The De'Longhi Eletta Explore and Breville Oracle Jet are both premium espresso machines, but they cater to different coffee lovers. The Eletta Explore is a super-automatic machine designed for ultimate convenience and drink variety, making everything from a latte to cold brew at the push of a button. The Oracle Jet is a semi-automatic machine that automates the trickiest parts of the process - grinding, tamping, and fast milk frothing - giving a hands-on experience with professional-grade speed and precision.
Here’s everything you need to know to choose the right espresso machine from De'Longhi or Breville for your home coffee bar.
De'Longhi Eletta Explore
The De'Longhi Eletta Explore is a fully automatic espresso machine that combines Italian craftsmanship with modern technology to deliver a huge menu of coffee drinks with zero effort. Its standout feature is its ability to create both hot drinks with creamy foam and an entirely new range of cold brew beverages and cold-frothed milk drinks. This makes it one of the most versatile "bean-to-cup" machines available for home users.
- What it is: A super-automatic espresso and coffee machine with hot and cold brewing capabilities and a built-in grinder.
- Key features: Makes 50+ hot and cold drinks, LatteCrema Hot and Cool milk frothing systems, To-Go function for travel mugs, user-friendly 3.5" color touch display.
- Price: Typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,500.
- Style: Sleek and modern with a stainless steel and black finish that feels clean and contemporary in any kitchen.
- Materials/Construction: Built with durable stainless steel components and a reliable integrated ceramic grinder.
- Pros: Unmatched convenience with "one-touch" operation. Incredible variety of both hot and cold drinks. User-friendly interface is great for beginners. Consistently good results without manual skill. Removable brew group for easy cleaning.
- Cons: Limited hands-on control for espresso purists. Can be loud during grinding and brewing. Higher price point than entry-level machines.
This machine is for the coffee enthusiast who values variety, convenience, and wants to explore cold brew and iced coffee drinks just as easily as hot ones.
Shop this product: delonghi.com/en-us/eletta-explore-automatic-coffee-maker-with-cold-brew-ecam45076s/
Breville Oracle Jet
The Breville Oracle Jet is part of Breville’s high-end line of semi-automatic espresso machines that bridge the gap between amateur and pro barista. It eliminates the guesswork of traditional espresso making by automating grinding, dosing, and tamping. Its notable "Jet" milk frothing system delivers exceptionally fast and consistent milk steaming, making it a dream machine for latte and cappuccino lovers who are short on time but refuse to compromise on quality.
- What it is: A semi-automatic espresso machine that automates key preparation steps.
- Key features: Automatic grind, dose, and tamp system, ultra-fast "Jet" steam wand for milk, dual stainless steel boilers for simultaneous brewing and steaming, precise PID temperature control.
- Price: Typically ranges from $1,300 to $1,700.
- Style: Professional and robust aesthetic with a brushed stainless steel finish that looks like a commercial machine downsized for your countertop.
- Materials/Construction: Heavy-duty stainless steel construction throughout, with precision-machined internal components designed for longevity and thermal stability.
- Pros: Gives you a hands-on barista experience without the steep learning curve. Incredibly fast startup and milk steaming. Unmatched precision for consistent shots. Café-quality microfoam for latte art. Durable, professional-grade build.
- Cons: Pricier than many other home machines. More user involvement than a super-automatic model. Larger footprint on the counter. Focuses purely on hot espresso-based drinks.
The Oracle Jet is designed for the serious home barista who desires control and professional-grade results, especially for milk drinks, but wants automation to ensure speed and consistency.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/c/espresso
De'Longhi Eletta Explore vs. Breville Oracle Jet Comparison
Performance & Drink Making
This is the biggest difference between the two machines. The De'Longhi Eletta Explore is all about versatility and hands-off convenience. You select a drink from a large menu on a color screen - cappuccino, flat white, iced latte, even cold brew - and the machine does everything. You don't have to touch a portafilter or steam milk manually. It’s perfect for busy households or anyone who wants a perfect drink without any of the work.
The Breville Oracle Jet focuses on perfecting the classic espresso workflow with smart automation. You still lock the portafilter into the group head and froth your own milk, creating an authentic barista experience. However, the machine handles grinding, dosing, and tamping perfectly every time. The "Jet" steam wand is a major highlight, an incredibly powerful and fast tool that produces silky microfoam ideal for latte art, far quicker than most home machines.
Dimensions & Scale
Both machines are sizable additions to a kitchen counter, and you'll need to allocate dedicated space. The De'Longhi Eletta Explore measures approximately 12" wide, 16" deep, and 18" high. The Breville Oracle Jet has a similar footprint, at roughly 13" wide, 15" deep, and 17" high. While dimensions are comparable, the Breville has a heavier, more industrial presence given its all-metal exterior.
