DeLonghi Eletta Explore vs DeLonghi Eletta Explore Cold Brew

As a coffee enthusiast who loves exploring new machines, I've had the chance to dive deep into the Delonghi Eletta Explore and the Delonghi Eletta Explore Cold Brew. Choosing between these two incredible machines can be tricky, especially when they both have unique strengths. In this review, I'll walk you through my experience and explain why, for me, Product 1 is better overall.

Both models have their merits, but when it comes to all-around performance, versatility, and user experience, there's definitely a standout. Let me share my thoughts on this brewing journey, starting with a look at each machine's key features.

Delonghi Eletta Explore Overview

The Delonghi Eletta Explore is a bean-to-cup coffee machine that's packed with versatility and ease of use. As someone who enjoys everything from a strong espresso to a velvety cappuccino, I found that this machine caters to all tastes. With its One-Touch feature, I could whip up an array of coffee styles with minimal effort—perfect for those busy mornings.

The sleek design adds a modern touch to my kitchen, but the real magic lies in the coffee options. The machine comes equipped with an advanced milk frother that makes silky froth, elevating my cappuccinos and lattes. It also features various strength and temperature settings, which means I can adjust my cup according to my mood—whether I want a bold kick or a lighter brew.

Delonghi Eletta Explore Cold Brew Feature: Is It Worth It?

The Delonghi Eletta Explore Cold Brew takes the classic Eletta Explore experience and adds a cold brew function—which is what first caught my attention. As someone who enjoys cold coffee, especially during the warmer months, I was excited to try out this extra capability.

The cold brew feature is quick for a machine of this type, taking around five minutes to create a smooth, less acidic coffee that I can pour over ice. The convenience of making cold brew without planning hours in advance is definitely appealing. However, as much as I enjoy cold coffee, I found that the overall versatility of the Eletta Explore without the Cold Brew add-on was more fitting for my day-to-day needs.

Ease of Use: Delonghi Eletta Explore vs Delonghi Eletta Explore Cold Brew

When it comes to ease of use, both machines excel, but the Delonghi Eletta Explore truly takes the lead for me. I appreciate an intuitive interface, and the Eletta Explore delivers with its clear touch controls and an easy-to-navigate menu. Setting up my drink of choice—whether it was an espresso, cappuccino, or even just a regular black coffee—felt incredibly straightforward.

While the Delonghi Eletta Explore Cold Brew also features an easy-to-use interface, adding the cold brew option made the menu feel just a touch more cluttered. Personally, I prefer simplicity in my coffee rituals, and having a streamlined menu meant I could get to my favorite drinks faster without extra scrolling or buttons.

The Milk Frothing Experience

For a true coffee lover, the milk frothing experience can make or break a machine. Both the Delonghi Eletta Explore and the Eletta Explore Cold Brew have powerful milk frothing systems, which make it easy to get café-quality foam. However, I found the frothing on the Delonghi Eletta Explore to be slightly more consistent.

The key to perfect milk froth is achieving the right texture every time. I found that the Eletta Explore without the cold brew feature delivered a more stable performance. Each cappuccino I made was topped with creamy froth that was airy yet dense, the kind that blends perfectly with the espresso shot beneath. The Eletta Explore Cold Brew, though still effective, occasionally had inconsistencies in the milk froth texture, which was a small downside for me.

Coffee Customization Options: Delonghi Eletta Explore vs Cold Brew

Another area where the Delonghi Eletta Explore shines is its coffee customization options. It offers multiple drink settings, including temperature and aroma strength, allowing me to craft each cup precisely to my liking. This level of customization has made my experience feel more like a personal barista in my kitchen.

On the other hand, the Delonghi Eletta Explore Cold Brew also has these customization options, plus the additional ability to prepare cold brew. However, I noticed that I often defaulted to the regular settings I was accustomed to, and rarely found myself utilizing the cold brew feature as much as I thought I would. Ultimately, I felt that the additional cold brew function—while intriguing—didn't justify the slightly higher price and complexity in daily use.

Maintenance: Keeping It Clean

Maintenance is a crucial aspect for any coffee machine, and I'm happy to report that both versions of the Delonghi Eletta Explore are fairly easy to maintain. They both feature an automatic rinse cycle that cleans the milk system after each use, which has been incredibly convenient.

However, I found the Delonghi Eletta Explore without the cold brew add-on to be slightly more user-friendly when it comes to cleaning. The fewer the parts, the easier it is to maintain. With the cold brew feature, there are additional components that need regular cleaning, which added a bit more work to my daily routine. Since I'm someone who enjoys my coffee machine as fuss-free as possible, this was a factor that ultimately swayed me towards the Eletta Explore.

Taste Test: Does the Cold Brew Make a Difference?

Let's talk taste, because that's ultimately what matters most. When using the Delonghi Eletta Explore, I consistently got a rich, full-bodied flavor that showcased the best of my favorite beans. Whether I chose a latte, flat white, or double shot espresso, the consistency in quality was undeniable.

The Delonghi Eletta Explore Cold Brew also delivered a fantastic coffee taste, especially for cold brew lovers. The cold brew had a light, smooth flavor that was refreshing. However, I found that I enjoyed cold brews only on certain occasions, whereas I loved my hot coffee drinks daily. While the cold brew feature did deliver on taste, it wasn't enough of a priority in my coffee habits to justify the added expense and complexity.

