DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew Review

I’ve always been a bit particular about my coffee. Whether it’s a simple espresso to kickstart my day or an elaborate iced latte on a hot afternoon, I want a machine that can deliver it all. That’s where the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew comes in. After months of using it daily, I feel like I’ve gotten to know its quirks and strengths, and I’m here to share my experience with you.

The DeLonghi Eletta Explore truly feels like it was designed with versatility in mind. Its ability to produce everything from rich espresso to smooth cold brew has made it a staple in my kitchen. And while there are many espresso machines out there, I believe this one offers a well-balanced blend of convenience, functionality, and quality.

First Impressions After Using the DeLonghi Eletta Explore

When I first unboxed the DeLonghi Eletta Explore, I was struck by how well-built it felt. The design is sleek, with a matte finish that doesn’t attract fingerprints (a small detail, but one I appreciate). The machine also has a premium look, with its compact footprint fitting perfectly on my kitchen counter without taking up too much space.

Once I set it up, the initial use was straightforward, thanks to the clear instructions and easy-to-understand interface. I found myself preparing my first cup of espresso in just a few minutes, which was a pleasant surprise considering some machines can be more complicated. The DeLonghi Eletta Explore seemed to streamline the process, and I was excited to explore its range of features.

Espresso Quality and Daily Use

One of the first things I noticed after making my first espresso with the DeLonghi Eletta Explore was the quality of the shot. It had a rich crema on top, and the flavor was bold without being overly bitter. I’ve tried different beans with the machine, and it consistently delivers a balanced cup, regardless of the roast.

For someone who loves experimenting with different espresso drinks, this machine gives me the flexibility to make a simple shot or something more complex like a cappuccino or flat white. The DeLonghi Eletta Explore’s precision and consistency make it easy to recreate café-quality drinks at home, and that’s something I’ve come to really appreciate during my morning routine.

Cold Brew: A Refreshing Feature

The cold brew option on the DeLonghi Eletta Explore is probably one of its most unique features, and I’ve made good use of it. Living in a place where summers can get quite hot, I find myself reaching for iced coffee more often than not, and having the option to brew cold coffee on demand has been a real game-changer.

The cold brew function is incredibly simple – just a few presses, and the machine delivers a smooth, refreshing coffee with a noticeably low acidity. In comparison to traditional cold brew methods that require steeping overnight, this machine provides a much quicker and hassle-free alternative. I’ve found myself enjoying cold brews on hot afternoons without needing to plan ahead, which has made my coffee experience more spontaneous and fun.

The Latte Experience

If you’re someone who enjoys milk-based coffee drinks like lattes or cappuccinos, the DeLonghi Eletta Explore does a fantastic job with its frothing capabilities. The LatteCrema system creates a beautifully textured milk froth that’s light, airy, and perfect for topping off your drinks.

I’m no expert barista, but the machine makes it easy to create drinks that look and taste professional. The automatic milk system works well, but you also have the option to adjust the froth levels to suit your preferences. Whether I’m in the mood for a creamy latte or a lighter cappuccino, the DeLonghi Eletta Explore handles it effortlessly.

The Espresso Experience in the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew

Though the cold brew function is impressive, I didn’t forget about the espresso. One of the first drinks I made was a simple espresso shot, and I was impressed by the richness and depth of flavor. The DeLonghi Eletta Explore utilizes their LatteCrema system, which consistently creates a smooth and well-balanced espresso shot. Whether I’m making an Americano or using it as the base for a cappuccino, the espresso quality is top-notch.

Another thing I appreciated is the ability to customize the strength and temperature of the espresso. I prefer a stronger brew in the mornings, but sometimes I want something a bit lighter in the afternoon, and this machine gives me that flexibility.

Milk Frothing in the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew 

One of the things that surprised me was how well the milk frother performed. The machine uses the LatteCrema system to froth milk, and I found it creates a beautifully textured foam that’s perfect for cappuccinos and lattes. The automatic milk frother is incredibly easy to use, and the fact that it has a self-cleaning function means I don’t have to spend extra time on maintenance after every use.

What’s even better is the fact that the milk carafe can be detached and stored in the fridge when not in use. This small detail made a big difference for me, especially when I’m rushing through my morning routine. It keeps the milk fresh and ready for the next brew without having to clean out the carafe every single time.

Maintenance and Cleaning

One thing I’ve always dreaded about owning an espresso machine is the maintenance. However, the DeLonghi Eletta Explore has made this part surprisingly easy. The machine has an automatic cleaning function for both the milk frothing system and the coffee brewing components, which has been a huge time-saver for me.

