De’Longhi Rivelia vs De’Longhi Eletta Explore

Choosing the right super‑automatic espresso machine can feel overwhelming, especially when two models come from the same brand and target similar audiences. The De’Longhi Rivelia and De’Longhi Eletta Explore both promise barista‑style coffee at the touch of a button, but they approach the experience in very different ways.

Rivelia is marketed as sleek, modern, and smart—featuring a dual‑hopper system for bean flexibility and a clean touchscreen interface. Eletta Explore, on the other hand, goes all in on versatility, offering hot and cold milk foam, a true cold‑brew function, and more than 50 drink options for adventurous coffee lovers. Both machines sit in the premium price range and cater to people who want convenience without sacrificing quality. But which one actually delivers the better value for your daily routine? In this review, we’ll compare design, usability, coffee performance, and overall experience to help you decide.

De’Longhi Rivelia vs De’Longhi Eletta Explore Comparison Chart

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Specification	De’Longhi Rivelia	De’Longhi Eletta Explore
	Check the best price on Amazon	Check the best price on Amazon
Machine Type	Super-automatic bean-to-cup	Super-automatic bean-to-cup
Dimensions (W × D × H)	~9.7″ × 17″ × 14.6″ (245 × 430 × 385 mm)	~10.25″ × 17.5″ × 15.1″ (260 × 445 × 385 mm)
Weight	~21.4 lb (9.7 kg)	~24.6 lb (11.2 kg)
Water Tank Capacity	47 oz (1.4 L)	61 oz (1.8 L)
Bean Hopper Capacity	Dual hoppers, total ~250 g (125 g each)	Single hopper, ~300 g
Grinder Type	Stainless-steel conical burr; 13 settings	Stainless-steel conical burr; 13 settings
Pump Pressure	15 bar	19 bar
Heating System	Thermoblock	Thermoblock
Beverage Presets	16–18 one-touch drinks	50+ one-touch drinks (including cold brew options)
Milk Frothing System	LatteCrema Hot (optional cold kit upgrade)	Dual LatteCrema (Hot & Cold foam)
Cold Brew Capability	No (optional kit needed)	Yes – Cold Extraction in under 3 minutes
Display / Interface	3.5″ full-color touchscreen	3.5″ full-color touchscreen with category navigation
App Connectivity	Yes (Coffee Link)	Yes (Coffee Link, region dependent)
User Profiles	Up to 4 + guest	Up to 4
Adjustable Cup Height	Up to 5.5″ (14 cm)	Up to 6.7″ (17 cm)
Grounds Container Capacity	~10 servings	~14 servings
Power Consumption	1450 W	1250 W
Voltage	120 V (US) / 220–240 V (EU)	120 V (US) / 220–240 V (EU)
Removable Brew Unit	Yes	Yes
Warranty	2 years	2 years
My individual reviews	De’Longhi Rivelia review	De’Longhi Eletta Explore review

Design & Build Quality

When it comes to premium super‑automatic espresso machines, design and build quality are more than just cosmetic details—they define how the machine fits into your kitchen, how intuitive it feels to operate, and how well it withstands years of daily brewing. Both the De’Longhi Rivelia and Eletta Explore aim to deliver a balance of aesthetics and practicality, but they approach this balance in different ways. Let’s break down how each machine performs in terms of size, footprint, materials, ergonomics, and long-term durability.

Overall Aesthetic and First Impressions

The Rivelia makes a strong first impression with its modern, almost Scandinavian-inspired design. It offers a choice of muted, earthy color options—sage green, arctic white, deep black, or stone grey—which makes it easier to integrate into contemporary kitchens where minimalism and natural tones dominate. The surfaces are smooth, with gentle curves rather than harsh lines. This machine feels like a lifestyle product as much as an appliance, aimed at those who want their coffee station to look curated rather than industrial.

The Eletta Explore, in contrast, goes for a slightly more professional vibe. It has a traditional De’Longhi look: a front face dominated by the control panel and milk carafe, stainless-steel accents, and a body that mixes polished plastic with brushed metallic touches. It’s less about color variety and more about looking like a serious coffee tool. For some users, this appearance inspires confidence in the machine’s capability; for others, it might feel less trendy compared to the Rivelia’s designer look.

Both machines project quality at a glance, but the Rivelia feels like it was designed with interior decor in mind, whereas the Eletta Explore signals functionality and versatility as its core identity.

Dimensions and Countertop Footprint

Size matters, especially when you’re working with limited counter space. The Rivelia measures approximately 17 inches tall, 9.7 inches wide, and 14.6 inches deep. That relatively narrow width is a big plus for anyone who wants a premium coffee machine in a smaller kitchen. The trade-off is height—at nearly 17 inches, it will fit under most standard cabinets, but it could feel imposing in very tight spaces.

The Eletta Explore, on the other hand, is slightly larger overall. At about 10.25 inches wide, 17.5 inches deep, and 15.1 inches tall, it takes up more depth on your counter and has a broader footprint. If you regularly prepare other items on your countertop or have limited workspace, that extra depth can make a difference. That said, its additional size accommodates features like the dual LatteCrema system and travel-mug compatibility, so the bulk serves a functional purpose.

In practical terms, the Rivelia is easier to fit in smaller kitchens or tight corners, while the Eletta Explore needs a bit more breathing room. If you’re the type to tuck a machine under cabinets and forget about it, the Rivelia wins on compactness. If you want a machine that doubles as a statement piece and don’t mind allocating a chunk of counter real estate, the Eletta Explore makes sense.

Materials and Build Quality

Both machines rely on a combination of high-grade plastics and metal elements, which is standard in this price category. The Rivelia’s outer panels feel smooth and well-finished. While most of its body is plastic, it doesn’t feel cheap—rather, it has a matte texture that resists fingerprints better than high-gloss finishes. The drip tray uses chrome-like detailing, which adds a touch of shine, though this part is prone to micro-scratches over time.

