#1: DeLonghi Eletta Explore
- Offers both hot and cold beverages
- Excellent milk frothing system
- Compact design
#2: Jura E8
- High-quality espresso and a variety of hot drinks.
- Robust design
- Great for users who focus on espresso and cappuccinos.
When it comes to fully automatic coffee machines, there are a handful of heavyweights in the industry. As someone who enjoys starting every day with the perfect cup of coffee, I’ve spent a lot of time researching and testing machines to find the right one. Two machines that often get compared are the DeLonghi Eletta Explore and the Jura E8. These models promise café-quality beverages at the touch of a button. However, after carefully weighing the features, usability, and value for money, I can confidently say that the DeLonghi Eletta Explore is the better choice.
As someone who has personally used the DeLonghi Eletta Explore for months now, I can say that it has transformed my daily coffee experience. I’m a big believer in getting the most out of my coffee machine, whether that’s enjoying a frothy cappuccino in the morning or a cold brew in the afternoon. Let me share why this machine has earned its place on my kitchen counter and how it compares to the Jura E8.
First Impressions and Setup
Unboxing the DeLonghi Eletta Explore for the first time, I was struck by its sleek and modern design. It’s not overly bulky, so it fits comfortably in my kitchen without dominating the space. Setting it up was surprisingly simple. The step-by-step instructions walked me through everything, from filling the water reservoir to adjusting the bean hopper and running the first rinse cycle.
I also appreciate how DeLonghi includes everything you need to get started. It comes with a descaling solution, water filter, and two milk carafes—one for hot drinks and another for cold foam. For someone who values convenience, this was a big plus.
In comparison, the Jura E8 also looks stunning and feels high-end, but the initial setup felt slightly more complex. I found myself spending extra time understanding how to adjust the settings and milk system. If you’re looking for a machine that you can start using right out of the box with minimal fuss, the Eletta Explore takes the edge.
Day-to-Day Use and Performance
One of the standout features of the DeLonghi Eletta Explore is its ease of use. The 3.5-inch touchscreen display makes it easy to select your drink, adjust the settings, and save your preferences. Whether you’re in a rush or want to take your time fine-tuning your coffee, the Eletta Explore accommodates both.
For someone like me who drinks multiple types of coffee throughout the day, the variety of options is a game-changer. In the morning, I love a strong, piping-hot espresso, and the Eletta Explore delivers consistent results every time. By afternoon, when I want something lighter, the Cold Brew feature has become my go-to. Unlike other machines that simply pour coffee over ice, the Eletta Explore uses a low-pressure extraction process to produce a smooth and mellow cold coffee.
The Jura E8 also makes excellent espresso and milk-based drinks, but I found it limiting when I wanted something cold. Without a dedicated cold brew feature, it simply doesn’t cater to my desire for versatility.
Milk-Based Drinks and Frothing
Let’s talk milk foam—because for anyone who loves lattes, cappuccinos, or flat whites, this can make or break your coffee experience. The LatteCrema System on the DeLonghi Eletta Explore consistently produces creamy, silky milk foam. What really impressed me is how well it handles both hot and cold milk. The cold foam, in particular, works wonderfully for iced lattes and other chilled beverages.
Another small but important detail is the dual milk carafe system. One carafe is for hot milk-based drinks, and the other is designed specifically for cold drinks. This is incredibly convenient, as I don’t have to clean or switch out carafes each time I want a different type of beverage.
The Jura E8’s milk frothing system is good, too—it uses Fine Foam technology to create smooth and fluffy froth. However, I noticed that it sometimes produces froth that’s a bit too airy, particularly for drinks like flat whites, where you need denser foam.
How the Bean Adapt Technology Elevates Flavor
If you’re someone who experiments with different coffee beans, the Bean Adapt Technology on the DeLonghi Eletta Explore will be a game-changer. I love exploring local roasts and specialty coffee blends, and this feature makes a noticeable difference in flavor. It automatically adjusts the grind size, coffee dose, and brewing temperature to bring out the best characteristics of each bean.
For instance, when I used a lighter roast, the machine dialed in a slightly higher brewing temperature, which helped highlight the fruity and floral notes. With a darker roast, it adjusted for a bolder and more balanced result. This level of precision is something I haven’t experienced with other machines, including the Jura E8.
While the Jura E8 uses its Pulse Extraction Process (P.E.P.) to optimize espresso extraction, it doesn’t provide the same flexibility for adapting to different types of coffee beans. For me, this felt like a missed opportunity.
Maintenance and Cleaning
One of my biggest concerns with any coffee machine is how easy it is to clean. The DeLonghi Eletta Explore makes maintenance simple and stress-free. It features automatic cleaning cycles for both the milk system and the internal components. The machine also notifies you when descaling or other maintenance is required, so you don’t have to keep track of it yourself.
The milk carafes are dishwasher safe, which saves a lot of time. I usually give the carafes a quick rinse after use and let the machine’s cleaning system handle the rest.
The Jura E8 also offers automatic cleaning, but I found the milk system requires more manual cleaning to ensure no residue is left behind. This can be time-consuming, especially if you use milk-based drinks often.
Who Is the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Best For?
After months of using the DeLonghi Eletta Explore, I believe it’s perfect for:
- Coffee lovers who enjoy both hot and cold beverages.
- People who want a versatile, fully automatic machine that can handle a variety of drinks.
- Anyone who values an easy, user-friendly interface with intuitive customization options.
- Those who regularly switch coffee beans and want a machine that can adapt to bring out their unique flavors.
Whether you’re a casual coffee drinker or someone who takes their morning brew very seriously, the DeLonghi Eletta Explore offers something for everyone.
Final Thoughts
While both the DeLonghi Eletta Explore and Jura E8 are premium coffee machines capable of delivering great coffee, the DeLonghi Eletta Explore is the clear winner in my experience. It’s versatile, user-friendly, and provides excellent value for money. The ability to prepare both hot and cold drinks, combined with the Bean Adapt Technology and LatteCrema system, makes it stand out as the better all-around choice.
If you’re someone who loves variety in your coffee routine and values convenience without compromising quality, the DeLonghi Eletta Explore is worth every penny. It’s made my mornings smoother, my afternoons cooler, and my coffee better than ever.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can the DeLonghi Eletta Explore make both hot and cold coffee?
A: Yes, the DeLonghi Eletta Explore is one of the few fully automatic coffee machines that excels at making both hot beverages like espresso, cappuccino, and latte, as well as cold drinks like iced coffee and cold brew.
Q: What makes the Bean Adapt Technology on the DeLonghi Eletta Explore special?
A: The Bean Adapt Technology automatically adjusts the grind size, brewing temperature, and coffee dose based on the type of coffee beans you use. This ensures you get the best flavor out of any roast, whether light, medium, or dark.
Q: How does the milk frothing system compare on the DeLonghi Eletta Explore and Jura E8?
A: The DeLonghi Eletta Explore uses the LatteCrema System, which produces consistently smooth, creamy milk foam for both hot and cold drinks. The Jura E8 also froths milk well but sometimes creates foam that’s too airy for drinks like flat whites.
Q: Is it easy to clean and maintain the DeLonghi Eletta Explore?
A: Yes, the DeLonghi Eletta Explore has automatic cleaning cycles for the milk carafes and brewing components. The milk carafes are also dishwasher-safe, making maintenance simple and hassle-free.
Q: Can I customize my coffee settings with the DeLonghi Eletta Explore?
A: Absolutely. The machine allows you to adjust coffee strength, temperature, and milk volume. You can also save personalized recipes for quick and easy access to your favorite drinks.
Q: Does the Jura E8 have a cold brew feature like the DeLonghi Eletta Explore?
A: No, the Jura E8 does not have a cold brew or iced coffee option. This is one area where the DeLonghi Eletta Explore stands out, especially for those who enjoy chilled coffee beverages.
Q: Which machine is better for someone who drinks a variety of beverages?
A: The DeLonghi Eletta Explore is better suited for variety, as it offers over 40 pre-programmed drinks, including hot and cold options. It’s ideal for anyone who enjoys experimenting with different types of coffee.
Q: Does the DeLonghi Eletta Explore take up a lot of counter space?
A: No, the DeLonghi Eletta Explore has a sleek and compact design that fits comfortably on most kitchen countertops without being bulky.
Q: How does the price of the DeLonghi Eletta Explore compare to the Jura E8?
A: While both are premium machines, the DeLonghi Eletta Explore offers more features (like cold brew and Bean Adapt Technology) at a slightly lower price point, making it a better overall value.
Q: Can I use different types of coffee beans with the DeLonghi Eletta Explore?
A: Yes, the machine’s Bean Adapt Technology allows you to use any type of coffee bean, ensuring optimal flavor extraction regardless of the roast profile.