DeLonghi Eletta Explore vs DeLonghi Eletta Explore Cold Brew

When I first set my eyes on the Delonghi Eletta Explore and the Delonghi Eletta Explore Cold Brew, I knew I was in for a treat. As someone who drinks coffee multiple times a day and loves experimenting with different brews, I had to give these two machines a try. Both models claim to deliver barista-level quality and convenience, but after weeks of testing, I discovered some key differences that helped me decide which one deserves a spot on my countertop.

In this article, I’ll share everything you need to know about these two machines, highlighting their features, use cases, and, most importantly, their coffee quality. While both are fantastic options, I found the Delonghi Eletta Explore to be the better pick for most coffee lovers. Here’s why.

Delonghi Eletta Explore vs Delonghi Eletta Explore Cold Brew: What Sets Them Apart?

The first thing you notice when comparing the Delonghi Eletta Explore and the Delonghi Eletta Explore Cold Brew is how similar they appear at first glance. Both machines boast impressive technology, sleek designs, and the promise of barista-quality coffee. However, there are some key distinctions.

• Delonghi Eletta Explore: A versatile machine capable of producing hot, iced, and milk-based beverages with precision and convenience.

• Delonghi Eletta Explore Cold Brew: A slight variation that specializes in cold brew preparation while retaining the versatility of hot and iced drinks.

At first, I was tempted to think that the Cold Brew model would have a distinct advantage for cold coffee lovers. But after thorough testing, I discovered why the Delonghi Eletta Explore is the superior choice overall.

Design and Build Quality

When comparing the Delonghi Eletta Explore vs Delonghi Eletta Explore Cold Brew, both machines share a nearly identical design. Each one features a modern and elegant look that blends seamlessly into any kitchen. The touchscreen display is large and intuitive, making it easy to navigate the machine’s many options.

The Delonghi Eletta Explore stands out because it feels slightly more polished when it comes to build quality. The construction feels robust and durable, making me confident in its longevity. While the Cold Brew model shares the same materials, the additional cold brew function comes across as an add-on rather than an integrated part of the machine.

Performance and Ease of Use

As someone who values convenience, I need a machine that doesn’t require a steep learning curve. Thankfully, both the Delonghi Eletta Explore and the Delonghi Eletta Explore Cold Brew are incredibly user-friendly.

With the Delonghi Eletta Explore, I found the process of brewing my favorite drinks seamless. The machine offers a variety of preset options for espresso, cappuccino, latte, flat white, and even iced coffee. Its LatteCrema Hot and LatteCrema Cool technologies ensure that milk-based drinks come out perfectly textured, whether hot or cold.

The Cold Brew model includes an additional function for cold brew coffee, which may sound exciting for iced coffee fans. However, this is where things get a little tricky. While the cold brew option works, it takes noticeably longer to prepare than other iced coffee settings on the standard Eletta Explore. For someone like me who prefers speed and efficiency, waiting that extra time became less appealing over repeated uses.

Beverage Variety: Why the Delonghi Eletta Explore Wins

When it comes to versatility in beverages, the Delonghi Eletta Explore edges ahead in the Delonghi Eletta Explore vs Delonghi Eletta Explore Cold Brew battle. It offers an impressive selection of drinks that are perfect for any mood, season, or preference.

I loved how easy it was to switch between my favorite espresso in the morning, a refreshing iced latte in the afternoon, and a creamy cappuccino in the evening. The LatteCrema Hot and Cool systems take care of the milk foam perfectly, whether I’m craving something hot or chilled.

On the other hand, while the Cold Brew model provides an added cold brew feature, it doesn’t significantly enhance the overall versatility. In fact, I found that the iced coffee setting on the regular Eletta Explore was more than sufficient to produce a satisfying cold beverage without the added wait time of cold brew.

The Cold Brew Function: Is It Worth It?

The biggest selling point of the Delonghi Eletta Explore Cold Brew is, of course, its cold brew feature. Cold brew coffee is prepared by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period, usually around 8 to 24 hours. Delonghi’s Cold Brew feature shortens this process significantly to a few minutes, which is impressive.

However, in practice, the cold brew tasted slightly less robust than I expected. While it’s a convenient way to get a quick cold brew, I found myself preferring the iced coffee from the Delonghi Eletta Explore. The regular iced coffee option is faster and produces a similarly smooth and refreshing result.

If cold brew coffee is your absolute favorite drink, then this feature might appeal to you. But for me, it didn’t justify choosing the Cold Brew model over the standard Delonghi Eletta Explore.

Taste Test: A Detailed Comparison

The true test of any coffee machine lies in the taste of the drinks it produces. I conducted a thorough taste test with both machines, sampling hot coffee, milk-based drinks, and cold beverages.

• Hot Coffee: Both machines excel at brewing espresso, delivering a rich and well-extracted shot with impressive crema. There was no noticeable difference here.

• Milk-Based Drinks: Thanks to the LatteCrema systems, both machines produce velvety milk foam for lattes, cappuccinos, and flat whites. However, I found that the Delonghi Eletta Explore handled the temperature and consistency more consistently.

• Cold Coffee: Surprisingly, the iced coffee setting on the Delonghi Eletta Explore tasted just as smooth as the cold brew option on the Cold Brew model. The main difference was the wait time, and for me, faster always wins.

