The Decaf Dilemma:
DeLonghi Rivelia vs KitchenAid KF7
For years, the "holy grail" of super-automatic machines has been finding one that handles both regular and decaf beans without driving you crazy. Most people resign themselves to the "fiddly bypass chute" (dumping pre-ground coffee down a hole). But there is a better way. We compare two modern machines around the $1,700 mark that specifically address this pain point.
DeLonghi Rivelia
Innovative Bean Switch System allows for instant hop-swapping. Compact and colorful.
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KitchenAid KF7
American industrial design with a massive screen and whisper-quiet operation.
DeLonghi Rivelia is Best For:
- Decaf Switchers: The specialized "Bean Switch System" is the best in the class, allowing you to swap hoppers in seconds without waste.
- Space Savers: It has a significantly smaller footprint, ideal for tighter city apartments.
- Iced Coffee Fans: DeLonghi's "TrueBrew Over Ice" recipes are industry-leading for cold extraction.
KitchenAid KF7 is Best For:
- Tech Lovers: The massive 5-inch color touchscreen is responsive and beautiful.
- Alternative Milk Drinkers: Features a dedicated "Plant-Based Milk Mode" for optimized almond/oat milk frothing.
- Noise Sensitive Households: One of the quietest grinders on the market (Whisper-Quiet certified).
The Decaf Solution: Hoppers vs. Bypass Chutes
Many buyers assume the only way to drink decaf on an automatic machine is to use the "Bypass Chute"—a small door on top where you scoop one dose of pre-ground coffee. It works, but it's messy, the coffee is often stale (because it's pre-ground), and if you miss the hole, you make a mess inside the brew unit.
Both of these machines offer a superior solution: Swappable Hoppers.
DeLonghi Rivelia: This machine was built around this concept. It typically comes with two interchangeable hoppers in the box. You twist one off, twist the other on, and the machine's "Bean Adapt" display guides you through purging the few beans left in the grinder. It is seamless and encourages you to explore different beans.
KitchenAid KF7: Also features a removable hopper that can be purged. While it handles the task well, the Rivelia feels slightly more purpose-built for the daily "morning CAF, evening DECAF" ritual due to its compact hoppers and UI guidance.
The Spec Sheet Comparison
| Feature | DeLonghi Rivelia | KitchenAid KF7 |
|---|---|---|
| Grinder | Steel Conical. Optimized for Bean Adapt tech to adjust grind based on bean type. | Steel Conical. Advertised as "Whisper-Quiet", putting it among the quietest in class. |
| Brew Group | Removable. Easy to rinse and maintain hygiene. | Removable. Similar design, user-serviceable. |
| Heating System | Thermoblock. Fast heat up for espresso and steam. | Thermoblock. Dual temperature sensors for stability. |
| Pump Pressure | 19 Bar. High pressure (typical DeLonghi spec). | 15 Bar. Standard espresso pressure (optimal for extraction). |
| Water Tank | Around 47 oz (1.4L). Side/Rear access. Slightly smaller due to compact frame. | ~74 oz (2.2L). Significantly larger capacity, less refilling. |
| Bean Hopper | ~250g (x2 Hoppers). Two Included. | ~340g (12 oz). Large removable hopper. |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 9.6" x 16.9" x 15". Very slim and compact. | 10.3" x 14.6" x 15". Lower height, but wider and heavier. |
| Display | 3.5" Color Touchscreen. Intuitive "swipe" interface. | 5.0" Color Touchscreen. Massive, tablet-like interface. |
| Milk System | LatteCrema Hot (Carafe). Known for excellent foam density. | Auto Tube. Uses a tube that drops into your own container or provided jug. |
| Drink Recipes | 16 Options. Includes cold/iced variants. | 20+ Options. Includes Plant-Based optimizations. |
| Special Feature | Bean Stitch System. Swap beans instantly. | Plant-Based Mode. Dedicated settings for Oat/Almond/Soy. |
Cold Drinks & Touchscreens
Cold Coffee
DeLonghi is widely considered the leader in "Iced" coffee from an automatic machine. Their brewing logic pulses the pump and lowers the temperature slightly to ensure the coffee is strong but not burnt when poured over ice. If you live for cold drinks, the Rivelia (and its siblings like the Dinamica Plus) are top-tier.
KitchenAid pulls a solid shot for iced lattes, but its focus is more on the milk texture (specifically plant-based milks) rather than the specific extraction dynamics of iced coffee.
Touchscreen Experience
The KitchenAid KF7 wins here comfortably. A 5-inch screen on a coffee machine feels luxurious. It's easy to read in early morning grogginess and the UI is snappy. The Rivelia's 3.5-inch screen is excellent and features cool animations ("Bean Adapt" graphics), but it is physically smaller.
Real User Sentiment
DeLonghi Rivelia
The Good
- The Hoppers: Users confirm the switching system actually works and isn't just a gimmick.
- The Look: The new design language (matte colors, rounded edges) looks far more modern than older DeLonghis.
- Hygiene: Easy to access everything for cleaning.
The Bad
- Water Tank Size: It's small. Heavy drinkers refill it often.
- Grinder Chute: Like many DeLonghis, very oily beans can bridge/clog the chute.
KitchenAid KF7
The Good
- Silence: Owners are consistently shocked by how quiet it is.
- Build Quality: It feels like a tank (typical KitchenAid).
- Vegan Friendly: The different temperature profiles for oat/almond milk are a game changer for non-dairy households.
The Bad
- Drip Tray: Can fill up quickly due to frequent purging (hygiene cycle).
- Size: It's a chunky machine that commands presence.
Final Recommendations
Buy the DeLonghi Rivelia if: Your #1 frustration is switching beans. The Rivelia solves the "Decaf vs Regular" battle better than any other machine in this price class. It's also the better pick if you have limited counter space (it's very narrow) and if you prioritize cold coffee extraction quality.
Buy the KitchenAid KF7 if: You want a showpiece with a massive screen. It is quieter, feels more substantial, and if you drink oat or almond milk, its dedicated "Plant-Based" mode is a genuine innovation that produces better foam than standard settings.