DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew Review

As a coffee enthusiast, I've tried countless coffee makers, espresso machines, and brewing tools, but few have truly impressed me. So when I got my hands on the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew, I was intrigued and excited to see if it would live up to the hype. After weeks of testing, I can confidently say this machine is a game-changer for coffee lovers. Here's my in-depth experience and review of the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew. 

Why I Needed a Versatile Coffee Machine

For years, my mornings started with mediocre drip coffee. It was quick, sure, but far from satisfying. I dreamed of upgrading to a machine that could produce espresso, cappuccinos, and cold brew—all in one. The problem? Most machines either lacked features or were too complicated to use.

When I stumbled across the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew, I knew I had to give it a shot. Its ability to prepare hot and cold drinks, along with its intuitive controls, seemed like the answer to my coffee cravings. Spoiler alert: It delivered. 

Unboxing the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew

The excitement began the moment I unboxed the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew. DeLonghi has clearly put effort into the machine's design and packaging. It feels luxurious and well-built, and everything about it screams high quality. From the sleek stainless-steel accents to the modern touchscreen display, the machine is aesthetically pleasing and fits beautifully in my kitchen.

Inside the box, I found the machine, a milk frother, a cleaning kit, and a clear, easy-to-read instruction manual. Setting it up took only a few minutes, and I appreciated that the machine was intuitive and user-friendly right out of the box. I was already imagining brewing my first cup of espresso.

The Features That Set the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Apart

The DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew comes packed with features that elevate it above other machines in its class. It’s not just about making espresso—this machine is a fully versatile coffee station. Here are some standout features I absolutely loved:

1. Hot and Cold Brew OptionsThis is where the Eletta Explore shines. Not only can it brew rich, barista-quality espresso, but it also has a dedicated cold brew mode. The cold brew process typically takes hours, but with this machine, you can enjoy smooth, full-bodied cold brew coffee in under five minutes.
2. LatteCrema Hot and Cool SystemsFor milk-based beverages like cappuccinos and lattes, the Eletta Explore comes with DeLonghi's patented LatteCrema system. Whether you're making hot foam for a classic latte or cool foam for an iced cappuccino, this system delivers perfect, creamy results every time.
3. Customizable Drink OptionsThe touchscreen menu is one of the most customizable interfaces I’ve seen. You can choose from a wide range of drinks, adjust strength, temperature, and milk levels, and even save your personalized settings.
4. Smart App ConnectivityThe DeLonghi Coffee Link App takes things a step further. You can connect your machine to the app and control it remotely, customize your drinks, and even access step-by-step recipes.

Brewing My First Espresso

Once I got everything set up, it was time to put the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew to the test. I started with a simple espresso, and the process was seamless. The touchscreen made it easy to select my drink, and within seconds, the machine began grinding fresh beans.

The smell of freshly ground coffee filled the room, and I could hear the satisfying hum of the brewing process. In less than a minute, I had a perfect shot of espresso with a beautiful, rich crema on top. The flavor was bold, smooth, and incredibly satisfying—a true barista-quality result right at home.

The Magic of Cold Brew with the DeLonghi Eletta Explore

While I was impressed with the espresso, I was particularly excited to try the cold brew feature. As someone who loves iced coffee but doesn't have the patience to wait hours for a cold brew, this feature was a dream come true.

Using the cold brew option is as simple as pressing a button. The DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew uses a slower, low-pressure extraction method to produce cold brew coffee in under five minutes. The result? A smooth, naturally sweet cup of coffee with no bitterness.

I added a bit of ice and milk, and it tasted like something I'd buy at a fancy coffee shop. I was blown away by how quick and easy it was to make cold brew at home without compromising on quality.

Hot or Iced: The Versatility of the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew

The real beauty of the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew is its versatility. Whether you prefer hot or cold beverages, this machine does it all. I made everything from espressos and Americanos to iced cappuccinos and cold brew lattes.

One of my favorite drinks to make was an iced cappuccino using the LatteCrema Cool system. The machine produced a smooth, velvety milk foam that paired perfectly with the cold espresso. I also enjoyed experimenting with the customizable drink settings, adjusting the coffee strength and milk ratio to suit my taste.

