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De’Longhi, the Italian coffee machine brand behind so many well-loved machines, have unveiled a more compact and affordable version of one of its bean-to-cup bestsellers – the Rivelia.
The brand new Rivelia Start, which is available now from De’Longhi for £599.99, is a very enticing prospect to me as Ideal Home’s Kitchen Appliances Editor. Until today, I thought that its more expensive counterpart was the best bean-to-cup machine for most people after our 5 star review. But somehow, this slimmed-down model looks to have even more going for it and might just knock it off its perch. Not to mention it’s available in a gorgeous green colour, which is one of the prettiest kitchen appliance colourways I’ve seen this summer.
Here’s how the new machine compares to its predecessor and why it’s the dream machine for small kitchens.
It may be a bold statement but I think this shade of green is the best colour you can buy a coffee machine in on the entire market. It’s so on trend and adds an element of intrigue to your kitchen worktop.
This neutral shade is perfect for more minimalist kitchens. And with a profile this sleek, it’ll fit into cosier kitchens than ever.
Let’s go back to basics and dig into why was the OG Rivelia such a hit. As stated in our expert Home Economist’s review back in 2024 it’s a coffee machine with a lot going for it. Helen, our revieiwer, described it as ‘quite possibly the best designed, nicest looking, and best performing automatic bean-to-cup coffee machine I’ve ever reviewed’ – and she’s tested plenty for us since 2022.
One of the most loved features was the dual bean hopper design. That means you can switch easily between two blends or levels of caffeine. If you enjoy a decaf in the afternoons, it’s a great thing to have. Even though the Rivelia Start cost £100 less, it’s retained this standout feature.
(Image credit: De’Longhi)
The milk frothing system, made possible by the LatteCrema Hot attachment (which is included) that makes such delectable hot drinks with the Rivelia is present within the Start too. There are 10 café-quality drinks on offer, ‘from a velvety Flat White to a classic Espresso’ according to De’Longhi along with the ability to ‘enjoy standard-setting hot and cold creations back-to-back’.
If you want to enjoy cold drinks, like I did when I tested the phenomenal Eletta Ultra, you’ll have to invest in De’Longhi’s LatteCrema Cool Tech system separately. This will set you back £99.99 via the brand’s website. If you’re an iced latte lover, I would say this is well worth it as it provides you with a huge upgrade over just adding cold milk to your coffee. It cold froths milk perfectly so you can enjoy proper iced cappuccinos all day long and serve them up to guests.
There’s also a Cold Brew setting, which will be welcome news for those who love the taste of this smooth chilled coffee drink and a treat in the ongoing heatwaves.
(Image credit: De’Longhi)
Compared to the Rivelia, the Start has a pared-down user interface. Rather than an interactive touchscreen, it has a panel featuring touch-sensitive illustrated buttons of each type of drink available. For most, this probably won’t be much of a factor – especially with the benefit of saving £100.
For me, the colours available with the Rivelia Start are a huge draw. Two shades are available so far, the Jade Green and Umber Brown, with more to follow in the full line-up in September.
If you’re looking for a do-it-all bean-to-cup machine that will totally wow your guests, the Rivelia Start is a phenomenal value option for this price. Within a few touches of the machine’s interface, you can have a café-worthy coffee in front of you every morning. What’s not to like?!
