I'll compare the De'Longhi Eletta ECAM45055G and ECAM45086T based on their features, price, design, performance, maintenance, and customer reviews. I’ll provide a detailed side-by-side comparison to help you make an informed decision. I’ll update you once I have the information ready.

De'Longhi Eletta ECAM45055G vs ECAM45086T Comparison

Overview: The De'Longhi Eletta Explore series offers versatile bean-to-cup espresso machines with hot and iced coffee capabilities. The ECAM450.55.G (Grey) and ECAM450.86.T (Titanium) are two variants with overlapping features but key differences in advanced functions. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their specifications and unique features, followed by detailed discussions on each aspect.

Comparison Table: Key Specifications

1. Features

Brewing Options: Both models offer a broad menu of one-touch beverages. The ECAM450.55.G provides up to 42 customizable recipes spanning espresso, long coffee, cappuccino, latte, iced coffee drinks, and even a special “To-Go” brew size for travel mugswww.delonghi.com. It can make iced coffees by brewing hot espresso over ice or using cold-frothed milk, but it lacks a true cold brew modewww.reddit.com. In contrast, the ECAM450.86.T ups the ante with 50+ preset recipes, including everything the 450.55.G has plus a dedicated Cold Brew functionwww.delonghi.com. The Cold Brew mode uses ambient-temperature water and a slow extraction pump cycle to produce a smooth cold brew coffee in under 5 minuteswww.delonghi.com– a unique feature at this price point. Both machines support multiple user profiles (up to 4) so different users can save their preferred drink customizationswww.delonghi.com. This allows fine-tuning of strength, volume, and milk levels per profile.

Grinder Type: Each unit comes with an integrated steel conical burr grinder for fresh bean-to-cup brewing. They share a large ~300g bean hopper capacitye-catalog.comand typically offer ~13 grind settings (as common with De'Longhi machines). The key differentiator is the ECAM450.86.T’s Bean Adapt Technology, which uses the app to automatically adjust grind fineness, coffee dose, and brew temperature optimized for your specific beanswww.delonghi.com. The ECAM450.55.G does not have Bean Adapt (any adjustments must be done manually), but it still allows choosing grind fineness on the grinder dial. Both machines also have a bypass chute for using pre-ground coffee (e.g. decaf), offering added flexibility.

Milk Frothing System: The Eletta Explore series is notable for including two milk carafes – one for hot froth and one for cold froth. Both models share the same LatteCrema Hot system (for automatic steaming and frothing of milk for cappuccinos, lattes, etc.) and the LatteCrema Cool technology for cold-frothed milk foam, ideal for iced coffeeswww.delonghi.com. This dual system is a standout feature: the machine can craft iced lattes and other cold milk drinks with actual cold foam. The milk jugs click onto the front and dispense frothed milk automatically, with the 450.86.T and 450.55.G having identical milk frothing hardware. After use, an auto-clean cycle can rinse the milk spouts with steam or water, and the carafes are dishwasher-safe for easy cleaningwww.delonghi.com. Both machines can also dispense plain hot water (for tea or Americano) and have a steam spout accessory if you opt to froth milk manually, though the automatic systems cover most needs.

Control Panel: In terms of user interface, there is no significant difference in displays – both feature a 3.5-inch color TFT screen with touch-sensitive buttons around it for navigationwww.delonghi.com. The menu system groups drinks into categories (Hot Coffee, Cold Coffee, To-Go, etc.), which makes selection straightforward. On-screen prompts guide you through recipes and maintenance steps in plain language (the machine even “talks” you through steps with tips and reminders)homecoffeeexpert.comhomecoffeeexpert.com. The 450.86.T adds smart connectivity, meaning it has built-in Wi-Fi and can be paired with De’Longhi’s Coffee Link appwww.delonghi.com. Through the app, you can remote-start brews, customize recipes in more detail, and access 100+ creative recipes and tips. The ECAM450.55.G lacks any app or connectivity – all control is on the machine itself. (Notably, in some regions like the U.S., De’Longhi only offers the non-connected version, whereas other markets get the Wi-Fi modelhomecoffeeexpert.comhomecoffeeexpert.com.) Aside from the app, the core control experience (screen, menus, buttons) is essentially the same on both units.

