DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew Review

As someone who loves coffee and enjoys experimenting with different brewing styles, I’m always on the lookout for a machine that can simplify the process while delivering excellent results. The DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew caught my attention because of its versatility and promise to handle a wide range of coffee drinks, including the increasingly popular cold brew. After weeks of use, I’m ready to share my experience with this machine, its features, and its practicality in everyday life.

First Impressions of the DeLonghi Eletta Explore

When I first unboxed the machine, I was struck by its modern, stylish design. It’s a machine that doesn’t just brew coffee—it makes a statement in your kitchen. The clean lines, intuitive touchscreen interface, and premium materials give it a high-end feel. Despite its larger footprint, I found it fit comfortably on my countertop and looked fantastic alongside my other kitchen gadgets.

Setting it up was straightforward, even for someone who doesn’t consider themselves particularly tech-savvy. The guided setup steps on the display were clear, and I appreciated that I didn’t need to consult the manual frequently. Within 15 minutes, I had water in the reservoir, coffee beans in the hopper, and the machine ready to go.

Customization Options That Make a Difference

One of the standout features of the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew is the sheer level of customization it offers. Whether I wanted a quick espresso, a velvety latte, or a refreshing iced coffee, the machine allowed me to adjust various parameters.

For hot drinks, I could control the temperature, coffee strength, and cup size. This was perfect for those mornings when I needed an extra-strong espresso shot to wake up. On the other hand, for relaxing afternoons, I could tone it down and opt for a smoother latte.

What truly impressed me was the ability to adjust the milk frothing levels. The machine’s carafe allows you to select dense foam for a cappuccino or lighter microfoam for a flat white, which worked beautifully when I wanted to perfect latte art (still a work in progress for me!).

A Game-Changer for Cold Coffee Lovers

Before owning the DeLonghi Eletta Explore, I rarely made cold brew at home—it was simply too time-consuming. This machine changed that for me. The cold brew function is not just a gimmick; it genuinely works well and takes only a few minutes to deliver a chilled, flavorful coffee. I found this feature particularly useful on warm afternoons when I craved something refreshing yet caffeinated.

The cold brew isn’t just limited to plain iced coffee; I experimented with recipes like cold brew lattes and even added a splash of flavored syrup to create café-style drinks. The machine also offers a cold milk foam option, which pairs wonderfully with these beverages.

Coffee Quality That Stands Out

The quality of the coffee brewed by the Eletta Explore consistently impressed me. I used medium-roast beans for most of my testing and found that the machine’s grinder, with its 13 settings, allowed me to experiment until I discovered the perfect grind size for espresso. The crema on the shots was thick and golden, a clear indication of proper extraction.

For milk-based drinks, the integration of the milk carafe made a significant difference. The machine dispenses steamed milk and froth directly into the cup, making it easy to whip up a cappuccino or macchiato in under a minute. While some machines struggle with achieving consistent milk foam, the Eletta Explore exceeded my expectations.

Who Is This Machine For?

In my opinion, the DeLonghi Eletta Explore is ideal for someone who values variety in their coffee routine. If you’re the type of person who enjoys experimenting with different drinks—whether it’s a bold Americano, a silky latte, or a refreshing iced coffee—this machine will fit right into your lifestyle. It’s also a fantastic option for households with multiple coffee drinkers who have diverse preferences.

For those who prefer simplicity, the one-touch drink options make it easy to brew a perfect cup without diving into customization. At the same time, the machine’s versatility allows coffee enthusiasts to fine-tune their beverages to their heart’s content.

Cleaning and Maintenance: A Practical Perspective

One concern I always have with espresso machines is maintenance. The DeLonghi Eletta Explore simplifies this process significantly. The drip tray, coffee grounds container, and water reservoir are all removable, making daily cleaning a breeze. The automatic rinsing and descaling programs ensure that the machine stays in top condition without requiring constant manual intervention.

