DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew Review

As a self-proclaimed coffee aficionado, I’ve tried my fair share of espresso machines, each promising something unique. But when I came across the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew, I was intrigued. A machine that claimed to effortlessly handle both hot and cold brews? That was something I had to see for myself. After a few weeks of hands-on experience, here’s what I’ve learned and why this machine might be the answer for those who crave versatility and quality in their coffee routine.

First Impressions: Sleek and Modern Design

The first thing that struck me about the Eletta Explore was its modern, polished design. Its matte finish and sleek curves give it a premium feel that’s hard to ignore. It didn’t take long for it to earn a prime spot on my kitchen counter. Measuring 15.3 x 10.25 x 17.5 inches, it fits well in smaller spaces, which is a big plus for those of us with limited counter real estate.

The 3.5-inch color touchscreen is intuitive and responsive. Whether you’re selecting your beverage or exploring customization options, the interface makes the process seamless. For someone like me, who’s often groggy in the morning, having such an easy-to-use control panel was a game changer.

The Key Features That Make the Eletta Explore Stand Out

Versatility for Hot and Cold Coffee Lovers

One of the main reasons I decided to try this machine was its dual functionality for hot and cold drinks. Let’s face it—sometimes you want a warm, comforting latte, and other times, an iced coffee feels like the perfect pick-me-up. The Cold Extraction Technology in the Eletta Explore is a standout feature. It delivers cold brew in under three minutes, which is astonishing compared to the usual 12–24 hours it takes to make traditional cold brew.

And the best part? The cold brew wasn’t just quick—it tasted smooth and robust, with none of the bitterness you might expect from a faster process.

LatteCrema Systems: Hot and Cold Perfection

The dual LatteCrema systems—one for hot foam and another for cold—are a real highlight. I found the cold foam particularly impressive. It’s thick and creamy, adding a delightful texture to iced lattes and cappuccinos. For hot drinks, the foam was consistently velvety, which elevated my cappuccinos to café-quality levels.

Whether it was a morning flat white or an afternoon cold brew, the Eletta Explore delivered consistently, and I quickly began to experiment with all kinds of beverages.

Customization Options for Every Coffee Personality

Brewing the Perfect Espresso

As someone who takes their espresso seriously, I was happy to see that the Eletta Explore didn’t skimp on espresso quality. The 19-bar pressure pump ensures a rich crema and deep flavor with every shot. You can also adjust the grind settings, thanks to the built-in grinder with 13 levels of customization. I personally prefer a finer grind for espresso, and dialing in the right setting was straightforward.

Tailored Coffee for the Whole Family

One of the features I came to appreciate was the ability to create and save up to four user profiles. In my household, everyone has their own coffee preferences. My partner loves a strong Americano, while I’m partial to flat whites with just the right amount of foam. With these profiles, we didn’t have to tweak settings every time we made a cup—it was all saved and ready to go.

Day-to-Day Use: Convenience That Fits My Routine

Using the Eletta Explore quickly became second nature. Its streamlined design and user-friendly features made it feel less like a complex appliance and more like an essential part of my kitchen. The Travel Mug Mode was another surprising feature I found myself using regularly. On busy mornings, being able to brew directly into my travel mug saved time and kept me fueled for the day ahead.

The Coffee Link App also deserves a mention. While I’m not usually one to rely heavily on apps for appliances, this one was intuitive and offered deeper customization. From adjusting temperature to creating new recipes, it made me feel like a barista in my own home.

Maintenance Made Simple

Cleaning the Milk Systems

One thing that’s often overlooked in espresso machines is how easy they are to clean, especially when it comes to milk frothers. With the Eletta Explore, cleaning the dual LatteCrema systems was practically effortless. It has an automatic cleaning feature, so I didn’t have to worry about milk residue causing issues over time.

Descaling and Regular Maintenance

The machine also comes with a built-in descaling program, which alerts you when it’s time to descale. Following the step-by-step instructions was simple, and the Coffee Link App provided helpful reminders to keep the machine running smoothly.

Who Is the DeLonghi Eletta Explore For?

This machine isn’t for everyone. If you’re someone who drinks the occasional black coffee or has no interest in cold brew, the Eletta Explore might be more machine than you need. However, if you’re like me and love exploring a variety of coffee styles—from espressos to iced lattes—this machine is worth considering.

A Versatile Option for Busy Households

The ability to create multiple user profiles and its consistent performance make it an excellent choice for households where coffee preferences vary. It’s also great for entertaining. I’ve had friends over who were impressed by the cold foam cappuccinos I served—something I never thought I’d be able to make at home.

