DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew Review

Coffee has always been an essential part of my daily routine, and I’m always on the lookout for products that enhance my brewing experience. When I heard about the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew, I was intrigued by its promise of delivering not just espresso but also cold brew, alongside a wide array of hot and cold beverages. With that in mind, I decided to dive into this machine to see if it could live up to the hype.

What Makes the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Stand Out?

One of the first things that caught my attention was its ability to offer cold brew in a matter of minutes. Cold brew has traditionally been a process that requires hours of steeping, but the Eletta Explore has a unique system that significantly speeds this up. This feature immediately piqued my curiosity, as someone who enjoys iced coffee during warmer months.

Additionally, the dual milk frothing system allows you to create both hot and cold foam effortlessly. Whether it’s a frothy cappuccino in the morning or an iced latte in the afternoon, this feature adds incredible versatility to the machine.

My Personal Experience With the Cold Brew Function

I couldn’t wait to test the cold brew functionality because it’s rare to find a machine that offers this alongside traditional espresso drinks. After filling the machine with medium-ground beans, I selected the cold brew option on the touchscreen. Within minutes, I had a smooth, flavorful cold brew that was surprisingly nuanced and refreshing.

What impressed me the most was the lack of bitterness, a common issue with quick-brewed iced coffee. The cold extraction process seemed to highlight the coffee’s subtle flavors, making it a go-to option for hot afternoons or when entertaining guests with iced coffee cocktails.

Experimenting With the Built-In Burr Grinder

The grinder is another highlight of the DeLonghi Eletta Explore. With 13 adjustable settings, it allows you to fine-tune the grind size based on the type of coffee you’re making. I experimented with different settings for espresso and cold brew, and the results were consistently satisfying. The grind size directly affected the flavor profile, giving me the freedom to explore a range of tastes from my favorite coffee beans.

A Morning Routine Simplified

As someone who juggles a busy schedule, the convenience of the Eletta Explore quickly became one of my favorite features. On busy mornings, I could simply select my preferred coffee type on the intuitive touchscreen, and the machine handled the rest. Whether I wanted a quick espresso shot or a velvety latte, it delivered with minimal effort on my part.

Even the milk frothing system proved to be a time-saver. The automatic cleaning function was a welcome addition, making it easy to maintain hygiene without adding an extra chore to my day.

Customization for Every Coffee Lover

One of the standout aspects of this machine is its customization options. Unlike simpler models, the Eletta Explore allows you to adjust the coffee strength, temperature, milk quantity, and more. I enjoyed tweaking these settings to create beverages that perfectly suited my taste preferences.

For example, I like my lattes on the stronger side, so I adjusted the coffee-to-milk ratio. When experimenting with cold foam, I found that increasing the milk quantity created a creamier texture, perfect for topping iced coffees.

Creating Café-Style Drinks at Home

For someone who frequently visited coffee shops, the Eletta Explore offered an opportunity to recreate professional-quality drinks at home. I tried my hand at making a flat white, cappuccino, and even an iced macchiato. Each drink was comparable in quality to those I’d order at a café, with the added bonus of enjoying them in the comfort of my home.

What’s more, the ability to produce cold foam opened up a new world of drink possibilities. I made everything from cold brew lattes to affogatos with ease, impressing both myself and my guests.

Cleaning and Maintenance: Is It a Hassle?

One of the questions I always ask myself when trying a new coffee machine is: how easy is it to clean? Thankfully, the Eletta Explore doesn’t overcomplicate things. The drip tray, brew group, and water tank are all easily removable for cleaning, and the machine alerts you when it’s time for descaling.

The milk frothing system has a self-cleaning function that I found to be particularly useful. After each use, the machine performs a quick rinse, ensuring that the milk components remain hygienic without requiring constant manual intervention.

Who Is the DeLonghi Eletta Explore For?

After using the machine extensively, I’d say it’s ideal for:

1. Coffee Enthusiasts: If you enjoy exploring different types of coffee beverages, the versatility of this machine will appeal to you.
2. Busy Professionals: Its automation and ease of use make it a great choice for those with hectic schedules.
3. Families: With the ability to cater to varying tastes, it’s perfect for households where everyone has different preferences.
4. Cold Coffee Lovers: The cold brew and cold foam features make it a standout choice for iced coffee fans.

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

The DeLonghi Eletta Explore is more than just a coffee machine—it’s a tool for enhancing your coffee experience. While it does come with a premium price tag, the features it offers justify the investment, especially for those who take their coffee seriously.

From its quick cold brew functionality to its professional-grade milk frothing capabilities, this machine has something for everyone. It’s not perfect—the price and slight learning curve may deter some—but for me, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. If you’re ready to bring café-quality drinks into your home, the Eletta Explore is worth considering.

In short, this machine has redefined how I enjoy coffee, and I can confidently say it’s one of the most versatile coffee makers I’ve ever used.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What types of coffee can the DeLonghi Eletta Explore make?
A: The Eletta Explore can make a wide variety of drinks, including espresso, cappuccino, latte, flat white, macchiato, and even cold brew. It also has options for both hot and cold milk foam, allowing for versatility in beverage creation.

Q: How does the cold brew feature work?
A: The cold brew feature uses a specialized extraction process to brew coffee at a lower temperature in just a few minutes. This delivers a smooth and flavorful cold brew without the bitterness typically associated with fast-brewed iced coffee.

Q: Is the machine easy to clean?
A: Yes, the Eletta Explore is designed for easy maintenance. Components like the drip tray, water tank, and brew group are removable for cleaning, and the milk system includes an automatic cleaning function to rinse out milk residues.

Q: Can I customize my coffee preferences?
A: Absolutely! The machine allows you to adjust various settings, including coffee strength, grind size, milk quantity, and temperature. This ensures you can create beverages tailored to your taste.

Q: How large is the machine, and will it fit in a small kitchen?
A: The Eletta Explore has a compact design, making it suitable for most kitchen counters. Its sleek and modern aesthetic also ensures it blends well with different kitchen styles.

Q: Is the milk frothing system manual or automatic?
A: The machine features both a manual steam wand for hot frothing and an automatic system for both hot and cold milk foam. This dual functionality caters to users who prefer control as well as those seeking convenience.

Q: Does the Eletta Explore come with a built-in grinder?
A: Yes, it has a built-in burr grinder with 13 adjustable settings, allowing you to grind beans to the ideal consistency for various coffee styles.

Q: How long does the cold brew feature take compared to traditional methods?
A: The Eletta Explore can produce cold brew in just a few minutes, which is a significant time-saver compared to traditional methods that can take 12–24 hours.

Q: What kind of beans or grounds can I use?
A: The machine is designed for whole beans but also has an option for using pre-ground coffee, offering flexibility for different user preferences.

Q: Is the machine worth the investment?
A: If you value convenience, versatility, and the ability to create café-quality drinks at home, the DeLonghi Eletta Explore is a worthwhile investment. Its wide range of features and ease of use justify its price for coffee enthusiasts.