DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew Review

As someone who loves coffee, I’ve always felt a pull towards premium machines that offer variety and customization. I stumbled upon the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew, I was intrigued by its promise of brewing both hot and cold drinks with ease. After using it for a few months, I’ve come to appreciate its unique features and the convenience it brings to my coffee routine.  

First Impressions: Is the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Worth the Hype?

Unboxing the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine was a delight. The design immediately stood out with its matte finish and compact build. Despite being packed with features, it doesn’t feel bulky, which is a huge plus for small kitchens like mine. It’s clear that this machine is built for modern homes, balancing aesthetic appeal with functionality.

What surprised me most was the inclusion of thoughtful extras: an insulated travel mug, an ice cube tray, and dual milk carafes for hot and cold foaming. These details suggest that DeLonghi really understands the needs of coffee enthusiasts like me.  

The Brewing Experience: A Game-Changer for Hot and Cold Coffee

I was initially skeptical about the Eletta Explore's cold brew feature. Cold brew typically requires hours to steep, and the idea of getting the same flavor in under three minutes sounded too good to be true. But the Cold Extraction Technology truly delivers. The first time I tried it, I brewed a smooth, flavorful cold brew that rivaled anything I’d ordered at a café. The machine uses precise water flow and pressure to mimic the cold brewing process quickly, which is perfect for when I’m craving an iced coffee on a hot day.

For hot coffee, the Bean Adapt Technology ensures that the grind size and brewing parameters are optimized for the beans I use. As someone who likes experimenting with different coffee origins, this feature has been a game-changer. I’ve noticed a significant improvement in flavor clarity and aroma compared to my previous machine.

LatteCrema Hot and Cold: The Best of Both Worlds

One of the standout features of the Eletta Explore is its LatteCrema system, which handles both hot and cold foam. I’ve used other machines with milk frothers before, but this one feels like a step above. For hot drinks, it produces creamy, velvety foam that elevates my lattes and cappuccinos. On cold days, it’s become my go-to for rich, indulgent coffee.

The cold foam feature, on the other hand, is a revelation. I love iced drinks, and the smooth, chilled foam adds a professional touch to my iced lattes and cappuccinos. I’ve even used it for non-coffee beverages like iced chai lattes, and the results are just as impressive.  

Customization: A Coffee Machine That Adapts to You

What I appreciate most about the DeLonghi Eletta Explore is how customizable it is. The touchscreen interface allows me to adjust nearly every aspect of the brewing process—from strength and temperature to milk texture and drink size. This level of control has made my morning coffee ritual more personal and enjoyable.

The machine also supports multiple user profiles, which is a lifesaver in my household. My partner prefers a milder brew, while I like my coffee strong and bold. With the Eletta Explore, we can save our preferences, so there’s no need to reconfigure the settings every time we make coffee.

Is the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Easy to Maintain?

No one wants a coffee machine that’s a hassle to clean, and luckily, the Eletta Explore makes maintenance simple. The removable brew group is easy to access for cleaning, and the one-touch cleaning feature for the milk carafes is a huge time-saver. The machine also rinses itself automatically before and after brewing, which keeps it running smoothly without much effort on my part.

I do recommend descaling the machine regularly, especially if you use hard water. DeLonghi includes clear instructions for this, and the process is straightforward.

Who Is This Machine For?

After using the Eletta Explore extensively, I’d say it’s perfect for anyone who:

• Enjoys both hot and cold coffee beverages and wants them made perfectly at home.
• Values customization and the ability to experiment with different coffee styles.
• Prefers a machine that’s easy to use but offers advanced features.
• Needs a coffee machine that can handle multiple users’ preferences.

That said, if you’re someone who only drinks basic coffee and doesn’t care about milk-based drinks or cold brews, this machine might be more than you need.

A Few Minor Drawbacks

While I’ve had a mostly positive experience with the Eletta Explore, there are a few small downsides. First, the grinder, while efficient, is a bit noisy. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re sensitive to noise during early mornings.

Second, the machine’s price point is on the higher side. It’s an investment, and while I believe the features justify the cost, it might not fit everyone’s budget.

