DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew Review

As a coffee lover who enjoys exploring new ways to craft my favorite drinks, the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew intrigued me. Its promise of delivering both high-quality hot beverages and refreshing cold brew was a major draw. Over the past few months, I’ve had the chance to test this machine thoroughly, and I’m excited to share my experience with it, including its standout features, practical benefits, and a few considerations to keep in mind. If you’re considering this product, read on to see if it’s the right fit for your coffee journey.

My First Impressions of the DeLonghi Eletta Explore

the box arrived, I was impressed by the machine’s packaging. Everything was neatly organized, which made unboxing a breeze. The machine itself felt premium—sleek, compact for its capabilities, and with a design that looked right at home in my modern kitchen.

Setting it up was simple, even for someone like me who typically skims instructions. The 3.5-inch touchscreen display guided me through the initial setup, including filling the water reservoir, loading beans, and choosing my first drink. Right away, I could see that the machine was designed with user-friendliness in mind.

The Cold Brew Feature: A Game-Changer for Summer Mornings

One of the main reasons I was drawn to the DeLonghi Eletta Explore was its cold brew function. Living in a warm climate, I often prefer iced drinks over hot ones. Traditional cold brew methods can take hours, but this machine delivers a smooth and balanced cold brew in just under five minutes.

The cold brew was less acidic than my regular iced coffee, and the flavor was surprisingly bold. Pairing it with the cold foam option took my morning drinks to a new level. I enjoyed experimenting with syrups and milk types—oat milk with caramel cold brew became my go-to.

Customization for Every Coffee Drinker

One feature that sets this machine apart is its extensive customization options. As someone who enjoys tailoring my coffee to my mood, I appreciated how I could adjust the strength, temperature, and even the amount of foam for each drink. My partner, who prefers mild lattes, could easily save his preferences in a separate user profile.

This flexibility makes the DeLonghi Eletta Explore ideal for households with multiple coffee drinkers or for entertaining guests. One evening, I set up a “coffee bar” during a small gathering. Guests were able to create their drinks using the touchscreen, and everyone raved about the quality.

Espresso Quality: Does It Meet the Mark?

At its core, an espresso machine must deliver a perfect shot, and the Eletta Explore doesn’t disappoint. The Bean Adapt Technology ensures optimal extraction for different coffee beans. Whether I used a light roast for a bright, fruity espresso or a dark roast for a rich, robust flavor, the results were consistently impressive.

I’ve also noticed how quiet the grinder is compared to other machines I’ve used. This might seem like a small detail, but it’s a big plus for early mornings when I don’t want to wake the entire house.

Practicality and Convenience for Busy Mornings

One of the standout aspects of this machine is how it fits into a busy lifestyle. The two milk carafes are a thoughtful addition—one for hot milk drinks and another for cold foam. I love that I don’t have to wash the carafe immediately between uses, as each is specifically designed for its purpose.

The Coffee Link App is another convenient feature. While I don’t use it daily, it’s handy for mornings when I’m rushing. I can prepare my coffee while finishing other tasks, and the app even suggests new recipes based on my preferences.

Maintenance: Effortless and Intuitive

Cleaning and maintaining an espresso machine can sometimes feel like a chore, but the DeLonghi Eletta Explore makes it surprisingly easy. The machine prompts you when it’s time to rinse the milk carafes or descale the system, which takes the guesswork out of maintenance.

The removable brew group is straightforward to clean, and I make it a habit to wipe down the exterior regularly to keep it looking pristine. If you’re someone who hesitates to invest in high-end appliances because of the upkeep, this machine might change your mind.

What Could Be Better?

While the DeLonghi Eletta Explore offers a lot, there are a few areas for improvement:

• Price: It’s on the higher end of the price spectrum. If you’re only looking for basic espresso and cappuccino options, there are more budget-friendly alternatives.
• App Limitations: The app connectivity isn’t available in all regions. While not a dealbreaker for me, it might be a consideration for those who want a fully connected experience.
• Size: Though compact for what it does, it still requires a decent amount of counter space. Make sure to measure your kitchen area before purchasing.

Who Is the DeLonghi Eletta Explore For?

