Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Review

As a coffee enthusiast who takes their morning brew very seriously, I knew I needed to upgrade my coffee setup to something more robust and professional. After plenty of research, I decided to invest in the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL. I wanted to find a machine that would deliver consistently great espresso without sacrificing convenience, and the Breville Dual Boiler seemed to promise just that. This review is a deep dive into my hands-on experience with this machine.

First Impressions of the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL

When the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL arrived, the packaging alone made me feel like I'd made the right choice. It was well-protected and everything inside felt premium. I was immediately struck by its sleek stainless-steel finish, which looks incredibly stylish on my kitchen counter. Unlike other espresso machines I’ve used before, it didn’t feel bulky or out of place. This one looked like it belonged in both a high-end kitchen and a professional café.

The control panel of the BES920XL also caught my attention. It’s user-friendly and very easy to understand, even if you aren’t a barista. The buttons are clearly labeled, and the digital display provides real-time feedback on temperature and pressure, which I found immensely helpful in creating a consistent espresso.

Why the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Stands Out

If you're like me and you're always trying to get that café-quality espresso at home, you will appreciate the standout feature of the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL: dual boilers. Most espresso machines at this price range only offer a single boiler, meaning you have to choose between brewing espresso and steaming milk—you simply can’t do both at the same time. With the BES920XL, however, you get two boilers: one for the espresso extraction and one for steam. This means you can steam your milk and brew your espresso simultaneously, which not only saves time but also improves the quality of the drink.

I’ve also noticed the BES920XL excels at temperature consistency. The PID temperature control system ensures that water is always at the ideal temperature for espresso extraction. From my experience, this has been one of the biggest factors that sets this machine apart from others in its class.

Design and Build Quality

Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Review: Build Quality Insights

One of the things that impressed me most during my first few uses was the build quality of the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL. The machine’s stainless steel casing feels durable and well-constructed. The portafilter is also commercial-grade, which makes a big difference in the consistency of the espresso I pull.

The machine has thoughtfully designed features like an easily accessible water tank and a wide drip tray that can accommodate multiple cups. The drip tray even has a "Full" indicator to let you know when it’s time to empty it. These little touches really show the kind of attention Breville puts into making sure its products are easy to use.

Another design element that I have appreciated is the small footprint. This machine is powerful without taking up too much counter space—a huge plus for someone like me who doesn't have the luxury of an expansive kitchen.

Steaming Performance and Milk Texture

If you love milk-based drinks like lattes or cappuccinos, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL will not disappoint. The steam wand is very powerful and allows me to create microfoam with the silky texture necessary for latte art. The steam wand swivels in multiple directions, giving you more control when steaming milk. I’ve had a lot of fun experimenting and getting my foam just right.

The steam pressure is always consistent, and because of the dual boiler system, I never have to wait between brewing and steaming. This is something that you’ll especially appreciate if you tend to make multiple drinks in a row for family or guests.

Brewing Espresso With the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL

Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Review: Brewing Experience

The first espresso I brewed with the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL was an eye-opener. I immediately noticed the difference between this machine and my old one. The BES920XL allows you to dial in your shot, meaning you can adjust parameters like grind size, extraction time, and temperature to achieve that perfect flavor. This flexibility allows you to tweak and customize your espresso depending on the bean you're using.

The pre-infusion feature is another game changer. It gently wets the coffee grounds before full extraction begins, which helps create an even extraction and enhances the flavor. I found that my espresso shots consistently had better crema and a more balanced taste compared to other machines I’ve tried in the past.

For anyone intimidated by the idea of getting all the settings just right, don’t worry. This machine also has a volumetric control that allows you to set shot volume, so it can be as hands-on or as automated as you prefer.

Customizability and Control

One of the biggest selling points for me was the amount of control I could get with the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL. I love experimenting with different coffee beans and roast levels, and this machine lets me adjust everything from temperature to pre-infusion time. If you’re someone who enjoys tailoring every cup of coffee to perfection, this machine is ideal.