The Eletta Explore opts for a more traditional mix of glossy and brushed surfaces. Its front face looks slightly busier due to the larger screen area and milk system, but the plastics feel sturdy, and the machine has an overall solid feel when you press buttons or remove components. There’s less concern about it tipping or wobbling when you’re inserting a carafe or mug, thanks to its wider stance.

Neither machine feels flimsy overall, but small details matter: the Rivelia’s milk carafe connection has been reported as a weak point. Several reviewers have noted that the carafe clips in with less firmness than they’d like, which could be risky if bumped mid-brew. Eletta Explore’s carafe system feels more secure, likely due to its slightly larger interface.

Ergonomics and Accessibility

Design isn’t just about looks; it’s about how you interact with the machine daily. The Rivelia has a minimalist approach, with a large touchscreen dominating the front panel and very few physical buttons. This makes for a clean look, but it also means that every function is controlled digitally. Fortunately, the interface is responsive and well-organized, so it rarely feels cumbersome.

Bean hoppers and water tanks are critical points for ergonomics. The Rivelia stands out with its unique dual-hopper system, which allows you to switch between two bean types quickly. This feature is great for households where one person drinks decaf and another prefers regular espresso. The hoppers are compact, which keeps the overall machine slim, but they require top-loading—so you’ll need clearance above the machine to add beans easily.

The Eletta Explore has a single large hopper, positioned in the usual place on top. Its water tank slides out from the front, which is extremely convenient for refills when the machine is under cabinets. The Rivelia’s water tank is side-accessible, which can be slightly less intuitive depending on your kitchen layout. For most users, neither setup is a dealbreaker, but if your counter space is limited overhead, the Eletta Explore’s front-loading design has the advantage.

Durability and Long-Term Build Confidence

When spending over a thousand dollars on a coffee machine, long-term durability is a key consideration. Both machines are built to last several years with proper maintenance, but their designs suggest different priorities.

The Rivelia, with its matte finishes and contemporary styling, may be more susceptible to cosmetic wear if cleaned harshly or exposed to frequent splashes. The milk system’s connection point, as mentioned earlier, is a minor concern if handled roughly. Internally, it uses proven De’Longhi components, including the brewing unit and grinder mechanism, so performance longevity shouldn’t be an issue.

The Eletta Explore feels slightly more rugged. Its larger frame, reinforced interfaces, and less delicate exterior make it better suited for heavy daily use. The drip tray is large, sturdy, and less prone to quick overflow, while the milk system’s docking design feels robust.

If you’re looking for a machine that can handle frequent use without showing wear, the Eletta Explore may hold up better visually over time. The Rivelia, while stylish, might require a bit more care to keep looking pristine.

Which Machine Wins on Design?

The answer depends on your priorities. If you want a machine that blends seamlessly with a modern kitchen, takes up minimal counter space, and offers a sleek, touchscreen-dominated interface, the Rivelia wins hands down. It looks like it belongs in a design magazine.

If you value durability, a more traditional coffee-machine look, and slightly more ergonomic practicality (front-loading water tank, sturdier milk system), the Eletta Explore has the edge. It’s less about trend and more about long-haul performance.

User Interface & Ease of Use

When investing in a premium super-automatic espresso machine, one of the biggest considerations is how easy it is to operate day after day. A machine can have incredible brewing technology under the hood, but if the interface feels clunky or the workflow slows you down, it will quickly become a frustration rather than a convenience. Both the De’Longhi Rivelia and Eletta Explore aim to deliver a smooth, intuitive experience, but they take slightly different approaches in how they guide you through brewing, customization, and maintenance tasks. Let’s break down the interface design, menu navigation, personalization options, and how these two machines handle real-world use.

First Impressions and Layout

The Rivelia greets you with a clean, almost minimalist layout dominated by a bright, full-color touchscreen. The interface uses a tile-based design, displaying drink icons and clearly labeled options in a way that feels more like a smartphone than a traditional appliance. There are no physical buttons on the main panel aside from the power button; everything else happens on the display. This gives the Rivelia a sleek and uncluttered look, and for tech-savvy users, it feels familiar and approachable.

The Eletta Explore also uses a color display, but it pairs this with soft-touch navigation buttons for scrolling and selecting. Its layout feels more structured, with clear sections for hot drinks, cold drinks, and To-Go options. While it isn’t quite as futuristic as Rivelia’s all-touchscreen approach, the combination of touch-sensitive buttons and screen prompts provides a sense of tactile feedback that some users actually prefer. For people who don’t love touchscreens for everything—or who have wet or greasy fingers during cooking—the Eletta’s approach can feel more practical.

Navigation and Menu Organization

When you first turn on the Rivelia, it walks you through a guided setup process that feels very beginner-friendly. It asks about water hardness, offers a quick explanation of the Bean Adapt system, and even throws in a brief video guide embedded into the interface. Once you’re up and running, the home screen shows drink presets, and you can swipe through multiple screens to find your favorite beverages. There’s a logical flow to the menus: select a drink, adjust strength, volume, and temperature if you want, then hit brew. You can also create up to four user profiles plus a guest mode, so everyone in the household can save their preferences. That means no more arguments over how strong the morning espresso should be—just tap your profile and you’re set.

The Eletta Explore organizes its menus a little differently. Rather than showing every drink in one long carousel, it categorizes them by serving style: Hot Coffee, Cold Coffee, or To-Go. Each category opens up a list of drinks with bright icons and labels, which makes exploring new recipes a fun experience. With over 50 drink options available, this categorization is essential, or else the interface would feel overwhelming. Within each drink selection, you can tweak strength, temperature, and volume, and you can also program your favorite settings for quick access later. Like the Rivelia, the Eletta supports user profiles, though the number and complexity of these profiles vary by region and firmware version.