Additional Notable Features: Both models have the “To-Go” function, which allows brewing into taller cups up to ~16 cm by adjusting a drip-tray platformwww.delonghi.com. You can select Piccolo, Medium, or Grande size to fill travel mugs properly. They also include handy features like programmable auto-on/auto-off timers and energy-saving modes. Given their focus on cold drinks, a feature unique to this Eletta line is the Cold Extraction Technology on the 450.86.T, which, as mentioned, enables true cold brew coffee at homewww.delonghi.com– a rare capability usually only found on very high-end machines (e.g., Jura Z10). In summary, the ECAM450.86.T’s unique selling points are the Cold Brew and Bean Adapt (and app control), while the ECAM450.55.G offers nearly all the same hot/iced drink functionality minus those extras, at a lower price.

2. Price

Retail Pricing: The ECAM450.55.G was initially priced as a premium machine – some retailers listed it around **1,999 AUD** upon launch[priceme.com.au](https://www.priceme.com.au/DeLonghi-Eletta-Explore-ECAM45055G/p-913484123.aspx#:~:text=DeLonghi%20Eletta%20Explore%20ECAM45055G%20Price,from%202%20shops%20in)(and one high-end store even showed an RRP of n2,299www.davidjones.com). However, its price has come down significantly. It’s often available in the $1,000–$n1,300 AUD range now thanks to promotions and clearances. For example, Costco Australia has advertised this model for $1,299.99**, and even had a limited sale at **$n999.99 for memberswww.costco.com.auwww.costco.com.au. This aggressive pricing makes the 450.55.G a strong value if you don’t need the newest features.

The ECAM450.86.T, with its added capabilities, carries a higher price tag. Its official RRP is around 1,799 AUD** (as listed by major retailers)[thegoodguys.com.au](https://www.thegoodguys.com.au/delonghi-eletta-explore-wifi-connect-titan-coffee-machine-ecam45086t#:~:text=match%20at%20L1370%20%241799). Street prices in 2025 hover between **n1,565 (lowest online deal) up to ~1,700+ AUD[getprice.com.au](https://www.getprice.com.au/product/delonghi-ecam45086t-coffee-maker#:~:text=%241%2C565.00%20). For instance, Appliance Central lists it at n1,565 (about 8% off RRP)www.getprice.com.au, while stores like The Good Guys and Harvey Norman typically sell it at full price around $1,799www.thegoodguys.com.au. Thus, you’re generally paying a few hundred dollars more for the ECAM450.86.T over the 450.55.G.

International Prices: In the U.S., the Eletta Explore series (the non-WiFi variant) debuted around 1,899 USD** MSRP[reviews.org](https://www.reviews.org/au/lifestyle/coffee/delonghi-eletta-explore-review/#:~:text=Pump%20pressure). Street prices have been lower; the ECAM450.86 (if imported or when on sale) has been seen for about **n1,300 USD on Amazonwww.reddit.com. Europe prices are roughly in a similar premium range (e.g., ~€1500). Overall, expect the 450.86.T to cost ~15–30% more than the 450.55.G in most markets. Buyers should weigh whether features like Cold Brew and connectivity justify that price difference for their needs.

Price Summary: From a value perspective, if you find the ECAM450.55.G heavily discounted (around the $1k mark), it can be a superb deal for a machine that still delivers hot and iced specialty drinks. The ECAM450.86.T, while pricier, aims to justify its cost with truly unique functions (cold brew at a touch, smart app control) – appealing to enthusiasts willing to invest a bit more for the latest tech. Always compare current deals at major retailers, as prices can fluctuate; both models occasionally are bundled with bonuses or discounts. As of now, the ECAM450.55.G is the budget-friendly pick of the two, and the ECAM450.86.T is the feature-rich premium choice.

3. Design

Build and Aesthetics: Both Eletta Explore machines share the same overall design language and dimensions. Each has a modern, somewhat boxy form factor with rounded edges and an interface up front. They measure roughly 26 cm (W) x 45 cm (H) x 39 cm (D) and weigh about 11.3–11.4 kge-catalog.com, making them substantial countertop appliances. The build is primarily high-quality ABS plastic with metallic finish accents. In fact, the Eletta Explore line was recognized with a Red Dot Design Award for its sleek, user-friendly designwww.delonghi.com.

