DeLonghi Eletta Explore vs DeLonghi Eletta Explore Cold Brew

Coffee has always been more than just a beverage for me—it's a ritual, a daily comfort, and a source of creativity. When I decided to upgrade from my simple drip coffee maker to a more versatile espresso machine, I knew I wanted something that could meet all my coffee needs, from a rich morning espresso to an indulgent iced latte on a hot day. That’s when I stumbled upon the De'Longhi Eletta Explore and its sibling, the Eletta Explore Cold Brew.

I spent weeks comparing the two machines, watching reviews, reading user testimonials, and finally, trying them both. While both machines are impressive, I found myself gravitating toward the Eletta Explore for its incredible versatility and ease of use. Here’s why.

Versatility in Coffee Options: De'Longhi Eletta Explore vs. Eletta Explore Cold Brew

One of the first things I looked for in a coffee machine was versatility. I don’t like being limited to just a handful of drink options, and the Eletta Explore truly impressed me with its range. It offers over 50 hot and cold beverages, including traditional espressos, cappuccinos, lattes, and iced drinks like cold foam-topped iced lattes.

The Eletta Explore Cold Brew, on the other hand, focuses more on cold brew coffee and other iced beverages. While its cold brew system delivers an undeniably smooth and refreshing cup, I felt it lacked the breadth of options that the Eletta Explore provides. As someone who enjoys hot drinks in the morning and cold drinks later in the day, the Eletta Explore was a better fit for my lifestyle.

User Experience: Touchscreen Simplicity and Customization

One feature I quickly fell in love with on the Eletta Explore is its 3.5-inch color touchscreen display. Navigating through the drink options is intuitive and almost fun. The machine allows me to customize everything—coffee strength, temperature, and even milk foam density. The user profiles feature is a game-changer, especially in a household where everyone has different coffee preferences.

The Eletta Explore Cold Brew shares a similar interface, but I noticed that the extra carafe for cold brew added a slight learning curve. It wasn’t as seamless switching between drink types, especially when going from cold brew to a hot cappuccino. With the Eletta Explore, that transition felt effortless.

Performance in Everyday Use: Hot and Cold Beverages

In my daily use, the Eletta Explore has consistently delivered top-tier coffee. The espresso is rich and aromatic, with a crema that rivals my favorite café. Its hot milk frothing system creates a velvety foam that’s ideal for lattes and cappuccinos.

The cold beverage functionality is equally impressive. The cold foam is smooth and creamy, making iced lattes feel like a luxury. While the Eletta Explore Cold Brew’s focus on cold brew coffee is commendable, I found it less practical for someone who drinks a mix of hot and cold beverages. It excelled at what it was designed for—cold brew—but I missed the full-bodied espressos and perfectly steamed lattes that the Eletta Explore delivered.

Who Should Consider the Eletta Explore Cold Brew?

That’s not to say the Eletta Explore Cold Brew isn’t a fantastic machine. If you’re someone who primarily drinks cold brew or iced coffee and wants a machine tailored to those needs, it’s worth considering. Its cold brew feature is faster than traditional methods, delivering a smooth cup in minutes rather than hours. It’s perfect for hot summer days or if you’re a year-round cold coffee drinker.

Maintenance Matters: Cleaning and Care

When investing in a high-end espresso machine, maintenance is a factor you can’t ignore. Both the Eletta Explore and Eletta Explore Cold Brew feature automatic cleaning cycles, making them relatively easy to care for. The milk carafes on both machines are dishwasher safe, which is a huge plus for me.

However, I found that the Eletta Explore’s dual milk system requires slightly more attention. With two LatteCrema systems (one for hot and one for cold drinks), cleaning both can feel a bit tedious. That said, the machine guides you through the cleaning process, so it’s never overwhelming.

Practical Use Cases: How I Use the Eletta Explore

Let me share how the Eletta Explore fits into my daily routine:

1. Morning Espresso: The day starts with a strong, aromatic espresso. I love being able to adjust the coffee strength and temperature based on my mood.