Value for Money: Delonghi Eletta Explore vs Delonghi Eletta Explore Cold Brew

When considering value for money, I found myself leaning towards the Delonghi Eletta Explore as the better investment. It offers an incredible variety of coffee drinks, reliable milk frothing, and straightforward maintenance—all at a reasonable price.

The Delonghi Eletta Explore Cold Brew is slightly more expensive due to its added cold brew feature, and while it delivers well on that promise, it wasn't a feature I used frequently enough to justify the extra cost. If you're someone who loves cold brew daily, it could be a worthwhile investment. For me, though, it just didn't add enough to the overall experience to make it worth the additional cost.

The Cold Brew Conundrum: Who Should Get the Delonghi Eletta Explore Cold Brew?

If you find yourself craving a cold brew every day and hate the long steeping process that comes with traditional cold brew methods, then the Delonghi Eletta Explore Cold Brew might be the perfect machine for you. It offers the luxury of making a quick cold brew without the hassle—which could be a game changer for cold coffee lovers.

However, if you're like me and you typically stick to hot drinks with the occasional iced latte or cold brew, then the original Delonghi Eletta Explore is likely a better fit. The convenience and straightforward nature of the original model outweighed the novelty of the cold brew feature in my eyes.

Durability and Build Quality

A machine's build quality is an essential consideration for me, especially since I want it to last for years. Both the Delonghi Eletta Explore and the Cold Brew model have a solid build and are crafted with durable materials. I was impressed with how well both machines seemed to handle regular use without any issues.

One thing that stood out was the overall feel of the Eletta Explore's parts. It has a premium touch, with well-fitted components that didn't feel flimsy. The Cold Brew version is also solid, but the addition of the extra components for cold brew seemed to introduce a bit more fragility. I occasionally worried about those extra parts when doing maintenance, which again leaned me toward the original Eletta Explore.

Drink Variety: Beyond Just Coffee

Both machines excel when it comes to the variety of drinks they offer. Besides the classic espresso, cappuccino, and lattes, the machines also provide options for hot milk, hot water for tea, and customized drinks. For a home barista, this kind of versatility is priceless, as it means you can prepare a variety of drinks for your household or guests.

With the Delonghi Eletta Explore Cold Brew, the added drink variety does make it appealing for those who love experimenting with different cold brew-based drinks. However, in my experience, the original Eletta Explore offered enough variety on its own, without the need for extra features. Whether it's an indulgent macchiato or a simple flat white, the Eletta Explore makes each drink with precision.

The Real-Life Experience: How Does It Fit into Daily Life?

Ultimately, my coffee machine has to fit into my routine seamlessly, and this is where the Delonghi Eletta Explore shines. It takes up a moderate amount of space on my kitchen counter, but its sleek design and thoughtful layout make it worth it. The daily experience—from grinding beans to brewing coffee—felt almost effortless, which is something I appreciate when rushing through my mornings.

The Cold Brew version did bring a new element to my coffee habits, and while it was a cool feature initially, I found myself using it less frequently over time. The reality is that hot coffee is my go-to, and the classic Eletta Explore fulfilled all my needs without the need for additional features that could complicate my routine.

My Final Thoughts: Which One to Pick?

Both the Delonghi Eletta Explore and the Delonghi Eletta Explore Cold Brew have a lot to offer, but which one you choose will depend heavily on your coffee preferences. If you see yourself using the cold brew feature regularly and crave the convenience of quick cold coffee, then the Cold Brew version could be worth the investment. However, if you're like me and want a versatile, easy-to-use coffee machine that delivers consistently great hot coffee drinks, then the original Eletta Explore is a perfect choice.

The streamlined interface, consistent milk frothing, and the simplicity of maintenance make the Delonghi Eletta Explore my personal favorite. It brings the café experience to your kitchen without adding unnecessary complications, making every morning cup a delight. The cold brew feature is certainly cool, but for my everyday life, the original Eletta Explore wins out.

Conclusion: Delonghi Eletta Explore vs Delonghi Eletta Explore Cold Brew

In the battle between the Delonghi Eletta Explore and the Delonghi Eletta Explore Cold Brew, I have to give the edge to the Delonghi Eletta Explore. The original model is versatile, easy to use, and delivers a consistently excellent coffee experience with minimal fuss. The milk frothing is reliable, the coffee customization options are superb, and overall, it's a great value for the money.

The Delonghi Eletta Explore Cold Brew is an excellent choice for someone who specifically loves cold brew and wants a convenient way to prepare it. However, for me, the extra cold brew function added complexity that I didn't need in my everyday routine. I value simplicity, consistency, and versatility, and the original Delonghi Eletta Explore provided that for me.

If you're deciding between these two machines, I'd recommend considering how often you'll actually use the cold brew feature. For those who want a reliable and versatile coffee machine for a variety of hot drinks, the Delonghi Eletta Explore is the way to go. For dedicated cold brew enthusiasts, the Cold Brew model does offer that unique feature—but it's up to you whether it's worth the investment.

So there you have it—my honest thoughts after trying both machines. I hope this helps you decide which Delonghi Eletta Explore is right for you. After all, great coffee is all about the experience, and for me, Product 1 truly makes the daily ritual feel just right.