Where they differ is in color and finish:

• The ECAM450.55.G comes in a matte grey (“Grey”) color schemewww.delonghi.com. It has a clean look that fits modern kitchens, with a grey front panel and black sides. The finish is subtle and doesn’t show fingerprints easily.
• The ECAM450.86.T is the Titanium version, featuring a silvery-grey front panel (often described as a “titanium” or metallic silver look) with black or dark grey elsewherewww.delonghi.com. The front has a glossy silver-painted finish that gives it a more premium, eye-catching stylewww.delonghi.com. From the side and back, both models look identical. Both have an easy-access front door on the right side for removing the brew group and an internal bin for used coffee pucks. The top of each machine has the bean hopper with a tinted lid and grind adjustment dial, as well as a passive cup-warming area on which you can rest espresso cups. The left front houses the detachable water tank (approx. 1.8L capacity) – it pulls out from the front for refilling. Both machines feature twin spouts that adjust vertically to accommodate different cup sizes, including tall travel mugs when the drip tray is lowered.Controls Layout: The center of the front panel is dominated by the color display. Both models use the same touchscreen-style interface (a TFT display with touch buttons)homecoffeeexpert.com. The screen is surrounded by a few capacitive touch icons for drink categories and settings. This minimalist control layout contributes to the clean design – there are no physical buttons protruding, just a glossy panel that’s easy to wipe clean. When brewing, an accent light illuminates the cup area, which is a nice aesthetic touch present on both units.

In terms of footprint, since the two models are the same size, neither has an advantage if you’re concerned about space. They are fairly large machines (typical for a bean-to-cup with dual milk carafes), roughly the size of other De’Longhi Eletta or Dinamica Plus models. You’ll want a bit of clearance above (for the bean lid) and to the right (to open the service door).Overall, the design is nearly identical between the ECAM450.55.G and ECAM450.86.T. Both are stylish, modern-looking machines that would complement a contemporary kitchen. The Titanium model has a slightly more luxurious sheen, whereas the Grey model is more understated. Build materials are equivalent, and both feel solid. Users have commented that the machines “look beautiful” in their home setupwww.delonghi.com, so cosmetically you can expect a high-end appearance from either. It ultimately might come down to whether you prefer the grey or silver finish.

4. Performance

Brewing Speed & Temperature: Both Eletta models heat up quickly and can brew drinks back-to-back efficiently, thanks to their advanced heating system (De’Longhi uses twin thermoblock boilers for espresso and steam). The 19-bar pump provides ample pressure for authentic espresso extractione-catalog.com. In practice, users find the brew time fast, with the first espresso of the day taking around a minute from standby (including heating and grinding) and subsequent drinks even quicker – a point noted positively in customer feedbackwww.amazon.com. Milk drinks are also made swiftly; the machine can foam milk while brewing espresso simultaneously, so a cappuccino is ready in about 1½ minutes start to finish. The ECAM450.86.T’s cold brew is a different process – it takes about 4–5 minutes to complete a Cold Brew coffeewww.delonghi.com, which is remarkably fast compared to traditional 12-24 hour cold brewing, but slower than a typical hot espresso (since it pulses water at low pressure).

In terms of temperature consistency, De’Longhi machines are known for brewing fairly hot. The Eletta Explore is no exception – coffees come out hot (around 70+°C for espresso, and up to ~65°C for frothed milk drinks). One professional review noted that out-of-the-box the coffee was too hot, leading to over-extraction bitternesswww.reviews.orgwww.reviews.org. However, both models allow you to adjust the brewing temperature (in the menu, you can usually set low/medium/high temp). Additionally, the ECAM450.86.T’s Bean Adapt feature can automatically reduce brew temperature if it detects the need to prevent burning the beanswww.delonghi.com. With some calibration – either manual or via Bean Adapt – you can achieve excellent results. In fact, other reviewers report that the Eletta Explore produces excellent espresso with rich crema once dialed inwww.coffeeness.de. The majority of users are satisfied with the taste and temperature of the coffee, but extremely discerning palates might require a bit of tweaking to get the perfect shot.