This machine is perfect for coffee enthusiasts who appreciate variety. If you enjoy experimenting with hot and cold beverages, love personalized drinks, or want a machine that simplifies the process, the DeLonghi Eletta Explore is a strong contender.

However, if you’re someone who prefers basic coffee or rarely drinks iced beverages, you might not fully utilize all its features. In that case, exploring simpler models in the DeLonghi range might be a better option.

DeLonghi Eletta Explore vs. Competitors

comparing the DeLonghi Eletta Explore to other machines, it’s clear that this model excels in versatility. Its cold brew feature sets it apart from competitors like the Breville Barista Pro, which focuses on espresso and lacks cold beverage options.

However, if budget is a concern, the DeLonghi Dinamica Plus offers many similar features, like app connectivity and customization, at a lower price. On the other hand, machines like the Jura E8 might appeal to those seeking ultra-premium build quality, though they come with an even heftier price tag.

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

After months of daily use, I can confidently say that the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew delivers on its promises. It’s a reliable, feature-rich appliance that has elevated my coffee routine. While it comes with a premium price tag, the convenience, quality, and variety it offers make it a worthwhile investment for those who love coffee as much as I do.

If you’re ready to transform your coffee experience and enjoy both hot and cold beverages with ease, the DeLonghi Eletta Explore is a solid choice. Just be sure to weigh your needs and preferences before diving in—it’s a machine that truly shines when all its features are put to good use.

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

Q: What makes the DeLonghi Eletta Explore unique compared to other espresso machines?
A: The DeLonghi Eletta Explore stands out for its ability to brew both hot and cold beverages, including a fast cold brew function that delivers smooth, less acidic coffee in under five minutes. It also features dual milk carafes for hot and cold drinks, extensive drink customization, and an intuitive touchscreen interface.

Q: Is the cold brew function on the Eletta Explore worth it?
A: Yes, especially for those who enjoy cold coffee drinks. The machine’s cold brew feature produces a smooth and refreshing brew much faster than traditional methods, making it convenient for busy mornings or warm weather.

Q: Can I customize drinks on the Eletta Explore?
A: Absolutely. The machine allows users to adjust coffee strength, drink size, temperature, and milk foam levels. You can also save personalized profiles for multiple users, making it great for households with diverse preferences.

Q: How easy is it to clean and maintain the Eletta Explore?
A: The machine is designed for easy maintenance. It performs automatic rinsing cycles, has removable components like the brew group, and features alerts for descaling. Both the hot and cold milk carafes have dedicated cleaning functions, simplifying the process.

Q: How does the Bean Adapt Technology work?
A: Bean Adapt Technology optimizes brewing settings like grind size and extraction temperature based on the type of coffee beans you use. This ensures each cup is brewed to highlight the best flavors of your beans.

Q: Is the app connectivity available globally?
A: Unfortunately, the Coffee Link App isn’t available in all regions. Check if it’s supported in your area before relying on this feature for remote control and recipe access.

Q: Can I use pre-ground coffee instead of whole beans?
A: Yes, the Eletta Explore includes an option for using pre-ground coffee. This is a convenient feature if you occasionally want to brew decaf or specialty grounds.

Q: How many drink options does the DeLonghi Eletta Explore offer?
A: The machine has a menu of over 40 drink options, including espresso, cappuccino, latte macchiato, cold brew, and iced lattes. It’s a versatile machine that caters to a wide variety of preferences.

Q: Does the Eletta Explore come with accessories?
A: Yes, the package includes two milk carafes (hot and cold), a travel mug, an ice tray, a coffee scoop, a cleaning brush, and a hot water nozzle. These accessories enhance the machine’s functionality and convenience.

Q: Is the machine suitable for small kitchens?
A: The Eletta Explore is relatively compact for its features, but it still requires some counter space. Be sure to measure your kitchen area to ensure it fits comfortably.

Q: Can the Eletta Explore make tea or other hot drinks?
A: Yes, the machine features a hot water spout for making tea, hot chocolate, or other beverages. This makes it a versatile addition to any household.

Q: Is the DeLonghi Eletta Explore worth the price?
A: The Eletta Explore is a premium machine with advanced features like cold brew capability, customization options, and excellent espresso quality. If you value versatility and convenience, it’s a worthwhile investment. However, if you only need basic coffee functions, simpler models may suffice.