DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew Review

The DeLonghi Eletta Explore stands as one of the most versatile espresso machines for home use. It excels not only in brewing delicious hot coffee but also features a unique cold brew option, making it a perfect all-in-one solution for coffee enthusiasts who enjoy a wide range of drinks. Whether you prefer a piping hot espresso or a refreshing cold brew, this machine delivers consistently high-quality coffee at the touch of a button.

My Experience with the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine

From the moment I started using the DeLonghi Eletta Explore, my coffee routine was transformed. The machine’s sleek design and intuitive controls immediately stood out. The cold brew option quickly became a game-changer for me. Traditionally, I would steep coffee grounds for hours to get cold brew, but with the Eletta Explore, I can enjoy a smooth, flavorful cold brew in just minutes, perfect for hot afternoons.

Another highlight for me was the LatteCrema system. I’ve tried many milk frothers, but this one truly produces the richest, most velvety froth every time. With this feature, I can make barista-quality cappuccinos and lattes with ease, customizing my drinks to suit my preferences. Adjusting the coffee’s strength, milk froth, and temperature is straightforward, allowing for a personalized coffee experience every time.

Despite its extensive features, the Eletta Explore is user-friendly. The touch screen interface is intuitive and responsive, making it simple to switch between drink options or fine-tune the settings. Within just a few uses, I was navigating the machine with ease.

Design and Build Quality of the DeLonghi Eletta Explore

The design of the DeLonghi Eletta Explore is premium, showcasing stainless steel accents that give it a polished, high-end appearance. It has a compact yet sturdy build, ensuring that it won’t dominate your kitchen countertop. The machine feels robust, and I could tell it was made to withstand daily use without compromising performance.

Despite its advanced capabilities, DeLonghi has ensured that this machine remains accessible to everyone. The touch screen interface is easy to use, guiding you seamlessly through the brewing process. Whether you’re selecting a coffee type or customizing your drink, the large buttons and clear display make the process straightforward.

A well-thought-out feature is the removable brewing unit, which simplifies cleaning and ensures the machine stays in optimal working condition. The drip tray and milk frother are also easily removable, making regular maintenance hassle-free.

Key Features of the DeLonghi Eletta Explore

The DeLonghi Eletta Explore is packed with impressive features, designed to appeal to a wide range of coffee drinkers. Here’s a closer look at what it has to offer:

• Cold Brew Functionality: Unlike traditional cold brew methods that take hours, the Eletta Explore can brew smooth, low-acid cold brew coffee in just minutes. This feature is a standout for iced coffee lovers who don’t want to wait for the steeping process.
• LatteCrema System: This system ensures perfect froth for all milk-based drinks, whether you're making a latte, cappuccino, or macchiato. The froth is consistently silky and creamy, adding a luxurious texture to your drinks.
• Customizable Coffee Options: You can brew a wide range of drinks, including espresso, cappuccino, americano, and cold brew. Each drink can be customized to your preferred strength, temperature, and frothiness, providing a tailored coffee experience every time.
• Smart Connectivity: The machine’s Bluetooth feature allows you to connect to the DeLonghi app. With this, you can brew coffee remotely, track the machine’s maintenance status, and even receive cleaning notifications—all from your phone.
• Dual Bean Hoppers: The dual hoppers make it convenient to switch between different coffee beans. This feature is great for those who enjoy different types of coffee or households where some prefer decaf.
• One-Touch Recipes: Convenience is key with the Eletta Explore. The one-touch recipes allow you to brew drinks like flat white or long black with just a single button press, saving time without compromising quality.

Performance of the DeLonghi Eletta Explore

In terms of performance, the DeLonghi Eletta Explore truly excels. The cold brew function, in particular, was a pleasant surprise. I was skeptical about whether a machine could create cold brew in minutes, but the result was a refreshing, smooth coffee that exceeded my expectations. The heating system is also efficient, taking under a minute to heat up, ensuring you can brew your espresso or cappuccino quickly.

Every espresso shot is topped with a rich crema, and even when brewing multiple drinks in a row, the machine maintains its consistency and temperature without faltering.

Maintenance and Cleaning of the DeLonghi Eletta Explore

The Eletta Explore is designed with user convenience in mind, especially when it comes to cleaning. The automatic cleaning cycle for the milk frother saves time, and the machine also provides descaling alerts, ensuring it runs efficiently. The removable brewing unit allows for a deep clean when necessary, and the drip tray and milk frother components are easy to disassemble for routine cleaning.

Additionally, the built-in water filter minimizes the need for frequent descaling, keeping the machine in top condition for longer periods. By following the machine’s cleaning alerts, it’s easy to maintain its peak performance.

Ideal Users for the DeLonghi Eletta Explore

The DeLonghi Eletta Explore is perfect for coffee lovers who appreciate variety. Whether you prefer hot espresso drinks or cold brew, this machine caters to both. It’s also ideal for households with multiple coffee drinkers, as each user can easily adjust the settings to suit their preferences.

For those who value convenience, the intuitive interface and smart connectivity features make it a breeze to use and maintain. While the price is an investment, the machine’s versatility and premium features make it worthwhile for coffee enthusiasts who want to enjoy café-quality beverages at home.

Conclusion

The DeLonghi Eletta Explore stands out as a top-tier espresso machine with its cold brew feature, intuitive design, and exceptional performance. Its LatteCrema system consistently produces barista-quality milk froth, and the smart app connectivity adds a layer of modern convenience. While the machine is an investment, its robust features make it an excellent choice for anyone serious about coffee.

Frequently Asked Questions About the DeLonghi Eletta Explore

• How quickly does it brew cold brew coffee?
  The Eletta Explore can brew cold brew coffee in just a few minutes.
• Can you customize your coffee settings?
  Yes, you can adjust the strength, temperature, and milk frothiness of each drink.
• Is it suitable for making iced coffee?
  Yes, you can brew iced versions of drinks or use the cold brew feature.
• How often does it need cleaning?
  The machine has automatic cleaning cycles and provides alerts when descaling is needed.
• Does the machine have dual bean hoppers?
  Yes, the Eletta Explore includes two hoppers for storing different coffee beans.
• Does it work with alternative milk options?
  Yes, the LatteCrema system froths both dairy and non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk.
• What’s the capacity of the water tank?
  The water tank has a capacity of 1.8 liters, making it suitable for frequent use.
• Can you use it to make tea or hot chocolate?
  Yes, it can dispense hot water for tea, and the frother can be used for making frothy hot chocolate.