DeLonghi Eletta Explore Review (2023) – Is It Worth The Price Tag?

I was thrilled to review the DeLonghi Eletta Explore – a machine that promises to deliver a wide range of drink recipes using state-of-the-art brewing tech, multiple milk carafes, and even a display that speaks to you.

At first glance, the Eletta Explore doesn’t look revolutionary. But as I delved deeper into the features and functions, I realized that this machine has a lot going for it.

But does all of this technology actually work? Will the Eletta Explore be able to deliver on its promises of high-quality espresso drinks? Should you get it?

In this review, I’ll be putting the Eletta Explore in the spotlight and sharing my honest thoughts about its pros, cons, and overall performance. My in-depth analysis of this nice-looking super-automatic machine will help you to make your own decision.

DeLonghi Eletta Explore Overview

DeLonghi Eletta Explore, I must say, is a state-of-the-art full automatic machine. It offers an impressive range of coffee options, which are conveniently divided into three categories: hot, cold, and to-go.

Compared to the DeLonghi Eletta, it’s got a lot more going on.

Unlike the “plain” Eletta, the Explore has a more user-friendly interface. It is perfect for those who may not be accustomed to operating such advanced machinery.

I was amazed by its ability to talk you through the process, providing helpful reminders and tips along the way.

The iced coffee section is a highlight of this machine, of course, producing high-quality cold beverages that are hard to find elsewhere, especially in this price range.

In comparison, DeLonghi’s main competitor in this category is Jura and their flagship Z10 machine, which is twice as expensive compared to Eletta Explore.

That said, in terms of value for money, this machine is an outstanding choice. While it may not have the high price tag of some of its competitors, it certainly doesn’t skimp on quality.

So my early conclusion was that it delivers on its promises and offers an exceptional coffee experience that is hard to beat. And in the rest of my DeLonghi Eletta Explore review, I’ll share more detailed findings.

Main Features

Built Quality

When it comes to coffee makers, one of the most important factors to consider is the build quality. After all, you want a machine that can stand the test of time and deliver consistent, high-quality coffee every time you use it, right?

As for the DeLonghi Eletta Explore, the drip tray and water tank fit securely and feel sturdy, setting the tone for the machine’s construction. Even the milk carafes and sliding nozzles feel durable.

It’s reassuring to know that even the parts prone to wear and tear are up to the task. But of course, it’s not just the minor components of the Eletta Explore that are built to last.

The grinder and brew group – the core of any coffee maker – are both made with durability in mind. These parts are the heart of the machine, responsible for creating the perfect cup of coffee every time, and they clearly haven’t been skimped on in terms of build quality.

Ease of Use

One of my first impressions was that the Eletta Explore looks super cool with its big 3.5-inch (8.9 cm) colour touchscreen and soft-touch buttons.

What’s really awesome about this coffee machine is that the user interface is surprisingly simple to navigate, even with all those extra fancy features that some folks might think are overkill.

But, for true coffee aficionados, having plenty of options to tinker with is always a welcome addition. Great job DeLonghi espresso machine team!

Furthermore, the Eletta Explore also features a quick, one-touch cleaning system, ensuring that cleaning the machine becomes just as easy as using it. More about this at the end of my DeLonghi Eletta Explore review.

Brew Group

The Eletta Explore is all about top-notch coffee flavour. I wasn’t surprised to discover a high-quality brew group inside. It’s designed for a clean extraction, guaranteeing all the flavours end up in your cup.

One of the coolest things about this part is that it is fully removable. That means maintenance is a piece of cake. You can find the brew group tucked behind the water tank on the side of the machine, super easy to clean.

Grinder

Th DeLonghi Eletta Explore features a stainless steel conical burr grinder that is equipped with impressive 13 adjustment settings, putting you in complete control of the grind size.

What I like the most about this grinder is its Bean Adapt Technology. This unique feature allows you to adjust brewing parameters based on the type of coffee beans you’re using.

By simply selecting the type of coffee bean you’re using, the Eletta Explore will automatically adjust the grind size, water temperature, and brewing time to ensure you get the best possible cup of coffee every time.

My advice is to avoid darker roasts. They are extremely oily and may clog up your grinder after a while.

Coffee Bypass

What is a coffee bypass, you ask?

Essentially, it allows you to bypass the whole bean grinder and use pre-ground coffee instead. In my opinion, this feature is particularly useful if you want to switch up your coffee game and try something new without committing to a whole bag of beans.

Or, if you have guests who prefer decaf, you can easily switch to pre-ground.

