DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew Review

As a self-proclaimed coffee aficionado, I am constantly on the hunt for a coffee maker that offers both convenience and a quality brew. When I came across the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew, I was intrigued by its promise of a dual-functionality—delivering both hot espresso-based drinks and cold brew coffee. After spending weeks exploring its features and testing its capabilities, I’m ready to share an in-depth review of what this machine offers and how it fits into daily life. More review on How hard should you tamp when making espresso at home?

Setting Up the DeLonghi Eletta Explore

From the moment I unboxed the Eletta Explore, it was evident that this machine was built with modern convenience in mind. Setup was straightforward, with clear instructions guiding me through the initial steps, such as filling the water tank, inserting the milk carafes, and running the machine's cleaning cycle.

I especially appreciated the customizable settings that allowed me to tailor the grind size, coffee strength, and drink size to my liking. For someone who loves experimenting with coffee recipes, this was a significant plus.

The Everyday Espresso Experience

Let’s talk about espresso—the heart and soul of any coffee machine. The DeLonghi Eletta Explore does not disappoint here. The espresso shots it produces are rich, aromatic, and full-bodied. The built-in stainless steel grinder ensures that each shot has just the right balance of flavors, whether I’m using a lighter roast or a dark espresso blend.

What’s even better is how easy it is to prepare espresso in the morning. With just a few taps on the touchscreen, the machine takes care of everything, from grinding the beans to steaming the milk. It’s a huge time-saver on busy mornings, and the consistent results make it worth the investment.

Latte Lovers Rejoice: Hot and Cold Milk Foam

As a lover of milk-based drinks, I was thrilled to try out the LatteCrema system. The hot carafe creates a beautifully frothy foam for cappuccinos and lattes, while the cold carafe adds a delightful touch to iced beverages. On weekends, I like to make a decadent caramel latte, and the Eletta Explore delivers the perfect milk-to-coffee ratio every time. Lear more on How to fix a sour espresso

The cold foam feature is where this machine truly shines for me. On hot summer afternoons, there’s nothing more refreshing than an iced latte with a thick, creamy layer of cold foam on top. It feels like a coffeehouse experience at home, and it’s a fun way to impress guests, too.

Exploring the Cold Brew Functionality

Cold brew enthusiasts will find a lot to love here. Unlike traditional cold brew methods, which require hours of steeping, the DeLonghi Eletta Explore delivers cold brew in just minutes. I was skeptical at first, but the results speak for themselves. The coffee is smooth and slightly sweet, with none of the bitterness that often comes with quick-brew methods.

This feature has become a staple in my routine. I prep a cold brew in the morning, add a splash of almond milk, and take it to go in the provided travel mug. It’s a game-changer for anyone who enjoys iced coffee but doesn’t have the patience for overnight brewing.

Customization and User Profiles

One of the most impressive aspects of this machine is its ability to save user profiles. My partner and I have completely different coffee preferences—I like my coffee strong and bold, while they prefer a milder cup. The Eletta Explore allows us to save our individual settings, so there’s no need to adjust the machine every time one of us uses it. It’s a small feature, but it makes a big difference in a shared household.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning an espresso machine can be a chore, but the Eletta Explore keeps things simple. The automatic cleaning cycles ensure that the milk carafes and brewing components stay hygienic, and the removable parts make deep cleaning easy. I set a reminder to descale the machine once a month, which keeps it running smoothly. Did you know How to make iced coffee with espresso?

What I appreciate most is that the machine prompts you when it needs attention—whether it’s refilling the water tank, emptying the drip tray, or cleaning the milk frother. It takes the guesswork out of maintenance, which is perfect for busy schedules.

Energy Efficiency and Eco-Friendly Features

I try to be mindful of energy consumption, and the Eletta Explore aligns with that goal. The machine has an energy-saving mode and an auto-shutoff feature, ensuring it doesn’t waste electricity when not in use. Additionally, it supports ground coffee usage, which is a great way to reduce reliance on single-use coffee pods.

Who Is the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Best For?

This machine is ideal for anyone who values variety and convenience in their coffee routine. Whether you’re an espresso purist, a latte lover, or a cold brew enthusiast, the Eletta Explore caters to all preferences. It’s particularly well-suited for families or shared households, thanks to its customizable profiles.

While it’s not the most compact machine on the market, its robust functionality more than makes up for the countertop space it requires. If you’re looking to streamline your coffee-making process without sacrificing quality, this machine is worth considering.

Where the Eletta Explore Could Improve

No machine is perfect, and the Eletta Explore is no exception. While the touchscreen is generally responsive, it can be a bit slow when navigating through multiple settings. Additionally, the machine’s initial price point might be steep for casual coffee drinkers. However, when you factor in its versatility and the savings from skipping coffee shop visits, the investment starts to make more sense.

