DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew Review

As a coffee lover who is always searching for the next great cup, I was excited to try out the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew. With promises of delivering a wide range of hot and cold coffee specialties, it seemed like the perfect addition to my kitchen. This review is an honest account of my experience using the machine, highlighting its features, benefits, and areas where it might not completely meet expectations. 

First Impressions of the DeLonghi Eletta Explore

When I first set eyes on the DeLonghi Eletta Explore, I could immediately see that this wasn’t your average espresso machine. The sleek and modern design with a glossy black finish and stainless steel accents made it stand out. It looked like a machine that belonged in a fancy coffee shop rather than my kitchen, but its compact build actually fit nicely onto my countertop.

Setting up the machine was relatively simple, and the 3.5-inch touchscreen display made initial navigation easy. The on-screen prompts guided me through setting up the machine, filling the water reservoir, adding beans, and choosing my first cup. Right off the bat, I appreciated how accessible it was, especially for someone who may not have used a fully automatic machine before. 

Brewing Hot Drinks with DeLonghi Eletta Explore

Since espresso is my go-to beverage, I started by brewing a simple shot to see how it performed with hot drinks. With the built-in conical burr grinder and the Bean Adapt Technology, I found that the espresso tasted noticeably fresh and had that rich crema layer on top. This feature adjusts the grinding, tamping, and temperature settings automatically based on the coffee beans used—something I found particularly helpful as someone who loves experimenting with different coffee beans.

The Cold Brew Experience

The biggest selling point for me when it came to the DeLonghi Eletta Explore was the promise of cold brew at the touch of a button. I’m a big fan of cold brew, especially during the warmer months, but the traditional 12-24 hour steep time always kept it as more of an occasional treat. The Eletta Explore's cold brew function takes only about five minutes, which is impressive, but I will admit the flavor is a bit different from traditional cold brew.

It’s not quite as deep and smooth as the one you’d get from a long steep, but it's definitely convenient. For those who don’t mind a slightly lighter flavor profile, it’s a great way to get a quick fix without the hassle. I found myself using it more often just because of the convenience—perfect for an iced latte in the middle of the day when I didn’t want to wait.

LatteCrema Cool System for Cold Milk Foam

One of the most intriguing aspects of the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew is its LatteCrema Cool System. Unlike many machines that only offer hot milk froth, this one also gives you the option of cold milk foam, allowing you to prepare cold cappuccinos and iced lattes. This was a game-changer for me, as I often switch between hot and iced drinks depending on my mood. 

The cold milk froth wasn’t as voluminous or stable as hot froth, but it added a delightful creaminess to my iced coffee without watering it down with ice. It’s the type of feature I never thought I needed until I had it, and now it feels indispensable, especially when entertaining friends who love their iced coffee drinks.

Ease of Use and Customization

From a usability standpoint, the Eletta Explore is one of the easiest fully automatic machines I have used. The color touchscreen makes selecting drinks intuitive, and I appreciate the ability to save favorite settings. I can create my ideal flat white—adjusting the strength, milk ratio, and temperature—and save it so I can make it every morning without tweaking it again.

The grinder has 13 settings, which provides a lot of flexibility in adjusting the grind size for different beans. I’ve used everything from light roast single-origin beans to dark roast blends, and the machine adapts well to each type, delivering good flavor extraction each time. The ground coffee bypass is also a handy feature if you want to use decaf or pre-ground coffee.

Cleaning and Maintenance

One thing that surprised me about the DeLonghi Eletta Explore is how straightforward the cleaning process is. The removable brew unit is easy to rinse, and the machine runs a rinse cycle automatically after each use. I especially liked the detachable milk carafe—it’s easy to clean and can be stored in the fridge between uses.

That said, like any espresso machine, it does require regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly. The descaling process is automated and takes around 20 minutes, and the touchscreen provides clear instructions when it’s time for cleaning. It’s still a commitment, but far less hassle compared to some other espresso machines I've used in the past.

Is the DeLonghi Eletta Explore the Best Choice for You?

While the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew offers a lot of convenience, it may not be for everyone. If you prefer your cold brew with deep, intense flavors and have the patience to make it the traditional way, you might find the cold brew setting lacking in comparison. However, for someone like me, who loves the option to quickly prepare a variety of beverages—hot or cold—with minimal effort, it’s a great fit.