DeLonghi has made the process even easier by placing the bypass chute in a convenient location on the top of the machine. Simply add your pre-ground coffee to the chute, press a button, and voila! You have a perfectly brewed cup of coffee in just seconds.

Adjustable Spout

What is the adjustable spout, you may ask? Well, in a nutshell, it’s a part of the DeLonghi Eletta Explore that is responsible for pouring your coffee into your cup. And the more adjustable it is, the better for you.

Not only does the adjustable spout make it easier to use your preferred cup (no need to transfer your drink to a smaller vessel), but it also ensures that your beverage stays at the perfect temperature and doesn’t spill or splash onto your countertop.

With Eletta, there is a cool little trick to get even more space for super-tall cups. The drip tray lifts up! This might not sound like a big deal, but for those of us who enjoy larger coffees or speciality drinks like lattes, it can be a game-changer.

Milk System

The DeLonghi Eletta Explore is equipped with not one, but two milk carafes and two LatteCrema systems, which means you can create both hot and cold foamed milk to your heart’s desire!

You can use either of the two carafes for different milk-based drinks. One carafe can be exclusively used for cappuccino and steamed milk, while the other carafe can be used for cold-frothed milk for your iced coffee or cold brew.

I will talk about both functions a bit later in my DeLonghi Eletta Explore review.

Speciality Drinks

I must confess that I was fascinated to see that you can choose from over 40 pre-programmed coffee recipes! DeLonghi Eletta Explore has everything from classic espresso to creamy lattes and frothy cappuccinos.

But it’s not just about milk-based beverages. The DeLonghi Eletta Explore also offers a wide range of coffee specialities to suit different tastes. Whether you want a bold double-shot espresso or a milder Americano, it’s got you covered.

You can even save your favourite recipes with the customizable “My Menu” function. So with just one touch of a button, you can enjoy your preferred coffee drinks anytime.

How convenient is that?

User Profiles

As I mentioned above, this feature allows up to four users to save their personal coffee preferences to their profile.

This means that every time you brew your favourite cup of coffee, the DeLonghi Eletta Explore will remember exactly how you like it – from the coffee strength to the milk frothiness and everything in between.

Simply switch to their designated user profile, and you can enjoy your personalized coffee without worrying about ruining your settings.

Extra Features

• 16 oz. Travel Mug
• Ice Cube Tray
• Carbon Active Filter
• Measuring Scoop
• Total Hardness Test
• Cleaning Brush
• Descaler 100mL
• Removable Water Spout
• Milk jug (hot)
• Milk jug (cool)
• Instruction Manual & Quick Start Guide

Now, that covers the features part of my Delonghi Eletta Explore review. Now, let’s talk about how well (or not) it performs in terms of brewing coffee and making those milky espresso drinks.

Brewing Performance

The brewing performance of the DeLonghi Eletta Explore is top-notch. As I mentioned earlier in the review, its advanced technology makes coffee drinks with the press of a button.

Here is how it works:

First things first, decide whether you want your drink hot, cold, or to-go from the drinks screen. If you’re feeling fancy, you can even customize the strength and size of your drink with the preset options and save them to your profile for future use.

Now, onto the nitty-gritty. If you’re making a milk-based drink, the machine is smart enough to remind you to attach the correct milk system and adjust the dial on top.

Once you’ve selected your drink and any customizations, the magic happens in just about 30-60 seconds. The machine will even “speak” to you and explain where in the process it is at the moment.

In a short time, your coffee is ready. And the quality is top-notch.

But let’s say you’re in the mood for an iced coffee or latte. It can do that as well.

In that case, the machine will prompt you to add a specific number of ice cubes based on the drink. That’s because the milk foam comes out at around 68°F (20°C), while the coffee is much hotter, around 165°F (75°C).

The rest of the process is the same. Just press the button and the Eletta Explore will do the rest for you. Coffee comes out looking like a commercial. Seriously!

Milk Frothing Performance

The DeLonghi Eletta’s Explore milk frothing performance is pretty darn impressive. The hot foam is seriously top-notch – super smooth and velvety, which I expected from the machine in this price range.

But here’s the really cool thing – the Eletta doesn’t shy away from cold frothing either. Sure, cold foam isn’t quite as stable as its hot counterpart, but the Eletta still manages to pull it off with impressive results.

By including its own silicone ice cube mould and giving you guidance on how many cubes to add to your glass, the Eletta makes it easy to whip up a refreshingly cold cappuccino or latte whenever you want one.

