.
Whether you enjoy a strong espresso, a smooth cappuccino or a creamy latte, this machine aims to bring convenience and variety to your kitchen. Moreover, its interchangeable bean hoppers allow you to switch between different coffee beans, which is particularly useful for households that enjoy both regular and decaffeinated coffee.
However, the Rivelia is a premium purchase, so it is important to understand what makes it different from cheaper automatic coffee machines. In this review, we explore its key features, coffee performance, ease of use, maintenance and value for money to help you decide whether it is the right choice.
What Is the DeLonghi Rivelia Bean-to-Cup Coffee Machine?
The DeLonghi Rivelia is a fully automatic espresso and coffee machine that handles several steps of the brewing process. Instead of preparing coffee manually, you simply select your preferred drink and let the machine grind the beans, brew the coffee and prepare the drink according to your settings.
The standard Rivelia EXAM440.35 model includes a colour touchscreen, interchangeable bean hoppers and Bean Adapt Technology. Higher or different model variants may include additional milk preparation features, so it is important to check the exact specification before purchasing.
Here are some important features of the Rivelia EXAM440.35 model:
Automatic coffee preparation: Grinds fresh beans and brews coffee at the touch of a button.
Bean Switch System: Allows you to switch between different coffee beans using interchangeable hoppers.
Bean Adapt Technology: Helps adjust brewing settings to suit different coffee beans.
Touchscreen controls: Provides an accessible way to select and customise drinks.
Compact design: Its relatively narrow body helps it fit into kitchens with limited countertop space.
Consequently, the Rivelia is designed for people who want fresh coffee with less effort, rather than a traditional manual espresso-making experience.
DeLonghi Rivelia Review: Coffee Quality and Taste
Coffee quality is one of the most important factors when choosing an automatic espresso machine. Although convenience matters, the machine should also produce a satisfying cup of coffee.
The Rivelia grinds coffee beans immediately before brewing, helping preserve their aroma and freshness. Furthermore, its Bean Adapt Technology helps users adjust the grind, coffee dose and brewing temperature to suit different beans.
The resulting coffee can be customised according to your preferences.
Espresso and black coffee
If you prefer espresso or black coffee, the Rivelia offers a convenient way to prepare your daily drink.
You can adjust the coffee strength and drink size to create a more intense espresso or a longer coffee. Additionally, the machine offers drinks such as Americano and Long Coffee, giving you alternatives when you want something less concentrated.
However, an automatic coffee machine does not provide the same level of manual control as a traditional espresso machine. Coffee enthusiasts who enjoy experimenting with individual extraction variables may prefer a semi-automatic machine.
Cappuccino and milk-based drinks
The Rivelia also supports milk-based drinks, making it suitable for people who enjoy cappuccinos, lattes and other creamy coffee recipes.
The standard EXAM440.35 model uses a manual milk frother. This means you have to prepare the milk foam yourself rather than relying on an automatic milk carafe.
Therefore, if you regularly prepare milk-based drinks for several people, check the exact Rivelia model and milk system before purchasing. Some versions offer different milk preparation features.
Overall, the Rivelia provides a good balance between convenience and customisation, although the final coffee taste will also depend on your beans, grind setting and personal preferences.
Bean Switch System: A Major Advantage
One of the most distinctive features of the DeLonghi Rivelia is its interchangeable bean hopper system.
The machine comes with two 250g bean containers that allow you to keep different coffee varieties available. For example, you could use one hopper for regular espresso beans and another for decaffeinated coffee.
This feature is especially useful if:
You drink regular coffee in the morning but prefer decaf later in the day.
Different family members enjoy different coffee blends.
You like experimenting with different roasts without emptying an entire bean container.
The Bean Switch System helps make this process easier by allowing you to switch between the available hoppers.
Nevertheless, the dual-hopper feature may not be essential for everyone. If you always use the same coffee beans, a more affordable bean-to-cup machine with a single hopper could offer better value.
Is the DeLonghi Rivelia Easy to Use?
The Rivelia is designed to make coffee preparation straightforward, particularly for people who are new to automatic coffee machines.