One area where the Rivelia feels slightly faster is in its overall responsiveness. The touchscreen reacts quickly to swipes and taps, whereas the Eletta’s combination of buttons and display sometimes requires an extra confirmation step. This is hardly a dealbreaker, but if you’re used to smartphone-like speed, the Rivelia may feel snappier.

Personalization and Customization Options

Personalization is a big selling point for both machines. The Rivelia’s Bean Adapt system is an impressive piece of software: you scan your beans (or manually input their roast level), and the machine suggests the best grind setting, temperature, and brewing profile for that specific coffee. This helps newcomers get decent results without guesswork, and enthusiasts appreciate the ability to dial in for lighter or darker roasts. You can override these settings if you prefer full control, but for convenience seekers, it’s a great feature.

The Eletta Explore doesn’t have a Bean Adapt feature, but it shines in other ways—especially when it comes to variety. If you’re the type of user who likes experimenting with different drinks, the Eletta’s sheer breadth of options is unmatched. Hot cappuccino in the morning? Done. Cold brew latte in the afternoon? Two taps and it’s yours. The machine even includes recipes for layered iced drinks and To-Go-sized beverages that fill your travel mug with one touch. Rivelia, by comparison, offers a solid range of classics—espresso, cappuccino, latte macchiato, and so on—but it doesn’t dip into the cold brew or specialty iced category.

Both machines allow you to save favorite drinks with custom settings, though the Eletta Explore’s app integration (where available) takes this a step further by letting you tweak and store recipes from your smartphone. Not all Eletta Explore models support the Coffee Link app, so this may depend on your region, but when available, it adds another layer of convenience.

Daily Workflow and Convenience

The best interface isn’t just pretty—it reduces friction in your daily coffee routine. On this front, both machines are strong performers, but there are subtle differences.

With the Rivelia, once you’ve set up profiles and preferences, making a coffee becomes a one- or two-tap process. The large touchscreen shows your favorite drinks right away, and the machine even displays cheerful messages like “I’m ready to brew,” which some users find charming and others find unnecessary. These personality quirks don’t affect functionality, but they do give the machine a slightly more “humanized” feel. If you like appliances that feel interactive, you might enjoy it. If you prefer a no-nonsense machine, it may feel gimmicky.

The Eletta Explore takes a slightly more structured approach. The initial category selection (Hot, Cold, To-Go) adds an extra step if you’re always choosing the same drink, but it makes a lot of sense when you want to explore different recipes. For households with multiple users who like different beverages, this structure is intuitive—you won’t scroll endlessly looking for that one iced latte recipe because it’s neatly grouped under Cold Drinks. Once you get used to the flow, it becomes second nature.

Both machines also guide you through maintenance tasks via the display, from emptying the grounds container to running a rinse or descaling cycle. The prompts are clear and include simple illustrations, so even first-time users won’t feel lost. The Eletta Explore, with its dual LatteCrema system for hot and cold foam, occasionally gives you extra cleaning steps, but the interface makes it straightforward.

Accessibility and Physical Interaction

Another aspect of usability is how easy it is to physically interact with the machine. The Rivelia’s touchscreen is responsive, but like any glossy display, it can attract fingerprints. If you have oily fingers or cook near your coffee station, expect to wipe it often to maintain that clean look. The Eletta Explore’s hybrid approach with buttons avoids this problem to some extent, and the angled screen is slightly easier to read if the machine sits under a cabinet.

Water refilling and bean loading also play into ease of use. The Rivelia uses a side-loading water tank, which means you’ll need clearance on one side of the machine to pull it out. The Eletta Explore uses a front-loading tank—a big win for kitchens with tight spaces or overhead cabinets. As for beans, both machines require top access to load the hopper, but the Rivelia’s dual-hopper system means you’ll interact with it more often if you’re switching beans regularly. This is a fantastic feature if you like variety, but it does add an extra step compared to Eletta’s single hopper.

Learning Curve

Neither machine requires barista-level knowledge to operate, which is the whole point of a super-automatic system. That said, the Rivelia feels slightly easier to learn because of its clean interface and limited—but focused—drink selection. If you only drink espresso, cappuccino, and lattes, you’ll master it within minutes. The Eletta Explore, with its dozens of recipes and options, can feel overwhelming at first. The upside is that once you learn your favorites, you’ll appreciate the variety. If you love tinkering and exploring new drinks, you’ll enjoy the process. If you prefer a “set it and forget it” approach, Rivelia may be the better fit.

Coffee Quality & Brewing Performance

When evaluating premium super-automatic espresso machines like the De’Longhi Rivelia and the Eletta Explore, coffee quality is the ultimate benchmark. After all, these machines are designed to replicate café-level results with minimal effort, and if the coffee falls flat, the convenience hardly matters. Both models aim to deliver rich espresso, flavorful long coffees, and a range of specialty drinks, but they go about it in different ways and cater to slightly different audiences. In this section, we’ll look at brewing technology, temperature stability, flavor clarity, crema quality, consistency, and how each machine handles different drink styles.

Brewing Technology and Internal Mechanics

Both machines use De’Longhi’s tried-and-true brewing unit, which has been refined across their lineup for years. This system automatically doses, tamps, and extracts espresso at the touch of a button. For most users, this is a huge advantage: you get an espresso with proper pressure (around 9 bars at extraction) without any manual involvement. Both the Rivelia and Eletta Explore employ a thermoblock heating system, which heats water quickly and maintains a stable temperature during brewing. This means there’s virtually no waiting between making an espresso and a milk drink—ideal for mornings when speed is essential.

