DeLonghi Eletta Explore vs DeLonghi Eletta Explore Cold Brew

De'Longhi Eletta Explore vs. De'Longhi Eletta Explore with Cold Brew: Which One Stands Out?

As someone who has spent years experimenting with home coffee machines, I have become quite picky about what I expect. Recently, I tried two fantastic options from De'Longhi: the Eletta Explore and the Eletta Explore with Cold Brew. Both machines are packed with cutting-edge technology and offer an impressive variety of drinks at the touch of a button. However, after weeks of testing both machines, I found the De'Longhi Eletta Explore with Cold Brew to be the better choice for my daily routine. Let me explain why.

My First Impression of the De'Longhi Eletta Explore

When I first unboxed the Eletta Explore, I was genuinely impressed by its sleek, modern design. The intuitive 3.5-inch TFT touch display made it feel high-tech but not intimidating. It’s not a bulky machine, which is something I appreciate since counter space in my kitchen is limited.

The standard model offers more than 50 drinks, including espresso, cappuccinos, lattes, and iced beverages. One standout feature was the dual LatteCrema system, which delivers hot and cold milk foam. It worked flawlessly for me when I wanted a creamy cappuccino in the morning and an iced latte in the afternoon.

Why the Cold Brew Feature Changes Everything

Now, let’s talk about what sets the De'Longhi Eletta Explore with Cold Brew apart: the Cold Extraction Technology. If you love cold brew coffee, you’ll know it usually requires patience—steeping coffee grounds for up to 12 hours in cold water. But with this machine, I could prepare smooth, flavorful cold brew coffee in just under 3 minutes.

The technology uses optimized water pressure, temperature, and flow rate to achieve the cold brew taste we know and love. It’s not a diluted iced coffee; it genuinely has the rich and smooth flavor profile of traditional cold brew.

This feature quickly became a game-changer for me. Whether it was a sweltering summer afternoon or I just wanted a refreshing, caffeine-packed pick-me-up, I could have cold brew on demand.

De'Longhi Eletta Explore vs. Cold Brew Model – Flexibility in Drinks

One of the biggest advantages of both machines is their versatility. Whether you’re in the mood for a flat white, macchiato, cortado, or something chilled, the Eletta Explore delivers.

However, the addition of the Cold Brew function takes the versatility up a notch. Beyond cold brew coffee, I found myself making other drinks like iced cappuccinos, which also benefited from the cold LatteCrema system. For me, being able to make both hot and cold beverages with minimal effort is a massive win.

User-Friendly Experience for Beginners and Experts

As someone who has used more manual espresso machines in the past, I often found that other people in my household avoided using them because they seemed too complicated. The Eletta Explore changes that.

The machine guides you step-by-step on the touchscreen interface. It lets you choose everything: beverage size, strength, temperature, and milk foam levels. Even my partner—who rarely touches coffee machines—could prepare a perfect latte with just a couple of taps.

Grinding Quality: Fresh Coffee Every Time

One of the standout components of both models is the built-in conical burr grinder. If you’re serious about coffee, you know how important grind consistency is to the quality of your espresso or brew.

The Eletta Explore grinder has 13 adjustable settings, which means you can find the ideal grind size for any type of coffee bean. For me, this was excellent because I like experimenting with different single-origin beans. Whether I was making an intense espresso or a lighter cold brew, the grinder consistently delivered freshly ground coffee to suit the drink.

My Favorite Use Cases for the Cold Brew Function

Initially, I wondered if the cold brew function was just a gimmick. However, after using it daily, I can confidently say it’s a standout feature. Here are a few use cases I found particularly beneficial:

1. Morning Cold Brew Kick: Sometimes, a regular hot coffee feels too heavy in the morning, especially during warmer months. A quick cold brew is smooth and refreshing.
2. Afternoon Iced Cappuccino: The cold LatteCrema system delivers velvety milk foam that pairs perfectly with espresso over ice.
3. Cold Brew for Guests: Entertaining friends who are coffee enthusiasts? This feature allows me to prepare cold brew in minutes without pre-planning or waiting overnight.

Maintenance and Cleaning Made Simple

One thing I often dread about coffee machines is cleaning them, but De'Longhi has simplified this process. The removable brewing unit makes it easy to rinse and clean, ensuring the machine stays in top shape.

The milk carafes—both hot and cold—are designed to be disassembled and cleaned without much effort. Plus, the machine offers reminders to descale and perform basic maintenance, which is ideal for keeping everything running smoothly.