Its touchscreen interface provides access to coffee recipes and customisation options. In addition, the machine guides users through various preparation and maintenance processes.
However, there is still a learning curve when you first set up the machine.
For the best results, you should:
Read the manufacturer’s setup instructions before making your first coffee.
Adjust the grinder according to your coffee beans and taste preferences.
Experiment with coffee strength and drink size.
Save your preferred settings where supported by your model.
Once you understand the controls, preparing your regular coffee becomes much more convenient.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning is an important consideration because coffee residue, milk and mineral deposits can affect both performance and taste.
The Rivelia includes automatic rinsing functions that help clean internal coffee pathways. However, automatic rinsing does not eliminate the need for regular maintenance.
For long-term performance, follow these practices:
Empty and clean the coffee grounds container regularly.
Wash the removable drip tray and water tank as instructed.
Clean the milk frother after preparing milk-based drinks.
Descale the machine when prompted or according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Replace the water filter when required.
Although the machine reduces the effort involved in making coffee, it still requires regular care. Therefore, consider the maintenance routine before choosing any automatic coffee maker.
DeLonghi Rivelia Review: Pros and Cons
Before buying, consider the main advantages and limitations of this coffee machine.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Freshly ground coffee for every drink | Premium price compared with basic machines |
| Interchangeable bean hoppers | Dual hoppers may be unnecessary for some users |
| Customisable coffee strength and size | Requires time to learn the settings |
| Touchscreen interface | Manual milk frothing on the EXAM440.35 model |
| Compact design | Regular cleaning and descaling are necessary |
The biggest advantage is flexibility. However, the main drawback is that you pay for features that may not be useful if you only drink one type of coffee.
Is the DeLonghi Rivelia Worth Buying?
The DeLonghi Rivelia is worth considering if you want a premium automatic coffee machine that combines fresh grinding, customisation and convenient bean switching.
It is particularly suitable for households with different coffee preferences. On the other hand, buyers who want a simple espresso machine without additional features may find a cheaper model more practical.
For UK shoppers, the price can vary according to the model, retailer and promotional offers. Therefore, compare the exact model number, included accessories and warranty rather than choosing a machine based on its name alone.
If you are considering purchasing through H&S Retailers, check the product listing for the available DeLonghi model, current price, delivery details and warranty information before placing your order. The EXAM440.35 and other Rivelia variants do not necessarily have identical features.
FAQ’s
Can the DeLonghi Rivelia make cappuccino and latte?
The Rivelia range supports milk-based coffee drinks, but the milk preparation system depends on the specific model. The EXAM440.35 uses a manual milk frother, so you need to prepare the milk foam yourself.
Can you use different coffee beans in the Rivelia?
Yes. The Bean Switch System allows you to change between interchangeable bean hoppers. This makes it convenient to use different coffee varieties, such as regular and decaffeinated beans.
Is the DeLonghi Rivelia better than a cheaper bean-to-cup machine?
It depends on your requirements. The Rivelia offers features such as Bean Adapt Technology, touchscreen controls and interchangeable bean hoppers. However, if you do not need these features, a cheaper automatic machine may provide better value.
Does the DeLonghi Rivelia require regular descaling?
Yes. Like other automatic coffee machines, the Rivelia requires periodic descaling and cleaning. The frequency depends on water hardness, usage and the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations.
Final Verdict on DeLonghi Rivelia Review
The DeLonghi Rivelia is a strong option for people who want convenient, freshly ground coffee at home without the complexity of manual espresso preparation.
Its interchangeable bean hoppers, customisable drinks and touchscreen controls make it particularly attractive for households with different coffee preferences.
However, it is not necessarily the best choice for every buyer. If you mainly drink black coffee or always use the same beans, a simpler and more affordable coffee machine could meet your needs just as well.
Our recommendation: Consider the DeLonghi Rivelia if you value convenience, coffee variety and customisation. Before purchasing from H&S Retailers, compare the exact model specifications and make sure its features match your daily coffee routine.
Read More: Best Bean to Cup Coffee Machine UK: Complete Buying Guide.