Materials & Construction
Both brands are known for quality builds. De'Longhi's construction blends robust stainless steel with high-quality plastic for its modern design, and they are known for reliable internal components like their ceramic burr grinders. Breville leans fully into a professional-grade feel. Its brushed stainless steel chassis is heavy and solid, giving it a premium feel and ensuring temperature stability during brewing.
Price & Value
With a range of $1,200-$1,500, the De'Longhi offers incredible value for what it does. The sheer variety of drinks, especially with the unique cold brew and cold foam functions, is unmatched at its price point for a one-touch machine. In contrast, the Breville Oracle Jet’s higher price of $1,300-$1,700 is justified by its specialized, high-performance features. The dual boilers, PID temperature precision, and rapid steam wand are features found on commercial machines, offering value to connoisseurs who prioritize shot quality and milk texture above all else.
Style & Versatility
The De'Longhi Eletta Explore sports a sleek, modern Italian design that seamlessly fits into contemporary kitchens. Its versatility is in its drink menu - it can make almost any coffee shop drink you can think of. The Breville Oracle Jet has a distinctly utilitarian, professional style. It looks like it belongs in a serious coffee bar. Its versatility lies not in pre-programmed drinks, but in giving the user the control to create any number of custom espresso drinks with pro-level texture and flavor.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both of these espresso machines are fantastic, but they are built for entirely different users.
Choose the De'Longhi Eletta Explore if:
- You want the ultimate convenience of one-touch coffee drinks.
- You love iced coffees, cold-frothed drinks, and want to explore at-home cold brew.
- You prefer a large drink menu over manual control and experimentation.
- Ease of use and minimal cleanup is your top priority.
Choose the Breville Oracle Jet if:
- You want to feel like a barista and have control over the final shot.
- Perfectly silky, café-quality steamed milk for latte art is non-negotiable.
- Speed and consistency are more important to you than a variety of pre-set drinks.
- You appreciate a professional-grade build and industrial aesthetic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Eletta Explore and the Oracle Jet?
The main difference is the format. The De'Longhi Eletta Explore is a super-automatic machine - it does everything for you from grind to cup. The Breville Oracle Jet is a semi-automatic with automatic assistance, it helps with the hard parts (grinding, tamping), but you still pull the shot and steam the milk, giving you more control.
Which espresso machine is easier to use?
For a true beginner, the De'Longhi Eletta Explore is easier. You just select a picture of the drink you want and press a button. The Breville has a slight learning curve, but its automation makes it vastly easier than a traditional manual espresso machine.
Which makes better lattes and cappuccinos?
Both make excellent milk-based drinks. The De'Longhi is consistent and effortless. However, the Breville Oracle Jet’s powerful steam wand is designed to create superior-quality microfoam texture quickly, a key factor for those serious about their lattes and practicing latte art.
Does the De'Longhi Eletta Explore make real cold brew?
It uses a clever cold extraction technology. Instead of steeping grounds for hours, it uses low pressure and infuses the coffee with room-temperature water over a few minutes. It delivers a smooth, low-acidity coffee that simulates the taste of true cold brew instantly.
What kind of maintenance is required?
Both machines require routine maintenance. You'll need to empty the drip tray, fill the water and bean reservoirs, and run periodic cleaning and descaling cycles prompted by the machines. The De'Longhi has a removable brew group that needs to be rinsed out weekly. The Breville requires occasional cleaning of the group head and portafilter.
Can I use my own coffee beans in these machines?
Absolutely. Both machines have built-in bean hoppers and high-quality grinders, so you can use any whole-bean coffee you prefer. Using freshly roasted beans will always produce the best results.
Which is more durable?
Both machines are built by reputable brands and are designed for longevity. The Breville's heavy-duty, all-metal construction gives it a slight edge in perceived durability and robustness, but De'Longhi machines are well-known workhorses that can last for many years with proper care.
Is the Breville Oracle Jet worth the extra money?
It's worth it if you prioritize the hands-on brewing experience and specifically want top-tier milk steaming. If your priority is drink variety (especially cold drinks) and push-button ease, then the De'Longhi offers better value for your needs.
At Interior Insider, we're dedicated to curating the best in home decor, interior design, and home essentials to help you discover brands we think you'll love. Every brand we feature is independently selected by our editorial team based on quality, design, and craftsmanship. When you make a purchase through our links, Interior Insider may earn a commission - which helps support our small team and allows us to continue bringing you inspiration and expert advice for creating your perfect space.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our curated design guides to find your next favorite piece.
