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

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

It depends on your priorities. The Saeco Xelsis Suprema excels for users who want the massive 7.8" touchscreen and BeanMaestro tech, 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 Xelsis Suprema uses a Ceramic Flat, 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 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.

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: Saeco Xelsis Suprema or DeLonghi Eletta Explore?

"Choose the Eletta Explore if you want a wider variety of drinks (40 options). Pick the Xelsis Suprema if you prefer a simpler menu."

Specs Comparison: Saeco Xelsis Suprema vs DeLonghi Eletta Explore

Feature	Xelsis Suprema	Eletta Explore
Why Buy This?	the massive 7.8" touchscreen and BeanMaestro tech	Cold Foam technology and To-Go cup clearance
Interface	7.8" Touchscreen	3.5" Touchscreen
Milk System	Auto Tube (HygieSteam)	2x Auto Carafes
Drink Variety	22 Drinks	40 Drinks
User Profiles	8	4
Grinder	Ceramic Flat	Steel Conical
Water Tank	57.0 oz	60.0 oz
Bean Hopper	15.8 oz	10.5 oz
Brew Group	Removable	Removable
Dimensions	11.1x19.2x15.5	10.2x17.7x15.1
Connectivity	Yes	Yes
Special Feature	BeanMaestro	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	Ceramic Conical Burr (Saeco patented ceramic grinder)	Stainless Steel Conical Burr (DeLonghi)
Oil Sensitivity Score (1-5)	3/5	4/5
Annual Maintenance (Est)	$190	$190
Descale Interval	48 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 Saeco and DeLonghi 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.

Check Price (CA)Check Price (US)
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.

Check Price (CA)Check Price (US)
A Canadian legend. Since it is a Medium roast, it is much safer for your machine than their other dark roasts (which are too oily).

Kicking Horse Cliff Hanger

Silky, complex, and wild. Fairtrade and Organic.

Check Price (CA)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Xelsis Suprema better than the Eletta Explore? ▼

It depends on your priorities. The Saeco Xelsis Suprema excels for users who want the massive 7.8" touchscreen and BeanMaestro tech, 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 Xelsis Suprema uses a Ceramic Flat, 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 Saeco Xelsis Suprema 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? ▼

Both machines have highly similar long-term ownership costs. We project an estimated annual maintenance cost of $190 for both the Saeco and the DeLonghi, 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.