DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew Review

As someone who enjoys a wide variety of coffee drinks, I’ve spent my fair share of time experimenting with espresso machines at home. Over the years, I’ve learned what works for me and what doesn’t, and I’ve become somewhat picky about what I want in an espresso machine. So when I had the chance to try out the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew, I was intrigued to see how it would stack up against some of the other machines I’ve used in the past.

After spending several weeks with the DeLonghi Eletta Explore, I can say that it’s been a solid addition to my kitchen. It’s packed with features that cater to coffee lovers who enjoy a variety of drinks, from classic espresso to more modern options like cold brew. The convenience and quality are impressive, but what really sets this machine apart is the combination of advanced technology and ease of use.

In this review, I’ll walk you through my experience using the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew, including its strengths, weaknesses, and whether it’s worth investing in for coffee enthusiasts like myself.

Getting Started with the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine

From the moment I set the DeLonghi Eletta Explore up on my countertop, I knew it was going to be a fun machine to work with. The sleek, modern design caught my attention, and it didn’t take long to realize that the user interface was intuitive and easy to navigate. There’s something about the simplicity of the touchscreen display that immediately made me feel comfortable. For anyone who’s had a frustrating experience with complicated coffee machines in the past, the DeLonghi Eletta Explore makes things much simpler.

What stood out to me early on was the cold brew feature, which is something I haven’t found in many other espresso machines. This made me even more excited to see how it performed because I enjoy cold brew coffee, especially in warmer weather. The rest of the setup, like adding water, coffee grounds, and milk, was easy, and I was able to dive straight into brewing my first espresso shot without much hassle.

Espresso Quality: Smooth, Bold, and Satisfying

When it comes to making espresso, quality is everything. Over the years, I’ve tried a range of machines, from manual to automatic, and I’ve found that consistency is key. The DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew absolutely delivered on that front. Every shot I pulled came out rich, full-bodied, and with a lovely crema on top. Even when I experimented with different beans and grind sizes, I was always impressed by the consistency of the espresso shots.

I particularly appreciated the adjustable coffee strength feature, which allowed me to fine-tune the espresso to my liking. Whether I was in the mood for a lighter, more delicate shot or a stronger, bolder flavor, I could customize the brew strength to suit my preferences. For someone like me who enjoys experimenting with different types of coffee, this level of customization was a real plus.

Cold Brew Function: A Game-Changer for Coffee Lovers

As a person who enjoys iced coffee, I was especially keen on testing the cold brew function. Cold brew is one of those drinks that’s become incredibly popular over the years, and for good reason: it’s smooth, less acidic, and incredibly refreshing. In the past, I’ve always had to prepare cold brew manually by steeping coffee grounds in water for hours, but the DeLonghi Eletta Explore made this process so much easier.

All I had to do was fill the dedicated cold brew filter with coffee grounds, select the cold brew option on the touchscreen, and let the machine handle the rest. A few hours later, I had a perfectly brewed cold brew that was ready to drink. It was smooth, well-balanced, and had a rich flavor profile that didn’t have the bitter aftertaste that sometimes comes with traditional iced coffee. For anyone who enjoys cold brew, this feature is a huge bonus.

Convenience and Ease of Use

One of the things I appreciate most about the DeLonghi Eletta Explore is how easy it is to use. As much as I love my coffee, I’m not someone who wants to spend hours learning how to use a complicated machine. Thankfully, the DeLonghi Eletta Explore is designed with simplicity in mind. The touchscreen display is responsive and straightforward, allowing me to easily navigate between different brewing options, customize settings, and even access maintenance features.

The milk frother is another feature that adds convenience to the overall experience. It’s automatic, which means I didn’t have to worry about manually frothing milk for lattes or cappuccinos. The milk foam was creamy and dense, making it easy to enjoy a café-style drink right at home. Whether I was making a classic cappuccino or a flat white, the machine did a great job with the milk frothing process.

Cleaning and Maintenance: Easy and Low-Maintenance

Cleaning and maintaining an espresso machine can sometimes feel like a daunting task, especially with machines that have many parts and require regular upkeep. Fortunately, the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew takes the hassle out of cleaning. The milk frother is easy to remove and clean, and the rest of the machine has a convenient cleaning cycle that helps keep everything in working order.

The drip tray and coffee grounds container are also easy to empty, so there’s no mess to deal with after each use. I’ve found that maintenance is pretty low-effort compared to other machines I’ve used, which is a major selling point for me. As someone who doesn’t want to spend too much time cleaning between brews, the DeLonghi Eletta Explore offers a nice balance of convenience and performance.

Durability and Build Quality: Sturdy and Reliable

When I first unboxed the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine, I was immediately impressed by its build quality. It feels sturdy and well-constructed, with a sleek stainless steel finish that looks professional and holds up well over time. After using the machine daily for several weeks, I can honestly say that it’s just as durable as it was when I first started using it.

Even with regular use, the machine still performs like new, and I haven’t noticed any issues with the internal components. For anyone who’s concerned about the longevity of an espresso machine, I think the DeLonghi Eletta Explore holds up well over time, especially considering the price point.

Price and Value for Money

The DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew falls in the mid-to-high range of espresso machines, and while it’s not the cheapest option on the market, I believe it offers great value for money. For anyone who enjoys a variety of coffee drinks and wants the convenience of having both espresso and cold brew options in one machine, it’s a worthwhile investment. The ability to customize brew strength, the automatic milk frother, and the ease of use all contribute to its overall value.

When you compare it to other machines in the same price range, like the Breville Barista Pro or the Jura E8, the DeLonghi Eletta Explore stands out for its cold brew functionality, which is rare in espresso machines. If you’re someone who drinks a lot of cold brew or enjoys a variety of coffee drinks, this machine offers flexibility that other machines in this category don’t.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

After using the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew for several weeks, I can confidently say that it’s a great choice for coffee enthusiasts who want a versatile, easy-to-use machine. It’s not the cheapest espresso machine on the market, but it delivers high-quality results and offers features that make it stand out from the competition. Whether you’re making a rich espresso shot, a creamy cappuccino, or a refreshing cold brew, the DeLonghi Eletta Explore has you covered. If you’re looking for an all-in-one coffee maker that’s reliable and offers a great variety of drinks, this machine could be a great addition to your kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew?
A: The DeLonghi Eletta Explore is a versatile espresso machine that can brew a variety of coffee drinks, including espresso, cappuccinos, lattes, and cold brew. It features an intuitive touchscreen interface, automatic milk frothing, and allows customization of coffee strength.

Q: How does the cold brew feature work?
A: The cold brew feature is simple to use. Just add ground coffee to the dedicated cold brew filter, select the cold brew option on the touchscreen, and the machine will brew it over several hours, delivering smooth and less acidic cold brew coffee.

Q: Is it easy to clean the DeLonghi Eletta Explore?
A: Yes, the machine is designed to be easy to clean. The milk frother is removable and can be cleaned separately, and the machine has a built-in cleaning cycle. The drip tray and coffee grounds container are also simple to empty and clean.

Q: Can I make different types of coffee with this machine?
A: Yes, the DeLonghi Eletta Explore offers a wide range of coffee drinks. You can make espresso, cappuccinos, lattes, and flat whites, and it even has an option for cold brew. The machine also allows customization of the coffee strength for each drink.

Q: How long does it take to brew a cup of espresso?
A: The brewing process is quick. The DeLonghi Eletta Explore heats up fast, and it only takes a couple of minutes to pull a shot of espresso, making it efficient for daily use.

Q: Is the DeLonghi Eletta Explore easy to use for beginners?
A: Yes, the machine is user-friendly, especially with its touchscreen interface. The simple controls allow even beginners to make professional-quality coffee without much effort. The automatic milk frothing and easy cleaning add to its ease of use.

Q: What makes the DeLonghi Eletta Explore different from other espresso machines?
A: The standout feature is the cold brew function, which is not common in many espresso machines. Additionally, it offers a variety of coffee drinks and has an intuitive touchscreen interface, making it a versatile and easy-to-use machine for coffee enthusiasts.

Q: How durable is the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine?
A: The DeLonghi Eletta Explore is built with sturdy materials, including stainless steel, ensuring durability. It has held up well after several weeks of daily use and is designed to last with proper maintenance.

Q: What is the price range of the DeLonghi Eletta Explore?
A: The DeLonghi Eletta Explore falls in the mid-to-high price range for espresso machines. While it’s not the cheapest option, it offers great value for its versatility and high-quality performance, especially with its cold brew feature.

Q: Can I customize the strength of my coffee with this machine?
A: Yes, the DeLonghi Eletta Explore allows you to adjust the strength of your coffee, whether you want a mild, medium, or strong brew. This customization is perfect for those who like to fine-tune their coffee experience.