However, there are differences in how these machines optimize brewing for different beans and drinks. The Rivelia introduces the Bean Adapt technology, which automatically adjusts parameters such as temperature and pre-infusion time based on the roast level of your beans. When you input the bean type or scan the packaging via the app (in some regions), the machine suggests the ideal settings for grind size, brew temperature, and aroma strength. While this doesn’t guarantee third-wave coffee perfection, it gives beginners a solid foundation for good flavor without trial and error.

The Eletta Explore does not have Bean Adapt, but it compensates with its wide range of drink profiles and brewing flexibility. It includes De’Longhi’s Doppio+ function for a more intense double shot, Long Coffee mode for an Americano-style drink, and even a genuine cold extraction feature for cold brew lovers. Unlike machines that simply brew a hot espresso and pour it over ice, the Eletta uses a special brewing cycle with lower pressure and cooler water to extract coffee slowly, mimicking the characteristics of traditional cold brew—but in minutes instead of hours.

Espresso Quality: Crema, Aroma, and Body

Espresso is the foundation of every coffee drink, so how do these two perform? The Rivelia produces consistently good espresso shots: smooth, balanced, and visually appealing with a decent layer of crema. The crema has a golden color, slightly foamy but not as thick and hazelnut-brown as you might get from a manual machine or a high-end prosumer model. Flavor-wise, it tends toward sweetness and mild chocolate notes, which most users enjoy. The temperature is excellent—hot enough to satisfy those who hate lukewarm coffee, without scalding the palate.

That said, the Rivelia’s espresso, while very good, lacks the depth and complexity that coffee enthusiasts might expect from a perfectly dialed-in manual shot. This is true of most super-automatics due to their one-size-fits-all brewing process. Even with the Bean Adapt feature optimizing the grind and brew temperature, it can’t replicate the precision of a skilled barista adjusting every variable for a single-origin bean.

The Eletta Explore matches the Rivelia in espresso quality, and in some cases, slightly surpasses it, particularly when making stronger drinks like the Doppio+. Its ability to handle over-ice recipes and cold brew adds versatility, but even in standard espresso mode, it delivers a rich shot with good body. Some users report that Eletta’s crema appears more robust, possibly due to its pre-infusion and extraction tuning. Both machines grind and brew within seconds of each other, but Eletta seems to favor slightly more extraction time for its stronger settings, which can enhance flavor intensity.

Temperature Stability and Drink Heat

Temperature is critical not only for taste but also for user satisfaction—no one wants a lukewarm cappuccino. The Rivelia excels in this department for hot drinks. Its thermoblock system heats water quickly, and the resulting coffee and milk-based beverages are consistently served at a pleasingly hot temperature, usually around 158°F (70°C). This is hotter than some competing machines and ensures your latte stays warm for several minutes after brewing.

The Eletta Explore performs well but sometimes falls short in milk-based drinks. While espresso shots come out piping hot, milk foam—especially for large lattes—can feel cooler than expected, particularly if you select the cold foam option by mistake or if the milk was very cold to begin with. Some users compensate by preheating their cups or selecting the highest temperature setting. This isn’t a universal complaint, but it’s worth noting for those who prioritize heat above all else.

Consistency Across Drinks

One of the big selling points of any super-automatic machine is consistency. Both models deliver repeatable results once you’ve set your preferences. The Rivelia shines here because of its user profiles. If you save your ideal espresso strength and milk ratio, the machine reproduces it every time without fuss. This is perfect for households where multiple people use the machine—everyone gets their drink just the way they like it.

The Eletta Explore also offers consistency but on a broader scale. It has over 50 drink options, from flat whites to iced cappuccinos, and it executes these recipes reliably. This variety can be overwhelming at first, but once you find your go-to drinks, the machine performs them flawlessly. The inclusion of cold brew and cold foam adds another dimension to its consistency—you can trust it to deliver not just hot drinks but also refreshing iced beverages that taste balanced and smooth, even when served over ice.

Flavor Customization and Strength Control

Both machines allow you to adjust coffee strength (usually by altering dose and grind time), water volume, and temperature. On the Rivelia, these adjustments are easy to make on the touchscreen, and the machine remembers your settings when you save them as favorites. The Bean Adapt feature further refines the process by recommending optimal parameters for the beans you use.

The Eletta Explore gives you a similar level of control, but its interface organizes these options slightly differently. You can choose from multiple aroma levels, adjust serving size, and even create layered drinks with specific ratios of coffee, milk, and foam. For adventurous users who enjoy tweaking drinks until they’re perfect, the Eletta offers more playground space—especially when paired with the Coffee Link app (where supported), which allows even deeper customization.

Performance with Different Drink Types

Where these machines truly diverge is in versatility. The Rivelia is an excellent machine for classic hot drinks—espresso, cappuccino, latte macchiato—and it does them very well. If your coffee routine is relatively simple and you rarely crave cold drinks, you’ll appreciate its straightforward performance.

The Eletta Explore, however, is a machine built for variety. Beyond espresso and milk-based classics, it can prepare real cold brew in under three minutes—a unique feature in the super-automatic category. Its ability to produce hot foam, cold foam, and even large travel-mug drinks makes it the clear choice for households with diverse preferences or for users who like experimenting. The cold foam function, in particular, creates a silky, refreshing texture that elevates iced drinks beyond what you could achieve by just pouring hot coffee over ice.

Grinder Features & Performance

The grinder is one of the most critical components of any espresso machine—especially in a fully automatic system where you rely on the machine to handle the entire coffee preparation process. The quality of the grind directly affects flavor, aroma, and consistency. In this section, we’ll take a deep dive into how the De’Longhi Rivelia and Eletta Explore handle grinding, bean management, noise, precision, and real-world performance. This is an area where these two machines show some of their biggest differences, so if you’re serious about coffee, read on.

