DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew Review

As a coffee lover who thrives on variety, the idea of having a single machine that can handle both hot and cold brews felt like a dream come true. When I came across the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew, I was intrigued. Could this sleek appliance really deliver on its promise of versatile, high-quality coffee at the push of a button? I had to find out for myself.

From the unboxing to my first cold brew latte, I explored every feature this machine had to offer. Here’s everything you need to know about the DeLonghi Eletta Explore from my personal experience.

First Impressions: A Design That Speaks to Modern Coffee Drinkers

The first thing I noticed about the Eletta Explore was its modern, minimalist design. It’s not just a coffee machine; it’s a stylish addition to the kitchen. The matte black finish with a metallic accent adds a touch of sophistication, and it blends seamlessly with contemporary appliances.

But good looks are just the beginning. This machine is packed with functionality. One thing I particularly appreciated was the front-loading water tank. It’s incredibly convenient, especially if you don’t have a lot of clearance above your countertops. The adjustable spout was another welcome feature, as it accommodates everything from small espresso cups to my tall travel mugs.

What Sets the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Apart?

From the start, I could tell this machine was designed with versatility in mind. While most espresso machines focus solely on hot beverages, the Eletta Explore goes further, delivering both hot drinks and iced coffee options with ease.

The Cold Brew function, which produces a smooth, refreshing brew in under three minutes, was a revelation for me. I live in a warmer climate, so cold coffee is a must for at least half the year. The fact that I could whip up a cold brew latte on a busy morning without waiting hours for steeping time was a game-changer.

Another standout feature is the dual LatteCrema systems. Hot froth for my cappuccinos and cold foam for iced lattes? Yes, please. I’ve never had so much freedom to experiment with different drinks at home.

How the Coffee Tastes: Exploring the Brewing Capabilities

As someone who’s tried a range of home espresso machines, I have to say the DeLonghi Eletta Explore delivers a café-quality experience. The coffee it produces is smooth, aromatic, and consistently delicious. I tested it with various beans, from a dark French roast to a fruity Ethiopian blend, and it handled each one beautifully.

The Bean Adapt Technology deserves a lot of credit here. This feature adjusts the brewing parameters—grind size, dose, and temperature—based on the type of coffee beans you’re using. It took some of the guesswork out of the equation and ensured that I got the best flavor possible every time.

Even for a beginner, this machine makes brewing feel effortless. For espresso purists, the crema is spot-on: thick, golden, and perfect for sipping or stirring into a latte.

My Experience with the Cold Brew Feature

Let’s talk about cold brew. If you’ve ever made it the traditional way, you know it’s a time-intensive process. You have to plan ahead and steep the coffee for at least 12 hours, sometimes longer. The Eletta Explore simplifies this to a level I didn’t think was possible: a rich, smooth cold brew in less than three minutes.

Here’s how it works: you simply select the Cold Brew option, add ice to your glass, and let the machine do its thing. The result is a low-acid, well-balanced brew that’s perfect for customizing. I’ve tried it with almond milk, flavored syrups, and even a dash of whipped cream, and it holds up beautifully every time.

This feature has been a lifesaver on busy mornings when I want a cool, energizing drink without the wait. It’s also been great for impressing guests; they’re always amazed at how quickly I can whip up a cold brew for them.

Exploring the Milk Frothing Systems

Milk frothing is another area where the Eletta Explore shines. As I mentioned earlier, it comes with two dedicated LatteCrema systems: one for hot milk and another for cold. This dual system ensures that the foam is tailored to the drink you’re making, whether it’s a piping-hot cappuccino or a creamy iced macchiato.

I’ll admit, I was skeptical about the cold foam at first. I’ve used other machines where the cold froth was thin and inconsistent. But the Eletta Explore’s cold frother delivers a thick, creamy foam that holds up well in iced drinks. It’s not quite as stable as hot foam, but it still adds a luxurious touch to iced lattes and frappes.

Practical Use Cases: Who Is This Machine For?

The versatility of the DeLonghi Eletta Explore makes it an excellent choice for a wide range of coffee lovers:

1. Busy Professionals: If you need your coffee quickly in the morning, this machine’s automated functions and user-friendly interface save time.
2. Cold Brew Enthusiasts: The fast Cold Brew feature is a major selling point for anyone who loves iced coffee.
3. Families or Shared Households: The ability to create multiple user profiles means everyone can save their favorite drinks and preferences.
4. Entertainers: With over 50 pre-programmed recipes, you can easily impress guests with café-style beverages at home.