Pressure & Extraction: Both machines use the same brewing unit design and 19-bar pump, which yield consistent espresso shots with proper crema. The pre-infusion (prewetting) step and extraction profiles are identical, so in pure espresso brewing performance, the 450.55.G and 450.86.T are on par. Where the 450.86.T might have an edge is optimal extraction tuning – the Bean Adapt can tweak the grind and dose to hit ideal flow rates, potentially improving flavor extraction for a given bean. This is a more subtle, advanced benefit; casual drinkers might not notice huge differences, but coffee enthusiasts appreciate the control. Aside from that, you can customize each drink’s strength (aroma), volume, and milk quantity on both models. Each user profile can store these preferences, meaning you can absolutely tailor the performance to your taste (e.g., a longer 150ml “americano” style for one profile, and a short 30ml ristretto for another).Milk Frothing Performance: The LatteCrema system in these models is highly regarded. It produces thick, finely textured foam for cappuccinos and lattes at the touch of a button. Performance is identical on both, as they share the same system. The hot milk foam is dense and around 60-65°C — good for traditional drinks. The cold foam is a standout: it’s creamy and stable, enhancing iced coffee recipes. This cold froth feature is relatively unique and users who enjoy iced lattes find it game-changing, as noted in reviews (no more watered-down iced coffee – you get a cold creamy top)www.delonghi.com. The machine lets you select foam level (e.g., for flat white vs cappuccino) and it performs reliably. There is no significant difference in milk foam quality between the 450.55 and 450.86; both deliver barista-quality foam for both hot and cold recipes.

One thing to note: the grinder on these machines, while effective, is reported as a bit loud during operationwww.coffeeness.dehomecoffeeexpert.com. This is a common trade-off in superautomatic machines due to the conical burrs and motor – the noise is brief (a few seconds per shot ground) but noticeable. If you’re brewing early in the morning, expect a noise level comparable to a loud blender for a short period. This isn’t different between the two models, but it’s a performance aspect worth mentioning (it was cited as a minor con in multiple reviews)www.coffeeness.dehomecoffeeexpert.com.

Customization Options: Both Eletas offer extensive customization. You can adjust grind (manually or via app), coffee strength (usually 5 levels), volume of coffee and milk, and temperature. You can also create your own recipes and save them. The machines have a custom program feature that lets you tweak parameters like coffee dose, water volume, milk volume for a custom drink and then save it under a name. The ECAM450.86.T makes customization easier via the app, where you can drag sliders for these parameters on your phone and save new recipes, even initiating brews remotely. The ECAM450.55.G requires doing it on the machine interface, which is a bit more button navigation but still straightforward. Both models having 4 user profiles is great for households – each user can have their own set of favorites. This means performance can be personalized: one person can have the machine always make their cappuccino extra-strong and extra-hot, while another’s profile does a mild, cooler cappuccino, for example.In summary, both machines deliver high performance in brewing speed and drink quality. The ECAM450.86.T’s enhancements (Cold Brew and Bean Adapt) broaden what you can do (brew a true cold coffee and fine-tune extraction), but for everyday espresso and milk drinks, the performance is equally solid on the ECAM450.55.G. Just be aware of the grinder noise and the need to experiment a bit with settings to get your ideal taste. Notably, one review pointed out that despite the plethora of features, they found the cheaper De’Longhi Magnifica made a more straightforward, less bitter espressowww.reviews.orgwww.reviews.org– this suggests that the Eletta Explore may require using its features (like adjusting temperature or grind) to overcome initial over-extraction. Most users, however, report excellent results once they dial it in.

5. Maintenance

Both Eletta models are designed with maintenance convenience in mind, combining automated cleaning programs with easily removable parts. Daily cleaning tasks are straightforward: after making milk drinks, the machine will prompt or allow you to run a quick self-clean rinse of the milk frother. With one button, it steams hot water through the milk spout to flush out residues – both the 450.55.G and 450.86.T do this identically. The milk carafes can be detached and kept in the fridge (if milk remains) or taken apart and placed in the dishwasher for a thorough cleanwww.delonghi.com. All removable components (drip tray, grounds bin, water tank, milk jugs) are dishwasher-safe or easily rinsed.

A big advantage is the removable brew group (infuser). Inside the machine’s service door, you can slide out the entire brewing unit for cleaningwww.coffeeness.de. This should be done about once a week (or daily, as one expert suggestswww.coffeeness.de) – just rinse it under tap water to clear coffee oils and let it dry. A removable brew group is a plus for long-term maintenance, and both models have this feature (many competing automatics like Jura do not). As a user put it: “the brew group is fully removable… you’re going to want to take good care of this thing”www.coffeeness.de, implying how easy it is to keep the internals clean when you can take them out.