Grinder Type and Materials

The Rivelia is equipped with a stainless steel conical burr grinder, a staple in De’Longhi’s premium super-automatic lineup. Conical burr grinders are widely appreciated for their consistency and ability to deliver an even grind size, which is essential for balanced extraction. The use of stainless steel ensures durability and heat resistance. While some coffee enthusiasts prefer ceramic burrs for their potential to reduce heat transfer during grinding, the difference in real-world performance at the speeds and volumes of home brewing is negligible for most users.

The Eletta Explore, on the other hand, uses a ceramic flat burr grinder, which is a notable distinction. Flat burr grinders are often praised for producing a more uniform grind compared to conical burrs. This can translate to slightly better flavor clarity and consistency, particularly in espresso shots where uniform particle size plays a big role. Ceramic burrs have the advantage of staying sharper longer and generating less heat compared to stainless steel during grinding, though again, in domestic use, the heat difference is minimal. Still, the presence of a ceramic flat burr system is a sign that Eletta Explore is aiming to appeal to coffee enthusiasts who care about precision.

Both grinders offer 13 grind settings, adjustable via a dial located inside the bean hopper. This range covers everything from fine espresso grinds to coarser settings for longer coffee drinks like Americano. While you won’t get the extreme granularity of a dedicated standalone grinder, 13 steps is more than enough for the brewing methods these machines support.

Adjustability and Bean Handling

On the Rivelia, the grind adjustment dial is accessible by opening the hopper lid, which is fairly standard. Where the Rivelia stands out is in its dual-hopper design, known as the Bean Switch System. This is a game-changer for households that regularly alternate between different bean types—say, a regular espresso blend in one hopper and decaf in the other. Switching between beans is as simple as twisting a dial to select the hopper you want to use. However, there is a caveat: when you switch beans, there’s always some residual coffee in the grinder’s chute. This means you’ll need to purge around 6 grams of beans before the new selection is fully in play. If you’re switching often, that’s some waste to consider, but for most users, the convenience far outweighs the minor loss.

The Eletta Explore has a single large hopper, so there’s no option to keep multiple bean types loaded. However, this simplifies things for those who prefer consistency and don’t want to manage multiple hoppers. The single-hopper approach also reduces moving parts, which can contribute to long-term reliability.

Both machines include a bypass doser for pre-ground coffee, which is handy if you occasionally use decaf or want to try a different roast without emptying the hopper. The bypass chute is easy to access on both models, though the Eletta’s design feels slightly more intuitive due to its front-facing positioning.

Performance During Grinding

When it comes to actual grinding performance, both machines are fast and efficient, producing freshly ground coffee for each shot in a matter of seconds. The Rivelia’s conical burr grinder tends to produce a grind that works well for the recipes it offers, particularly when combined with the Bean Adapt technology, which fine-tunes parameters for different roasts. While Bean Adapt doesn’t physically adjust the burr spacing (that’s still manual), it does suggest the optimal setting and adjusts brewing variables like water temperature and dose to match. This makes it easier for beginners to achieve a balanced cup without diving into the science of extraction.

The Eletta Explore’s flat burr grinder produces a slightly different result—its grind particles are a bit more uniform, which can contribute to better flavor clarity and less bitterness in strong drinks like the Doppio+. This difference is subtle and might only be noticeable to experienced palates, but it’s there. Flat burr grinders also tend to retain slightly more coffee in the chute, but in home machines, this retention is minimal and unlikely to affect taste significantly.

Noise Levels

Noise is another consideration, especially if you brew early in the morning or in a shared space. The Rivelia’s grinder is on the louder side, registering around 66 dB during operation. This isn’t ear-splitting, but it’s noticeable—especially since the dual-hopper design introduces extra mechanical components, which can add a bit of vibration noise. If you live in an apartment or have light sleepers nearby, this could matter.

The Eletta Explore is generally quieter. User reports and informal measurements suggest it runs in the low 60s dB range, which, while not whisper-quiet, is less intrusive than the Rivelia. The smoother sound profile of the flat burr grinder also tends to feel less harsh than the higher-pitched tone of some conical burr systems.

Consistency and Longevity

Both grinders deliver reliable results, but their long-term performance may differ slightly based on materials. Stainless steel burrs, like those in the Rivelia, are durable and less prone to breakage if a foreign object (like a small pebble) finds its way into the hopper. Ceramic burrs, like those in the Eletta Explore, retain sharpness longer and generate less heat during grinding, which some argue preserves coffee oils better. However, ceramic can chip or crack if exposed to hard contaminants, though this is rare for domestic users who inspect their beans.

In terms of consistency, the Eletta Explore’s flat burr design theoretically offers more uniformity, which can lead to a cleaner, more balanced cup. The difference isn’t dramatic, but for espresso purists, it might be a deciding factor.

Special Features and User Experience

The Rivelia’s standout grinder feature is clearly the Bean Switch System. For anyone who regularly alternates between caffeinated and decaf beans, or between different roasts for morning and evening, this feature alone might justify choosing the Rivelia over the Eletta Explore. It eliminates the hassle of emptying a hopper and cleaning out the grinder each time you want to change beans. The only downside, as mentioned, is the small amount of bean waste when switching, but most users consider this a small price for convenience.

The Eletta Explore’s grinder, while lacking dual-hopper capability, integrates seamlessly with the machine’s broad recipe selection. Because it’s optimized for everything from strong espresso to cold brew, it needs to handle a wider range of brewing profiles, and it does so without fuss. Cold brew in particular benefits from the uniformity of the flat burr grinder, which helps achieve a smooth, balanced flavor even at lower extraction temperatures.

Which Grinder System Wins?

