De'Longhi ECAM45055S Eletta Explore Fully Automatic Coffee Machine: A Fully Automatic Coffee Connoisseur

The Global Spread of Coffee

Coffee, originally cultivated in Ethiopia, began its journey across the globe through trade routes to Yemen and subsequently to the rest of the Middle East. By the 17th century, coffee had made its way to Europe where it quickly became popular. The first coffeehouse in Vienna was established using beans left behind by retreating Turkish invaders, leading to a flourishing cafe culture.

Cultural Impact of Coffee in Europe

In Europe, coffee not only became a social drink that replaced the common breakfast drink of beer but also played a significant role in the intellectual society. Coffeehouses quickly became centers for deep discussions and thinking, dubbed ‘penny universities’ because one could pay a penny for a cup of coffee and engage in stimulating conversations.

The De’Longhi ECAM45055S Eletta Explore is a top-of-the-line fully automatic espresso machine that allows you to brew delicious espresso-based drinks with ease. With advanced features like a built-in burr grinder, intuitive touchscreen interface, dual heating systems for both hot and cold milk frothing, and customizable drink recipes, the De’Longhi ECAM45055S Eletta Explore Fully Automatic Coffee Machine aims to bring café-quality beverages to your home. In this review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the key features and performance of this premium coffee maker.

Overview

• Brand: De’Longhi
• Model: ECAM45055S Eletta Explore
• Type: Fully automatic espresso machine
• Size: 17.5”D x 10.25”W x 15.13”H
• Materials: Stainless steel, plastic
• Weight: 24.7 lbs

The De’Longhi ECAM45055S Eletta Explore Fully Automatic Coffee Machine has a sleek, modern design with stainless steel accents and an intuitive touchscreen interface. The machine contains dual heating systems, a conical burr grinder, and De’Longhi’s patented LatteCrema technology for automatically steaming and frothing milk. With the ability to make over 40 espresso-based drinks at the touch of a button, from classic espresso to iced lattes, the De’Longhi ECAM45055S Eletta Explore Fully Automatic Coffee Machine aims to be an all-in-one coffee solution.

Key Features

• Built-in burr coffee grinder with 13 adjustable settings
• Patented LatteCrema system for hot and cold milk frothing
• 40+ programmable drink recipes for espresso, lattes, cappuccinos and more
• Full-color touchscreen for selecting drinks and customizing
• Dishwasher safe parts for easy cleaning
• Dual stainless steel boilers for simultaneous brewing and steaming

Design and Build Quality

The De’Longhi ECAM45055S Eletta Explore Fully Automatic Coffee Machine features a sleek design with stainless steel and black plastic construction. The machine feels very sturdy and durable with its metal exterior. The water reservoir is conveniently located on the left side for easy access. It has a compact footprint, making it a good fit for most kitchen counters.

The touchscreen display is bright, responsive, and easy to navigate. The machine has a solid build quality that you would expect for the price point.

The De’Longhi ECAM45055S Eletta Explore measures 17.5 inches in depth, 10.25 inches in width, and 15.13 inches in height, and weighs 24.69 pounds. This combination of size and weight makes the machine both sturdy and sleek, suitable for home use.

Ease of Use

The De’Longhi ECAM45055S Eletta Explore Fully Automatic Coffee Machine is very intuitive to operate thanks to the full touch display and customizable drink options. The machine comes equipped with 40 pre-programmed recipes for everything from espresso and americano to cappuccinos and cold brew.

You can tweak the settings like coffee strength, foam level, milk temperature, and cup size to create your preferred drink profile. Up to 6 beverage profiles can be saved as favorites for one-touch access. Cleaning and maintenance is straightforward with removable, dishwasher-safe parts.

How Espresso Machines Work

Espresso machines operate by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee under high pressure, typically around 9 bars, to produce a rich, concentrated coffee known as espresso. This process, which takes about 25-30 seconds for a single shot, extracts deep flavors and aromas from the coffee grounds, highlighted by the characteristic crema on top—a creamy, frothy layer that forms as a result of the rapid extraction under pressure.

