DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew Review

As someone who takes coffee seriously, I’ve spent years searching for the perfect balance between convenience and quality in a home coffee machine. I’ve tried basic pod machines, high-end espresso machines, and even experimented with manual brewing methods like pour-overs and French presses. But nothing had quite ticked all the boxes for me—until I got my hands on the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew.

This machine promised to be the ultimate coffee solution, offering everything from robust espressos to chilled cold brews with minimal effort. I was skeptical at first—could one machine really handle all that? But after weeks of using it daily, I can confidently say this espresso machine offers an impressive mix of versatility, user-friendliness, and excellent coffee results.

My Coffee Routine Before the DeLonghi Eletta Explore

Before I got the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew, my coffee routine was far from consistent. Some mornings, I would settle for a quick pod-based coffee. On weekends, I’d break out the espresso machine and spend 20 minutes dialing in the grind, steaming milk, and pulling shots manually. And when I wanted a cold brew, I’d have to wait overnight to steep the coffee grounds.

It was, frankly, exhausting. I wanted something that could offer me high-quality coffee with little fuss, but without sacrificing variety. The DeLonghi Eletta Explore seemed like it could bridge that gap—and it delivered.

How Easy Is It to Use the DeLonghi Eletta Explore?

One of my biggest concerns when buying a high-tech coffee machine is that it might be overly complicated. Thankfully, the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew is incredibly intuitive to use.

The touchscreen display is large, bright, and easy to navigate. Even if you’ve never used an espresso machine before, you’ll find the drink options simple to access. From espresso to cappuccino to cold brew, every selection is clearly labeled.

Once I familiarized myself with the settings, I could make a perfect espresso or cappuccino in less than a minute. The real game-changer for me, though, is the ability to customize each drink. I can adjust the strength, temperature, and size to suit my preferences. For example, I like my morning cappuccino to be stronger and hotter, while I prefer a milder and larger cold brew in the afternoon.

The Cold Brew Feature: A Personal Favorite

When I first heard that the DeLonghi Eletta Explore could make cold brew in under five minutes, I thought it sounded too good to be true. Traditional cold brew requires steeping coffee for 12 to 24 hours, so I wasn’t sure how this machine would replicate that smooth, less-acidic taste.

To my surprise, the cold brew setting worked beautifully. The machine uses a slow extraction process with cold water, which preserves the natural sweetness of the coffee beans without the bitterness. It’s not quite the same as overnight cold brew, but it’s close enough—and the convenience is unbeatable.

What I love most about this feature is how versatile it makes the machine. During hot summer afternoons, I can whip up a refreshing glass of cold brew or iced coffee without any effort. I’ve even experimented with adding flavored syrups and oat milk to create my own café-style iced drinks.

The LatteCrema System: Perfect for Milk-Based Drinks

If you’re someone who loves cappuccinos, lattes, or flat whites, the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew won’t disappoint. The built-in LatteCrema system is designed to froth milk to perfection, and in my experience, it works flawlessly.

The froth comes out light, creamy, and consistent, with no big bubbles or uneven textures. I particularly appreciate how easy it is to clean the milk container—it’s detachable and dishwasher-safe, which is a huge plus. After making a milk-based drink, the machine automatically cleans the milk spouts with hot water, so I don’t have to worry about milk residue building up.

As someone who enjoys a cappuccino in the morning and an occasional macchiato in the evening, the LatteCrema system has become one of my favorite features. It delivers professional-quality results without the mess of manual milk frothing.

Performance and Quality of the Coffee

The most important thing about any coffee machine, of course, is the quality of the coffee it produces. In this department, the DeLonghi Eletta Explore excels.

Whether I’m making a classic espresso or experimenting with a flat white, the flavor is rich, balanced, and consistent. The machine’s Bean Adapt Technology is a standout feature—it automatically adjusts the grind size, brewing temperature, and extraction pressure based on the coffee beans I’m using. This ensures that every cup tastes as good as it should.

I’ve tried a variety of coffee beans with this machine, from dark roasts to lighter, fruitier blends, and the results have been consistently impressive. I can taste the subtle notes in my coffee, which is something I’ve only experienced at specialty cafés.

Who Is This Machine Best Suited For?

The DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew is perfect for anyone who values convenience without sacrificing quality. Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur like me or someone who just wants great-tasting coffee without any hassle, this machine delivers.

Here’s who I think will benefit the most:

1. Busy Professionals: If you’re short on time in the morning, the DeLonghi Eletta Explore makes high-quality coffee with minimal effort.
2. Cold Brew Enthusiasts: For those who love iced coffee and cold brew, this machine’s quick cold brew feature is a huge win.
3. Families with Different Tastes: The ability to customize each drink makes it easy to cater to everyone’s preferences.

Is the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Worth the Price?

At its price point, the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew is an investment. But when I consider the features, performance, and the money I’ve saved from skipping coffee shop visits, it feels well worth the cost.

This machine doesn’t just replace one type of coffee—it replaces multiple appliances, from espresso machines to cold brew makers and milk frothers. If you’re someone who enjoys a variety of coffee drinks, it’s hard to find another machine that delivers this level of quality and versatility.

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

After using the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew for weeks, I can confidently say it’s become an essential part of my daily routine. Whether I’m in the mood for a quick espresso, a creamy cappuccino, or a refreshing cold brew, this machine delivers every time.

It’s user-friendly, easy to clean, and offers a level of customization that makes every cup feel like it was made just for me. While it’s not the cheapest option out there, it’s a worthwhile investment for anyone who loves good coffee and values convenience.

If you’re looking to elevate your coffee experience at home, the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew is a machine that truly lives up to its promises.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How easy is it to clean the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew?
A: Cleaning the machine is simple and hassle-free. It features automatic cleaning cycles for the milk frother and coffee spouts, reducing manual effort. The milk container is detachable and dishwasher-safe, and the drip tray and grounds container can be easily rinsed. The machine also provides prompts for descaling, making maintenance straightforward.

Q: Does the cold brew feature on the DeLonghi Eletta Explore really work?
A: Yes, it does! The cold brew feature uses a slow, low-pressure extraction method to produce a smooth, refreshing cold brew in under five minutes. While it’s not identical to traditional overnight steeped cold brew, the flavor is clean, sweet, and free from bitterness.

Q: Can I use pre-ground coffee or does it only work with whole beans?
A: The DeLonghi Eletta Explore primarily works with whole coffee beans, thanks to its built-in grinder, but it also has an option for using pre-ground coffee if needed. This is great for those who want to try decaf or other specialty grinds.

Q: Is the DeLonghi Eletta Explore suitable for beginners?
A: Absolutely! The machine is very user-friendly, featuring an intuitive touchscreen display and pre-set drink options. Even if you’re new to espresso machines, you’ll have no trouble navigating its controls and creating great coffee.

Q: Can I customize my drinks with this machine?
A: Yes, the DeLonghi Eletta Explore allows you to personalize nearly every aspect of your drink, including coffee strength, size, temperature, and milk froth levels. You can also save your preferred drink settings for quick access.

Q: How long does it take to make a drink with the DeLonghi Eletta Explore?
A: It depends on the drink. A hot espresso or cappuccino can be ready in under a minute, while the cold brew option takes approximately 4-5 minutes. Overall, it’s very efficient and much faster than manual brewing methods.

Q: Is the machine noisy when grinding beans or making coffee?
A: The grinder and brewing process are relatively quiet compared to other machines I’ve used. While you’ll hear the grinder working, it’s not disruptive, and the machine’s overall operation feels smooth and refined.

Q: What makes the LatteCrema system special?
A: The LatteCrema system froths milk automatically to create creamy, consistent foam for cappuccinos, lattes, and other milk-based drinks. It’s easy to use and clean, and the results are comparable to those you’d get at a café.

Q: How large is the DeLonghi Eletta Explore, and will it fit on my kitchen counter?
A: The machine has a compact design for its range of features. It’s about 10 inches wide, 18 inches deep, and 15 inches high, making it suitable for most standard kitchen countertops without taking up too much space.

Q: Is the DeLonghi Eletta Explore worth the price?
A: While it’s an investment, the machine’s versatility, consistent coffee quality, and ease of use make it worth the cost, especially for those who enjoy a variety of coffee drinks and want to save time and money on coffee shop visits.