Frequently Asked Questions

"Rivo" is the shortened form of "rivoluzionario" – Italian for revolutionary. This was considered the perfect descriptor for the first Keurig® brewer to bring the world of espresso into American homes.

The brewer is a joint effort of both companies. Keurig is the sole distributor of the Rivo® System.

The Rivo® System uses a unique high pressure espresso-brewing process and therefore requires use of the Rivo® packs. Other Keurig® System packs (K-Cup® and Vue® packs) cannot be used with this brewer.

No, due to the necessity of high pressure brewing inherent in espresso systems, the portion packs have been specifically engineered to complement the system.

The Rivo® System is unique, because it allows one to craft an espresso or espresso beverage exactly to one's tastes, while adhering to these 3 principles:

• Authenticity – The Rivo® System bases all its beverages on the finely ground coffee blend perfected by Italy's coffee roaster, Lavazza. Each blend has been carefully pre-selected and tested to match the American taste profile. The chosen 4 blends offer the consumer an assortment - wide enough to showcase a range of tastes without becoming overwhelming by offering too much choice.
• Freshness – Espresso beverages taste best when using fresh milk. The Rivo® System froths one's milk differently depending on one’s desired beverage.
• Simplicity– Too many espresso makers never see the light of day, because they are too complicated. The Rivo® System marries Keurig simplicity with Italian taste to bring espresso and espresso beverages to the American consumer – all at the touch of a button.

The two systems use entirely different coffee blends and beverage extraction processes to produce two distinct taste profiles. The Rivo® System uses a high pressure brew process specific to espressos; the Vue® System utilizes one specific to coffee.

The Keurig® Vue® System was designed for coffee lovers seeking the ability to customize their cup and who might occasionally be interested in an alternative beverage. The Keurig® Rivo® System is perfect for the espresso consumer desiring the complex, condensed notes found only in Italian espresso and who are looking forward to simply and easily making espresso beverages. The Vue® System makes café style cappuccinos; whereas the Rivo® System makes authentic espresso-based beverages.

Approximately 1 minute after pushing the Power button, the lights on the Control Panel light up and a beep is heard. When the lights start flashing, the brewer is ready.

No, the Rivo® System utilizes an entirely different brewing mechanism to achieve the high pressure required to brew an espresso. The steady hum during the brewing process is normal and on-par with other espresso brewers.

Since both the brewing and frothing processes utilize the same internal mechanism, only one process can be performed at a time. This was done to avoid having two mechanisms, which would have led to a much larger brewer. For each espresso beverage, we recommend brewing first, then frothing, and finally combining.

No, it is not possible to steam the milk without frothing. However, if the goal is to have less froth, then fill the Frothing Pitcher with milk up to the MAX line and push the latte function.

By not inserting a Rivo® pack prior to pushing the espresso button, one can brew just hot water. However, one is limited to the 1.4 or 2.8 oz. options. Prior to a hot water brew, it is recommended that a cleansing brew is performed to eliminate any coffee grounds from being in the water.

The Rivo® System allows one to customize one's cappuccino or latte by selecting any form of fresh milk– skim, whole, soy, rice, almond, etc. The only caveat is that the milk must be cold, since milk is most receptive to frothing when cold. The frothing process of the Rivo® System assumes the milk is always cold and then froths for a specific time based on the beverage button selected. If milk is not cold, then the milk may be overheated or scalded during the frothing process.

This blinking pattern means that the brewer has run out of water. Once the water reservoir is refilled, you can resume your brew by pressing the last selected mode. If this is done within 2 minutes, one can continue to craft one's beverage. Otherwise, press the POWER button again and re-start the process. A new brew will be required (new Rivo® pack).

The Water Reservoir will hold up to 60 oz of water. There is a grooved notch in the back of the reservoir to mark the appropriate fill level.

If one would like to power off the system, please unplug the brewer.

The Rivo® System is engineered with an automatic shut-off mechanism. If un-used for over 2 minutes, the system will automatically power down. This safety feature was incorporated to avoid having someone accidentally push one of the Control Panel buttons.

To re-activate the brewer, simply press the Power button on the side of the brewer. When the lights blink, the brewer is ready to brew or froth.

Please note that pushing the Power button will not shut off the brewer. Also, do NOT lift the brewer handle or remove the pitcher while frothing.

If one needs to stop, please press the button of the current mode (ex. if one is brewing a short espresso, then press the short espresso button again and the brewing will stop). If one would then like to power off the system, please unplug the brewer.

During the brew process, the handle is very difficult to lift, so consumers are unlikely to try to lift the handle. However, if the handle is lifted, the brewing process will NOT stop. The portion pack will be forced into the dump bin. Water may continue to flow into the waste bin until the brewing process is complete.

The Rivo® pack may be stuck for a number of different reasons:

• Full Pack Bin – Please have the consumer check the Pack Bin in case it is full. A full Pack Bin will not allow a further portion pack to be brewed.
• Jamming – On occasion, a Rivo® pack may get stuck in the brew head. If this occurs, the consumer can carefully jiggle the pack with their fingers to release it. It will then fall into the Pack Bin.
• Defective needle – If the pack continually gets stuck (even after troubleshooting), then the brewer may have a defective needle. The brewer should be exchanged.

After placing the lid on the Frothing Pitcher, one will see an arrow directing frontwards. Insert the entire Frothing Pitcher into the right side of the brewer. Please hold the handle when inserting and insert at a straight angle. Once inserted into the frothing station, you may hear a soft click and a beep. The frothing may now begin. If the frothing does not begin, you will hear 3 short beeps. Please check that the Frothing Pitcher is fully inserted and try frothing again.

