DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew Review

The world of coffee-making at home is constantly evolving, and finding a machine that ticks all the boxes can feel like a daunting task. With so many options on the market, I was excited to try the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew, hoping it would live up to its promise of versatility, convenience, and quality. As a coffee enthusiast who appreciates everything from a robust espresso to a refreshing cold brew, I was eager to see if this machine could truly be the all-in-one solution it claimed to be. Here’s my personal take on how it performed and whether it’s worth adding to your kitchen.

A Look at the Key Features of the DeLonghi Eletta Explore

The DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew offers a range of standout features designed to cater to different coffee preferences. From espresso to cold brew, the machine supports a variety of brewing styles, making it a versatile choice for households where preferences might vary. One of the biggest selling points is its ease of customization. The machine allows you to adjust factors like temperature, coffee strength, and milk frothiness, which means you can create a truly personalized cup. This customization alone sets it apart from basic coffee makers and single-function espresso machines.

The Cold Brew Function: A Game-Changer?

What truly sets the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine apart is its cold brew function. Cold brew has become incredibly popular, and I love that this machine can make it quickly, without the hours-long wait of traditional cold brewing. The machine uses a unique technology that replicates the cold brew process but delivers the drink in just a few minutes. I tested it on a hot afternoon and found the result to be smooth, with a subtle sweetness and lower acidity—qualities that cold brew fans appreciate.

For those who are on the go or who simply don’t want to spend hours waiting, this feature is a huge plus. However, if you’re someone who’s a purist about cold brew and prefers the deep, bold flavor that comes with a long steep, you may find it doesn’t quite replace the traditional method. For me, it’s a great option when I need a refreshing pick-me-up quickly, and the convenience is well worth it.

Espresso Quality: Does the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Deliver?

At its core, the DeLonghi Eletta Explore is an espresso machine, so quality espresso is essential. I found that the machine delivers a consistently rich and aromatic espresso shot thanks to its 19-bar pump, which is a standard for professional-grade espresso machines. The shots I made were consistently smooth and flavorful, with a thick crema layer that made each cup feel indulgent. For a coffee enthusiast who enjoys exploring different flavors, this machine opens up a range of possibilities, allowing you to adjust the strength and even the temperature of your shot to find your ideal taste.

Milk Frothing and Specialty Drinks

The machine also excels when it comes to milk-based drinks. The automatic milk frother produces a silky, velvety foam that’s perfect for lattes, cappuccinos, and even flat whites. I was able to adjust the frothiness, which meant I could switch between a dense foam for cappuccinos and a light froth for lattes. This flexibility is especially handy if you enjoy experimenting with different types of coffee drinks, or if you have family members with different preferences.

I’ve also found that the milk system is easy to clean, which is a huge plus. With previous machines, I often found myself dreading the cleanup of the milk frother, but the DeLonghi Eletta Explore has an auto-clean function that flushes out milk residue with a single press. It’s convenient and cuts down on cleaning time, which is a real advantage for daily use.

User Experience: Setup, Ease of Use, and Daily Routine

Setting up the DeLonghi Eletta Explore was straightforward, even for someone who’s not particularly tech-savvy. The touchscreen display guides you through the process, and it only took me about 20 minutes to unbox, set it up, and brew my first cup. The interface is intuitive, with options for espresso, long coffee, and cold brew clearly displayed. I appreciated how the machine walks you through each step, making it accessible even for beginners who might be intimidated by high-tech coffee machines.

In terms of daily use, I found the machine to be a convenient addition to my morning routine. With a programmable feature, I could even set it up the night before to start brewing at a specific time, allowing me to wake up to freshly brewed coffee. The water tank is easily accessible and large enough that I didn’t feel like I was constantly refilling it. Overall, this machine fits seamlessly into a busy schedule without requiring a lot of maintenance.

Customization Options: Finding the Perfect Brew

One of the highlights of the DeLonghi Eletta Explore is its customization options. I could easily adjust the grind size, coffee strength, and even the temperature of my brew, allowing me to experiment with different flavor profiles. For someone who likes variety, this is an invaluable feature. Some mornings I prefer a strong espresso shot, while other times I want a smoother, lighter coffee, and this machine makes it possible to achieve both.

For households where each person has a different taste in coffee, this machine offers a solution that lets everyone make their drink just the way they like it. I found that it was easy to save my preferred settings, which made my morning coffee routine even faster and more enjoyable.

Maintenance and Durability: Is It Built to Last?

No one wants a coffee machine that’s high maintenance, and thankfully, the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew is designed to be user-friendly in this regard. The machine has an automatic rinse function, which helps keep the internal components clean. Additionally, the drip tray and milk frother parts are removable, making them easy to wash by hand or in the dishwasher.

