De'Longhi Eletta Explore vs De'Longhi La Specialista Maestro

De'Longhi Eletta Explore espresso machine

De'Longhi

De'Longhi Eletta Explore

$1,200

4.2★ (1,200)

vs
De'Longhi La Specialista Maestro espresso machine

De'Longhi

De'Longhi La Specialista Maestro

$1,200

3.8★ (122)

Quick take: The De'Longhi La Specialista Maestro heats up faster (20 seconds).

SpecDe'Longhi Eletta ExploreDe'Longhi La Specialista Maestro
Price$1,200$1,200
Rating4.2★ (1,200)3.8★ (122)
TypeSuper-AutomaticSemi-Automatic
BoilerThermoblockThermoblock
Built-in grinderYesYes
Pump pressure19 bar19 bar
Water capacity60 oz84.5 oz
Warm-up time45 seconds20 seconds
Steam wandAuto (LatteCrema Hot & Cool)Manual + Automatic Carafe
Basket typeUnpressurized
Best forMilk DrinksEnthusiasts
Dimensions10.3 x 17.5 x 15.1 in16.5 x 14.5 x 18.3 in
Weight26.9 lbs35.3 lbs
Warranty2 years2 years

Pros & cons

De'Longhi Eletta Explore

  • Only mainstream super-auto with real cold-brew extraction and cold milk foam
  • LatteCrema carafes texture milk hot or cold and self-clean between drinks
  • Bean Adapt app tuning dials grind, dose, and temperature to your beans
  • 50+ recipes with user profiles cover the whole household
  • Very deep 17.5-inch footprint hogs counter space vs the Magnifica line
  • Plastic-heavy construction feels underwhelming at this price
  • Espresso runs slightly cool and mild for purists without Bean Adapt tweaking
  • Frequent auto-rinse cycles drain the tank and fill the drip tray fast

De'Longhi La Specialista Maestro

  • Dual thermoblocks let you pull shots while steaming milk
  • Pick LatteCrema one-touch carafe or the manual latte-art wand
  • Ready in under 20 seconds with PID temperature stability
  • Huge 84.5 oz tank and 8 one-touch recipes including cold brew
  • 3.8 rating - some owners report reliability issues
  • Costs nearly double the Arte Evo for the same 51mm portafilter
  • Big 18-inch-tall, 35 lb build dominates the counter
  • Automation layers can frustrate purists who want full control