DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew Review

The allure of a perfect cup of coffee is something that has captivated me for years. Whether it’s the velvety foam of a cappuccino, the robust flavor of a well-pulled espresso shot, or the crisp refreshment of a cold brew, each beverage tells its own story. When I came across the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew, I was intrigued by its promise of versatility and quality. After spending weeks experimenting with its features, I can confidently share my honest thoughts about its performance and value.

First Impressions: A Machine Designed to Impress

Unboxing the DeLonghi Eletta Explore felt like a ceremony. The clean, modern lines of the machine give it a premium aesthetic that immediately elevates any kitchen space. The touchscreen interface, at first glance, seemed almost futuristic, but its simplicity reassured me that it wasn’t all style and no substance. The addition of accessories like the two milk carafes, an ice cube tray, and a travel mug shows how well thought out this machine is for people with diverse coffee preferences.

What really stood out during my first interaction with the machine was how intuitive the setup was. It guided me step by step through calibration, filling the water tank, and setting up the grinder. Within 15 minutes, I was ready to brew my first cup of coffee.

Exploring the Coffee Options

The Eletta Explore offers a dizzying array of coffee styles, catering to every mood and occasion.

• Espressos and Cappuccinos: One touch is all it takes to whip up a rich, creamy cappuccino or a perfectly extracted shot of espresso. I was especially impressed by how the machine consistently produced a thick crema on the espresso—something I’ve struggled to achieve with other machines.

• Latte Creations: With the dual LatteCrema systems, making a silky latte or even a macchiato became a breeze. I appreciated having separate systems for hot and cold milk frothing, as this meant no residual heat affected the cold beverages.

• Cold Brew and Iced Drinks: The cold brew function is a game-changer. It’s not often that you find a coffee machine capable of preparing a smooth, low-acidity cold brew in under five minutes. Add ice, and you’ve got a drink perfect for summer afternoons or post-workout refreshment.

The Learning Curve: Easy, Even for Beginners

I’ve used various espresso machines over the years, and the DeLonghi Eletta Explore ranks among the easiest to get started with. The touchscreen interface deserves much of the credit. For example, if I wanted to make a cappuccino, I simply tapped the drink on the screen, and the machine took care of the rest.

For those who like to tweak their coffee, the grinder settings (13 in total) allow for precise customization. I found myself playing with these settings to perfect my espresso shot. By the end of the week, I had dialed in the grind size that worked best with my favorite beans.

Cold Brew: A Surprising Highlight

I wasn’t expecting the cold brew functionality to be a standout feature, but it genuinely impressed me. Traditionally, cold brew takes hours of steeping, but the Eletta Explore condensed that into minutes. The process is as simple as adding ice cubes and letting the machine do its magic. The result? A smooth, low-acid beverage that pairs beautifully with milk or a splash of vanilla syrup.

This feature makes it an ideal machine for households with diverse coffee preferences. My partner, who prefers iced lattes, was thrilled to have café-quality cold drinks at home without the long prep time.

Maintenance and Cleaning: A Stress-Free Experience

If there’s one thing that puts me off certain coffee machines, it’s maintenance. Thankfully, the DeLonghi Eletta Explore simplifies this process. The milk frothers have an automatic cleaning cycle, and the machine reminds you when it’s time to descale or empty the drip tray. The removable brew group makes it easy to rinse out any coffee residue, ensuring the machine stays in top condition for years.

How the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Fits Into Daily Life

One of the most impressive aspects of this machine is its versatility. I work from home, so having the ability to switch between a quick espresso shot in the morning, a mid-afternoon latte, and an evening cold brew means I can adapt my coffee routine to suit my schedule.

The to-go function is another feature I didn’t know I needed until I tried it. On days when I’m rushing out the door, the machine allows me to fill my travel mug with a perfectly brewed drink in just a few minutes. It’s these small conveniences that make the Eletta Explore a joy to use.

Comparing the Eletta Explore to Other Machines I’ve Used

Having owned a few other coffee machines over the years, I found it helpful to compare the Eletta Explore to alternatives:

• Semi-Automatic Machines: My previous semi-automatic machine required a lot of manual work. While it gave me full control over the brewing process, it was far less convenient than the one-touch simplicity of the Eletta Explore.