Is the Price Justified?

Let’s face it—fully automatic coffee machines with this level of technology don’t come cheap. The De'Longhi Eletta Explore with Cold Brew is definitely an investment. However, considering the convenience, versatility, and consistency it offers, I found it worth the price.

If you buy coffee daily from cafes, the machine can pay for itself in a matter of months. Plus, being able to prepare barista-quality drinks at home is a luxury that’s hard to beat.

Final Thoughts on the De'Longhi Eletta Explore vs. De'Longhi Eletta Explore with Cold Brew

At the end of the day, both machines are excellent choices for anyone who values high-quality coffee with minimal effort. The standard Eletta Explore already stands out with its vast drink options, customizable settings, and dual LatteCrema system.

However, the Cold Brew feature on the Eletta Explore with Cold Brew takes the experience a step further. It’s ideal for those who love cold beverages, enjoy hosting guests, or simply want something refreshing without the long wait.

While the difference in price might make you pause, the added flexibility and speed make it a worthwhile investment for coffee lovers like myself. Whether you’re into classic hot espressos or crave an iced drink on a sunny afternoon, this machine truly delivers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What’s the main difference between the De'Longhi Eletta Explore and the Eletta Explore with Cold Brew?

A: The primary difference is the Cold Brew feature. The Eletta Explore with Cold Brew includes De'Longhi’s Cold Extraction Technology, which allows you to make traditional cold brew coffee in just under 3 minutes, while the standard Eletta Explore doesn't have this feature. Both machines offer hot beverages like espresso, cappuccinos, and lattes, but the Cold Brew model expands the drink variety to include cold brews, iced lattes, and more.

Q: How does the Cold Brew feature work, and does it affect the taste?

A: The Cold Brew feature uses a precise method of water flow, pressure, and temperature to extract cold brew coffee in a fraction of the time compared to traditional brewing methods. The result is a rich, smooth cold brew that retains the signature taste of a slow-steeped brew, without the need for long hours of preparation. It does not dilute the coffee and maintains a full-bodied flavor.

Q: Is the De'Longhi Eletta Explore easy to clean?

A: Yes, both models are designed with ease of cleaning in mind. The removable brewing unit and milk carafes can be taken apart and cleaned without much hassle. The milk carafes are dishwasher safe, and the machine itself provides maintenance reminders, such as descaling alerts, which help keep the machine in great condition with minimal effort on your part.

Q: Can I make cold drinks like iced coffee or iced lattes with the standard De'Longhi Eletta Explore?

A: Yes, you can make iced drinks like iced coffee or iced lattes with the standard Eletta Explore, as it features a cold milk foam setting through the LatteCrema system. However, if you prefer cold brew, the Cold Brew version is much more convenient and offers a richer flavor profile for cold beverages.

Q: How long does it take to make a cold brew with the Cold Brew feature?

A: The Cold Brew feature takes only 3 minutes to brew a full batch, making it much faster than the traditional cold brew method, which typically takes 12 hours of steeping.

Q: Can I adjust the grind size for different coffee beans?

A: Yes, the De'Longhi Eletta Explore and Eletta Explore with Cold Brew both feature a built-in conical burr grinder with 13 adjustable grind settings. This allows you to customize the grind size based on the type of coffee bean you're using, from fine for espresso to coarser for brewing cold brew or French press.

Q: Does the Eletta Explore with Cold Brew have a milk frother?

A: Yes, it does! The Eletta Explore with Cold Brew features the dual LatteCrema system, which includes a Hot Milk Frother for beverages like lattes and cappuccinos and a Cold Milk Frother for iced drinks like iced lattes and iced cappuccinos. Both systems produce smooth, velvety foam.

Q: How much space does the Eletta Explore take up on the counter?

A: The Eletta Explore is designed to be compact, so it doesn’t take up too much counter space despite its many features. It measures approximately 11.5 inches in height, 9.5 inches in width, and 18 inches in depth, which should fit comfortably on most kitchen counters.

Q: Is the Eletta Explore with Cold Brew worth the price difference compared to the standard Eletta Explore?

A: If you love cold brew coffee or enjoy having a variety of cold beverages at home, the Cold Brew model is definitely worth the extra investment. The Cold Brew feature adds great value by providing fast and convenient cold brew preparation, which you can’t achieve with the standard model. If cold beverages aren’t a priority for you, then the regular Eletta Explore will likely meet your needs.