The durability also seems promising. The components feel solid and well-made, and the machine has a reassuring weight to it that speaks to its quality. After using it daily for a while, I haven’t noticed any performance issues or wear and tear. DeLonghi is known for creating long-lasting appliances, and this machine appears to live up to that reputation.

Who Is the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine With Cold Brew Best For?

This machine is ideal for coffee enthusiasts who value versatility and convenience. If you’re someone who loves experimenting with different coffee styles—be it espresso, cappuccino, latte, or cold brew—this machine is a worthwhile investment. The range of features and ease of customization mean it’s suitable for households with multiple coffee drinkers who might have varying preferences. Additionally, if you’re short on time and need a machine that’s easy to clean and maintain, this model is a good fit.

On the other hand, if you primarily drink one type of coffee, you might find that a simpler machine meets your needs at a lower price. However, for those looking to expand their coffee repertoire and who appreciate a machine that can keep up with diverse preferences, the DeLonghi Eletta Explore is a fantastic option.

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

In conclusion, the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew brings versatility, quality, and ease of use to the home coffee experience. The unique cold brew function, robust espresso, and high-quality milk frothing system make it a standout choice for anyone who wants a range of coffee options in one machine. While it’s an investment, the combination of features and the time-saving conveniences it offers make it worth considering for serious coffee lovers.

Ultimately, the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew fits seamlessly into any coffee lover’s daily routine, delivering consistent quality and satisfying that desire for variety—all in one sleek, reliable package.

FAQ

Q: Can the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine really make cold brew, or is it just iced coffee?
A: Yes, the DeLonghi Eletta Explore has a dedicated cold brew function that simulates a cold brewing process to produce a smoother, less acidic coffee in minutes. While it’s not exactly the same as traditional cold brew, which typically steeps for hours, it’s a close approximation that saves time and delivers similar taste and low acidity.

Q: How customizable are the coffee options on the DeLonghi Eletta Explore?
A: The machine offers extensive customization options. You can adjust the coffee strength, temperature, and milk froth level to create a personalized drink. Additionally, you can save your favorite settings, so your perfect cup is just a touch away each morning.

Q: Is the DeLonghi Eletta Explore easy to clean?
A: Yes, the machine is designed with convenience in mind. It has an automatic rinse function for the milk frother and the coffee spouts, as well as removable parts like the drip tray and water tank for easier cleaning. The milk system also has a self-clean feature, which helps maintain hygiene with minimal effort.

Q: How does the espresso quality compare to other machines?
A: The DeLonghi Eletta Explore uses a 19-bar pump, which produces rich, aromatic espresso with a thick crema—comparable to what you’d expect from a high-quality machine. Most users find the espresso it makes to be flavorful and well-rounded, with the option to adjust strength to suit individual preferences.

Q: What size drinks can the DeLonghi Eletta Explore make?
A: The machine offers flexibility in drink sizes, from a short espresso shot to a full-sized cup of coffee. It also has a dedicated setting for “long coffee,” which emulates a traditional drip coffee, allowing you to choose the exact amount that best fits your cup.

Q: Can you use both whole beans and ground coffee with this machine?
A: Yes, the DeLonghi Eletta Explore can use both whole beans and pre-ground coffee, making it versatile for different coffee preferences. The built-in grinder allows you to select your preferred grind size for optimal flavor extraction, while the ground coffee option is ideal for those who like to switch between blends or decaf.

Q: Is this machine noisy?
A: The DeLonghi Eletta Explore operates quietly compared to many espresso machines with built-in grinders. While you’ll hear some noise during the grinding and brewing process, it’s relatively subdued and shouldn’t disturb others in the household.

Q: How long does it take for the machine to warm up?
A: The DeLonghi Eletta Explore takes about 1-2 minutes to reach the optimal temperature for brewing, which is fairly quick. If you’re in a rush, you can use the machine’s programmable timer to have it ready to brew when you wake up.

Q: Can the DeLonghi Eletta Explore be used in a small kitchen?
A: The machine is somewhat larger than basic coffee makers, so it may take up a bit more counter space. However, if you’re looking for an all-in-one solution for espresso, milk-based drinks, and cold brew, it could save you space by eliminating the need for multiple appliances.

Q: What types of milk work best with the frothing system?
A: The DeLonghi Eletta Explore works well with a variety of milk types, including dairy and plant-based options like almond, oat, and soy milk. For best frothing results, whole milk tends to create a denser foam, while plant-based milks with added proteins (like oat or soy) can also froth well.

Q: How durable is the DeLonghi Eletta Explore?
A: DeLonghi is known for producing durable appliances, and the Eletta Explore is built with high-quality materials meant to withstand daily use. With regular cleaning and maintenance, this machine should provide years of reliable performance.