A Personal Take: How the Eletta Explore Changed My Coffee Routine

Using the DeLonghi Eletta Explore has genuinely elevated my daily coffee ritual. It’s not just about convenience—it’s the sheer joy of experimenting with different drinks and knowing that each cup will be of consistent quality. I’ve found myself drinking more cold brew than ever before, and my mornings have become a little more stress-free, knowing my perfect coffee is just a button away.

That said, I wouldn’t call this machine an absolute necessity for everyone. If you’re someone who only drinks the occasional cup of drip coffee, there are simpler machines that will meet your needs. But for those who see coffee as a daily ritual or even a form of self-care, the Eletta Explore is an excellent choice.

Final Thoughts on the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew

In summary, the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew is a versatile, feature-packed appliance that’s perfect for coffee lovers who want a comprehensive at-home experience. Its ability to brew hot and cold beverages with ease, combined with its intuitive design and customizable settings, makes it a standout product in the world of super-automatic machines.

While it’s not without its minor drawbacks, the Eletta Explore delivers exceptional performance and convenience, making it a worthwhile addition to any kitchen. Whether you’re crafting a classic espresso or a refreshing iced latte, this machine has you covered.

FAQ

Q: How long does it take to brew a cold brew with the DeLonghi Eletta Explore?

A: Unlike traditional cold brew methods, which take several hours, the DeLonghi Eletta Explore can brew cold brew coffee in just a few minutes. The machine's cold brew function extracts smooth and rich coffee, making it a quick and convenient alternative to the long steeping process typically required for cold brew.

Q: Can the DeLonghi Eletta Explore make both hot and cold milk foam?

A: Yes! The DeLonghi Eletta Explore comes with two separate milk carafes—one for hot milk foam and one for cold foam. This allows you to enjoy a variety of drinks, from warm cappuccinos and lattes to refreshing iced lattes and iced cappuccinos, all with the perfect amount of foam.

Q: Is the DeLonghi Eletta Explore easy to clean?

A: Yes, the DeLonghi Eletta Explore is designed for easy cleaning. The machine features automatic rinsing cycles, and the milk carafes are removable and dishwasher safe, making cleaning a breeze. Additionally, the machine prompts you when it needs attention, such as when it’s time to empty the drip tray or descale the system.

Q: Does the DeLonghi Eletta Explore have customizable coffee profiles?

A: Absolutely! The DeLonghi Eletta Explore allows you to create and save multiple user profiles, each with personalized settings for coffee strength, drink size, and milk froth. This is a great feature for households where multiple people have different preferences or for those who like to experiment with their coffee recipes.

Q: How does the DeLonghi Eletta Explore compare to other espresso machines?

A: The DeLonghi Eletta Explore stands out with its versatility, offering both hot and cold coffee options. While other machines, like the Jura E8, may excel in certain areas, the Eletta Explore’s ability to brew cold brew and customize drinks makes it an excellent all-around choice for those who want more flexibility from their machine. It’s also user-friendly, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced coffee drinkers.

Q: Can I use pre-ground coffee with the DeLonghi Eletta Explore?

A: Yes, you can use pre-ground coffee in the DeLonghi Eletta Explore. The machine has a dedicated slot for ground coffee, allowing you to bypass the grinder if you prefer using your favorite pre-ground beans. This feature can be convenient if you’re out of whole beans or want to experiment with different ground coffee varieties.

Q: Is the DeLonghi Eletta Explore suitable for beginners?

A: Yes, the DeLonghi Eletta Explore is designed with beginners in mind. The intuitive touchscreen interface guides you through each step of the brewing process, and the machine’s customizable settings allow for easy adjustments without complicated procedures. It’s a great choice for someone new to espresso machines or coffee-making at home.

Q: Does the DeLonghi Eletta Explore offer any energy-saving features?

A: Yes, the DeLonghi Eletta Explore includes energy-saving features such as an auto-shutoff function and an energy-saving mode. These features help reduce power consumption when the machine is not in use, making it an eco-friendly choice for those mindful of energy use.

Q: Can the DeLonghi Eletta Explore be used to make just regular coffee (not espresso-based drinks)?

A: While the DeLonghi Eletta Explore is primarily designed for espresso-based drinks, it can also be used to brew regular coffee by adjusting the settings for a milder brew. However, if you’re looking for a dedicated drip coffee maker, there are machines better suited for that purpose. That said, the Eletta Explore’s versatility in brewing different styles of coffee is a big bonus for those who like to experiment.