There are many different espresso machines on the market these days, and it can be tough to decide which one is the best for your needs. There are dedicated espresso coffee machines, complete home coffee stations that include an espresso brewer, stovetop espresso machines, or even pod machines that can brew up a quick and easy shot of the caffeinated drink.
However, pod machines usually win this battle when it comes to speed, convenience, and affordability. And if you are looking for some of the best espresso machines on the market, then you have come to the right place!
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This blog post will compare two of the most popular machines on the market: the Keurig Rivo and the Nespresso CitiZ. These machines are both high quality, but they have some key differences. Those differences are exactly what we’re here to discuss. So, let’s debate Keurig Rivo vs. Nespresso CitiZ.
Keurig vs. Nespresso
When it comes to the best pod coffee, the Keurig and Nespresso lines of machines have been battling it out since the dawn of, well, pod coffee machines! Each company has its own unique take on the single-serve coffee market, and each has a die-hard following of fans.
Keurig was founded in 1992, whereas Nespresso was launched slightly earlier in 1986. Since then, they’ve dominated their respective markets, with Nespresso being available in over 60 countries around Europe and Keurig dominating the US pod coffee market.
When comparing Keurig and Nespresso, there are a few key things to consider. Both companies offer a wide range of machines, from entry-level to high-end, so it’s important to pick the right one for your needs. Keurig machines tend to be more affordable than the best Nespresso machines. However, Nespresso does offer a broader range of coffee flavors and styles.
Nonetheless, both of these brands offer superb coffee machines. Whether you opt for a Keurig or are more of a Nespresso fan, you’ll definitely be able to whip up a delicious cup of espresso from either machine.
What is the Keurig Rivo?
So, what exactly is the Keurig Rivo? Well, this single-serve espresso machine is a sleek and compact coffee maker with a range of features. This machine is Keurig’s attempt to give us a little more than Keurig’s standard pod espresso machines – the added milk frother allows you to make lattes and cappuccinos in addition to espressos.
The convenience of Keurig technology allows you to prepare espresso and froth any sort of fresh milk at the press of a button. Plus, you can do all of this from the comfort of your own home, which is much more convenient, and much more affordable than going to a coffee shop.
However, instead of using Keurig’s classic pods, the Rivo uses its own pod style. Subsequently, the range of coffee flavors is somewhat limited, but there are still quite a few to choose from. The machine is also pretty speedy, brewing up a cup of joe in under a minute. It’s also perfect for small kitchens or office spaces because it’s so compact.
However, one key thing to point out is that the brand discontinued the Keurig Rivo in 2016. But, you can still buy the machines and the pods that go with them on Amazon or select Keurig retailers.
What is the Nespresso CitiZ Espresso Machine?
The Nespresso CitiZ is a stylish and simple espresso machine that offers users a range of features. Like the Keurig machine, this brewer also comes with a milk frother, but the CitiZ features Aeroccino technology, which kicks things up a notch. This versatile machine can also make many delicious coffee drinks from home, including lattes, cappuccinos, and of course espressos.
The CitiZ is a little more pricey than the Keurig Rivo, but it does come with a few extra features. For example, the stand-alone machine has an energy-saving mode, which is great if you’re keen on preserving energy.
The machine is also available in a range of colors including red, black, and silver, so you can choose the perfect one to match your kitchen. Plus, it’s also a very compact machine – it’s slightly smaller than the Rivo, so it certainly won’t take up too much counter space.
The top features of the Keurig Rivo
The Keurig Rivo comes with a range of features that coffee-lovers will appreciate.
First, the machine comes with a built-in milk frother, which means you can make lattes and cappuccinos from your own home without using those milk pods that never seem to taste quite right.
Second, the machine has three modes for brewing milky drinks: cappuccino, latte, or cold froth. The simple espresso function also produces drinks of two sizes: a 1.4 oz espresso and a 2.8 oz lungo. It has 15 bars of pressure and can brew a cup of coffee in under one minute.