This is a tough call because it depends on priorities. If flexibility and bean variety matter most to you, the Rivelia is the clear winner. Its dual-hopper system is unique and incredibly practical for households with diverse coffee preferences. Add Bean Adapt into the mix, and you have a grinder system that feels smarter and more adaptable than most.

If, however, you value precision and uniformity, and you want a grinder that pairs perfectly with a wide range of recipes (including cold brew), the Eletta Explore’s ceramic flat burr setup is hard to beat. It’s quieter, produces a slightly more refined grind, and contributes to the machine’s reputation for excellent coffee quality across the board.

Milk Frothing & Specialty Drinks

Milk frothing capability is one of the defining features of premium super-automatic espresso machines. For many users, the ability to create silky lattes, creamy cappuccinos, and indulgent specialty drinks is just as important as brewing a great espresso. The De’Longhi Rivelia and Eletta Explore both include automatic milk systems, but they approach milk preparation differently and offer unique strengths. In this section, we’ll analyze frothing technology, foam texture and temperature, specialty drink variety, and overall performance for users who love milk-based beverages.

Frothing Systems: How They Work

The Rivelia uses De’Longhi’s LatteCrema Hot system, a well-established technology in their lineup. This is a fully automated frothing solution that connects to a removable milk carafe. You fill the carafe with milk (dairy or plant-based), attach it to the front of the machine, and the system takes care of everything: drawing milk, heating it, frothing it to the selected consistency, and delivering it directly into your cup. After the drink is prepared, the machine runs an automatic cleaning cycle through the milk circuit, which is an excellent convenience feature.

The Eletta Explore, however, takes milk frothing a step further. It includes two separate LatteCrema systems: one for hot milk and one for cold milk. This is significant because it means the Eletta Explore isn’t limited to traditional hot lattes and cappuccinos—it can also create iced lattes, cold cappuccinos, and other chilled beverages with proper cold foam. The inclusion of a dedicated cold frothing system sets it apart from most competitors and makes it a top choice for anyone who enjoys iced coffee drinks year-round. Both milk systems attach via removable carafes that can be stored in the fridge between uses, which is a big plus for freshness and convenience.

Foam Quality and Texture

Let’s talk about foam quality because this is where expectations often collide with reality. Both machines aim to deliver barista-style microfoam at the touch of a button, but there are natural limitations when compared to manual steam wands. That said, for a super-automatic system, both machines do a respectable job.

The Rivelia’s foam texture is generally good for lattes and cappuccinos. It produces a creamy, dense froth with fine bubbles, though it tends to lean toward the thicker side. If you prefer a very light, airy foam, you may find the default settings produce slightly heavier results. The Rivelia allows you to adjust the froth density via its interface, offering multiple levels so you can fine-tune to your liking. However, even at its finest setting, it doesn’t quite achieve the velvety microfoam you’d need for latte art. This isn’t a dealbreaker for most users since the target audience values convenience over manual artistry.

The Eletta Explore matches the Rivelia for hot foam quality and surpasses it when cold foam enters the equation. The cold foam texture is surprisingly impressive—smooth, stable, and perfect for iced drinks without melting too quickly. Many machines that claim to make iced drinks simply pour hot coffee over ice and call it a day, but the Eletta Explore actually provides foam that stays light and creamy, even in a cold beverage. This ability to create authentic iced lattes and cold cappuccinos with proper texture is one of its biggest selling points.

Temperature Control

Temperature is another critical factor for milk drinks. A cappuccino that’s lukewarm will ruin the experience, and many automatic machines have struggled in this area. The Rivelia performs admirably when it comes to hot milk. It consistently delivers drinks at a pleasing temperature—hot enough to enjoy slowly without needing to reheat, usually around 150–158°F. This is one of the reasons Rivelia earns praise from users who prioritize drink warmth.

The Eletta Explore does well with hot milk drinks too, but it sometimes receives criticism for producing milk that feels slightly cooler than expected in larger beverages, such as lattes or flat whites. This is especially noticeable if the milk starts very cold from the fridge and you select a large serving size. While the machine has temperature adjustment settings, even at the highest level, some users prefer to preheat their cup for an extra boost. That said, the cold milk system works exactly as intended, so this trade-off is worth it for those who love iced coffee creations.

Variety of Milk-Based Drinks

Here’s where the Eletta Explore really flexes its muscles. It offers an extensive drink menu—over 50 preset recipes, including classics like cappuccino, latte macchiato, flat white, and hot chocolate (with milk froth), as well as an entire lineup of iced beverages. With one touch, you can make an iced cappuccino, iced latte, or even a cold brew latte in minutes. This variety is unmatched in most super-automatic machines and makes the Eletta Explore an all-season performer.

The Rivelia, by comparison, has a more focused menu. It covers the essentials: cappuccino, latte macchiato, flat white, and a few other milk-based options. These drinks taste great, but the lack of cold beverage options is notable. If you never drink iced coffee or cold brew, this won’t bother you. If you crave iced lattes in summer, however, the Rivelia may feel limited.

Ease of Cleaning After Milk Drinks

Both machines incorporate automated cleaning for their milk systems, which is crucial for hygiene and convenience. After you finish making a drink, the machine prompts you to run a quick rinse cycle through the frothing components. This is usually as simple as placing a cup under the spout and pressing a button. Both machines also allow you to detach the milk carafe and store it in the fridge between uses, which keeps milk fresh and reduces waste.

When it’s time for a deeper clean, both systems disassemble easily and are dishwasher safe. The Eletta Explore’s two milk systems mean you’ll have an extra piece to clean if you use both hot and cold foam frequently, but that’s a small trade-off for the versatility it provides.