The milk carafe’s self-cleaning function was a highlight for me. After each use, the machine prompts you to clean the milk system, which is as simple as pressing a button. This was reassuring, as I didn’t have to worry about milk residue building up over time.

Long-Term Impressions of the DeLonghi Eletta Explore

After weeks of regular use, I’ve come to appreciate just how well the Eletta Explore integrates into my daily routine. It’s not just a machine for special occasions; it’s versatile enough to handle everything from a quick espresso before work to a leisurely latte on weekends.

One feature I find myself using more than expected is the programmable drink settings. Once I found my ideal espresso-to-milk ratio for a cortado, I saved it, and now I can recreate it perfectly with a single button press. This convenience adds to the overall appeal of the machine.

Downsides to Consider

While my experience has been overwhelmingly positive, there are a couple of minor drawbacks. The machine’s size might be an issue for those with limited counter space. Additionally, it’s not the quietest machine when grinding beans, though this is typical of most super-automatic machines.

Another consideration is the price. While the Eletta Explore is an investment, I feel the features and quality justify the cost for someone who drinks coffee daily and values variety. However, casual coffee drinkers may find it more machine than they need.

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

After using the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew extensively, I can say it’s a well-rounded, high-performance machine that delivers on its promises. The versatility, ease of use, and cold brew functionality make it a standout choice for coffee enthusiasts. It’s not perfect, but the positives far outweigh the minor inconveniences.

If you’re serious about coffee and want a machine that can handle everything from espresso to cold brew with minimal effort, the Eletta Explore is worth considering. For me, it’s become an essential part of my routine and a machine I genuinely enjoy using every day.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the DeLonghi Eletta Explore make both hot and cold beverages?
A: Yes, the DeLonghi Eletta Explore is designed to make a wide range of hot and cold beverages, including espressos, cappuccinos, lattes, and cold brew coffee. The machine even offers a cold milk foam option for iced drinks.

Q: How does the cold brew function work?
A: The cold brew function uses a specific brewing process that takes just a few minutes, unlike traditional cold brew methods that require hours of steeping. The result is a smooth, flavorful cold coffee that’s ready to enjoy almost instantly.

Q: Is the machine easy to clean?
A: Yes, the DeLonghi Eletta Explore includes several automatic cleaning functions. The milk carafe has a self-cleaning feature, and the machine regularly prompts for descaling and rinsing. Additionally, removable components like the drip tray and coffee grounds container make daily cleaning simple.

Q: What kind of coffee beans work best with this machine?
A: The machine works well with medium-roast coffee beans, but it supports a variety of roast levels. For optimal espresso, it’s recommended to use freshly roasted beans and adjust the grinder settings based on your preferences.

Q: Does the machine allow customization of drinks?
A: Yes, the machine offers extensive customization options. You can adjust coffee strength, temperature, milk froth levels, and cup size. It also allows you to save personalized drink settings for future use.

Q: Is the DeLonghi Eletta Explore suitable for small kitchens?
A: The machine has a larger footprint compared to some other models, so it may not be ideal for kitchens with limited counter space. However, its sleek design makes it a stylish addition to any kitchen.

Q: How noisy is the grinder?
A: The grinder does make some noise, as is typical with super-automatic espresso machines. While it’s not silent, the noise level is reasonable and lasts only for a short duration during operation.

Q: Can this machine handle pre-ground coffee?
A: Yes, the machine has a bypass doser that allows you to use pre-ground coffee if you prefer, which is convenient for decaf or specialty blends.

Q: How long does it take to brew a drink?
A: The brewing time varies depending on the type of drink. An espresso or cappuccino takes about 1-2 minutes, while the cold brew function takes just under five minutes.

Q: Is the DeLonghi Eletta Explore worth the investment?
A: If you’re someone who enjoys a variety of coffee drinks and values convenience and quality, the Eletta Explore is a worthwhile investment. Its versatility and ease of use make it a valuable addition for daily coffee lovers.