2. Midday Latte: By mid-morning, I crave a creamy latte. The hot milk frother makes this an effortless treat.

3. Afternoon Iced Latte: If it’s a warm day, I switch to iced drinks. The Eletta Explore’s cold foam system creates the perfect topping for an iced latte.

4. Evening Decaf Cappuccino: The built-in grinder allows me to switch to decaf beans for a soothing cappuccino in the evening.

The Eletta Explore Cold Brew would excel in scenarios where cold brew coffee is the focus. However, its limited versatility meant I couldn’t enjoy the same range of drinks I get with the Eletta Explore.

Price vs. Value: Is It Worth It?

The Eletta Explore is undoubtedly an investment at $1,599.95. But when I consider the quality of coffee it delivers, the convenience of having a wide range of beverages at my fingertips, and the money I’ve saved by skipping trips to coffee shops, it feels worth every penny.

The Eletta Explore Cold Brew, priced slightly higher, is a more niche product. Its cold brew capability is excellent, but for someone like me who enjoys a mix of hot and cold drinks, the price felt harder to justify.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a machine that can truly do it all, the Eletta Explore is an excellent choice. It’s perfect for coffee enthusiasts who value variety and customization in their daily brews. From espressos to iced lattes, this machine consistently delivers café-quality beverages without the hassle of multiple gadgets or tools.

While the Eletta Explore Cold Brew is a strong contender for iced coffee lovers, its specialized focus makes it less appealing for those who want a versatile, all-in-one machine.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about De'Longhi Eletta Explore vs. Eletta Explore Cold Brew

Q1: What is the primary difference between the De'Longhi Eletta Explore and the Eletta Explore Cold Brew?

A: The De'Longhi Eletta Explore offers over 50 hot and cold beverages, making it a versatile all-in-one machine. The Eletta Explore Cold Brew, as the name suggests, specializes in cold brew coffee and other iced beverages, focusing more on cold drink preparation.

Q2: Can the Eletta Explore Cold Brew make hot drinks too?

A: Yes, the Eletta Explore Cold Brew can prepare hot beverages like espresso and cappuccino, but its strength lies in its cold brew and iced drink capabilities. For more balanced hot and cold drink options, the Eletta Explore is a better choice.

Q3: How long does it take to make cold brew on the Eletta Explore Cold Brew?

A: The Eletta Explore Cold Brew can prepare a smooth and flavorful cold brew coffee in under five minutes, which is significantly faster than the traditional 12-24 hour steeping process.

Q4: Are both machines easy to clean?

A: Yes, both machines feature automatic cleaning cycles for ease of maintenance. Additionally, their milk carafes are dishwasher safe. However, the Eletta Explore requires slightly more cleaning due to its dual LatteCrema system.

Q5: Can I use pre-ground coffee with these machines?

A: Absolutely. Both the Eletta Explore and Eletta Explore Cold Brew have an option for pre-ground coffee, in addition to their built-in conical burr grinders.

Q6: Do both machines allow for drink customization?

A: Yes, both models offer extensive customization. You can adjust coffee strength, temperature, and milk foam density to create your perfect drink. The Eletta Explore also allows up to four user profiles for saving personalized settings.

Q7: What kind of milk works best with the LatteCrema system?

A: The LatteCrema system works well with most types of milk, including whole milk, skim milk, and even non-dairy options like almond or oat milk. Whole milk typically yields the creamiest froth.

Q8: Are these machines suitable for beginners?

A: Yes, both machines are beginner-friendly. The touchscreen interface on both models makes it easy to navigate and select drinks, while the automatic features handle the complexities of brewing and frothing.

Q9: Is the De'Longhi Eletta Explore worth the price?

A: If you’re someone who values variety in your coffee routine and enjoys both hot and cold beverages, the Eletta Explore is worth the investment. It delivers café-quality drinks at home and offers significant convenience.

Q10: Which machine is better for iced coffee lovers?

A: The Eletta Explore Cold Brew is ideal for those who primarily drink cold brew and iced beverages, as it’s designed specifically for those options. However, if you enjoy a mix of hot and cold drinks, the Eletta Explore is the more versatile choice.