Yes, you can froth back-to-back. However, each time you should be using a new pitcher of fresh, cold milk (and not re-frothing the already frothed milk). It is also recommended to clean the entire Frothing Pitcher once frothing has been completed.

If the Short Espresso button is pushed, 1.4 oz of liquid will be dispensed. If the Espresso Lungo button is pushed, 2.8 oz of liquid will be dispensed.

The Beverage Platform is ideal for making espressos. This will raise the espresso cup closer to the brewer spout to reduce splattering. The Beverage Platform is 3.5 inches from the brewer spout. It is possible to place a cup with frothed milk on the platform. However, our recommendation is to brew the espresso first, then froth the milk, and lastly combine. Please note that the max weight limit is 500 grams for the platform.

If one places less milk in the Frothing Pitcher, then there is the risk of scalding and overflowing the milk. If this occurs, the system should be thoroughly cleaned before trying again. If one places more milk in the Frothing Pitcher than the MAX line, then one may not achieve the desired amount of froth.

It is a matter of taste. However, we recommend adding either to the espresso or the final beverage. Adding the sweetener to the milk prior to frothing may make the Frothing Pitcher more difficult to clean and affect the level of froth. As a result, we do not recommend adding a sweetener to the milk prior to frothing.

An espresso will be approximately 167 -176 degrees Fahrenheit (75-80 degrees Celsius) which is slightly lower than an average coffee at 194-203 degrees Fahrenheit (90-95 degrees Celsius). Heated milk will range between 149 -158 degrees Fahrenheit (65-70 degrees Celsius), depending on how much milk was placed in the Frothing Pitcher. The temperature of the Rivo® System is not adjustable.

Bars are used to measure pressure in high pressure devices. The Rivo® System uses up to 15 bars during the brew cycle, following the Italian standard for brewing espresso.

PSI (pounds per square inch) refers to a different way of measuring pressure. 14.7 PSI equal 1 bar, the term used to measure high pressure systems. Espresso makers are usually measured in bars versus PSI.

The frothing time depends on the type of beverage. Here is the approximate time for the individual actions:

• Cappuccino froth - 70 seconds
• Latte froth - 85 seconds
• Ice Latte froth – 90 seconds
• Short Espresso – 20 seconds
• Espresso Lungo – 40 seconds

Use either the Latte froth setting for 6 oz of warmed milk or the Cappuccino froth setting for 4.5 oz. We recommend adding the syrup, powder, or sugar to the milk AFTER frothing to allow for easier clean-up of the Frothing Pitcher.

It is not recommended that one use vinegar to clean the Rivo® System. Instead, please use a a citrus based decalcifying solution, such as Durgol. The outside of the brewer can be cleaned with a warm damp cloth.

Unlike the other Keurig® systems, the Rivo® System has no internal water tank. As a result, only the external water reservoir needs to be emptied prior to storing.

Gently stretch the spring, so that it is placed again on the external track of the Frothing Whisk. If the spring is lost, it may be replaced as part of the Frothing Pitcher.

Please take apart the entire Frothing Pitcher and clean with warm water. Please be sure to run water through the Steaming Wand. Dry thoroughly before using again. Note: Make sure that the rubber round piece on the Frothing Whisk is facing towards the Frothing Pitcher lid.

Thoroughly clean the Frothing Pitcher with warm, soapy water and then dry completely before trying again.

Yes, a few droplets may continue to drip after the brew is completed. This will collect in the Drip Tray.

Place your fingers in the center groove on the Drip Tray and pull back. Both the Drip Tray and the Pack Bin will glide out. Both items are top rack dishwasher safe. When re-inserting, seat the Pack Bin into the Drip Tray first and then slide everything slowly back until a click is heard.

Yes, the Drip Tray captures the excess liquid from the brewing process. It should be emptied after approximately every 8 brews. As a reminder, the small red tower in the Drip Tray will become elevated.

The serial number is located on the side of the water reservoir (visible when the water reservoir is removed) and the bottom of the gift box. This code should not be removed, since the warranty will otherwise be void. The format is: 500.5400.0000000; product code R500.

The brewer measurements are 10 ¾ inches (Width) x 11 7/8 inches (Height) x 11 inches (Depth).

The height from the top of the drip tray to the bottom of the dispensing area is 6 ¼ inches.

The MIN line holds up to 4.5 oz of liquid and is 1.5 inches (37 mm) from the bottom; whereas the MAX line holds up to 6.0 oz of liquid and is 1.8 inches (46 mm) from the bottom.

The Rivo® Pack Bin holds up to 12 used Rivo® packs. One will become aware of the need to empty the bin when the Brew Handle becomes slightly harder to push down. One should avoid putting any excess pressure on the Brew Handle, since this will crush the packs and potentially jam the brewer. The Drip Tray will typically become full with liquid before 12 packs are in the bin. It is a good practice to empty the liquid from the Drip Tray and then empty the Pack Bin as well.

The main mechanism behind the Rivo® System is comprised of the same high quality materials as other Keurig® brewers (ABS or Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene). Even the Water Reservoir is made out of a similar plastic (Polystyrene), to that used with the other brewers in the Keurig® portfolio.

Yes, all the components are 100% BPA free.

The Rivo® System is UL certified for household use in the U.S. and Canada.

Customer Care will have the following replacement parts: Water Reservoir, Water Reservoir lid, and all parts pertaining to the Frothing Pitcher.

The Rivo® System will be in black with hints of silver finish to fit in today's contemporary kitchens. There are no current plans to extend beyond this option.

No, the current water filter does not fit. Therefore, we recommend using filtered water.