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

Q: Is the Eletta Explore better than the Xelsis?

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 is the better choice if you prioritize deep CoffeeEqualizer sliders to tweak every shot parameter.

Q: How do the grinders compare?

The Eletta Explore uses a Steel Conical, whereas the Xelsis 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 if you:

Want to tweak every parameter with CoffeeEqualizer sliders.
Need the HygieSteam system to automatically sanitize the milk path.
Share the machine with multiple users who have specific tastes.

Which is better: DeLonghi Eletta Explore or Saeco Xelsis?

"Choose the Eletta Explore if you prioritize Cold Foam technology and To-Go cup clearance. Pick the Xelsis if deep CoffeeEqualizer sliders to tweak every shot parameter matters more to you."

Specs Comparison: DeLonghi Eletta Explore vs Saeco Xelsis

Feature	Eletta Explore	Xelsis
Why Buy This?	Cold Foam technology and To-Go cup clearance	deep CoffeeEqualizer sliders to tweak every shot parameter
Interface	3.5" Touchscreen	Color Touch
Milk System	2x Auto Carafes	Auto Tube (HygieSteam)
Drink Variety	40 Drinks	15 Drinks
User Profiles	4	6
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	No
Special Feature	Cold Foam & To-Go	Coffee Equalizer
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.

Organic, Fairtrade, and roasted right in BC. The medium-dark roast develops real depth — toffee and baker's chocolate. A note of honesty: this one shows mild surface oils, so it's better suited to DeLonghi and Philips machines than Jura. Clean your hopper monthly.

Ethical Bean Lush

100% Arabica, Fairtrade and Organic. Medium-dark roast with notes of toffee and baker's chocolate. Roasted in BC.

Check Price (CA)Check Price (US)
A Canadian craft roast with real character. Small-batch roasted in Stratford with a brisk acidity and notes of pine nuts, green apple, and chocolate. Not for everyone — if you want sweet, pick Qualita Oro. But if you want clean and complex, this is it.

Balzac's Farmers' Blend

Fairtrade certified. Small-batch roasted in Stratford, Ontario with notes of pine nuts, green apple, and chocolate.

Check Price (CA)
A Vancouver roaster since 1990, and a consistent Amazon pick for organic espresso. This balanced blend delivers chocolate and toasted caramel — clean, approachable, and easy on your grinder.

Bean Around The World Organic Espresso

Certified organic espresso blend from a Vancouver roaster. Balanced with notes of chocolate and toasted caramel.

Check Price (CA)Check Price (US)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Eletta Explore better than the Xelsis? ▼

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 is the better choice if you prioritize deep CoffeeEqualizer sliders to tweak every shot parameter.

How do the grinders compare? ▼

The Eletta Explore uses a Steel Conical, whereas the Xelsis 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 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 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.