Maintenance: A User-Friendly Approach

Maintaining the Eletta Explore is as intuitive as using it. The machine performs automatic rinsing cycles to keep the coffee spouts and milk systems clean. I also appreciated the quick-clean function on the milk carafes, which made it easy to rinse them out after each use.

The drip tray and grounds container are both removable and dishwasher-safe, which is a nice touch. And while regular descaling is required, the machine provides clear instructions and reminders, so it’s hard to forget.

Room for Improvement

While I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my experience with the Eletta Explore, no machine is perfect. Here are a couple of areas where there’s room for improvement:

• Noise Level: The grinder is a bit louder than I expected. It’s not unbearable, but it’s noticeable, especially in the early mornings.
• Cold Foam Stability: While the cold froth is impressive, it doesn’t hold its shape as well as hot foam. This is a minor issue, but worth mentioning.

Final Thoughts: Why I’d Recommend the DeLonghi Eletta Explore

The DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew has exceeded my expectations in many ways. It’s versatile, easy to use, and produces consistently great coffee. Whether I’m in the mood for a steaming espresso, a creamy latte, or a refreshing cold brew, this machine has me covered.

What I appreciate most is how much time it saves me. I used to rely on separate tools and gadgets for different coffee styles, but now I have a single machine that can handle it all. That said, it’s an investment, and it may not be for everyone. If you’re someone who drinks only black coffee or doesn’t care for specialty drinks, a simpler machine might suffice.

But if you’re like me and love exploring the full spectrum of coffee possibilities, the Eletta Explore is worth considering. It’s brought a touch of café luxury to my home, and I can’t imagine going back to life without it.

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

Q: What types of beverages can the DeLonghi Eletta Explore make?

A: The DeLonghi Eletta Explore can create over 50 beverages, including espresso, cappuccino, latte macchiato, flat white, Americano, and more. It also offers a Cold Brew function for iced coffee and cold foam options.

Q: How does the Cold Brew function work?

A: The Cold Brew function allows you to make a refreshing cold brew in less than three minutes. The machine brews at a low temperature to extract a smooth, low-acid coffee, perfect for iced drinks.

Q: Can the machine froth milk for hot and cold beverages?

A: Yes, the Eletta Explore comes with dual LatteCrema systems—one for hot frothing and one for cold frothing. This allows you to create creamy hot foam for lattes and cappuccinos or airy cold foam for iced beverages.

Q: Is it easy to clean the DeLonghi Eletta Explore?

A: Yes, the machine has automatic rinsing cycles for the coffee spouts and milk systems. The milk carafes have a quick-clean function, and the drip tray and grounds container are removable and dishwasher-safe.

Q: Can I customize the drink settings?

A: Absolutely! The Eletta Explore allows you to adjust settings like coffee strength, temperature, milk froth level, and drink size. You can also save your preferences in user profiles for easy access.

Q: Does the machine have a built-in grinder?

A: Yes, it features a stainless steel conical burr grinder with 13 adjustable settings. The Bean Adapt Technology also fine-tunes the brewing process to match the type of beans you’re using.

Q: How large is the water tank?

A: The machine comes with a 1.8-liter water tank, which is accessible from the front for easy refilling.

Q: How noisy is the grinder?

A: The grinder does make some noise during operation, which is common with espresso machines. While noticeable, it’s not overly disruptive and lasts only briefly during the grinding process.

Q: Can it accommodate tall cups or travel mugs?

A: Yes, the spout is adjustable and can accommodate cups and travel mugs up to 6.7 inches tall.

Q: Is the DeLonghi Eletta Explore worth the price?

A: The machine is a premium investment, but it delivers excellent versatility, ease of use, and café-quality coffee. If you love exploring different coffee styles, including cold brew, it’s worth considering.

Q: How often do I need to descale the machine?

A: Descaling frequency depends on usage and water hardness, but the machine will notify you when descaling is needed. It also provides step-by-step instructions to make the process simple.

Q: Is it suitable for households with multiple users?

A: Yes, the Eletta Explore supports multiple user profiles, allowing each person to save their preferred drink settings for quick access.

Q: Does it come with accessories?

A: Yes, the machine includes two milk carafes (hot and cold), a double-wall cappuccino cup, a travel mug, and an ice cube tray for cold brew preparation.

Q: Can I use pre-ground coffee with the machine?

A: Yes, in addition to whole beans, the machine has a bypass doser for pre-ground coffee, making it versatile for different preferences.