How the Eletta Explore Compares to Other Machines

I’ve tried a variety of coffee machines over the years, from pod-based systems to manual espresso makers. Compared to those, the Eletta Explore stands out for its versatility. Most machines excel at either hot drinks or cold drinks, but few can do both equally well. The Eletta Explore fills this gap beautifully, making it a great all-in-one solution for coffee lovers.

The Verdict: Is the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Right for You?

The DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew has exceeded my expectations. It’s a well-designed, feature-rich coffee machine that delivers consistently excellent results. Whether I’m in the mood for a strong espresso, a creamy latte, or a refreshing cold brew, this machine handles it all with ease.

While it’s an investment, the combination of advanced features, customization, and convenience makes it a worthwhile choice for anyone serious about coffee. If you’re looking to upgrade your home coffee setup and want a machine that can do it all, the Eletta Explore is definitely worth considering.

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

1. Can the DeLonghi Eletta Explore make both hot and cold coffee drinks?

Yes, the Eletta Explore is designed to brew both hot and cold beverages. It features dual LatteCrema systems, allowing it to create hot, velvety milk foam for lattes and cappuccinos, as well as smooth cold foam for iced drinks. Its Cold Extraction Technology also enables it to brew cold coffee in under three minutes.

2. Is the cold brew function as good as traditional cold brew methods?

While traditional cold brew involves hours of steeping, the Eletta Explore’s Cold Extraction Technology delivers a comparable flavor in just a few minutes. The taste is smooth and refreshing, though it may lack some of the depth that comes with longer steeping times.

3. Can I customize my coffee drinks with this machine?

Absolutely! The machine allows you to adjust drink strength, temperature, milk foam texture, and size. You can also save your preferences to user profiles, making it easy to replicate your favorite drinks.

4. How noisy is the grinder on the Eletta Explore?

The grinder is a stainless steel conical burr grinder with 13 settings. While it’s efficient, it can be a bit noisy compared to some other machines. This is common for high-performance grinders and is a minor trade-off for the quality it delivers.

5. What type of coffee beans should I use with this machine?

You can use any coffee beans with the Eletta Explore, but for optimal results, it’s best to use fresh, high-quality beans. The machine’s Bean Adapt Technology adjusts brewing parameters based on the type of beans you use, enhancing flavor extraction.

6. Is the Eletta Explore easy to clean?

Yes, it’s designed with user convenience in mind. The removable brew group allows for thorough cleaning, and the milk carafes have an automatic cleaning function. The machine also performs automatic rinsing cycles before and after brewing.

7. Does the Eletta Explore come with a warranty?

Yes, most DeLonghi machines come with a standard manufacturer’s warranty. Warranty terms may vary by region, so it’s best to check with your retailer or DeLonghi directly for specifics.

8. Can I use pre-ground coffee instead of beans?

Yes, the Eletta Explore includes a bypass doser for pre-ground coffee. This is ideal for those who occasionally want to use decaf or other specialty pre-ground coffee.

9. How many user profiles can the machine save?

The Eletta Explore supports multiple user profiles, making it perfect for households with different coffee preferences. Each user can save their preferred drink settings for quick and easy access.

10. Does the Eletta Explore have app connectivity?

The machine is compatible with the DeLonghi Coffee Link app, allowing for additional customization and access to recipes. However, app connectivity might not be available in all regions, so check your location’s compatibility.

11. How does the Eletta Explore handle iced drinks?

The Eletta Explore is equipped with a cold foam system and an ice tray, making it easy to prepare iced lattes, cappuccinos, and other chilled beverages. The cold brew function is particularly convenient for iced coffee lovers.

12. What is the machine’s capacity for water and beans?

The water tank has a capacity of 1.8 liters, while the bean hopper can hold approximately 380 grams of coffee beans. This is sufficient for several cups before needing a refill.

13. Is the machine suitable for large households or offices?

Yes, its large water tank, bean hopper, and customizable profiles make it suitable for larger households or small offices. The versatility of hot and cold drink options adds to its appeal in group settings.

14. What are the dimensions of the Eletta Explore?

The machine measures approximately 26 cm x 46 cm x 38 cm (10.2 x 18.1 x 14.9 inches), making it compact enough for most countertops while still offering a robust set of features.

15. Does the machine support dairy-free milk alternatives?

Yes, the LatteCrema system works well with non-dairy milk alternatives like almond, oat, or soy milk. While results can vary depending on the brand and type of milk, it generally produces good foam consistency.