DeLonghi Eletta Explore vs DeLonghi Eletta Explore Cold Brew

As someone who considers coffee not just a beverage but a daily ritual, choosing the right coffee machine felt like a major decision. I wanted a machine that would deliver the perfect cup, whether it’s a quick espresso shot in the morning, a creamy cappuccino to unwind, or a refreshing iced coffee in the afternoon. That’s what initially drew me to the Delonghi Eletta Explore and the Delonghi Eletta Explore Cold Brew.

I spent weeks using both machines, testing everything from their hot espresso settings to their cold coffee features. If you’re wondering which one to invest in, I’ll share my hands-on experience, breaking down their features, strengths, and differences. Spoiler alert: the Delonghi Eletta Explore has a slight edge in my book, and I’ll explain why.

Delonghi Eletta Explore Vs Delonghi Eletta Explore Cold Brew: Features That Matter

At first glance, the Delonghi Eletta Explore and its Cold Brew variant look almost identical. Both machines are designed for convenience, style, and versatility. They’re fully automatic and come equipped with an intuitive touchscreen, offering over 40 coffee recipes at the push of a button.

Some standout features both machines share include:

• Automatic LatteCrema System: For silky, frothy milk in both hot and cold drinks.
• One-Touch Recipes: From espresso to cappuccinos to iced coffees.
• Customizable Settings: Adjust coffee strength, temperature, and milk texture.
• Bean-to-Cup Freshness: Integrated grinders ensure fresh coffee every time.

The key difference? The Delonghi Eletta Explore Cold Brew includes a specific feature for making cold brew coffee in under five minutes. If you’re someone who exclusively drinks cold brew, this might catch your eye.

My Hands-On Experience With the Machines

As someone who loves experimenting with different coffee styles, I put both machines to the test. Here’s what stood out in real-world use.

1. Brewing Hot Coffee: Fast, Fresh, and Flavorful

The Delonghi Eletta Explore delivers exceptional hot coffee. Whether I wanted a rich espresso or a frothy cappuccino, it was ready in seconds. The LatteCrema system consistently produced creamy milk foam that felt like a treat you’d get at a coffee shop.

I compared this to the Cold Brew version, and honestly, both machines performed equally well for hot drinks. I loved that I could customize the coffee strength and milk ratio to suit my preferences.

2. Cold Coffee: Smooth and Refreshing

Here’s where the differences started to show. While the Cold Brew version touts its specific cold brew setting, I found that the standard Delonghi Eletta Explore could produce delicious iced coffee as well. Its “Cold Brew to Go” option replicates cold coffee in minutes, and the result was smooth and refreshing without any bitterness.

The Cold Brew setting on the specialized model did offer a slightly mellower flavor, but for me, the difference wasn’t worth investing in a machine focused so heavily on cold brew alone. The standard model’s iced coffee hit all the right notes for me—smooth, balanced, and quick to make.

3. Milk-Based Drinks: Perfectly Textured Every Time

Milk-based drinks like lattes and flat whites are where the Delonghi Eletta Explore truly shines. Whether you prefer hot or cold milk, the LatteCrema system adjusts beautifully. I loved making an iced latte on a hot afternoon, knowing the milk foam would be cool, light, and airy. On the other hand, my morning cappuccino came out perfectly foamed and warm—just how I like it.

With both machines, the milk system was flawless. However, the Eletta Explore’s overall versatility made it the winner for me. It seamlessly transitioned between iced and hot milk drinks without requiring additional effort.

Practical Use Cases: Why the Delonghi Eletta Explore Is Ideal

If you’re considering the Delonghi Eletta Explore vs Delonghi Eletta Explore Cold Brew, it comes down to how you drink your coffee. For me, the standard Eletta Explore covered all the bases and felt like the more practical option. Here’s why:

1. Busy Mornings Need Fast, Hot Coffee

Most days, I need a strong coffee to kickstart my morning. The Delonghi Eletta Explore makes this effortless. I can grab a hot espresso or cappuccino in under a minute, and it always tastes freshly brewed, thanks to the integrated bean-to-cup grinder.