Types of Espresso Machines

There are several types of espresso machines, including manual lever, semi-automatic, and super-automatic. Manual lever machines give users complete control over the extraction process, while semi-automatic machines automate water temperature and pressure. Super-automatic machines take care of all aspects of espresso making, from grinding the beans to frothing the milk.

Specialty Drinks Menu

The Eletta Explore boasts an extensive menu of specialty drinks, catering to diverse tastes and preferences. From classic espresso and americano to more elaborate creations like latte macchiato, flat white, and cortado, this machine offers something for everyone. What’s more, each drink can be customized to your liking, allowing you to adjust parameters such as coffee strength, milk foam amount, and temperature. This level of personalization ensures that you can create the perfect coffee beverage to suit your individual taste.

40+ One-Touch Recipes

The De’Longhi Eletta Explore simplifies the coffee-making process with its extensive selection of over 40 pre-programmed recipes. Whether you crave a classic espresso, a creamy cappuccino, a refreshing iced latte, or even a cold brew, this machine has you covered. With just a touch of a button, you can enjoy your favorite coffee beverages without the hassle of manual adjustments.

User-Friendly Interface

The De’Longhi Eletta Explore’s user interface is a testament to its commitment to user-friendliness. The expansive 3.5-inch color touchscreen display is not only visually appealing but also highly responsive and intuitive. Navigating through the myriad of specialty drink options, adjusting settings, and even creating personalized recipes is a seamless experience. The inclusion of soft-touch buttons with clear icons further simplifies operation, making it accessible even for those who are new to super-automatic espresso machines. Whether you’re a seasoned barista or a casual coffee drinker, the Eletta Explore’s interface ensures that you can effortlessly craft your perfect cup of coffee.

Performance

During testing, the De’Longhi ECAM45055S Eletta Explore Fully Automatic Coffee Machine consistently pulled rich, intensely flavored shots of espresso. The microfoam from the steam wands is dense and velvety, allowing you to create latte art quality foam. All of the drinks we tested came out smooth and well-balanced. For an automatic machine, the level of customization and consistent results across different drink types is impressive.

In terms of speed, the De’Longhi ECAM45055S Eletta Explore Fully Automatic Coffee Machine is relatively fast, delivering most drinks in around 1 minute. The initial warm-up takes approximately 1-2 minutes. One downside is the noise level - the grinding and brewing process is quite loud compared to other super automatic machines.

15 Bar Italian Pump

The De’Longhi Eletta Explore is equipped with a 15 bar Italian pump, a crucial component for achieving optimal espresso extraction. This high-pressure pump ensures that water is forced through the coffee grounds at the ideal pressure, resulting in a rich, flavorful espresso with a thick crema layer. The 15 bar pump is a standard feature in many high-quality espresso machines, and its inclusion in the Eletta Explore underscores its commitment to delivering a premium coffee experience.

Intensity and Temperature Adjustment

This coffee machine features adjustable coffee intensity and temperature settings, allowing users to customize the strength and warmth of their coffee to suit personal taste preferences. Whether you prefer a robust or a milder flavor, you can find your perfect cup every time.

Temperature Control

The De’Longhi Eletta Explore features a Thermoblock heating system that ensures optimal water temperature for brewing espresso. The machine also allows you to adjust the coffee temperature to your liking, with five different settings to choose from. This level of control allows you to fine-tune your espresso to achieve the perfect balance of flavor and aroma.

LatteCrema Hot and Cold Systems

One of the standout features of the Eletta Explore is its dual LatteCrema systems. The LatteCrema Hot system froths milk to perfection for your favorite classic espresso beverages like lattes and cappuccinos. Meanwhile, the LatteCrema Cool system creates velvety cold milk foam, ideal for crafting refreshing iced coffee drinks. This versatility allows you to explore a wide range of coffee creations, both hot and cold.