Performance with Plant-Based Milks

Many users today prefer non-dairy options such as oat, almond, or soy milk. Both the Rivelia and Eletta Explore handle plant-based milks reasonably well, though the quality of foam depends heavily on the milk brand and its protein content. Barista-formulated plant milks (like those labeled “Barista Edition”) tend to froth best. The Eletta Explore’s cold foam function works surprisingly well with certain plant milks, making it a good option for vegan iced drinks.

Specialty Drinks Beyond the Basics

If your idea of specialty drinks goes beyond cappuccinos and lattes, the Eletta Explore is the clear winner. It can make macchiatos, cortados, flat whites, cold brew lattes, and even travel-sized coffee drinks with the To-Go option. The cold brew function is particularly impressive because it uses a specialized extraction process rather than simply cooling down a hot shot. This means you get a smoother, less acidic cold brew in just a few minutes—a huge advantage for anyone who enjoys cold coffee but doesn’t want to plan 12 hours ahead.

The Rivelia doesn’t offer cold brew or iced recipes, but it handles traditional milk-based drinks beautifully. Its smaller menu isn’t necessarily a weakness if you prefer simplicity and don’t care for experimentation.

Which Machine Wins for Milk and Specialty Drinks?

If you primarily drink hot milk-based beverages and want them served at a reliably hot temperature, the Rivelia is an excellent choice. It produces thick, satisfying foam, allows customization of froth density, and keeps the workflow simple. It’s ideal for cappuccino and latte lovers who value warmth and consistency above all.

However, if variety excites you, the Eletta Explore is the undisputed leader. With hot and cold frothing capabilities, a huge drink menu, and the ability to make true cold brew, it outclasses most competitors in versatility. It may not heat milk quite as aggressively as the Rivelia, but its breadth of options and cold foam technology make it the better all-rounder for adventurous coffee drinkers.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Maintenance and cleaning are two areas where super-automatic espresso machines live or die in the eyes of consumers. These machines promise convenience, but that convenience quickly disappears if daily upkeep feels like a chore. Both the De’Longhi Rivelia and Eletta Explore are designed to minimize user effort while ensuring hygiene and machine longevity. However, they take slightly different approaches in terms of automation, accessibility, and maintenance features. This section breaks down every key element: daily cleaning tasks, milk system hygiene, descaling cycles, ease of disassembly, and overall user experience when it comes to keeping these machines in peak condition.

Daily Cleaning Workflow

Every coffee machine requires some level of daily maintenance, even if it’s just rinsing the drip tray or wiping the steam wand. With super-automatic machines like these, the process is largely automated. The Rivelia, for example, runs an automatic rinse cycle for the coffee circuit every time you turn it on and off. This keeps the internal brewing pathways flushed, which helps prevent coffee residue buildup and ensures your next cup tastes fresh. These rinses take just a few seconds and discharge a small amount of water into the drip tray.

The Eletta Explore does the same, performing automatic rinses at startup and shutdown. Both machines will occasionally prompt you for an extra rinse if you’ve been idle for an extended period. These automated steps are reassuring because they significantly reduce the risk of internal mold or stale coffee oils, which can otherwise compromise flavor and hygiene.

In terms of hands-on cleaning, both machines require you to empty the drip tray and grounds container daily or at least every few uses. The Rivelia’s drip tray is relatively compact, which fits its slim profile but also means it fills up faster. If you’re making multiple milk drinks per day, expect to empty it at least once, possibly twice. The Eletta Explore has a slightly larger drip tray, which is an advantage for heavy users, though it still needs regular attention.

Cleaning the Milk System

Milk systems are often the trickiest part of any coffee machine because milk residue can quickly spoil and create a breeding ground for bacteria if not properly cleaned. Fortunately, both machines take this seriously with automatic cleaning cycles and easy disassembly.

The Rivelia’s LatteCrema system automatically prompts you to run a cleaning rinse after every milk-based drink. This is as simple as placing a cup under the spout and confirming the rinse on the touchscreen. The rinse uses hot water to flush the milk circuit, and it takes under a minute. For more thorough cleaning, you can detach the entire milk carafe and store it in the fridge between uses. The components separate easily, and most parts are dishwasher safe, which simplifies deeper cleaning sessions.

The Eletta Explore follows a similar process, but because it has two separate LatteCrema systems (hot and cold), you have two carafes to manage if you regularly use both. Each carafe runs its own rinse cycle after use, so you’ll do a bit more cleaning if you frequently switch between hot and cold drinks. That said, this added effort is minor compared to the benefit of having both systems. Like the Rivelia, Eletta’s milk containers and frothing components are removable and dishwasher safe.

Internal Brew Group Maintenance

Both machines feature a removable brew group, which is essential for long-term reliability and cleanliness. The brew group is the heart of the machine—the component that compresses the coffee puck and handles extraction. Over time, coffee oils and fines accumulate here, so being able to remove and rinse the unit is critical.

On the Rivelia, removing the brew group is straightforward. Open the side door, release the latch, and the unit slides out easily. Rinse it under warm water, let it dry, and reinsert. De’Longhi recommends doing this weekly, though if you’re making several drinks per day, twice a week is ideal. The Eletta Explore uses the same system: side-access door, easy removal, and a quick rinse under running water. This consistency across De’Longhi models is a strong point—they’ve nailed a design that’s both reliable and user-friendly.

Descaling and Water Filtration

Limescale buildup is the silent killer of espresso machines, so both models include automated descaling programs and reminders. The Rivelia tracks water hardness (which you set during the initial setup using a supplied test strip) and calculates when a descaling cycle is necessary. When the time comes, the machine displays clear instructions on the screen, guiding you through adding descaling solution to the water tank and starting the cycle. The process takes about 30–40 minutes, during which the machine runs repeated rinse phases to dissolve and flush out scale.

