DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew Review

As someone who loves coffee and takes their morning cup seriously, I’ve tried my fair share of espresso machines. The DeLonghi Eletta Explore stood out to me because of its unique ability to brew both hot espresso and cold brew in one machine. I wasn’t sure how well it would handle both, but after using it daily for a few weeks, I can confidently say it’s been a fantastic addition to my kitchen.

At first, I was a bit hesitant about the cold brew feature. Like many coffee enthusiasts, I’ve always associated cold brew with the slow, steeping process that takes hours. The idea that this machine could whip up cold brew in under five minutes seemed too good to be true. But it delivered! While it doesn’t quite match the depth of flavor you get from a slow steep, it’s smooth and refreshing, and perfect for those moments when I don’t have time to wait. It’s now become my go-to for afternoon coffee breaks.

What I appreciated most was the ease of use. I’m not a barista, and I don’t have the patience to fiddle with complicated settings every morning. The DeLonghi Eletta Explore simplifies the process with its intuitive interface. Even when I wanted to customize the strength of my espresso or adjust the froth for my cappuccino, it only took a few taps on the screen. Plus, I could save my favorite settings, so my morning espresso is always consistent – bold, smooth, and just how I like it.

For anyone who enjoys both hot and cold coffee drinks, this machine feels like it was made with us in mind. The convenience factor is what really sold me. With the DeLonghi Eletta Explore, I no longer need multiple devices cluttering up my counter, and the fact that it can whip up a cold brew in a fraction of the usual time means I never have to settle for a regular iced coffee again.

First Impressions of the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew

When the DeLonghi Eletta Explore arrived at my door, the first thing that struck me was its sleek, modern design. It’s a good-looking machine, with a combination of glossy black and stainless steel accents that will look right at home on any kitchen counter. But it’s not just about looks – this machine promises a lot, including the ability to brew hot espresso and cold brew at the touch of a button. That’s right, cold brew! As someone who enjoys both a steaming hot shot of espresso in the morning and a refreshing iced coffee in the afternoon, this feature immediately caught my attention.

The machine is fully automatic, which means it’s designed to be easy to use, even for those who might not consider themselves coffee experts. After setting it up, which was a breeze, I dove right in to see if it could deliver on its promises.

The Espresso Experience with DeLonghi Eletta Explore

Espresso is the heart of any coffee machine, and the DeLonghi Eletta Explore does not disappoint. It offers a variety of coffee drinks, from traditional espressos to lattes, cappuccinos, and even flat whites. The machine allows you to customize each drink with adjustable settings for coffee strength, milk froth, and temperature.

I started with a simple espresso shot to test the basics. I was immediately impressed by the quality. The coffee was rich, bold, and had a perfect crema layer on top. It tasted like something you’d get from a high-end café. I then moved on to a cappuccino, which was equally delightful, with a creamy, foamy milk top that added a velvety smoothness to the drink.

The user interface is intuitive, featuring a large display that makes it easy to select your preferred drink. There’s even a “My Coffee” setting that allows you to save your customized preferences for quick access. If you’re someone who enjoys a variety of coffee drinks or likes to tweak your brew, this machine makes it easy.

Standout Features of the DeLonghi Eletta Explore

Instant Cold Brew Technology

For those who love iced coffee, the Eletta Explore’s cold brew feature is a revelation. Unlike traditional cold brew methods that can take hours, this machine delivers a smooth, flavorful cold brew in just minutes. This is perfect for busy individuals who want a refreshing cold beverage without the wait.

LatteCrema System for Perfect Milk Froth

One of the machine’s most impressive features is the patented LatteCrema system, which consistently delivers rich and velvety milk froth. Whether you're making a cappuccino or a latte, you can rely on the frother to produce the perfect texture every time, eliminating the guesswork often involved with frothing milk.

Customization for Personalized Coffee

The Eletta Explore truly shines when it comes to customization. You can adjust the strength, temperature, and milk froth levels for each drink, ensuring that every member of the household can enjoy their coffee just the way they like it. This flexibility is perfect for families or households with varying coffee preferences.

Cold Brew Capability of the DeLonghi Eletta Explore

The cold brew feature is what truly sets the DeLonghi Eletta Explore apart from other machines in this price range. I’m a big fan of cold brew, especially in the summer, so I was eager to see how this machine would perform.

DeLonghi claims that the Eletta Explore can make cold brew in under five minutes, which is a game-changer since traditional cold brew can take hours. Skeptical but hopeful, I gave it a try. To my surprise, the cold brew it produced was delicious. It had that smooth, less acidic taste that I love, and the process was incredibly fast. While the taste might not be as complex as cold brew made using traditional methods, the convenience is hard to beat. Plus, you can adjust the strength to suit your preferences.

