Disclosure: I was not financially compensated for this post. I received a sample of the product for review purposes. The opinions are my own, based on my personal experience with the product.
For the past three years, the only way I’ve brewed coffee in my home is in my Keurig brewer. I use it multiple times a day being the coffee fiend that I am. When I heard that Keurig was coming out with a brand new system, I knew I had to have one too. Meet the Keurig Rivo Espresso, Cappuccino & Latte system, the newest innovation from Keurig. It makes the most delicious espresso, cappuccino and lattes you’ll ever have. And all without ever leaving your house and in under two minutes!
Introducing the Keurig Rivo
Wondering why it’s called “Rivo”? I was too and then I learned it’s named after the Italian word for “Revolutionary” = Rivoluzionario or Rivo for short. It makes sense since this is the first system of its kind for Keurig and changes the way I enjoy my caffeine at home. I feel like miss fancy pants now with my “big city” style drinks.
What I love most about the Keurig Rivo is how simple it is to use. I was intimidated at first when I heard it made cappuccinos and lattes which are something I would have never attempted to make on my own. I was pleasantly surprised to see that I can whip up delicious hot and cold beverages in a matter of minutes. No joke. It’s literally a touch of a button and the Keurig Rivo does all the hard work.
Rivo Packs
The Rivo does not use Kcups like a regular Keurig brewer does. Instead it uses Rivo Pack Blends, single serve packs made exclusively for the Keurig Rivo. Lavazza is Italy’s favourite coffee and these are the single serve cups you’ll be using in your Keurig Rivo to make your espresso. I haven’t seen them in stores near me yet, but you can purchase them online on the Keurig website.
Lavazza has four delicious espresso blends to choose from to craft your perfect beverage:
- Espresso Delicato (Medium Roast): Pleasant aroma with balanced acidity. Slightly sweet with notes of chocolate and a long lasting citrus finish.
- Espresso Classico (Medium Roast): A full bodied blend with notes of tropical fruit. Sweet floral qualities with a lingering fruity finish.
- Espresso Intenso (Dark Roast): A bold, full bodied blend with aromas of butter and caramel. Subtle hints of smoke with a pleasantly crisp finish.
- Espresso Decaf (Medium Roast Decaffeinated): Balanced flavour with gently sweet aromas of grape and dried fruit. A satisfying, smooth finish.
They have a SRP of $14.99 for a box of 18.
The Keurig Rivo Control Panel
On the top of the Keurig Rivo, you’ll see both the Frothing Modes and Espresso Sizes for making your beverage. I find the images on the buttons helpful so you’ll always know how to make each drink. There are also instructions that come with the system too. After you’ve made them a few times, it will become like second nature.
When you turn the Keurig Rivo on the buttons all light up showing the Frothing modes on the top row for Cappuccino, Latte and Cold Froth and the Espresso sizes underneath for a Short Espresso (1.4 oz) or Lungo Espresso (2.8 oz).
Here’s a more detailed rundown on each of the modes:
- Cappuccino Froth: Creates more foam and less steamed milk and is perfect for a cappuccino or macchiato. Fill with milk to the MIN level line on your frothing pitcher.
- Latte Froth: Creates less foam and more steamed milk and is perfect for a latte. Fill with milk to the MAX level line on your frothing pitcher.
- Cold Froth: Keeps your milk cold, creates less foam and more milk and is perfect for an iced latte.
- Short Espresso: Perfect for espresso beverages like cappuccino or macchiato.
- Espresso Lungo: Perfect for americano or iced latte.
I love making frothed milk! Use fresh, cold milk and add it to the Frothing Pitcher. Place the Frothing Lid on top and place it in its holder. You’ll hear one beep if it’s securely in place. If not, you’ll hear three beeps in succession and then you’ll need to remove the pitcher and put it back in securely. Then it’s just a matter of choosing one of the three frothing modes depending on the beverage you are making. Easy!
For the cappuccinos and lattes, you’ll end up with hot steamed milk with delicious foam. Use the Cold Froth setting when you are making Iced Lattes. It will also give you that creamy foam for your drink.
The left side of the Keurig Rivo is where all the espresso action happens. Place the Rivo Pack in the compartment at the top and close it shut. Pick either a Short or Lungo Espresso and boom: you have piping hot fresh Italian Espresso. Mmmmm smells so good!
I told you the Rivo does all the work.
The 60 oz water reservoir is great because you don’t have to keep adding water each time you want to use it.
Types of Beverages
The first beverage I made was an espresso. You can choose either a Short or Lungo Espresso depending on how much you want to drink. I really need to invest in some of those cute little espresso mugs! My Portuguese neighbours in Edmonton always served espresso after supper in the little mugs. Their espresso was too strong for me to drink, but I enjoyed having a mug of the Lavazza espresso in the morning when I need a quick boost of caffeine.
To prepare a latte in the Keurig Rivo, you first need to get the milk ready. Add cold milk to the Max level on the Frothing Pitcher and hit the Latte Froth Button. Then prepare a Short Espresso and combine the two and enjoy! Add some caramel or chocolate sundae syrup for a hint of sweetness. They are yummy!
Did I mention how much I enjoy the froth? I want it on all my coffees now.
A cappuccino is made very similarly to a latte. The only real difference is that you are adding your milk to the MIN level line on the Frothing Pitcher. It’s also made with a Short Espresso. I use the sundae syrups to sweeten these up as well. Caramel Cappuccinos are the best! Just make sure you only add the syrup in afterwards when the drink is ready.
Iced Lattes are perfect to drink in the summer when it’s too hot for coffee. The Cold Froth makes it foamy and chilled. Add some ice to a tall glass and then pour your Espresso Lungo on top followed by the Cold Froth milk. These can be sweetened up as well if you like!
This is only the tip of the iceberg as the Keurig Rivo brews up to 32 authentic espresso-based beverages in under two minutes. It comes with an Espresso Beverage Guide with recipes as well if you aren’t sure what to make first. Some other examples include an Espresso Macchiato, Americano, Espresso Con Panna, Mokaccino, Espresso Viennese, Espresso on the Rocks, Iced Cappucino and more. Be as creative as you like and come up with your own unique recipes!
Where to Buy
The Keurig Rivo system is available at participating retailers across Canada and at Keurig.ca. It has an SRP of $229.99.
My favourite beverage to make is a Caramel Latte. What drink would you make first with your Keurig Rivo?
Peggy Humbracht says
Oooo, how I would love this!! I believe I would try a vanilla latte’ for my 1st drink and then I would have to try all the rest. Just think how much money I would save by owning one of these!!
Mia says
I love that it is so frothy and easy. Looks simple to do and what a money saver.
laurie allen says
This is indeed my next Keurig! Great Review!!
Ed says
I don’t normally drink coffee but this may have changed my mind!
Kayla C says
Oh how I would LOVE this machine!!
Emma says
I LOVE MY RIVO brewer ! my very first coffee to make was the Espresso Viennese, which i found a bunch of recipes on keurig website https://www.keurig.ca/k-cup-brewing-systems/discover/Rivo-recipes/Espresso-Viennese I use to have the mini brewer, defiantly an upgrade for us & we are glad we did, my husband was more at ease once i made him a real coffee. ๐
Emma J says
I LOVE MY RIVO brewer ! my very first coffee to make was the Espresso Viennese, which i found a bunch of recipes on keurig website, I use to have the mini brewer defiantly an upgrade for us & we are glad we did, my husband was more at ease once i made him a real coffee. ๐
kathy downey says
I would LOVE to have one of these machines,thanks for the great review