Bean Adapt Technology

The Eletta Explore’s Bean Adapt Technology takes the guesswork out of brewing the perfect cup of coffee. This intelligent feature automatically adjusts the grind and brew settings to suit the specific type of coffee beans you’re using. Whether you prefer light, medium, or dark roast beans, this technology ensures optimal extraction and flavor for every cup.

Ground Coffee Bypass and Versatility

While the Eletta Explore’s electronic grinder is a highlight, it also offers a ground coffee bypass chute for those who prefer pre-ground coffee or want to experiment with decaf options. This feature adds versatility to the machine, accommodating different preferences and needs. However, it’s worth noting that bypass chutes can be prone to clogging, especially with finely ground coffee. Regular cleaning and maintenance of this chute are essential to ensure smooth operation and prevent any interruptions in your coffee-making routine.

Built-In Grinder and Brewing

An integrated conical burr grinder with 13 settings grinds beans fresh for each shot. The Bean Adapt system optimizes the grind and extraction to match the bean variety. During brewing, the ThermoBlock heating system and 15 bar Italian pump ensure optimal temperature and pressure for rich crema and balanced flavor.

Furthermore, advanced espresso machines are often equipped with up to 30 settings for grind size adjustment. This fine level of control allows coffee enthusiasts to adjust the grind size based on personal taste and the type of coffee beans used, perfectly controlling the flavor and texture of the coffee. Especially in machines with dual boiler systems, this precise grinding, combined with consistent temperature control, allows for simultaneous coffee extraction and milk frothing, ensuring that each cup of coffee reaches a professional standard.

Milk Foam and Espresso-Based Drinks

The De’Longhi Eletta Explore’s LatteCrema system opens up a world of possibilities for crafting espresso-based drinks. With its ability to create both hot and cold milk foam, you can easily prepare classic favorites like cappuccinos, lattes, and macchiatos, as well as trendy iced beverages. The difference between these drinks often lies in the ratio of espresso to milk and the type of milk foam used. For instance, a cappuccino typically has equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam, while a latte has more steamed milk and a thinner layer of foam. Experiment with different combinations to find your perfect espresso drink.

Capacity

The Eletta Explore contains a 60 oz removable water tank for convenience. The bean hopper holds 8.8 oz of coffee beans. The hot and cold milk carafes each store up to 24 oz of milk.

Programmable On/Off Timer

The programmable on/off timer is a convenient feature that allows you to set the machine to automatically turn on and off at specific times. This means you can wake up to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee or have it ready for you when you return home from work. The timer can be easily programmed through the touchscreen interface, and it adds a layer of convenience to your daily coffee routine.

Additional Features

• 15 bar Italian pump for optimal espresso extraction
• Programmable on/off timer
• Detachable parts are dishwasher safe for easy cleaning
• Quiet operation around 45 dB

Quiet Operation

Unlike some espresso machines that can be quite noisy, the De’Longhi Eletta Explore operates relatively quietly. This is a significant advantage, especially for those who enjoy their morning coffee in peace or have open-concept living spaces. The quiet operation ensures that the machine doesn’t disrupt your household’s tranquility.

Dishwasher Safe Parts

Cleaning the Eletta Explore is a breeze thanks to its dishwasher-safe parts. The drip tray, grounds container, and other removable components can be easily cleaned in the dishwasher, saving you time and effort. This feature is particularly appealing for those who value convenience and hygiene in their coffee-making routine.

Cleaning and Maintenance

To ensure your De’Longhi Eletta Explore continues to produce delicious coffee and maintain its longevity, regular cleaning and maintenance are essential. The machine features a removable brew group, which should be rinsed daily to prevent coffee residue buildup. The drip tray and grounds container should also be emptied and cleaned regularly. Additionally, the LatteCrema system requires cleaning after each use to prevent milk residue from clogging the nozzles. The Eletta Explore will also prompt you to descale the machine when necessary, a process that helps remove mineral buildup and maintain optimal performance.

