DeLonghi Eletta Explore vs Saeco Xelsis Suprema: Which Should You Buy? (2026)

Q: Is the Eletta Explore better than the Xelsis Suprema?

It depends on your priorities. The DeLonghi Eletta Explore excels for users who want Cold Foam technology and To-Go cup clearance, while the Saeco Xelsis Suprema is the better choice if you prioritize the massive 7.8" touchscreen and BeanMaestro tech.

Q: How do the grinders compare?

The Eletta Explore uses a Steel Conical, whereas the Xelsis Suprema features a Ceramic Flat. While both are high-quality internal systems, they are sealed components. To prevent clogging and avoid expensive repairs, we strongly recommend using non-oily, medium-roast beans in both machines.

Buy the Eletta Explore if you:

Want to brew Cold Foam lattes and To-Go drinks at home.
Need a machine with 40+ hot and cold recipe options.
Prioritize the superior micro-foam of the LatteCrema system.

Buy the Xelsis Suprema if you:

Want the massive 7.8" touchscreen for easy navigation.
Want BeanMaestro technology to optimize settings for your beans.
Need the HygieSteam system to automatically sanitize the milk path.

Which is better: DeLonghi Eletta Explore or Saeco Xelsis Suprema?

"Choose the Eletta Explore if you prioritize Cold Foam technology and To-Go cup clearance. Pick the Xelsis Suprema if the massive 7.8" touchscreen and BeanMaestro tech matters more to you."

Specs Comparison: DeLonghi Eletta Explore vs Saeco Xelsis Suprema

Feature	Eletta Explore	Xelsis Suprema
Why Buy This?	Cold Foam technology and To-Go cup clearance	the massive 7.8" touchscreen and BeanMaestro tech
Interface	3.5" Touchscreen	7.8" Touchscreen
Milk System	2x Auto Carafes	Auto Tube (HygieSteam)
Drink Variety	40 Drinks	22 Drinks
User Profiles	4	8
Grinder	Steel Conical	Ceramic Flat
Water Tank	60.0 oz	57.0 oz
Bean Hopper	10.5 oz	15.8 oz
Brew Group	Removable	Removable
Dimensions	10.2x17.7x15.1	11.1x19.2x15.5
Connectivity	Yes	Yes
Special Feature	Cold Foam & To-Go	BeanMaestro
Both machines feature removable brew groups. To prevent mechanical failure, you must manually extract and rinse them weekly, and routinely re-lubricate the internal O-rings.
Maintenance & Longevity
Burr Type	Stainless Steel Conical Burr (DeLonghi)	Ceramic Conical Burr (Saeco patented ceramic grinder)
Oil Sensitivity Score (1-5)	4/5	3/5
Annual Maintenance (Est)	$190	$190
Descale Interval	3 Months	48 Months

Critical Maintenance Warning

Don't Ruin Your New Investment

Regardless of which machine you choose, both rely on internal grinders that are sensitive to oily beans. To keep your DeLonghi and Saeco out of the repair shop, stick to these non-oily selections.

The daily driver. Notes of hazelnuts and brown sugar. Long-lasting crema. Tastes like Italy.

Lavazza Super Crema

60% Arabica and 40% Robusta.

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One of Canada's most respected craft roasters. Small-batch roasted in Vancouver, the Epic Espresso pulls a smooth, bright shot with floral notes, low acidity, and a velvety finish.

49th Parallel Epic Espresso

Small-batch roasted in Vancouver. 100% Arabica with floral notes, low acidity, and a velvety finish.

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The sweetest of the bunch. If you find espresso too bitter, switch to this. It has a very smooth, non-aggressive finish.

Lavazza Qualita Oro

Sweet and aromatic with floral notes. 100% Arabica.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Eletta Explore better than the Xelsis Suprema? ▼

It depends on your priorities. The DeLonghi Eletta Explore excels for users who want Cold Foam technology and To-Go cup clearance, while the Saeco Xelsis Suprema is the better choice if you prioritize the massive 7.8" touchscreen and BeanMaestro tech.

How do the grinders compare? ▼

The Eletta Explore uses a Steel Conical, whereas the Xelsis Suprema features a Ceramic Flat. While both are high-quality internal systems, they are sealed components. To prevent clogging and avoid expensive repairs, we strongly recommend using non-oily, medium-roast beans in both machines.

Which machine is easier to clean? ▼

Both the DeLonghi Eletta Explore and Saeco Xelsis Suprema feature removable brew groups. To prevent mechanical failure and ensure longevity, you must manually extract and rinse the brew group under warm water weekly, and routinely re-lubricate the internal O-rings.

Which machine costs more to maintain? ▼

Both machines have highly similar long-term ownership costs. We project an estimated annual maintenance cost of $190 for both the DeLonghi and the Saeco, which includes replacing water filters, descaling fluids, and cleaning tablets on the manufacturer's schedule.

Which machine handles oily coffee beans better? ▼

The Saeco Xelsis Suprema is more forgiving if you prefer dark, oily roasts. The DeLonghi Eletta Explore has a higher oil sensitivity score, making its integrated grinder and brew unit more susceptible to rapid clogging and internal mechanical failure if fed oily beans regularly.

Dino Caputo — 25-Year IT Consultant & Espresso Tech Analyst

Applying 25 years of rigorous IT diagnostic methodology to super-automatic espresso machines, mapping structural points of failure, grinder longevity, and the pervasive risks of using oily beans in sealed systems.

Disclosure: As an independent analyst, I earn from qualifying Amazon purchases to fund continued teardowns and independent research.