I could easily see this machine working well for busy households where different family members have different preferences, or for someone who likes entertaining and offering guests a wide variety of drink options. The Bean Adapt Technology is also a standout feature for those who like experimenting with different types of beans without needing to manually adjust multiple settings.

Comparing to the DeLonghi PrimaDonna Elite

When comparing the Eletta Explore to the DeLonghi PrimaDonna Elite, I noticed that both machines share several features, but the PrimaDonna Elite offers a more extensive range of specialty drinks and user profiles. However, the Eletta Explore is much more focused on providing a good balance between hot and cold beverages, which makes it unique in its category.

The PrimaDonna Elite also features a dual boiler system, which is something I missed with the Eletta Explore. With dual boilers, you can steam milk and brew espresso simultaneously, which saves time if you are making multiple drinks. That said, for me, the cold brew and cold froth options made up for this, as they added a whole new dimension to what I could do with the machine.

Real-Life Scenarios Where the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Shines

The DeLonghi Eletta Explore is particularly useful if you want to enjoy coffee shop-style drinks without leaving your home. It’s great for those mornings when I am running late but still want a quality cup of coffee. The quick and easy customization means I can always make my drink just how I like it without needing to wait in line at a cafe.

The cold brew and cold foam functions were also surprisingly useful during gatherings. Recently, I had a small get-together with friends, and it was a huge hit being able to serve both hot cappuccinos and iced lattes without needing multiple machines or going through complex processes. Friends were particularly intrigued by the cold milk froth, and I have to say, it made for some pretty Instagram-worthy coffee moments.

Does It Replace a Barista?

One question I get asked a lot is whether this machine can fully replace a barista—and while the answer is nuanced, I’d say it gets pretty close for home use. The espresso shots are consistent and flavorful, the milk frothing system is good, and the cold brew is quick, even if it’s not quite the same as a 24-hour steeped brew.

It won’t replace the craftsmanship of a trained barista, especially if you love the experience of manual pour-overs or hand-pulled shots. However, for daily use, especially when convenience and speed are important, it’s a reliable companion.

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

In conclusion, the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew has a lot to offer, especially for those who appreciate versatility and convenience in their coffee-making routine. Its ability to brew a range of hot and cold beverages, coupled with customizable drink settings, makes it an excellent choice for home use.

The cold brew feature may not fully replicate the depth of traditional cold brew, but it’s a worthwhile trade-off for the speed and ease it offers. The LatteCrema Cool System adds a layer of fun and functionality that I found myself using more often than expected. It’s not perfect, but it’s close enough to bring a touch of a coffeehouse into your home without much fuss.

For busy mornings, entertaining friends, or simply enjoying a cozy coffee ritual at home, the DeLonghi Eletta Explore is a worthwhile investment. While it might not please the coffee purists who crave complete control over every aspect of their brew, it certainly brings a lot of joy and ease to anyone looking for a flexible, one-stop coffee machine that can handle both hot and cold creations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does it take to brew cold brew with the DeLonghi Eletta Explore?A: The cold brew function takes only about five minutes, which is much quicker compared to the traditional 12-24 hour steep time required for conventional cold brew.

Q: Can I use pre-ground coffee with the DeLonghi Eletta Explore?A: Yes, the machine has a ground coffee bypass chute that allows you to use pre-ground coffee, which is great for making decaf or if you prefer a specific grind.

Q: Is the cold milk foam as good as hot milk foam?A: The cold milk foam produced by the LatteCrema Cool System is less stable and voluminous compared to hot foam, but it adds a delightful creaminess to iced drinks.

Q: How often does the machine need to be descaled?A: The frequency of descaling depends on water hardness and usage. The machine will provide an on-screen alert when it’s time for descaling, and the process is automated and easy to follow.

Q: Can the DeLonghi Eletta Explore make multiple cups of coffee at once?A: The machine can prepare two espresso shots simultaneously, but for larger milk-based drinks, you will need to make them one at a time.

Q: Is it difficult to clean the milk carafe?A: Not at all. The milk carafe is detachable, making it easy to rinse and clean. Plus, it can be stored in the fridge between uses.

Q: How customizable are the drink options?A: The machine allows for a lot of customization. You can adjust the strength, milk ratio, temperature, and save your favorite drink settings for easy access.