Ideal Usage Scenarios

The De’Longhi ECAM45055S Eletta Explore Fully Automatic Coffee Machine is a great choice for:

• Espresso lovers who want to recreate cafe drinks at home
• Households where multiple people have different coffee preferences
• Those who frequently entertain and prepare specialty coffee drinks for guests
• People who want the ability to make both hot and iced espresso beverages

The dual heating systems, conical burr grinder, and customization options make it easy for everyone to get their perfect customized drink.

User Feedback Analysis

The De’Longhi ECAM45055S Eletta Explore Fully Automatic Coffee Machine has won over many home baristas with its versatility and convenience. Satisfied customers extol its ability to turn out “smooth, delicious espresso” and “perfectly textured milk” day after day. They enjoy exploring the extensive library of drink recipes, comparing it to “having a personal barista in my kitchen.” The machine’s simple touch controls and automatic operation also draw praise as “a dream come true for a busy household.” Many reviewers say the De’Longhi ECAM45055S Eletta Explore Fully Automatic Coffee Machine has completely replaced their trips to expensive coffee shops. As one happy owner exclaimed, “My morning latte tastes even better than the one I used to buy on my way to work!”

Constructive Criticism

While most reviews are positive, a few users have experienced issues. Some report the default grind size produces weak or watery espresso. They advise new owners to manually adjust the grind amount and shot volume to optimize the flavor. Several also caution that descaling regularly is essential to maintain performance and prevent mineral buildup. A handful of early adopters experienced defects like leaky water reservoirs. However, De’Longhi’s customer service promptly replaced the faulty parts.

Valuable Troubleshooting Insights

In their feedback, experienced owners offer tips for getting the most out of the De’Longhi ECAM45055S Eletta Explore Fully Automatic Coffee Machine. Many recommend using filtered water to minimize mineral deposits and extend the machine’s lifespan. Some suggest experimenting with different coffee bean varieties to find your ideal strength and taste profile. Several advise activating the machine’s cleaning cycle regularly to keep key components like the brew group in top shape. Numerous commenters also praise the effectiveness of De’Longhi’s descaling solution. Overall, reviewers agree that with proper care and maintenance, the De’Longhi ECAM45055S Eletta Explore Fully Automatic Coffee Machine consistently delivers quality and convenience that justifies the premium price.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Innovative dual hot and cold frothing
• Huge variety of drink recipes
• Easy to use touchscreen interface
• Convenient automatic cleaning

Cons

• Difficult to dial in ideal grind size
• Default settings may produce weak shots
• Needs regular descaling

Value

Considering its premium price point, the De’Longhi ECAM45055S Eletta Explore Fully Automatic Coffee Machine delivers significant value for owners who regularly prepare milk-based espresso drinks. Having both hot and cold foaming systems built-in provides versatility no other home model offers. The high degree of customization and variety of drink options add value for the cost. While not inexpensive, it eliminates the need for buying additional accessories to steam milk or make iced coffee. For hardcore specialty coffee drinkers, the quality and convenience make it a worthwhile investment.

Conclusion

Overall, the De’Longhi ECAM45055S Eletta Explore Fully Automatic Coffee Machine delivers exceptional performance and convenience for making coffeehouse drinks at home. The combination of customizable options, dual heating systems, and innovative cold foam technology make this machine stand out. While the price tag is steep, serious coffee lovers who regularly make specialty espresso drinks can justify the investment. This is an ideal all-in-one machine for households that want the flexibility of single-serve pods along with scratch-made espresso and milk beverages. For superior quality, variety, and customization in home brewing, the De’Longhi ECAM45055S Eletta Explore Fully Automatic Coffee Machine is highly recommended.