Plus, the machine’s design allows you to brew milk on one side and espresso on the other, which can be incredibly convenient.
The Rivo features an automatic start/stop feature, which allows you to save energy. This is an excellent feature if you’re forgetful or tend to leave things turned on. The machine also comes with a descaling alert which is crucial for keeping your coffee maker in good condition and ensuring that your drinks always taste their best.
The top features of the Nespresso CitiZ Espresso Machine
What are some of the top features of the Nespresso CitiZ Espresso Machine?
The machine also comes with a built-in milk frother, but it has Aeroccino technology, meaning that the milk frother is made to provide the ideal finish to your single-serve coffee drinks.
This Nespresso, like the Rivo, is capable of making many delicious coffee drinks from home, including lattes, cappuccinos, and of course espressos. It also makes espresso and lungo drinks, but the quantities differ slightly from the Rivo, with a 1.35-ounce espresso and 5-ounce lungo. These drinks are also suitable for pouring over ice to create a delicious iced coffee – a distinct difference from the Rivo.
The Nespresso coffee maker features a special 19-bar extraction mechanism as opposed to the 15-bar extraction of the Rivo. This higher pressure is said to result in a more intense flavor.
The CitiZ comes with an energy-saving mode and automatic shut-off function, ideal if you’re forgetful or simply energy conscious. As well as this, the machine has a descaling alert, a removable capsule container, drip tray, and water tank, which makes cleaning quick and convenient, and a folding cup tray which is great for taller cups.
And finally, it’s an even more compact machine at almost half the size, so it takes up even less counter space – perfect for small kitchens.
The key differences between these two machines
So, with both of these machines, you can brew an espresso, a lungo, a cappuccino, and a latte. They are both reasonably compact, have a built-in milk frother, and use pods instead of regular coffee beans.
But what are the key differences between these two reliable machines? Let’s find out!
Firstly, let’s look at the size. Both machines are relatively compact. However, if you’re looking for the ultimate space saver, the CitiZ is the clear winner. The exact dimensions of the Rivo are 11.37 x 10.75 x 11.37 inches (L x W x H). In comparison, the CitiZ is 14.6 in x 5.1 x 10.9. Although the CitiZ is slightly longer, the width is half the size, meaning it can fit into much smaller spaces on your kitchen counter.
Next, let’s compare the weight; another huge difference as the Rivo comes in at 17 pounds, compared to the CitiZ’s tiny weight of just 7.5 pounds. This makes the CitiZ much easier to move around, and you could even take it with you if you’re traveling.
The quality of the coffee that each of these machines brews is also different. The Rivo operates at 15 bars of pressure, whereas the CitiZ operates at 19 bars. This higher pressure produces a richer brew, so, if you’re looking for a machine that will make a slightly more robust coffee, the CitiZ is the one for you.
They are also popular in different parts of the world. Keurig mainly dominates the US market, whereas Nespresso is much more popular in Europe. So, which coffee maker you choose could also depend on your location.
Finally, when it comes to price, there’s a whole lot of difference. The CitiZ retails for around double the price of the Rivo. However, it’s important to remember that the CitiZ is a far more advanced machine and offers some features that the Rivo doesn’t, so it’s perhaps not surprising that it comes with a heftier price tag.
Conclusion
Overall, while both of these machines are great options for making a milky pod-based coffee, we have to give the edge to Nespresso. The coffee is slightly better quality, the machine is more compact and easier to transport, and you don’t have to purchase specialist pods to brew.
Plus, and this is what makes it an obvious no-brainer for us, Keurig has discontinued the Rivo line. This means that it could be challenging (and perhaps even impossible) to find pods for the machine in a few years or replace parts if something goes wrong.
Nonetheless, if you’re on a budget, or are a dedicated fan of Keurig, then the Rivo is still a great machine and will make a delicious cup of coffee. Just be aware of its potential future obsolescence.
Happy Caffeinating!