Drawbacks to Consider

While the Eletta Explore excels in many areas, it’s not without a few downsides. The built-in grinder, while effective, is a bit noisy. It’s not a dealbreaker, but if you’re an early riser and don’t want to wake the whole house, this could be a minor inconvenience.

The price is another factor. This is a premium machine, and its cost reflects that. However, considering the dual functionality and range of features, I believe the value is there for those who are serious about their coffee.

Why I Chose the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Over Others

In my search for the perfect machine, I considered other models like the Jura E8 and Breville Oracle Touch. While these machines are excellent in their own right, none offered the combination of hot and cold beverage capabilities that the Eletta Explore does. The focus on cold brew and the inclusion of two specialized LatteCrema systems were ultimately what sold me.

Product Review Conclusion

The DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew has exceeded my expectations in many ways. It’s versatile, easy to use, and delivers consistently excellent coffee. Whether I’m craving a warm, frothy cappuccino on a chilly morning or a smooth iced latte on a hot afternoon, this machine has become my go-to.

While it’s not the cheapest option on the market, the quality and functionality it provides make it a worthwhile investment for coffee enthusiasts who want a machine that can truly do it all. For me, the Eletta Explore isn’t just a coffee maker—it’s a tool that’s elevated my coffee routine to new heights.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew

Q: Can the DeLonghi Eletta Explore make cold brew coffee?

A: Yes, the Eletta Explore features a unique Cold Extraction Technology that allows it to prepare cold brew coffee in under three minutes. Unlike traditional methods that take hours, this machine delivers smooth and flavorful cold brew on demand.

Q: How does the dual LatteCrema system work?

A: The Eletta Explore comes with two separate LatteCrema systems—one for hot milk foam and another for cold foam. Each system is optimized for its respective temperature, ensuring perfect texture and consistency in both hot and cold milk-based beverages.

Q: Is it possible to customize the coffee settings?

A: Absolutely! The Eletta Explore offers extensive customization options. You can adjust the coffee strength, temperature, and milk foam levels. Additionally, the machine supports up to four user profiles, allowing each person in your household to save their personalized settings.

Q: Is the DeLonghi Eletta Explore easy to clean?

A: Yes, the machine includes several automatic cleaning functions. The LatteCrema systems have built-in cleaning cycles that rinse the milk frothers after use. The drip tray, water tank, and other removable components are easy to clean as well. The Coffee Link App also provides maintenance reminders.

Q: Does the Eletta Explore grind coffee beans, or do I need pre-ground coffee?

A: The Eletta Explore has a built-in grinder with 13 adjustable settings, allowing you to grind coffee beans to your preferred coarseness. It also has an option for using pre-ground coffee if you prefer.

Q: What types of drinks can the Eletta Explore make?

A: The machine can prepare over 40 pre-programmed drinks, including espressos, cappuccinos, lattes, Americanos, flat whites, and cold brew options. It’s highly versatile and suitable for a wide variety of coffee preferences.

Q: Can I use the machine with non-dairy milk?

A: Yes, the Eletta Explore works well with non-dairy milk like almond, soy, oat, and coconut. However, the texture and foam quality may vary depending on the milk’s fat and protein content.

Q: Is the DeLonghi Eletta Explore compatible with travel mugs?

A: Yes, the machine has a Travel Mug Mode that allows you to brew directly into a travel mug. This feature is especially convenient for those on the go.

Q: How noisy is the Eletta Explore?

A: While the machine operates relatively quietly during brewing, the grinder can be a bit noisy. This is typical for most espresso machines with built-in grinders.

Q: How often does the machine require descaling?

A: The frequency of descaling depends on your water hardness and usage. The Eletta Explore has a built-in descaling program that alerts you when it’s time for maintenance. Using the DeLonghi water filter can help reduce the frequency of descaling.

Q: Is the Coffee Link App necessary to operate the machine?

A: No, the app is not mandatory. The machine can function fully using its 3.5-inch touchscreen display. However, the app adds additional customization options and maintenance reminders, which can enhance the overall experience.

Q: How does the Eletta Explore compare to other espresso machines?

A: The Eletta Explore stands out for its dual hot and cold beverage functionality, customizable user profiles, and ease of use. While it comes at a premium price, it offers features that many competitors don’t, making it an excellent choice for those seeking versatility in a single machine.

Q: Is the DeLonghi Eletta Explore worth the investment?

A: If you’re looking for a machine that can handle a wide variety of drinks, including cold brew and specialty coffees, and you value convenience and customization, the Eletta Explore is worth considering. Its high-quality performance justifies its price for serious coffee lovers.