It’s worth noting that if you’re just getting started, the learning curve might be a bit steep, but it's definitely rewarding. It took me a few attempts to understand how to perfectly dial in my shots, but once I got the hang of it, the difference was night and day. Now, I can reliably pull shots that taste every bit as good as those I’d buy at my favorite café.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Review: Maintenance Ease

One thing that all espresso lovers dread is the cleaning process. Fortunately, Breville has made the BES920XL as easy to maintain as possible. The machine has a cleaning cycle that makes it simple to keep everything running smoothly. I also appreciated the inclusion of the descaling function, which is a must-have for maintaining boiler performance over time.

The water filter helps reduce mineral buildup, which means less frequent descaling, and the digital display provides alerts for when it’s time to perform routine maintenance. From personal experience, keeping on top of regular maintenance helps extend the life of the machine and ensures every shot tastes its best.

Another handy feature is the backflushing process. Breville has made it easy to perform, and doing this regularly helps to keep your espresso tasting fresh. The machine even comes with a cleaning kit to make sure you have all the tools you need.

Value for Money

Is the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Worth It?

As someone who’s experimented with several espresso machines, I can confidently say that the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL provides excellent value for its price. It’s not the cheapest option on the market, but considering the advanced features like dual boilers, PID temperature control, and the powerful steam wand, I truly believe this machine competes with more expensive models that you’d typically find in a café setting.

The quality of espresso I’ve been able to make at home has vastly improved since purchasing the BES920XL, and I’ve saved a lot of money by making fewer trips to my local coffee shop. For the serious home barista looking for an investment machine that can perform like a professional unit, this model is well worth considering.

Product Review Conclusion: Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Review Summary

When it comes to finding the right espresso machine for your home, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is a standout choice. It’s stylish, well-built, and offers professional-level control over every step of the brewing process. The dual boiler system, powerful steam wand, and customizable settings make it an ideal pick for anyone wanting to take their coffee to the next level.

In my experience, the BES920XL has been incredibly rewarding. It’s allowed me to not only create delicious espresso at home but also to enjoy the process of brewing in a way I hadn’t before. The learning curve was there, but it was also part of the fun, and the results were well worth it. If you’re ready to dive into the world of home espresso and want a machine that delivers professional-level results without costing a fortune, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL could be the perfect match for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL to heat up?

The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL typically takes about 10 to 15 minutes to reach the ideal brewing temperature. For the best results, I usually let the machine warm up for about 20 minutes, which ensures the boilers and the portafilter are properly heated for a consistent shot.

Can you steam milk and brew espresso at the same time with the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL?

Yes, you can! Thanks to the dual boiler system, you can steam milk and brew espresso simultaneously, which significantly speeds up the process of making milk-based drinks like lattes or cappuccinos. This feature is one of the biggest advantages of the BES920XL compared to single-boiler machines.

Is the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL suitable for beginners?

The BES920XL offers a lot of features that can be customized, which might be overwhelming for a complete beginner. However, it also has automated options like volumetric shot control, which makes it accessible for users who are still learning. With some practice, beginners can quickly get comfortable with the machine and start pulling excellent shots.

How often do I need to descale the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL?

The frequency of descaling depends on your water hardness and usage. The BES920XL has a built-in alert system that will let you know when it’s time to descale. On average, descaling every 2-3 months is a good practice to keep the machine running smoothly.

Does the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL come with a warranty?

Yes, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL comes with a 2-year limited warranty. This covers defects in materials and workmanship, giving you some peace of mind with your purchase.

Can I use pre-ground coffee with the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL?

While it’s possible to use pre-ground coffee, for the best results, I highly recommend using freshly ground beans. The BES920XL is designed to work best with a consistent grind size, which you can achieve by using a good-quality burr grinder. Freshly ground coffee will give you better flavor and crema in your espresso shots.