#1: DeLonghi Eletta Explore

- Cold Brew Feature
- Customizable Settings:
- App Integration
#2: Dinamica Plus
- Simple Operation:
- App Connectivity
- Reliable Espresso Quality
As someone who loves crafting the perfect cup of coffee every morning, finding the right espresso machine has been a journey. The DeLonghi Eletta Explore vs Dinamica Plus debate is one I've thoroughly dived into after using both machines extensively. Each has its strengths, but one clearly aligns better with the coffee experience I cherish. Let’s explore their features, benefits, and what makes them suitable for different types of coffee lovers.
Design and Build: Aesthetic Appeal Meets Practicality
it comes to design, both machines make a statement in their own ways. The DeLonghi Eletta Explore stands out with its contemporary, sleek lines and larger footprint. It feels substantial and immediately commands attention in the kitchen. The touchscreen is expansive, making it easy to scroll through recipes and customize drinks. However, this larger size might not fit compact spaces as seamlessly.
The Dinamica Plus, by contrast, leans toward minimalism. It has a more compact design without sacrificing functionality, making it ideal for those with smaller kitchens or who prefer understated appliances. Its clean lines and smaller touchscreen make it less imposing but still sophisticated. I appreciated how seamlessly it blended into my countertop setup without overwhelming the space.
Key Features: What Sets Them Apart
Exploring Variety with DeLonghi Eletta Explore
One of the biggest draws of the Eletta Explore is its extensive range of drink options—over 40 recipes, both hot and cold. This feature is ideal for households with varied preferences or those who enjoy switching up their drinks. Personally, I loved experimenting with cold coffee recipes during warmer months. The dual LatteCrema Hot and Cool systems felt like a game-changer, especially when entertaining guests.
However, while the Eletta Explore excels in variety, it can be overwhelming for someone who simply wants a great espresso or cappuccino without diving into too many choices. How to make iced coffee with espresso
Smart Customization with Dinamica Plus
The Dinamica Plus impressed me with its focus on delivering consistently great coffee. It offers 16 pre-programmed drinks, which may seem fewer compared to the Eletta Explore, but it’s a thoughtfully curated selection. From espressos to flat whites, each drink felt tailored for quality over quantity. I appreciated its simplicity—perfect for my busy mornings when I just wanted a reliable, delicious latte.
The Coffee Link app compatibility took the experience a step further. It allowed me to create custom drink recipes from my phone and even start the machine remotely. While the Eletta Explore also supports app control, the Dinamica Plus felt more intuitive in this aspect.

Coffee Quality: A Matter of Taste and Precision
Espresso Excellence
For espresso lovers, both machines deliver a rich, aromatic shot with a velvety crema. The Eletta Explore's grinder, with its 13 adjustable settings, offers great control over the grind size, but I felt that it leaned slightly more toward convenience than precision.
The Dinamica Plus, however, consistently produced a better-balanced espresso. The TrueBrew Over Ice feature was another standout for me—it brewed coffee at a lower temperature to ensure full flavor when served cold. As someone who enjoys iced lattes year-round, this was a clear win.
Milk Frothing Magic
Milk frothing is a cornerstone of many specialty drinks, and here’s where preferences might diverge. The Eletta Explore's ability to create both hot and cold milk foam adds versatility, especially if you enjoy chilled drinks. It’s quick, consistent, and easy to use.
That said, the Dinamica Plus doesn’t offer cold foam but makes up for it with exceptional quality in hot milk froth. The texture felt silkier and more professional, perfect for latte art—a feature I personally love experimenting with. For a classic cappuccino or macchiato, the Dinamica Plus milk system felt more refined.
Ease of Use: Simplicity vs. Comprehensive Control
User Profiles and Customization
With up to four user profiles, the Eletta Explore is tailored for multi-user households. Everyone in my family could set their preferred drink strengths and sizes, which saved time and avoided constant adjustments. However, navigating the abundance of options took a bit of learning, and at times, the touchscreen felt a little less responsive.
The Dinamica Plus offers three user profiles and a guest profile—sufficient for most households. It simplifies the experience without compromising customization, which I found refreshing. The smaller, more responsive touchscreen made it quicker to select and adjust drinks.
Maintenance Matters
Both machines shine when it comes to maintenance. Automatic cleaning cycles for the milk systems on both models were a lifesaver, ensuring hygiene without much effort. The Eletta Explore required slightly more frequent attention due to its larger milk carafe system, but cleaning was still straightforward.
The Dinamica Plus felt slightly more low-maintenance overall, with its compact design reducing the chances of residue buildup. The removable brewing unit and easy-to-clean drip tray made deep cleaning sessions a breeze.