Cleaning and Maintenance

One thing that surprised me about the DeLonghi Eletta Explore is how straightforward the cleaning process is. The removable brew unit is easy to rinse, and the machine runs a rinse cycle automatically after each use. I especially liked the detachable milk carafe—it’s easy to clean and can be stored in the fridge between uses.

That said, like any espresso machine, it does require regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly. The descaling process is automated and takes around 20 minutes, and the touchscreen provides clear instructions when it’s time for cleaning. It’s still a commitment, but far less hassle compared to some other espresso machines I've used in the past.

Is the DeLonghi Eletta Explore the Best Choice for You?

While the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew offers a lot of convenience, it may not be for everyone. If you prefer your cold brew with deep, intense flavors and have the patience to make it the traditional way, you might find the cold brew setting lacking in comparison. However, for someone like me, who loves the option to quickly prepare a variety of beverages—hot or cold—with minimal effort, it’s a great fit.

I could easily see this machine working well for busy households where different family members have different preferences, or for someone who likes entertaining and offering guests a wide variety of drink options. The Bean Adapt Technology is also a standout feature for those who like experimenting with different types of beans without needing to manually adjust multiple settings.

Comparing to the DeLonghi PrimaDonna Elite

When comparing the Eletta Explore to the DeLonghi PrimaDonna Elite, I noticed that both machines share several features, but the PrimaDonna Elite offers a more extensive range of specialty drinks and user profiles. However, the Eletta Explore is much more focused on providing a good balance between hot and cold beverages, which makes it unique in its category.

The PrimaDonna Elite also features a dual boiler system, which is something I missed with the Eletta Explore. With dual boilers, you can steam milk and brew espresso simultaneously, which saves time if you are making multiple drinks. That said, for me, the cold brew and cold froth options made up for this, as they added a whole new dimension to what I could do with the machine.

The Convenience of Personalized Settings

One thing I quickly fell in love with was the ability to save personalized drink settings. On busy mornings, I don’t want to fiddle with controls—I just want my coffee, fast. The Eletta Explore allows me to save my favorite drinks, so with a quick tap, my espresso or cold brew is ready to go. It’s these thoughtful features that make this machine stand out.

Maintenance and Cleaning: Surprisingly Simple

Cleaning an espresso machine can be a hassle, but the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew makes it surprisingly simple. The machine has automatic cleaning functions for the milk frother and brew unit, which saves a ton of time and effort.

The drip tray and milk container are both easy to remove and clean, and the machine even reminds you when it's time to descale. I appreciated that DeLonghi prioritized convenience here, as regular maintenance ensures the machine stays in top condition for years.

What I Loved About the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew

There’s so much to love about this machine. Here are my top highlights:

1. Cold Brew in Minutes: The cold brew feature alone makes this machine worth it for anyone who loves iced coffee.

2. Customizable Options: The ability to tailor every drink to my preference is a huge plus.

3. Beautiful Design: It looks stunning in any kitchen and feels like a premium appliance.

4. Easy to Use: The intuitive touchscreen and Coffee Link App make the brewing process a breeze.

5. Automatic Cleaning: Cleaning the machine is simple, which keeps the experience stress-free.

Areas for Improvement

While I’m thoroughly impressed with the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew, there are a few minor areas for improvement:

• Size: The machine is quite large, so it might not be ideal for smaller kitchens.

• Price: It’s a premium product, and the price reflects that. However, for what it offers, I think it’s worth the investment.

• Noise: The grinder can be a bit noisy, but that’s typical for espresso machines.

Is the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew Worth It?

For me, the answer is a resounding yes. The DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew offers an unparalleled coffee experience that combines quality, convenience, and versatility. Whether you’re a die-hard espresso fan or someone who loves experimenting with cold brew and milk-based drinks, this machine has something for everyone.

The cold brew feature alone sets it apart from other machines on the market, and the customizable options make it perfect for coffee enthusiasts who want full control over their brewing process. Yes, it’s an investment, but considering how much I’d spend at coffee shops each month, it’s one that pays off quickly.

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

In conclusion, the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew is a must-have for any coffee lover who values quality, convenience, and versatility. It’s not just an espresso machine—it’s a complete coffee experience that brings the coffee shop right into your home.

From the ease of brewing perfect espresso shots to the magic of making cold brew in minutes, this machine exceeded all my expectations. If you’re looking for a coffee maker that does it all and looks stunning while doing it, the **DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold