DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew Review

As someone who has tried countless coffee machines over the years, I know how hard it can be to find a machine that strikes the perfect balance between versatility, ease of use, and consistent quality. Enter the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew—a machine that aims to redefine how we make coffee at home. Whether you’re a fan of classic espressos, creamy cappuccinos, or refreshing cold brews, this machine claims to do it all. After weeks of using it daily, I’m excited to share my honest thoughts and experiences with this all-in-one coffee powerhouse. Learn more on How hard should you tamp when making espresso at home?

First Impressions: A Machine That Stands Out

Right out of the box, the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew feels premium. The compact, sleek design fits perfectly on my kitchen counter without taking up too much space. What stood out to me immediately was the large, responsive touchscreen. I’ve used plenty of machines where the interface felt clunky or outdated, but this one is smooth and easy to navigate.

There’s a real sense of quality in its build, from the stainless steel finishes to the smart layout of the components. Every part—from the water tank to the drip tray—feels sturdy, yet easy to remove and clean. It’s clear that DeLonghi designed this machine with convenience in mind.

Making Coffee: Simplicity Meets Sophistication

One of my favorite things about the DeLonghi Eletta Explore is just how easy it is to use. I didn’t need to spend hours flipping through the manual or watching tutorials to figure things out. The touchscreen guides you step by step, and the machine can brew everything from espressos to lattes, macchiatos, and even cold brew with just a tap.

To test its versatility, I tried almost every option it offered. For hot drinks, the espresso shots came out strong, smooth, and full of flavor, with a layer of golden crema that rivals what I’ve had at specialty coffee shops. When I wanted a creamy cappuccino, the LatteCrema Hot system frother made perfect microfoam that blended seamlessly with the coffee.

But what really blew me away was the cold brew option. I’ve always been a fan of cold brew coffee, but waiting 12–24 hours to steep a batch is often impractical. With the DeLonghi Eletta Explore, I could make cold brew in under 5 minutes. Using its Cold Extraction technology, the machine produces a smooth, refreshing cold brew that’s neither bitter nor diluted. It’s perfect for hot summer mornings or mid-day pick-me-ups. Check more reviews on How to fix a sour espresso.

Milk Frothing: Hot and Cold Options Done Right

If you love milk-based coffee drinks, the dual milk systems are where this machine really shines. With two separate options—“LatteCrema Hot” and “LatteCrema Cool”—you can make anything from a piping hot cappuccino to an iced latte without switching appliances.

The cold froth system particularly stood out to me. Iced lattes have always been a bit of a challenge for me to make at home. Either the milk wasn’t frothy enough, or it felt like I was just pouring cold milk into espresso. The DeLonghi Eletta Explore changes the game. It delivers silky cold milk froth that enhances iced coffee drinks beautifully, making them taste like they came from a high-end café.

The hot frothing system is just as impressive. The milk texture is consistent, creamy, and rich—exactly what you’d expect in a well-made flat white or latte. Plus, the automatic self-cleaning system for the milk frother saves so much time. I no longer dread cleaning up after making a cappuccino.

Customization: Coffee Just How You Like It

One of the biggest benefits of the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew is how customizable it is. Whether you’re picky about coffee strength, milk texture, or drink temperature, this machine gives you control over every detail.

I played around with the coffee strength settings, adjusting it for different times of day. I prefer a strong, bold espresso in the morning and a lighter, mellow latte in the afternoon. With a few taps on the touchscreen, I could easily adjust the intensity and save my preferences.

The machine also lets you tweak the grind size to suit your coffee beans. This feature is invaluable because not all coffee beans are created equal, and a perfect cup depends on the grind. I tried both dark and medium roast beans, and each time, I was able to find the sweet spot for extraction.

Cleaning and Maintenance: A Breath of Fresh Air

Let’s be honest—cleaning coffee machines is never fun. Thankfully, DeLonghi made sure the Eletta Explore takes much of the hassle out of maintenance. After each use, the machine automatically rinses the milk system, so there’s no risk of leftover milk spoiling.

The water tank, drip tray, and coffee grounds container are easy to access and clean. Plus, the machine has helpful reminders for when it’s time to descale or perform deeper maintenance. Over the weeks I’ve used it, I haven’t had to do much more than empty the grounds and occasionally wipe down the exterior.

Taste Test: Consistency You Can Count On

At the end of the day, what really matters is how the coffee tastes. With the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew, I’ve been consistently impressed. Whether I’m brewing an espresso, a flat white, or a cold brew, the results are excellent every time.

The espresso shots are bold and rich, with no bitterness or sourness. I particularly loved how the crema stayed intact, giving it that professional barista touch. The cold brew was equally impressive—smooth, mellow, and refreshing, with just the right balance of flavor.

Even my friends and family, who have varying coffee preferences, were blown away. Some prefer stronger drinks, while others like lighter coffees, and this machine handled both effortlessly. How to make iced coffee with espresso

Is the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew Worth It?

If you’re someone who enjoys a variety of coffee drinks—from hot espressos to iced lattes and cold brew—this machine is absolutely worth considering. It combines versatility, ease of use, and quality into one sleek, high-performing package.

The cold brew function alone is a game-changer for me. I no longer have to plan a day ahead to enjoy smooth cold brew coffee, and the LatteCrema systems make milk-based drinks incredibly easy to prepare.

That said, it’s an investment, and it might not be for everyone. If you’re looking for a simple machine to make the occasional espresso, this might be overkill. But if you want a machine that does it all—and does it well—it’s hard to beat the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew.

Final Thoughts: A Reliable Coffee Companion

To sum it up, the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew has quickly become a staple in my kitchen. It’s reliable, versatile, and makes consistently great coffee without requiring too much effort. Whether you’re brewing for yourself or entertaining guests, it’s a machine that delivers quality every time.

For coffee lovers who appreciate variety and convenience, this machine strikes the perfect balance. It has saved me countless trips to the café, and I love being able to enjoy everything from velvety lattes to smooth cold brews right at home.

If you’re ready to elevate your coffee game, the DeLonghi Eletta Explore is definitely worth considering. It’s not just a coffee machine—it’s a coffee experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What makes the DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew unique?
A: The DeLonghi Eletta Explore stands out for its Cold Extraction technology, which allows you to make smooth and refreshing cold brew coffee in under five minutes. It also features dual milk frothing systems—LatteCrema Hot and LatteCrema Cool—making it perfect for both hot and cold milk-based drinks.

Q: Is the DeLonghi Eletta Explore easy to use for beginners?
A: Yes, the machine is very user-friendly. The intuitive touchscreen interface guides you through every step, and you can easily customize your coffee preferences. Even if you’re new to espresso machines, you’ll find it simple to operate.

Q: How does the cold brew function work, and is it any good?
A: The machine uses DeLonghi’s Cold Extraction technology to prepare cold brew in under five minutes. It delivers a smooth, mellow flavor without bitterness, similar to traditional cold brew that takes 12–24 hours to steep.

Q: Can I adjust the strength and temperature of my coffee?
A: Yes, the DeLonghi Eletta Explore allows you to customize coffee strength, temperature, and grind size. You can also save your favorite settings, so you can make your perfect cup of coffee with just a tap.

Q: How easy is it to clean and maintain the DeLonghi Eletta Explore?
A: Cleaning is straightforward, thanks to the machine’s automatic self-cleaning functions for the milk frothers. The water tank, drip tray, and grounds container are easy to access and clean. The machine also provides reminders for descaling and maintenance.

Q: Does this machine take up a lot of counter space?
A: Despite its versatility, the DeLonghi Eletta Explore has a compact design that fits well in most kitchens. Its sleek and modern build ensures it doesn’t look bulky or out of place.

Q: Can the DeLonghi Eletta Explore handle different types of coffee beans?
A: Yes, the machine works with a variety of coffee beans. You can adjust the grind size to suit the beans you’re using, ensuring optimal flavor extraction for any roast level.

Q: Is the machine worth the price?
A: While it’s an investment, the DeLonghi Eletta Explore offers excellent value for its features. It replaces the need for multiple appliances, delivers café-quality coffee, and saves money on trips to coffee shops over time.

Q: Can I make iced lattes and cold milk-based drinks with this machine?
A: Absolutely! The LatteCrema Cool system creates cold milk froth that’s perfect for iced lattes, cold cappuccinos, and other chilled coffee drinks.

Q: Does the DeLonghi Eletta Explore work for households with multiple coffee preferences?
A: Yes, it’s ideal for families or households with varying tastes. The customizable settings allow you to tailor each cup of coffee, and the wide range of drink options ensures everyone gets their perfect brew.