The machine also notifies you when it’s time to clean or descale, taking the guesswork out of the process. The milk carafe can be easily removed and stored in the fridge, which helps keep things fresh and organized. Overall, the maintenance on the DeLonghi Eletta Explore has been minimal, and I haven’t had to deal with any frustrating issues or build-up over time.

Who Should Consider the DeLonghi Eletta Explore?

While the DeLonghi Eletta Explore has certainly impressed me, it’s important to think about who this machine is best suited for. If you’re someone who values both hot and cold coffee drinks, the versatility of this machine is hard to beat. The ability to create espresso, cappuccinos, lattes, and cold brew with one machine is what makes it stand out in my eyes.

It’s also a great choice for households with multiple coffee drinkers who may have different preferences. With customizable settings and user profiles, the DeLonghi Eletta Explore caters to a wide range of tastes without compromising on quality.

The Balance of Features and Price

While the DeLonghi Eletta Explore isn’t the cheapest machine on the market, I’ve found that its range of features justifies the investment. The build quality, the variety of drinks, and the ease of use make it a machine that delivers value over time. Instead of needing separate machines for cold brew and espresso, this one does it all, which has simplified my kitchen setup.

If you’re someone who takes their coffee seriously and wants a reliable machine that offers more than just standard espresso drinks, I would recommend considering the DeLonghi Eletta Explore. It’s made my daily coffee routine more enjoyable and flexible, which is exactly what I was hoping for when I first started researching new espresso machines.

Product Review Conclusion

When it comes to choosing the right espresso machine, the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew stands head and shoulders above the competition. Its versatility, ease of use, and advanced features make it an excellent choice for anyone who takes their coffee seriously. Whether you’re an espresso purist or someone who enjoys experimenting with cold brew and milk-based drinks, this machine delivers consistently excellent results.

After comparing it to the Dinamica Plus, it’s clear to me that the DeLonghi Eletta Explore offers a more well-rounded and feature-rich experience. From the cold brew function to the customizable settings and superior milk frothing capabilities, it’s a machine that truly caters to a wide range of coffee preferences. If you’re in the market for a high-quality espresso machine, I highly recommend the DeLonghi Eletta Explore.

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

Q: Does the DeLonghi Eletta Explore have a built-in grinder?
A: Yes, the DeLonghi Eletta Explore comes with a built-in burr grinder. It has multiple grind settings, allowing you to choose the coarseness or fineness of the coffee grounds to suit your preferences.

Q: How does the cold brew function work on the DeLonghi Eletta Explore?
A: The cold brew function is incredibly easy to use. Unlike traditional methods that require steeping coffee grounds for hours, the DeLonghi Eletta Explore brews cold coffee in just a few minutes. Simply select the cold brew option, and the machine will create a smooth, low-acid cold brew on demand.

Q: Can I adjust the strength and temperature of my coffee with the DeLonghi Eletta Explore?
A: Yes, the machine allows you to fully customize the strength, temperature, and size of your coffee. You can adjust these settings to match your personal preferences and save them for future use.

Q: Does the DeLonghi Eletta Explore come with a milk frother?
A: Yes, it features the LatteCrema system, which automatically froths milk to create creamy cappuccinos, lattes, and other milk-based drinks. You can also adjust the froth level to suit your taste.

Q: Is the DeLonghi Eletta Explore easy to clean?
A: Absolutely. The machine has an automatic cleaning function for both the milk frother and the brewing components. It will notify you when it’s time to clean or descale, and the milk carafe is easily removable and dishwasher safe.

Q: Can I make multiple coffee profiles on the DeLonghi Eletta Explore?
A: Yes, the machine allows you to create and save personalized coffee profiles. This feature is ideal for households where different people have different coffee preferences, as you can save specific settings for each user.

Q: Does the DeLonghi Eletta Explore support pre-ground coffee?
A: Yes, while it has a built-in grinder, you can also use pre-ground coffee with the machine. There is a dedicated compartment for pre-ground coffee, making it convenient if you prefer not to use whole beans.

Q: Is the DeLonghi Eletta Explore energy efficient?
A: Yes, the machine has an energy-saving mode that automatically turns it off when it’s not in use for a certain period. This helps reduce power consumption and keeps the machine energy-efficient.

Q: What type of drinks can I make with the DeLonghi Eletta Explore?
A: You can make a wide variety of drinks, including espresso, cappuccino, latte macchiato, Americano, flat white, and cold brew. The machine also allows you to customize each drink to your specific taste.

Q: How long does it take to make a cup of coffee with the DeLonghi Eletta Explore?
A: The machine heats up quickly and can brew a cup of espresso in under a minute. Cold brew takes a few minutes, which is significantly faster than traditional cold brew methods that require hours of steeping.