Although it has been discontinued, the Keurig Rivo is still used by many people. Its simple structure and ease of use have created many loyal users who are just not ready to let it go by upgrading to a newer model.
You can still buy the specialized espresso pods online for the machine, making it easy to continue using the Rivo. But what else is special about it? And what about using a Keurig Rivo reusable pod?
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Keurig Rivo
One of the reasons that the Keurig Rivo is so popular is that it focuses on brewing espresso instead of standard drip coffee, which people use as a base for:
- Lattes
- Mochas
- Americanos
- Cold Brew
- Cappuccino
Another Rivo benefit is that it comes with a cylindrical frother on the side that offers a hands-off approach to milk frothing for the drinks mentioned above. Additionally, you are not limited to just dairy milk for frothing. The device can froth a variety of milk options, including almond, oat, and soy.
Finally, users love how fast the Rivo (which is named for the Italian word “revolutionary”) can brew a cup of espresso. The machine can make two different sizes in less than one minute even while using the milk frother.
Not only can you have your espresso in just one minute, but you can have the entire specialty coffee beverage in less than two minutes! Where else can you get speedy service and delivery like that?
Reusable Pod Options
As stated, many people continue using their Rivo machines because they can still acquire the coffee pods. You can find them at several sites online, including the Keurig website.
However, trying to find a reusable pod solution can prove problematic. There is currently no Keurig Rivo reusable pod on the market, and it is unlikely that there will ever be one because the machine has been discontinued.
Understandably, Keurig will not develop a reusable option, which is unfortunate as well. Many Keurig users rely on reusable pods to reduce the machine’s operating cost and limit the pod’s impact on the environment.
Not only that, but you can change the strength of the espresso by packing your own pod. This is beneficial for those who are more advanced in their espresso-making journey and have a specific taste they hope to achieve.
How can this be done without an appropriate option available on the market? One Reddit user came up with an excellent solution that we will outline below in a step-by-step format.
DIY Keurig Rivo Reusable Pod
Creating your own Rivo reusable pod is much simpler than you might think. To begin, you will need to gather the following items:
- One ball tea strainer – similar to this
- Aluminum foil, cut into small squares (at least four)
- One pair of pliers
Step 1: Separate the Strainer
Begin by taking out your tea strainer. Open the filter so that both sides are exposed.
Take the pair of pliers and gently separate the hinge that holds the two separate sections together. Be sure to exercise caution so as not to injure yourself and preserve the integrity of the two sides of the filter.
Once separated, continue utilizing the pliers to remove any extra pieces that are attached to the strainer. These pieces may include hooks or small chains. Avoid cutting any of the mesh that surrounds the dome shape of the filter.
Step 2: Line the Mesh
Gather the aluminum foil material you cut into small squares earlier. You will use the foil to keep the coffee grounds contained in the mesh filter.
Take one small piece of aluminum foil and use it to line the bottom of one side of the separated strainer. Then, take another piece and do the same to the bottom of the other separated strainer side.
You will then be left with at least two extra squares of foil. Save these for after the last step.
Step 3: Pack the Grounds
The key to a flavorful shot of espresso is the packing of the grounds. When they are compactly packaged, it allows the beans’ taste to come through more robustly. There is a vast difference in flavor between a loosely packed pod and a compactly packed one.
Once you spoon an adequate amount of grounds into one half of the tea strainer, press the grounds firmly down onto the foil with the back of the spoon. It may be necessary to add additional grounds in the pod and repeat the spoon packing process once or twice.
Once you have packed the appropriate amount of grounds and have them adequately tamped down in each strainer half, you can then take the last two sheets of foil and cover the exposed tops of each half. This cover allows the grounds to remain intact in the mesh filter and discourages them from moving into the machine.
Step 4: Brew!
This at-home DIY project will give you two reusable Keurig Rivo pods! You can pre-package them if you desire and store them easily in the Rivo carousel. Purchasing the tea strainers in larger quantities allows you to prep many pods in advance and have them ready for brewing whenever you need them.
However, If you desire to have fresh coffee grounds each day, you can take the filter halves and aluminum foil and have them ready and lined ahead of time. This early preparation will allow you to grind the beans, place them in the DIY reusable pod, and brew with fresh ingredients. It’s both easy and fresh!
Alternatives
If the DIY route isn’t for you, but you want a reusable pod, it may be time to upgrade your system. There are many espresso machines on the market, many of which are very user-friendly and don’t require pods of any kind.
DeLonghi EC155 15 Bar Espresso and Cappuccino Machine
This coffee maker is a very highly rated option and one of Roasty Coffee’s favorite machines. With the DeLonghi, you don’t have to worry about single-use or reusable pods because it has an espresso holder that keeps the grounds inside. The holder is stainless steel and can be rinsed and reused as many times as needed, allowing for many years of use.
Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Maker
Customers like this machine for its simplicity of use, as well as the attached milk frother. The brand name doesn’t hurt either, as it has been on a long line of coffee makers throughout the years. This coffee maker is one of the best options for beginners, so if the standard functions of the Keurig Rivo suited you well, the Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Maker might fulfill the same need.
Gaggia RI9380/46 Classic Pro Espresso Machine
Although this machine is on the higher end of both the price and functionality scales, many coffee lovers appreciate its consistent quality and high-end materials. Gaggia is a brand that is well known in Europe and is similar to the Mr. Coffee of America. Families have had Gaggia makers in their homes for generations, and the brand has made a name for itself. Therefore, many feel an attachment to the brand and machine. This feeling has spread overseas, and many Americans have hopped on board the Gaggia train.
The espresso makers on the market require different experience levels to use them. However, there are plenty available for those who consider themselves beginners. If having a reusable coffee pod option is essential to you, coffee makers are available that accommodate that desire.
Conclusion
The Keurig Rivo is still used by many today, even after being discontinued several years ago. With its simple structure and ease of use, many are just not ready to let it go by upgrading to a newer model.
Using the Rivo is feasible since you can still buy the specialized espresso pods for the machine online. But what about using a Keurig Rivo reusable pod? Unfortunately, purchasing a reusable pod is not an option for the Keurig Rivo. However, a DIY version is possible with a few simple household materials.
If you aren’t one for DIY projects, there are coffee brewer upgrades available that will serve you as well as the Rivo does currently. For those who want the convenience of the Keurig Rivo with reusable pods instead of single-use ones, many espresso machines fit the need. It is only a matter of finding one that best fits your experience level and needs.
Happy Caffeinating!