The Eletta Explore works the same way, with on-screen prompts and step-by-step instructions. Both machines are compatible with De’Longhi’s water filters, which significantly extend the time between descaling cycles by reducing mineral content in the water. If you replace the filter regularly (every two months, on average), you may only need to descale once or twice a year, depending on usage.

Cleaning Alerts and Interface Guidance

One of the benefits of these modern super-automatics is that they actively guide you through maintenance tasks. The Rivelia’s touchscreen provides reminders for everything: emptying the grounds container, cleaning the drip tray, running a milk rinse, and more. These alerts are clear and unambiguous, often accompanied by simple illustrations. You never have to guess when something needs attention—the machine tells you.

The Eletta Explore offers similar guidance, though its interface uses a combination of text and icons on the color display. It also provides advance notice for tasks like descaling, giving you time to prepare the solution and set aside 40 minutes for the process.

Dishwasher Compatibility and Build for Cleaning

Both machines make cleaning easier by designing components for quick removal and dishwasher safety. The drip tray, grounds container, water tank, and milk system parts can all go in the dishwasher (top rack recommended). This is a huge time-saver and ensures a deeper clean than hand rinsing alone. That said, the brew group should never be placed in a dishwasher; it only requires a warm water rinse.

The Rivelia’s compact design means some parts—like the drip tray—are smaller and need emptying more often. The Eletta Explore, with its larger footprint, benefits from slightly bigger containers, which means fewer trips to the sink if you’re making multiple drinks in a row.

Long-Term Reliability Through Maintenance

Both machines are built for longevity, provided you stick to the maintenance schedule. Neglecting cleaning cycles, especially for milk components, can lead to clogs, sour milk residue, and eventually mechanical issues. With proper care, however, these machines can easily last 5–10 years. The fact that both feature removable brew groups is critical because many competing brands lock this component inside the machine, making professional servicing the only cleaning option.

The Eletta Explore’s additional milk system adds a slight increase in maintenance steps, but it’s worth it for anyone who values cold foam and iced drinks. The Rivelia’s dual-hopper design doesn’t affect cleaning directly, but it does mean you’ll occasionally wipe down the hopper area when switching beans.

Which Machine Is Easier to Maintain?

The answer depends on your priorities. If simplicity is key, the Rivelia edges ahead because it has a single milk system and a smaller overall footprint, meaning fewer components to manage. It guides you clearly through every cleaning step, and its rinse cycles are quick.

The Eletta Explore is not difficult to maintain, but it introduces extra tasks if you take full advantage of its dual milk systems. If you’re only using one milk system most of the time, the difference is negligible. If you’re constantly making both hot and cold drinks, expect a little extra work—but also an incredible range of beverages that make the effort worthwhile.

Energy Efficiency & Noise Levels

When investing in a premium espresso machine, energy use and noise output may not be the first things on your mind, but they can significantly impact your daily experience. Both the De’Longhi Rivelia and Eletta Explore are designed with energy-saving features, though their implementations differ slightly.

The Rivelia includes an automatic standby mode that activates after a preset period of inactivity. This helps reduce power consumption when the machine isn’t in use but still allows for quick startup when you’re ready for your next coffee. It draws around 1,450 watts during active brewing, which is typical for a super-automatic machine with a thermoblock heating system. Warm-up time is fast—usually under 45 seconds—so you’re not wasting energy waiting for it to heat up.

The Eletta Explore operates with similar power consumption, typically around 1,250 to 1,450 watts, and also offers adjustable energy-saving settings. It features an auto-off timer that you can program from 15 minutes up to several hours. This flexibility is useful if you brew multiple times in the morning and don’t want the machine shutting down too soon. Like the Rivelia, it heats up quickly, which minimizes idle power draw.

Noise levels are another factor to consider, especially if you live in an apartment or brew coffee early in the morning. The Rivelia’s conical burr grinder is slightly louder, averaging around 66 decibels during operation. This is not deafening, but you’ll notice it if the house is quiet. The Eletta Explore, with its flat ceramic burr grinder, runs a bit quieter and produces a lower-pitched hum that feels less intrusive. Milk frothing on both machines creates a soft hissing sound, but nothing disruptive.

In short, both models are energy-conscious and quick to heat, but the Eletta Explore holds a slight advantage in noise control, making it the better option for noise-sensitive environments.

Conclusion

Choosing between the De’Longhi Rivelia and the Eletta Explore ultimately comes down to your priorities. Both machines deliver café-quality coffee at the touch of a button, but they approach the experience differently.

The Rivelia is the machine for purists who want simplicity with a touch of smart technology. Its dual-hopper Bean Switch system makes it perfect for those who alternate between different beans—regular and decaf, or light and dark roasts—without the hassle of emptying the hopper. The Bean Adapt feature ensures your coffee tastes balanced without guesswork, and its slim, modern design fits seamlessly into most kitchens. It shines in producing hot, traditional drinks with excellent temperature consistency and straightforward maintenance.

The Eletta Explore, on the other hand, is the clear winner for versatility. Its ability to make hot and cold drinks—including true cold brew in under three minutes—sets it apart from nearly every competitor in its class. The dual LatteCrema system for hot and cold foam makes iced lattes and refreshing summer drinks as easy as pressing a button. While it’s slightly bulkier and requires a bit more cleaning if you use both milk systems, it offers unmatched variety for adventurous coffee drinkers.

Both machines are premium options and priced accordingly, so there’s no wrong choice here—just different strengths. If your daily routine revolves around classic hot espresso-based drinks and you appreciate elegant design with intuitive controls, the Rivelia is an excellent fit. If you love experimenting, crave iced beverages, or want a true all-in-one machine for every season, the Eletta Explore justifies every penny.

In short: Rivelia is about focus and elegance; Eletta Explore is about variety and creativity. Your ideal machine depends on which experience matters most in your coffee ritual.