Who Should Choose the Eletta Explore?
If you’re someone who loves variety and enjoys experimenting with a wide range of coffee drinks, the Eletta Explore is your ideal machine. Its dual hot and cold milk systems, extensive recipe options, and large touchscreen cater to the adventurous coffee enthusiast or households with diverse preferences. It’s perfect for those who value versatility and don’t mind a larger machine.
Who Should Choose the Dinamica Plus?
For those like me who prioritize simplicity, reliability, and consistently excellent coffee, the Dinamica Plus is the clear choice. Its compact design, superior espresso quality, and app connectivity make it a fantastic fit for single users, small households, or anyone looking to elevate their daily coffee routine without being overwhelmed by too many options.

Product Review Conclusion: De'Longhi Eletta Explore vs. Dinamica Plus
Both the DeLonghi Eletta Explore and Dinamica Plus are excellent machines that deliver on their promises of great coffee. Having used both, I can confidently say that the Dinamica Plus aligns better with my preferences for its straightforward interface, superior espresso quality, and compact design. While the Eletta Explore offers impressive versatility, I found the Dinamica Plus to be the perfect companion for my daily coffee rituals.
Ultimately, your choice depends on your lifestyle and coffee preferences. Whether you’re seeking variety or simplicity, both machines uphold DeLonghi’s reputation for quality and innovation.
Frequently Asked Questions About DeLonghi Eletta Explore vs Dinamica Plus
Q: What are the main differences between the DeLonghi Eletta Explore and the Dinamica Plus?
A: The main differences lie in drink variety, milk frothing options, and size. The Eletta Explore offers over 40 drink recipes and has both hot and cold milk frothing capabilities, while the Dinamica Plus focuses on 16 curated drinks with exceptional hot milk frothing and TrueBrew Over Ice technology for iced coffee. The Dinamica Plus is also more compact, making it suitable for smaller spaces.
Q: Which machine is better for making iced coffee?
A: The Dinamica Plus is better for iced coffee, thanks to its TrueBrew Over Ice technology. This feature brews coffee at a lower temperature to maintain flavor and prevent dilution when poured over ice. While the Eletta Explore can make cold milk foam for iced drinks, it lacks a similar dedicated brewing system for iced coffee.
Q: Can both machines handle multiple user profiles?
A: Yes, both machines support multiple user profiles. The Eletta Explore allows up to four profiles, while the Dinamica Plus supports three profiles and an additional guest profile. Both systems enable personalized drink settings for different users.
Q: Are the machines easy to clean and maintain?
A: Both machines are designed for easy maintenance. They feature removable brewing units, drip trays, and automatic cleaning cycles for the milk frothing systems. However, the Dinamica Plus has a more compact design, which may require less frequent cleaning of external parts.
Q: Which machine is more beginner-friendly?
A: The Dinamica Plus is more beginner-friendly due to its straightforward interface and fewer drink options. It provides an intuitive experience for users who want great coffee without the complexity of too many settings or recipes.
Q: Does the Eletta Explore justify its higher price?
A: The Eletta Explore justifies its price if you value variety and versatility. It’s ideal for households where multiple drink preferences (hot and cold) are a priority. However, for those who prioritize quality over quantity in coffee recipes, the Dinamica Plus offers better value for money.
Q: Can I control the machines remotely via a smartphone app?
A: Yes, both machines are compatible with the DeLonghi Coffee Link app. You can customize drinks, control the machine remotely, and receive maintenance alerts through the app. The app experience is slightly more intuitive with the Dinamica Plus.
Q: Which machine is better for small kitchens?
A: The Dinamica Plus is better for small kitchens due to its compact size and minimalist design. The Eletta Explore has a larger footprint, which might be challenging for tight spaces.
Q: Do both machines offer customizable grind settings?
A: Yes, both machines feature built-in conical burr grinders with adjustable settings to customize grind size based on drink preferences. The Eletta Explore has 13 grind settings, offering slightly more flexibility.
Q: Can the milk frothing systems handle alternative milk (e.g., oat or almond milk)?
A: Yes, both machines work well with alternative milk. The milk frothing systems can produce a creamy foam with non-dairy options, though results may vary slightly depending on the brand and type of milk used.