The Rivelia has a nifty little bean swap system that permits you to uncork one hopper stuffed with beans and swap in a second, with minimal fuss and no mixing of beans. It really works like this: Once you flip the bean hopper to the unlock place, the Rivelia’s display will merely ask you what you wish to do with the surplus beanage, which quantities to round 5 grams, or half a shot.
You may select to get a mini-drink from the surplus, or ask the Rivelia to get rid of your little bean downside, sight unseen and no questions requested. Then, simply swap out one color-coded bean hopper for the opposite, and right here you’re consuming decaf as a substitute of your morning rocket gasoline.
The bean swap is a straightforward and deft resolution to an irritating downside that has dogged bean-to-cup machines since their inception. It is also indicative of the thoughtfulness of this system general.
Simple, Button-Press Customization
Swapping out beans is all properly and good, however how’s the espresso? The reply is not simple. Bean-to-cup machines just like the Rivelia, and different De’Longhi fashions just like the Magnifica Evo ($650) and Dinamica ($1,300), exert simply as a lot strain as a standard espresso machine. However in addition they are inclined to grind rather less finely than espresso made with a pressurized portafilter.
This coarser grind makes the ensuing cup a complete lot much less finicky, and fewer prone to be overbitter or deeply acidic, but additionally much less intense. It is a easy cup, with a few of the edges shaved off. It is excellent for individuals who’d like to simply press a button and be ensured a frothy cappuccino with out taking a look at strain gauges or worrying they’re going to botch a shot fully.
{Photograph}: Matthew Korfhage
And so the Rivelia will not rival a harder, fussier portafilter machine. However it does make cups nearly as good as any bean-to-cup maker I’ve tried, partially due to its useful “bean adapt” operate. The machine might be programmed with as much as six completely different bean profiles. Once you wish to add a brand new bean, the machine could have you place it by the paces.