Specifications

• Product Dimensions: 17.5” x 10.25” x 15.13”
• Item Weight: 24.7 pounds
• Water Tank Capacity: Unknown
• Milk Carafe Capacity: Unknown
• Coffee Bean Hopper Capacity: Unknown
• Brewing Technology: Fully automatic with patented Bean Adapt system
• Grinder: Built-in conical burr grinder with 13 settings
• Frothing System: Dual LatteCrema hot and cold milk frothing systems
• Pressure: Unknown
• Power: 1250 watts
• Voltage: 120 volts
• Interface: 3.5” full color touchscreen display

What’s Included

• Main coffee machine unit
• Hot and cold milk carafes
• Water filter
• Descaling solution
• Measuring scoop
• Brush for cleaning

De’Longhi Eletta Explore: Your Guide to Coffee Perfection

Getting Started

• Unboxing: Carefully unpack your Eletta Explore. You’ll find the machine itself, along with accessories like a travel mug, water filter, measuring scoop, cleaning brush, descaler, and milk jugs.
• First Use: Rinse all removable parts with warm water. This includes the milk carafes, travel mug, coffee carafe, and water tank.
• Set Up: Connect the machine to a power outlet. Follow the on-screen instructions to select your language and fill the water tank and bean container. The machine will guide you through an initial rinse cycle.
• Water Hardness: It’s crucial to program the water hardness to ensure optimal performance and reduce the frequency of descaling. Use the included test strip to determine your water hardness and adjust the setting accordingly.

Making Coffee

• Turning On: Press the power button. The machine will automatically warm up and rinse.
• Choose Your Drink: Select your desired beverage from the touchscreen. You can choose from over 40 hot and cold recipes, including espresso, cappuccino, latte, flat white, iced cappuccino, and iced latte.
• Customize: Personalize your drink by adjusting the coffee strength, temperature, and size. You can save your preferences for future use.
• Brew: Press “Brew” and the Eletta Explore will grind the beans, brew the coffee, and dispense it into your cup.

Milk-Based Drinks

• Preparing the Milk Carafe: Fill the milk carafe with your preferred milk or milk alternative. Ensure the milk is cold for optimal frothing.
• Attach the Carafe: Attach the milk carafe to the machine.
• Select Your Drink: Choose your milk-based beverage from the touchscreen.
• Adjust Foam: Use the dial on the milk carafe to adjust the amount of foam.
• Brew: Press “Brew” and the Eletta Explore will prepare your drink, automatically frothing and dispensing the milk.

Additional Features

• Bean Adapt Technology: This intelligent feature optimizes the grind and brew settings based on the type of coffee beans you’re using.
• Hot Water/Tea Function: Use the hot water spout to dispense hot water for tea or americano.
• To-Go Function: Prepare your favorite drinks in the included travel mug.
• My Function: Create and save your own personalized coffee recipes.

Cleaning and Maintenance

• Daily Cleaning: Empty and clean the drip tray and grounds container. Rinse the milk carafe after each use.
• Weekly Cleaning: Remove and rinse the brew group. Clean the milk carafe thoroughly, including the frothing components.
• Descaling: Descale the machine regularly according to the prompts on the display. Use the De’Longhi descaling solution for best results.

Troubleshooting

• No Coffee: Check if the water tank is empty or the bean container is empty. Ensure the brew group is inserted correctly.
• Weak Coffee: Adjust the grind size to a finer setting.
• Watery Coffee: Adjust the grind size to a coarser setting.
• No Milk Froth: Ensure the milk carafe is clean and the milk is cold.

If you encounter any other issues, refer to the troubleshooting section in the full user manual or contact De’Longhi customer service.

Tips and Tricks

• Use Fresh Beans: For the best flavor, use freshly roasted coffee beans.
• Experiment: Try different bean varieties and roast levels to find your favorites.
• Clean Regularly: Keep your machine clean to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
• Descale Regularly: Descale the machine according to the prompts to prevent mineral buildup.

Enjoy Your Coffee Journey!

The De’Longhi Eletta Explore is designed to make your coffee experience enjoyable and effortless. With its advanced features, intuitive interface, and versatility, you can explore a world of coffee possibilities from the comfort of your own home.