DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew Review

As a coffee lover who enjoys experimenting with different brews, I’ve had the opportunity to use the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew for the past several weeks. I’ve always been on the lookout for a versatile machine that can cater to both my love of hot espresso drinks in the morning and refreshing cold brews in the afternoon. While it’s not perfect, the Eletta Explore has a lot to offer, especially if you’re someone who enjoys a wide variety of coffee styles at the touch of a button.

Unboxing and First Impressions

Straight out of the box, the DeLonghi Eletta Explore feels premium. Its modern design, matte finish, and compact build make it a standout addition to any kitchen. At first, I was concerned about how complex it might be to operate, given the extensive list of features, but DeLonghi has done a fantastic job with the 3.5-inch touchscreen interface.

The setup process was simple and straightforward. I appreciated that the machine came with clear instructions and everything I needed to get started right away. Along with the machine, you’ll find two separate milk carafes (one for hot frothing and one for cold), an ice tray for perfect cold brews, and even a travel mug for on-the-go convenience.

Everyday Use and Coffee Quality

After a few days of getting familiar with the Eletta Explore, I found that it shines in its versatility. The machine categorizes drinks into hot, cold, and to-go options, allowing you to prepare your favorite coffee with minimal effort.

For hot beverages, the Eletta Explore delivers fantastic espresso with a thick, rich crema. I also tested cappuccinos and flat whites using the LatteCrema Hot System, and I was pleasantly surprised by the consistency of the froth. The milk is steamed perfectly to the desired texture, whether you prefer thick foam or something silkier.

The cold brew feature is what truly sets this machine apart. If you’re a fan of iced coffee or cold lattes, the DeLonghi Eletta Explore makes it incredibly simple to prepare a refreshing cold drink in just minutes. Unlike traditional cold brew, which takes hours, the machine’s cold extraction technology delivers smooth, low-acid coffee on demand. I especially enjoyed experimenting with iced cappuccinos using the LatteCrema Cool System, which produces creamy cold milk foam.

Customization and Profiles

One of my favorite features of the Eletta Explore is the level of customization it offers. I’m someone who likes to tweak every aspect of my coffee, from strength to size and milk froth level, and this machine allows you to do just that.

Here’s a quick overview of what you can adjust:

• Coffee Strength: From mild to strong, the settings adapt the coffee to your taste.
• Grind Size: The stainless steel burr grinder has 13 settings for precision grinding.
• Milk Froth: Adjust the milk texture for hot and cold drinks.
• Temperature: Choose how hot or cold you want your beverage to be.

The machine also allows you to save up to four user profiles. This is incredibly helpful in a household with multiple coffee drinkers, as everyone can save their preferred settings. For me, I loved having my strong morning espresso pre-programmed, while my partner’s preference for a mild latte could also be saved.

Maintenance and Daily Cleaning

One of the things I always look for in an espresso machine is how easy it is to clean and maintain. Fortunately, the Eletta Explore makes this process fairly seamless.

• Automatic Rinsing: The machine rinses itself after each use to prevent residue buildup.
• Removable Parts: The milk carafes, drip tray, and brew group are all detachable for easy cleaning.
• Descaling Alerts: The touchscreen will notify you when it’s time to descale, which helps prolong the machine’s life.

I also found it helpful that the milk carafes could be disassembled quickly for a thorough rinse, ensuring there’s no leftover milk residue.

Who Is the DeLonghi Eletta Explore For?

The DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine is ideal for anyone who values variety and convenience. If you’re someone who enjoys different coffee drinks throughout the day—like hot espressos, creamy lattes, or refreshing cold brews—this machine is a solid choice.

I personally found it most useful for:

• Busy mornings: The touchscreen makes it easy to brew a quality espresso in under a minute.
• Afternoon pick-me-ups: The cold brew feature was a game-changer for making iced coffee quickly.
• Entertaining guests: With the wide variety of drinks it can produce, there’s something for everyone.

That being said, it’s not a perfect machine. While it delivers excellent results, the Eletta Explore comes at a higher price point, which might not suit every budget. Additionally, if you’re someone who prefers to have complete manual control over your brewing process, you might find the automation a bit limiting.

Comparing the Eletta Explore to Similar Machines

If you’re in the market for a super-automatic espresso machine, you might be considering options like the Jura E8 or the Breville Oracle Touch. Both are strong competitors but lack some of the unique features of the Eletta Explore.

