Miele CM 5310 vs DeLonghi Eletta Explore: Which Should You Buy? (2026)

Q: Is the CM 5310 better than the Eletta Explore?

It depends on your priorities. The Miele CM 5310 excels for users who want compact German engineering and silence, while the DeLonghi Eletta Explore is the better choice if you prioritize Cold Foam technology and To-Go cup clearance.

Q: How do the grinders compare?

The CM 5310 uses a Steel Conical, whereas the Eletta Explore features a Steel Conical. 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 CM 5310 if you:

Want compact German engineering and silence.
Need a powerful machine that fits in a tight space.
Appreciate the AromaticSystem for intense coffee flavor.

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.

Which is better: Miele CM 5310 or DeLonghi Eletta Explore?

"Choose the CM 5310 if compact German engineering and silence matters more to you. Pick the Eletta Explore if you prioritize Cold Foam technology and To-Go cup clearance."

Specs Comparison: Miele CM 5310 vs DeLonghi Eletta Explore

Feature	CM 5310	Eletta Explore
Why Buy This?	compact German engineering and silence	Cold Foam technology and To-Go cup clearance
Interface	LCD Text	3.5" Touchscreen
Milk System	Auto Tube	2x Auto Carafes
Drink Variety	11 Drinks	40 Drinks
User Profiles	0	4
Grinder	Steel Conical	Steel Conical
Water Tank	44.0 oz	60.0 oz
Bean Hopper	7.0 oz	10.5 oz
Brew Group	Removable	Removable
Dimensions	9.5x18.1x14.2	10.2x17.7x15.1
Connectivity	No	Yes
Special Feature	Silence Feature	Cold Foam & To-Go
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	Steel Conical (Miele conical grinder)	Stainless Steel Conical Burr (DeLonghi)
Oil Sensitivity Score (1-5)	4/5	4/5
Annual Maintenance (Est)	$310	$190
Descale Interval	6 Months	3 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 Miele and DeLonghi out of the repair shop, stick to these non-oily selections.

A taste of Lisbon in your cup. Portuguese roasting is lighter than Italian — you get rich chocolate and a silky body without the aggressive bitterness. A fascinating alternative to the usual Italian blends.

Taste of Portugal Rossio

A Portuguese-style espresso blend with rich chocolate notes and a silky body. Lower acidity than typical Italian roasts.

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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.

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Balanced medium roast with an intense, earthy flavour and long lasting crema.

Lavazza Crema E Aroma

40% Arabica and 60% Robusta.

Check Price (CA)Check Price (US)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the CM 5310 better than the Eletta Explore? ▼

It depends on your priorities. The Miele CM 5310 excels for users who want compact German engineering and silence, while the DeLonghi Eletta Explore is the better choice if you prioritize Cold Foam technology and To-Go cup clearance.

How do the grinders compare? ▼

The CM 5310 uses a Steel Conical, whereas the Eletta Explore features a Steel Conical. 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 Miele CM 5310 and DeLonghi Eletta Explore 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? ▼

The Miele CM 5310 is generally more expensive to maintain over time. We project an estimated annual maintenance cost of $310 for the Miele versus $190 for the DeLonghi, assuming average daily usage and strictly following the manufacturer's recommended replacement schedule.

Which machine handles oily coffee beans better? ▼

Neither machine handles oily beans well. Both the Miele CM 5310 and DeLonghi Eletta Explore have highly sensitive grinders. Using dark, oily roasts in either of these machines will quickly lead to clogged hoppers, seized brew groups, and expensive repairs. Stick to dry, medium roasts.

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.