Descaling: The machines will periodically prompt for descaling when enough water has been used (the frequency depends on your water hardness and usage). Both have an automatic descaling program – you simply add De’Longhi descaler solution and press a button to start the cycle, then the machine runs through a series of rinses. The interface (or app, for 450.86.T) will guide you step by step, and it takes roughly 20-30 minutes. The ECAM450.86.T and .55.G use the same program here. To reduce the need for descaling, they both accommodate a water filter in the water tanke-catalog.com. De’Longhi typically includes a filter cartridge (such as their SoftBall or DLSC002 filter) with the machine. Using the filter significantly cuts down on scale buildup by purifying the water before brewinge-catalog.com. The machine settings allow you to input your water hardness (test strip provided) so it can accurately time the descaling alerts. Many users note that with the filter, they only descale a couple of times a year under normal use.

Cleaning the Coffee System: Aside from the milk system and brew unit, the machines also perform an automatic rinse of the coffee spouts each time you turn them on and off. You’ll see a bit of water flush out the coffee outlets to keep them clean and purge old coffee. This means you should keep an empty cup under the spouts or have the drip tray in place when powering on/off – a small amount of water will be expelled. This is normal and helps maintain flavor by preventing residue buildup. (Some users are surprised by “the machine appears to go through a lot of water,” but it’s due to these purge cycles that keep the internals clean and coffee freshwww.delonghi.com.)

Every part that contacts coffee or milk is accessible: the grounds container slides out from the front for emptying (the machine will alert when it’s full after ~14 pucks). The drip tray has a floater that indicates when it needs emptying. Cleaning these every few days is advised. Both models also have an internal removable water tank (1.8 L) that you should refill with fresh water daily – ideally using filtered water or the included filter to extend maintenance intervals.Maintenance Summary: The ECAM450.55.G and ECAM450.86.T are virtually identical in maintenance needs. Both make it easy via automatic cleaning cycles and removable, dishwasher-safe components**www.delonghi.com****www.delonghi.com**. Users generally find them easy to clean and maintain, especially compared to manual espresso machines. The quick-rinse features and prompts ensure you don’t forget regular upkeep. Customer reviews frequently praise the ease of cleaning – one noted the design and ease of cleaning as a big pluswww.amazon.com. As long as you empty the drip tray and grounds bin when prompted and perform descaling when alerted, the machine will take care of itself for the most part. Tip: Rinsing the brew group and milk frother periodically will keep your machine running smoothly and coffee tasting its best.

6. Customer Reviews (Pros & Cons)

Feedback from users and experts on these Eletta Explore machines has been largely positive, with a few caveats. Below is a summary of common praises and complaints gathered from multiple sources (including consumer reviews on Amazon, Reddit discussions, and expert review sites):Positive Feedback (Pros):

• Versatility of Drinks: Owners love the wide range of beverages. The ability to make both hot drinks and true iced coffees is a highlight. Many appreciate having “hot and cold milk options” and even say this is the only machine in its class that handles iced lattes so wellhomecoffeeexpert.com. The Cold Brew function on the 450.86.T impresses those who use it – it’s often cited as a unique selling point that works as advertised. If you’re an iced coffee or cold brew fan, users say you “won’t get this level of options anywhere short of the Jura Z10” which costs nearly $4000homecoffeeexpert.com.

• Ease of Use & Interface: The machines are described as very user-friendlywww.coffeeness.de. The menu is intuitive and the display’s guided prompts make it simple even for beginners. Owners mention the interface “talks you through things nicely” with tips and reminders, almost like a tutorialhomecoffeeexpert.com. The one-touch operation for favorites and the presence of user profiles get praise, especially in households with multiple coffee drinkers. Reviewers also highlight the convenience of the Coffee Link app (for the 450.86.T) for tweaking recipes. Overall, the Eletta Explore is seen as easy to operate, even for those new to superautomaticshomecoffeeexpert.com.

• Quality of Coffee & Milk: A majority of users report that the espresso quality is excellent, with good crema and aromawww.coffeeness.de. One detailed review scored it 9/10 for espresso qualityhomecoffeeexpert.com. Milk-based drinks are said to be café-quality, with silky froth and great temperature. The cold foam also gets specific praise for adding a “wow” factor to iced drinks. Many owners find themselves drinking more coffee (including evening iced desserts) because the machine makes it so fun and easywww.delonghi.com. In short, when dialed in, the taste of drinks meets or exceeds expectations for a machine in this class.