After tasting a variety of drinks, I couldn’t help but prefer the overall experience with the Delonghi Eletta Explore. It delivers exceptional quality across the board without relying on a single niche feature.

Price and Value for Money

Price is always a major factor when investing in a coffee machine, and both the Delonghi Eletta Explore and the Delonghi Eletta Explore Cold Brew are premium products. The Cold Brew model tends to cost slightly more due to its added feature.

In my opinion, the Delonghi Eletta Explore provides better value for money. You’re getting a highly versatile machine capable of producing an extensive range of beverages with outstanding quality. Unless you’re specifically obsessed with cold brew, the additional cost of the Cold Brew model doesn’t seem justified.

Final Verdict: Why the Delonghi Eletta Explore Is Better

After testing both machines and exploring their features, performance, and results, I can confidently say that the Delonghi Eletta Explore is the better choice. Here’s a quick summary of why:

1. Versatility: The Eletta Explore offers a broader range of drinks without the added wait time for cold brew.

2. Convenience: It’s faster, easier to use, and doesn’t complicate the brewing process.

3. Value: The price-to-performance ratio is better, making it a smarter investment.

4. Taste: The iced coffee from the regular Eletta Explore rivals the cold brew function.

While the Delonghi Eletta Explore Cold Brew is a great machine for those who love cold brew coffee specifically, it doesn’t offer enough of an advantage to justify the higher price or longer wait times.

Who Should Choose the Delonghi Eletta Explore?

If you’re like me and enjoy a variety of hot, cold, and milk-based drinks, the Delonghi Eletta Explore is hands down the best option. It delivers barista-quality beverages with consistency and speed, whether you’re making a cappuccino, espresso, or a refreshing iced latte.

On the other hand, if you’re someone who drinks cold brew exclusively and you don’t mind the wait time, the Delonghi Eletta Explore Cold Brew might appeal to you. But for the vast majority of coffee lovers, the standard Eletta Explore wins.

Conclusion: Delonghi Eletta Explore vs Delonghi Eletta Explore Cold Brew

In the ultimate battle of Delonghi Eletta Explore vs Delonghi Eletta Explore Cold Brew, the Delonghi Eletta Explore emerges as the clear winner. It combines versatility, speed, and exceptional beverage quality to create a superior coffee experience. Whether you love a piping hot espresso or a refreshing iced latte, this machine has you covered.

So, if you’re considering an upgrade to your coffee setup, the Delonghi Eletta Explore is the perfect choice for everyday coffee enthusiasts like me.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the main difference between the Delonghi Eletta Explore and the Delonghi Eletta Explore Cold Brew?
A: The primary difference is that the Delonghi Eletta Explore Cold Brew has an additional cold brew function that allows you to prepare cold brew coffee in a few minutes. The standard Delonghi Eletta Explore, on the other hand, focuses on a versatile range of hot, iced, and milk-based beverages without the cold brew feature.

Q: How long does the Delonghi Eletta Explore Cold Brew take to prepare cold brew coffee?
A: The Cold Brew model can prepare cold brew coffee in approximately 5 to 10 minutes, significantly faster than the traditional cold brew process, which typically takes 8 to 24 hours.

Q: Can the standard Delonghi Eletta Explore make iced coffee?
A: Yes, the Delonghi Eletta Explore has a preset option for iced coffee. It delivers a smooth and refreshing cold coffee experience without the need for the cold brew setting found in the Cold Brew model.

Q: Which machine is better for someone who drinks hot coffee and espresso regularly?
A: The Delonghi Eletta Explore is better suited for those who primarily enjoy hot coffee and espresso. It consistently delivers rich and well-extracted shots while offering versatile milk-based and iced coffee options.

Q: Does the cold brew option on the Delonghi Eletta Explore Cold Brew taste different from iced coffee?
A: Yes, cold brew tends to have a smoother and less acidic taste compared to iced coffee. However, in practice, the iced coffee option on the standard Delonghi Eletta Explore is very comparable in terms of smoothness and flavor.

Q: Is the Delonghi Eletta Explore worth the price?
A: Absolutely. The Delonghi Eletta Explore offers exceptional versatility, high-quality beverages, and reliable performance, making it a great investment for coffee lovers who enjoy a variety of drinks.

Q: Can I make milk-based drinks like cappuccinos and lattes on both machines?
A: Yes, both machines feature Delonghi's LatteCrema Hot and LatteCrema Cool systems, which produce perfectly textured milk foam for cappuccinos, lattes, flat whites, and more, whether hot or cold.

Q: Is the cold brew feature on the Delonghi Eletta Explore Cold Brew worth the extra cost?
A: If you are a dedicated cold brew enthusiast, the feature may be appealing. However, for most coffee lovers, the iced coffee setting on the standard Delonghi Eletta Explore delivers a comparable experience without the extra cost or wait time.

Q: How easy is it to clean and maintain these machines?
A: Both machines are designed for easy cleaning and maintenance. They feature automated cleaning programs for the milk frother and removable brewing units, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

Q: Can the Delonghi Eletta Explore make drinks for a large group?
A: Yes, the machines are equipped with large water tanks and bean hoppers, making them ideal for preparing multiple drinks in a short time, perfect for entertaining guests or serving a busy household.