2. Afternoon Iced Drinks Made Simple

While I enjoy iced coffee, I don’t drink cold brew exclusively. The Eletta Explore’s cold coffee function quickly delivers an iced drink that’s smooth and balanced. It’s perfect for busy afternoons when I want something refreshing without waiting hours for traditional cold brew.

3. Entertaining Guests With Variety

When friends and family visit, I love being able to offer a range of drinks without breaking a sweat. From creamy lattes to bold espressos to iced coffees, the Eletta Explore handles it all with just a few taps on the touchscreen. This kind of versatility makes it a dream for anyone who hosts often.

Maintenance and Ease of Use: An Added Bonus

One of my favorite things about the Delonghi Eletta Explore is how easy it is to maintain. As someone who’s used other espresso machines, I know how much of a hassle cleaning can be. Thankfully, both the standard and Cold Brew versions of this machine come with automatic cleaning functions.

The milk carafe and brew system clean themselves after use, which saves time and ensures the machine stays in top condition. Plus, the intuitive touchscreen makes every function—from brewing to maintenance—simple and clear.

Final Thoughts: Which Machine Should You Choose?

After weeks of using both machines, I have to say that the Delonghi Eletta Explore is the better overall choice. While the Delonghi Eletta Explore Cold Brew has its appeal for dedicated cold brew enthusiasts, the standard model offers far more versatility.

If you want a machine that effortlessly transitions between hot and cold drinks, produces perfectly frothed milk, and delivers barista-quality coffee at home, the Eletta Explore is a standout. Whether you’re rushing through a busy morning, relaxing with an iced latte, or entertaining friends, it performs beautifully across the board.

In the end, it’s about having a coffee machine that fits your lifestyle. For me, the Delonghi Eletta Explore does it all—and does it well.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the main difference between the Delonghi Eletta Explore and the Delonghi Eletta Explore Cold Brew?

The key difference is that the Delonghi Eletta Explore Cold Brew includes a dedicated cold brew function, allowing you to prepare cold brew coffee in under five minutes. The standard Eletta Explore still makes excellent iced coffee but doesn’t have a specific cold brew feature.

2. Can the Delonghi Eletta Explore make iced coffee without the cold brew setting?

Yes, the Delonghi Eletta Explore offers a “Cold Brew to Go” function that produces smooth, balanced iced coffee in minutes. It’s ideal for those who want cold coffee quickly without waiting hours for traditional cold brew.

3. Does the Eletta Explore grind fresh coffee beans?

Absolutely. Both the Delonghi Eletta Explore and the Cold Brew model come with a built-in bean-to-cup grinder, ensuring fresh coffee every time you brew.

4. Is the Delonghi Eletta Explore difficult to clean?

Not at all. The machine features automatic cleaning functions for the milk system and the brew group, making maintenance effortless. Regular descaling and wiping down of the exterior are all you need to keep it running smoothly.

5. What types of drinks can I make with the Delonghi Eletta Explore?

The Eletta Explore offers over 40 one-touch recipes, including espressos, cappuccinos, lattes, flat whites, and iced coffees. It’s highly versatile, making it perfect for both hot and cold coffee lovers.

6. Does the Delonghi Eletta Explore allow customization of coffee strength and milk texture?

Yes, both models allow you to adjust coffee strength, temperature, and milk foam texture to suit your personal preferences. This makes it ideal for tailoring each drink to your exact taste.

7. Is the cold brew feature on the Cold Brew version worth the extra price?

If you drink cold brew coffee daily and prioritize it above all other types of coffee, the Cold Brew version might be worth the investment. However, the standard Eletta Explore delivers excellent cold coffee and offers better overall versatility.

8. How long does it take to prepare a drink with the Eletta Explore?

The machine is very efficient. Hot drinks like espresso or cappuccino take less than a minute, while iced coffee or cold brew can be ready in 3-5 minutes, depending on the recipe.

9. Is the machine suitable for someone new to espresso machines?

Yes, the Delonghi Eletta Explore is user-friendly, with an intuitive touchscreen interface that simplifies the brewing process. Even beginners can create barista-quality coffee without a steep learning curve.

10. What kind of milk works best with the LatteCrema system?

The LatteCrema system works with regular dairy milk, as well as popular plant-based options like oat, almond, and soy milk. For the best results, I recommend using fresh, cold milk for a smooth, frothy texture.