I also tried the machine’s “Cold Foam” feature, which adds a frothy layer of milk or non-dairy milk to cold drinks. It worked like a charm and made my iced coffee drinks feel extra indulgent.

Versatility in Coffee Options

The variety of drinks this machine offers is a significant highlight for me. I have friends over often, and everyone has different preferences. Some want a latte, others prefer a bold espresso, and a few are iced coffee fans. The DeLonghi Eletta Explore handles all of these requests with ease, and no one has ever been disappointed. It’s like having a mini café right in my kitchen, minus the barista training.

The milk frothing system is also quite impressive. I’m not someone who usually splurges on milk-based coffee drinks, but after trying the cappuccinos and lattes this machine makes, I find myself indulging more often. The froth is consistently creamy and light, which enhances the overall coffee experience.

Maintenance and Cleaning the DeLonghi Eletta Explore

One of the most important aspects of owning an espresso machine is the maintenance, and I’m happy to report that the DeLonghi Eletta Explore makes this relatively simple. It has a self-cleaning milk frother, which is a lifesaver, especially if you use it frequently. The machine also alerts you when it needs descaling, so you don’t have to keep track of that manually.

However, because of its size and the number of features it has, cleaning the entire machine thoroughly can take a bit of time. There are multiple parts that need to be removed and cleaned, including the drip tray, coffee ground container, and the water tank. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re someone who values convenience above all else.

How the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Fits into My Daily Routine

Before I had the DeLonghi Eletta Explore, I was using separate devices for my hot espresso and cold brew needs. My mornings were often a juggling act, and my counter space was crowded with various machines and tools. Now, everything is streamlined into one device. I make my morning espresso, and if the afternoon calls for an iced coffee, I can easily switch to cold brew mode.

The transition from hot to cold brew drinks is seamless, and I love that I no longer have to wait hours for cold brew to be ready. For someone who needs a quick caffeine fix in the middle of the day, this feature has been a game-changer. It's fast, efficient, and the taste is pretty close to what I get from a coffee shop cold brew.

While this machine is certainly an investment, I’ve found it to be worth it. It’s a bit larger than some of the more basic machines out there, but for me, the extra features and the convenience it brings make up for the space it takes up on my counter. And, as someone who’s particular about their coffee, the level of customization it offers ensures that I get the exact taste I want every time.

Who Is the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Best For?

In my opinion, the DeLonghi Eletta Explore is ideal for coffee lovers who want a machine that does it all. If you’re the type of person who enjoys both hot espresso drinks and cold brew, and you like having the option to customize every aspect of your coffee, this machine is a great choice. It’s also perfect for households with multiple coffee drinkers who have different preferences.

However, if you’re someone who only drinks one or two types of coffee and doesn’t care much about cold brew, the price might be hard to justify. It’s a premium machine with premium features, so it’s best suited for those who will take full advantage of its versatility.

Product Review Conclusion

The DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew is an impressive all-in-one machine that delivers both high-quality espresso drinks and quick cold brew. Its versatility and ease of use make it stand out, especially for coffee lovers who enjoy experimenting with different beverages. The cold brew feature alone is a game-changer for anyone who enjoys iced coffee but doesn’t want to wait hours for the brewing process.

That being said, the machine’s large size and premium price might be drawbacks for some. If you’re willing to invest in a top-tier machine that can do it all, the DeLonghi Eletta Explore is well worth considering. It has elevated my home coffee experience, and I couldn’t be happier with the results.

FAQ

How fast does the DeLonghi Eletta Explore make cold brew?

The DeLonghi Eletta Explore can make cold brew in under 5 minutes, which is significantly faster than traditional cold brew methods that can take hours.

Is the DeLonghi Eletta Explore difficult to clean?

While the machine has a self-cleaning milk frother and alerts for descaling, it still requires regular cleaning of several components like the drip tray and coffee ground container.

Can I customize the coffee strength with the DeLonghi Eletta Explore?

Yes, the machine allows you to adjust coffee strength, milk froth, and temperature for each drink, giving you full control over your brew.

Does the DeLonghi Eletta Explore take up a lot of counter space?

Yes, the machine is on the larger side, so make sure you have enough counter space before purchasing.

Is the DeLonghi Eletta Explore worth the price?

If you’re someone who enjoys a variety of coffee drinks, including cold brew, and values customization, the DeLonghi Eletta Explore is worth the investment. However, if you only drink basic espresso, it might be overkill for your needs.