• Jura E8: Delivers excellent hot coffee and espresso but lacks cold brew capabilities.
• Breville Oracle Touch: Offers a more hands-on experience with barista-level control but is bulkier and more expensive.

In comparison, the DeLonghi Eletta Explore strikes a balance between convenience, innovation, and versatility. Its ability to brew both hot and cold drinks makes it a standout option in the super-automatic category.

Real-Life Scenarios Where the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Shines

The DeLonghi Eletta Explore is particularly useful if you want to enjoy coffee shop-style drinks without leaving your home. It’s great for those mornings when I am running late but still want a quality cup of coffee. The quick and easy customization means I can always make my drink just how I like it without needing to wait in line at a cafe.

The cold brew and cold foam functions were also surprisingly useful during gatherings. Recently, I had a small get-together with friends, and it was a huge hit being able to serve both hot cappuccinos and iced lattes without needing multiple machines or going through complex processes. Friends were particularly intrigued by the cold milk froth, and I have to say, it made for some pretty Instagram-worthy coffee moments.

Does It Replace a Barista?

One question I get asked a lot is whether this machine can fully replace a barista—and while the answer is nuanced, I’d say it gets pretty close for home use. The espresso shots are consistent and flavorful, the milk frothing system is good, and the cold brew is quick, even if it’s not quite the same as a 24-hour steeped brew.

It won’t replace the craftsmanship of a trained barista, especially if you love the experience of manual pour-overs or hand-pulled shots. However, for daily use, especially when convenience and speed are important, it’s a reliable companion.

Final Thoughts on the DeLonghi Eletta Explore

After weeks of testing the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew, I can confidently say that it delivers on its promise of versatility and convenience. The ability to make hot, cold, and to-go drinks at the touch of a button has simplified my coffee routine and elevated the quality of my daily brew.

While the price might deter some buyers, I believe the value it offers—especially for those who appreciate variety and ease of use—makes it a worthwhile investment.

If you’re someone who loves a perfect espresso in the morning, a creamy cappuccino mid-day, and an iced coffee on a hot afternoon, the Eletta Explore is definitely worth considering. It’s not without its minor drawbacks, but overall, it’s a machine that delivers excellent coffee with minimal effort.

Would I recommend it? Yes, especially for households that crave variety and want a reliable, easy-to-use espresso machine with innovative features.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How long does the DeLonghi Eletta Explore take to make cold brew coffee?
A: The DeLonghi Eletta Explore can prepare cold brew coffee in just a few minutes, unlike traditional cold brew methods that take hours. It uses a unique cold extraction process that delivers smooth, refreshing coffee quickly.

Q: Is the machine easy to clean?
A: Yes, the Eletta Explore is designed with convenience in mind. It features automatic rinsing cycles, removable parts (like the milk carafes, brew group, and drip tray), and descaling alerts to ensure easy maintenance.

Q: Can the DeLonghi Eletta Explore grind coffee beans?
A: Absolutely. The machine comes with a stainless steel conical burr grinder that offers 13 grind settings, allowing you to tailor the grind size to your coffee preference.

Q: Does the machine allow for drink customization?
A: Yes, the Eletta Explore offers a high level of customization. You can adjust coffee strength, milk froth levels, drink size, and temperature. It also lets you save up to four user profiles for quick access to personalized settings.

Q: What makes the DeLonghi Eletta Explore unique compared to other espresso machines?
A: Its standout feature is the ability to make cold brew coffee and cold milk foam in addition to hot beverages. This makes it ideal for those who enjoy both hot and cold drinks. The dual LatteCrema systems (hot and cool) further enhance its versatility.

Q: Can I use pre-ground coffee with the Eletta Explore?
A: Yes, the machine has a bypass doser that allows you to use pre-ground coffee if you prefer, giving you more flexibility.

Q: Is the DeLonghi Eletta Explore noisy?
A: While the grinder does produce some noise during operation, it is comparable to other super-automatic espresso machines and not overly disruptive.

Q: Does the Eletta Explore work with plant-based milk?
A: Yes, the machine works well with plant-based milk like almond, oat, and soy. The results for milk frothing may vary slightly depending on the type and brand of milk.

Q: How many drinks can the machine make?
A: The Eletta Explore offers over 40 preset drink options, including espressos, cappuccinos, flat whites, lattes, and cold brew drinks. When paired with the Coffee Link app, you gain access to even more recipes.

Q: Does the machine come with a warranty?
A: Yes, DeLonghi typically offers a 2-year warranty on its espresso machines. It’s always best to check the details with the retailer or manufacturer upon purchase.