• Design & Build: Users often comment on the attractive design and solid build of the machine. It’s described as “sleek” and a beautiful addition to the kitchenwww.delonghi.com. The relatively compact width (26 cm) for what it does is appreciated by those who compared larger machines. The color TFT display and touch controls lend a modern, premium feel – some reviews explicitly list the “intuitive touchscreen interface” as a prowww.reviews.org. The two-tone Grey or Titanium aesthetics fit well in modern decor, and the lighting and overall appearance get a thumbs-up.

• Ease of Cleaning: Many users highlight that cleaning is easy on this machinewww.coffeeness.de. The automatic rinses, removable brew unit, and dishwasher-safe parts reduce the hassle. Several Amazon reviews note the ease of cleaning and maintenance as a key positivewww.amazon.com. People coming from other machines or manual brewing particularly love not having to manually froth milk or spend a lot of time cleaning up – the Eletta practically cleans itself with minimal input.

• To-Go Convenience: A minor pro but worth noting: people who use travel mugs enjoy the to-go function. They mention the convenience of filling a tall tumbler directly and the fact that the machine can brew larger 12oz (350ml) coffees that actually taste good (thanks to adjusting grind and flow for larger volumes). This versatility is a plus for those who don’t always drink small espresso-based cups. Negative Feedback (Cons):

• High Price / Value for Money: The most common drawback mentioned is cost. Some users feel that the Eletta Explore models are expensive for what they are, especially if not utilizing the cold features. A few reviewers on Amazon question whether it offers good value for moneywww.amazon.com, noting that you pay a premium for the cold-frothing and recipe variety. An expert review bluntly stated it’s “expensive” and gave it only 3/5 stars largely due to price vs. taste concernswww.reviews.org. However, others counter-argue that considering it replaces trips to the café and offers unique functions, it is worth ithomecoffeeexpert.com. This comes down to the user – if you only drink basic espresso, a cheaper machine might suffice, but if you’ll use the advanced features, it can justify the cost.

• Taste for Espresso Purists: While many are happy with the coffee, a subset of users (often espresso purists or those comparing to manual machines) found an issue with the espresso taste initially. One reviewer found the coffee “tastes burnt and bitter” out of the boxwww.reviews.org. This was identified as the Eletta’s default brewing temperature being too high for their beans, causing over-extraction. They had trouble dialing it down to their liking. Such feedback suggests that if you’re very particular about espresso flavor, you may need to experiment with settings (grind, temp, etc.). It’s worth noting that this criticism was not universal – many said their espresso was great – but it’s a point raised by some experienced tasters. Using Bean Adapt (on the 450.86.T) or manually adjusting settings can usually resolve this, but it’s a potential “core flaw” one review highlightedwww.reviews.orgwww.reviews.org.

• Overwhelming Options: Ironically, one of the Eletta’s strengths (lots of drink options) is seen as a possible con for some users, who feel the menu can be overwhelming at firsthomecoffeeexpert.com. With dozens of recipes, it might take time to learn and scroll through if you aren’t tech-savvy. The menu is well-organized into hot/cold/to-go sections, but a few owners mentioned analysis-paralysis with so many choices. This is a minor issue – you’ll likely stick to a handful of favorites after the novelty wears off – but it’s noted that Grandma might find the multiple screens of coffee choices confusing initially.

• Grinder Noise: As mentioned earlier, the grinder is a bit loud. Several users list the “loud grinder” as a negativewww.coffeeness.dehomecoffeeexpert.com. It’s not louder than comparable machines, but don’t expect it to be silent. If someone in your household is sensitive to noise in the morning, this could be a slight annoyance. Typically, this is a shortcoming with virtually all bean-to-cup machines, not just De’Longhi, but it’s worth reiterating since it came up in reviews.

• Minor Quirks: A few other small cons noted by users: The water tank, while front-accessible, could be larger – heavy users refill it often (1.8L is decent, but with automatic rinsing, water goes quicker). The drip tray also fills with rinse water quickly, so it needs to be emptied regularly (a necessary trade-off for automatic cleaning). Some found the default milk foam level very high (lots of foam) – though you can adjust this in settings. And as with any complex machine, there is a learning curve to get the most out of it. Fortunately, the machine’s guided approach mitigates this, but it’s not as simple as a single-button basic coffee maker. Overall Customer Sentiment: The general consensus is that both the ECAM450.55.G and ECAM450.86.T are feature-packed, innovative machines that deliver on their promises. They are especially loved by those who enjoy iced coffees and want a do-it-all device. Most complaints are relatively minor or subjective (price, noise, initial taste tuning). On balance, reviewers rate these machines highly for their versatility, ease of use, and the novelty of cold milk foam and cold brew on demand. For example, one review gave the Eletta Explore an overall 9/10 rating, calling it “amazing value” for what it offershomecoffeeexpert.comhomecoffeeexpert.com, whereas another more critical review landed at 3/5 mainly due to personal taste preferencewww.reviews.org.