• Single-Serve Machines: Capsule-based machines are great for speed, but they lack the depth of flavor you get from freshly ground beans. Plus, they can’t match the Eletta Explore’s cold brew and milk frothing capabilities.

• High-End Competitors: Machines like the Jura E8 or Philips Saeco Xelsis offer strong competition, but they come with higher price tags and, in some cases, fewer features. The ability to create cold milk froth and cold brew gives the Eletta Explore an edge for those who enjoy iced coffee.

Who Is the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Best For?

I would recommend this machine to:

• Busy Professionals: The one-touch options and to-go function make it a great choice for people with hectic mornings.

• Families or Households with Diverse Tastes: With customizable user profiles and a wide range of drink options, everyone in the family can enjoy their favorite beverages without compromise.

• Cold Brew Fans: If you love iced coffee or cold brew, this machine is worth considering for its unique cold brew capabilities.

• Coffee Enthusiasts Who Value Convenience: While it doesn’t provide the same hands-on control as a manual espresso machine, the Eletta Explore strikes a balance between customization and ease of use.

Product Review Conclusion: DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew

After weeks of using the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew, I can confidently say it’s a versatile and reliable addition to any coffee lover’s kitchen. Its ability to cater to a wide range of preferences—whether you’re in the mood for a hot cappuccino or a refreshing cold brew—makes it a standout option.

While it’s not the cheapest machine on the market, the combination of features, build quality, and convenience justifies the investment for anyone looking to elevate their coffee experience at home. For me, the Eletta Explore has not only saved countless trips to the café but also brought the joy of experimenting with different drinks right to my countertop.

Frequently Asked Questions About the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew

Q: Can the DeLonghi Eletta Explore make cold brew coffee?
A: Yes, the machine is equipped with a cold brew function that allows you to prepare smooth, low-acidity cold brew coffee in just a few minutes. Simply follow the instructions on the touchscreen, which typically involve adding ice cubes to the coffee during brewing.

Q: How many coffee options does the machine offer?
A: The DeLonghi Eletta Explore offers over 40 customizable drink options, including espressos, cappuccinos, lattes, flat whites, macchiatos, cold brew coffee, and iced lattes. You can also adjust settings like strength, volume, and milk texture for each drink.

Q: Is the machine suitable for beginners?
A: Absolutely. The large 3.5-inch touchscreen interface provides clear, step-by-step instructions for each function, making it easy for even novice users to brew café-quality beverages. The machine is intuitive and requires minimal manual effort.

Q: How does the cold milk frothing system work?
A: The machine includes a dedicated cold milk frothing system that operates at around 68°F (20°C). This system creates a silky cold foam that’s ideal for iced lattes, cold cappuccinos, and other chilled beverages.

Q: Can I use pre-ground coffee instead of beans?
A: Yes, the machine has a bypass chute for pre-ground coffee. This is especially convenient if you want to make a quick decaf or use specialty ground coffee without engaging the grinder.

Q: How many user profiles can the machine save?
A: The machine can save up to four customizable user profiles, allowing each household member to program their preferred drink settings for easy access.

Q: What maintenance is required for the machine?
A: Maintenance is straightforward. The machine performs automatic cleaning cycles for the milk frothers after each use, alerts you when descaling is needed, and allows you to remove and rinse the brew group. Regular cleaning of the drip tray and milk carafes is also recommended.

Q: Can I use a travel mug with this machine?
A: Yes, the to-go function is designed for travel mugs up to 16 ounces. You can brew directly into your travel mug for a convenient coffee experience on busy mornings.

Q: Is the grinder adjustable?
A: Yes, the built-in grinder features 13 adjustable settings, giving you control over the grind size to suit your taste preferences and coffee bean type.

Q: Does the machine come with a warranty?
A: Most DeLonghi machines come with a standard one-year warranty, but it’s best to check the specific terms and conditions provided by the retailer or manufacturer when you purchase.

Q: Can I operate the machine remotely?
A: Yes, the DeLonghi Eletta Explore is compatible with the DeLonghi Coffee Link app. You can use the app to customize drinks, save profiles, and even start brewing remotely from your smartphone.

Q: How does the Eletta Explore compare to other coffee machines?
A: The Eletta Explore stands out for its ability to brew both hot and cold beverages, its intuitive touchscreen, and its dual LatteCrema systems for hot and cold milk frothing. It competes well against high-end machines but offers a unique edge with its cold brew and iced coffee capabilities.