And trust me, it’s worth following Eletta’s instructions on how many ice cubes to use. The right amount ensures that your drinks stay icy cold without becoming watered-down while skimping on the ice could leave you with a lukewarm mess.

Cleaning & Maintainance

Cleaning the DeLonghi Eletta Explore is incredibly easy and hassle-free. The milk carafe and brewing unit can both be removed and washed separately, making it super simple to clean every nook and cranny of the machine.

On top of that, it has an auto-clean function which rinses the machine after each use.

Here are some tips to keep your DeLonghi Eletta Explore in top condition:

1. Clean the machine after every use – This might sound like a no-brainer, but it’s crucial to keep the machine clean after every use. Wipe down the exterior with a soft cloth and clean the milk carafe and frother after each use. This will prevent the buildup of sticky residue and bacteria.
2. Descaling – Descaling your Eletta Explore every three to four months is important to remove calcium and mineral deposits that can build up over time. Use the manufacturer’s recommended descaling solution and follow the instructions carefully for best results.
3. Check the water filter – The water filter in your Eletta Explore is designed to remove impurities that can affect the taste of your coffee. Be sure to change it every two months or as recommended by the manufacturer.
4. Lubricate the brew group – Your Eletta Explore’s brew group requires regular lubrication to ensure smooth operation. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for lubrication, which is typically done every 200 cups brewed.
5. Store properly – When not in use, store the Eletta Explore in a cool, dry place. This will prevent any moisture buildup that can damage the machine.

Remember, regular cleaning and maintenance will not only prolong the life of your machine but will also ensure that you keep enjoying quality coffee every morning.

Who Is DeLonghi Eletta Explore For?

I have to say that, thanks to its advanced brewing technology and customization options, DeLonghi Eletta Explore is perfect for people who love to experiment with different coffee blends and brewing methods. It earns its name for sure!

This machine is also perfect for families who have multiple coffee drinkers with different preferences. The Eletta Explore allows each person to customize their coffee to their liking.

Furthermore, Explore is perfect for busy professionals who are always on the go. The machine comes with a one-touch coffee system that allows you to make 40 different drinks with the press of a button.

Not to mention, if you are a fan of cold coffee in any shape or form, DeLonghi Eletta Explore can do it too. In fact, it is its main selling point!

Who Is DeLonghi Eletta Explore Not For?

Well, if you’re not a coffee enthusiast, then this machine is probably not for you. It’s designed for those who take their coffee seriously and appreciate the ability to customize their drink to their exact liking.

Additionally, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, then DeLonghi Eletta might not be the best fit. It’s on the pricier side compared to other coffee makers on the market.

So if you like the idea behind the super-automatic machines and hands-off coffee, but you don’t need the fancy milk system or smart grinder, but just need a simple espresso maker, then I would recommend DeLonghi Magnifica instead.

However, if you consider the range of features and the quality of coffee it produces, I’m sure the investment might be worth it.

DeLonghi Eletta Explore Review – Verdict

As a lover of espresso and all its fancy drinks, I give the DeLonghi Eletta Explore two enthusiastic thumbs up. It is a great espresso machine and definitely worth considering if you’re looking for superior brewing performance and convenience.

What I like the most is the amount of customization when it comes to coffee preferences. And it’s not that complicated to get a hang of it even if you are a complete newbie to espresso brewing.

What about the iced coffee function? Is it worth it?

Well, I personally don’t care too much about it. But, DeLonghi did a good job in that area too. So if you are crazy about cold drinks and don’t want to shell out $4K on machines like Jura Z10, then Eletta Explore is a great alternative.

Given the features and price ratio, I would definitely say that it is worth it!

Thanks for reading my DeLonghi EC155 review! Feel free to contact us if you have any questions. PS. Credits to DeLonghi’s product page for images.

DeLonghi Eletta Explore Review – FAQs

How many cups of coffee can the DeLonghi Eletta Explore make?

The Eletta Explore can make up to 10 cups of coffee at once, perfect for large families or office settings.

What type of coffee beans can be used in the DeLonghi Eletta Explore?

The Eletta Explore can accommodate various types of coffee beans, including both whole beans and pre-ground coffee.

Does the DeLonghi Eletta have a built-in grinder?

Yes! The DeLonghi Eletta Explore has a built-in stainless-steel conical burr grinder, allowing you to grind fresh beans.

What are the different coffee drinks that can be made with the DeLonghi Eletta Explore?

The Eletta Explore can make a wide variety of coffee drinks, including espresso, cappuccino, latte, macchiato, and more. Plus, with the customizable settings, you can adjust the strength and temperature to your liking.