When deciding between the two models, consider these user insights: If you don’t care for cold brew or app controls, many users suggest you can save money with the ECAM450.55.G and still be extremely satisfied with the hot & iced coffees it makes. It already has the dual milk system which is the biggest game-changer. On the other hand, enthusiasts in forums note that the ECAM450.86.T’s added features are nice future-proof bonuses – you might not use cold brew every day, but it’s a fun option to have, and the WiFi/app can enhance the experience for tech lovers. In any case, both models have garnered positive feedback and would be a centerpiece for any home barista setup.

Conclusion: Which to Choose?

Choosing between the Eletta ECAM450.55.G and ECAM450.86.T comes down to weighing features vs. budget. The 450.86.T is the top-tier variant with every feature De’Longhi offers – if you desire the convenience of smartphone control, the novelty of true cold brew coffee, and automated bean optimization, it’s the clear winner (and you get a stylish titanium finish to boot). Its unique selling points cater to those who want the maximum capabilities in one machine. On the other hand, the 450.55.G is by no means basic; it delivers nearly the same core experience (hot espresso and milky drinks, plus iced latte capability) and might actually be better value for most users who just want delicious coffees without extra bells and whistles. With the significant price savings for the 450.55.G, it’s arguably the more sensible choice if you’ll rarely use Cold Brew or don’t need app connectivity.Both machines share the attributes of the Eletta Explore line – easy one-touch brewing, two milk systems for hot/cold, robust build, and a broad menu – so you can expect a high level of performance and convenience from either. According to customer reviews, you’ll likely be happy with the coffee from both models, especially after dialing in your preferred settings. In summary:

• De’Longhi Eletta ECAM450.55.G (Grey): A feature-rich automatic machine that covers all classic and iced coffee drinks. It’s praised for its ease of use, great coffee quality, and simpler (no-frills) setup. Choose this if you want to save some money while still enjoying 90% of the Eletta Explore’s capabilities. It’s an excellent choice for those who primarily drink hot espresso-based beverages and the occasional iced latte. Unique selling point: Offers the innovative dual hot/cold milk frothing at a lower price point.
• De’Longhi Eletta ECAM450.86.T (Titanium): The fully-loaded model for those who want it all. It includes rare features like Cold Brew at the touch of a button and Wi-Fi app control with Bean Adapt for coffee aficionados to fine-tune their brew. Choose this if you love trying new coffee recipes (hot and cold) and appreciate smart appliances – or if cold brew coffee on demand is a must-have for you. Unique selling point: Unmatched versatility (hot, iced, and cold brew) in one machine, making it a true all-in-one coffee center. Both models have been well received, so there is no wrong choice – it’s about matching the machine to your personal coffee drinking habits and tech preference. Hopefully, this comparison has clarified the differences to help you make an informed decision. Enjoy your coffee adventures!Sources:
• De’Longhi Official Product Info – Eletta Explore ECAM450.55.G & ECAM450.86.T (features, recipes, tech specs)www.delonghi.comwww.delonghi.comwww.delonghi.comwww.delonghi.com
• Reddit community feedback on Eletta Explore model differenceswww.reddit.com
• Retailer Listings (The Good Guys, Appliance Central, Costco) – Pricing in AUDwww.thegoodguys.com.auwww.getprice.com.auwww.costco.com.au
• Coffeeness.de Review (2025) – Hands-on review of Eletta Explorewww.coffeeness.de
• HomeCoffeeExpert.com Review – Pros/cons and ratings for Eletta Explorehomecoffeeexpert.comhomecoffeeexpert.com
• Reviews.org Review (2022) – Critique of Eletta Explore taste and valuewww.reviews.orgwww.reviews.org
• Amazon Customer Reviews – Consensus on design, cleaning ease, and valuewww.amazon.com.