Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Review

When it comes to espresso machines, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL stands out in a crowded field. After a lot of research, I chose this machine because I wanted something that could deliver both quality espresso shots and reliable milk frothing capabilities. After several months of using it daily, I’m ready to share what I’ve discovered—from its standout features to areas where it could be improved.

Unboxing and Initial Impressions: Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Review

Unboxing the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL was an experience in itself. The machine feels solid and well-made, and its stainless-steel body has a professional, sleek look that instantly upgrades any kitchen. It’s heavier than some other models I’ve used, which is a testament to its robust build. Along with the machine, you get accessories like a milk frothing pitcher, cleaning tools, and a water hardness test strip, which shows that Breville has thought about every detail to make setup as seamless as possible.

After following the straightforward setup instructions, I was able to start brewing. I appreciated the detailed manual, which guides you through everything from first-time use to adjusting the machine’s settings for optimal performance.

Brewing Performance and Espresso Quality: Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Review

When it comes to brewing espresso, consistency is key, and the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL delivers on this front. The machine uses a dual boiler system, which allows it to maintain a stable temperature and pressure for each shot. This means that whether I’m making one cup or several in a row, the quality remains consistent. It’s equipped with a PID temperature control, which keeps the water temperature within a precise range—a critical feature for achieving balanced, flavorful espresso.

From my experience, the BES920XL extracts coffee with a thick, rich crema and a balanced flavor profile. This machine gives you control over pre-infusion and brew temperature, which is a plus for those who enjoy experimenting with different types of beans. I can confidently say that it has elevated my coffee experience, and it’s capable of producing café-quality shots that you’d typically only find in a high-end café.

User-Friendly Interface and Customization

The interface on the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is straightforward, even for those who aren’t seasoned baristas. The LCD display is backlit and easy to read, showing important information like shot time and temperature. For anyone looking to personalize their coffee experience, the machine offers customization options for pre-infusion, shot volume, and water temperature. I’ve found this especially helpful because it allows me to tailor each cup to my taste.

Even though I enjoy customizing my espresso, there are mornings when I just need a quick, hassle-free shot. The Breville Dual Boiler makes this possible with its “auto-start” function, which lets you program the machine to warm up at a specific time. It’s a lifesaver on busy mornings when I don’t want to wait for the machine to heat up.

Milk Frothing Capabilities: Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Review

One of the highlights of this machine is its steam wand, which delivers powerful steam for creating silky microfoam. The dedicated steam boiler heats up quickly, allowing for consistent, high-quality frothing. The steam wand is easy to maneuver, which has made practicing my latte art skills a fun addition to my coffee routine.

Creating smooth microfoam is key to enhancing the flavor and texture of milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. With the BES920XL, I can achieve this effortlessly. For anyone who loves milk-based drinks, this machine’s steam wand performs impressively close to what you’d expect from a professional espresso machine.

Maintenance and Cleaning: A Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Review

Every espresso machine requires regular maintenance, and the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL makes it as convenient as possible. The machine includes reminders for descaling and cleaning, which are displayed on the LCD screen. Descaling is essential to prevent mineral buildup, especially if you’re using hard water, and I appreciate that the machine notifies me when it’s time to perform this task. The drip tray and water reservoir are both removable, making cleaning easy.

However, due to the dual boiler system, it’s slightly more complex to clean than single-boiler models. While this requires a bit more commitment to upkeep, I think it’s a fair trade-off for the quality it offers. For those who might find this a hassle.

Who is the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Best Suited For?

After months of use, I’d say the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is best suited for coffee enthusiasts who are serious about making high-quality espresso at home. If you enjoy experimenting with different beans, adjusting brewing parameters, and creating milk-based drinks, this machine gives you the tools to do it all.

However, if you’re someone who prefers simplicity and quick brewing over customization. The BES920XL offers a more hands-on experience, which is a benefit for those who love the craft of coffee-making, but it may not be necessary for users who just want a straightforward espresso.

Value for Money: Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Review

The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is a significant investment, but I believe it offers great value for its price. The dual boiler system, customization options, and high-quality construction make it comparable to some of the more expensive commercial machines on the market. It provides excellent temperature stability, pressure control, and milk frothing capabilities, which together deliver an elevated coffee experience.

Product Review Conclusion: Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Review

To conclude this Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Review, I’d say that this machine is a great option for home baristas who want control, flexibility, and high-quality results. The dual boiler design, powerful steam wand, and precise temperature control make it a standout choice for espresso enthusiasts. While it requires regular maintenance and has a learning curve, the investment is well worth it for the quality it provides.

Frequently asked questions and answers for a review of the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL:

Q: What makes the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL different from other espresso machines?
A: The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL stands out due to its dual boiler system, allowing users to brew espresso and steam milk simultaneously, which is rare in home espresso machines at this price point. It also features PID temperature control for precise brewing temperature and an adjustable pre-infusion time, providing more control over the espresso extraction process. These features make it a favorite among home baristas who want café-quality results.

Q: Is the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL difficult to use for beginners?
A: While the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL offers advanced features, it is user-friendly, even for beginners. The LCD display and intuitive controls make it easy to adjust settings, and the machine provides consistent results with minimal adjustments. However, beginners may need a bit of practice with the steam wand to achieve the right milk texture for lattes and cappuccinos.

Q: How long does the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL take to heat up?
A: The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL typically takes around 10 minutes to fully heat up, which is faster than many other dual boiler models. The machine also has an “auto-start” feature, which allows users to set it to warm up at a specific time, making it ready to use as soon as you’re ready for your morning coffee.

Q: Does the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL require a lot of maintenance?
A: The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL requires regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance. It includes reminders for descaling and cleaning, and its components, like the drip tray and water reservoir, are easily removable for cleaning. While it may need a bit more upkeep than simpler machines, the built-in reminders and accessible parts make maintenance straightforward.

Q: Can I use pre-ground coffee with the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL?
A: Yes, you can use pre-ground coffee with the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL. However, to get the best flavor and crema, it’s recommended to use freshly ground coffee. Pairing the machine with a quality grinder, like the Breville Smart Grinder Pro, will allow you to achieve optimal results.

Q: What is the difference between a single boiler and a dual boiler machine?
A: A single boiler machine can only brew espresso or steam milk one at a time, which requires waiting between the two processes. In contrast, a dual boiler machine, like the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL, has separate boilers for brewing and steaming, allowing you to do both simultaneously. This feature speeds up the process and ensures that each function operates at the optimal temperature.

Q: How does the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL handle milk frothing?
A: The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL has a dedicated steam boiler that delivers strong and consistent steam power, making it ideal for frothing milk. The steam wand creates fine microfoam, essential for lattes and latte art, and can produce a silky texture similar to what you’d find in a café.

Q: Is the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL worth the investment?
A: For coffee enthusiasts looking for a high-quality machine with café-level capabilities, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is a worthwhile investment. Its dual boiler system, PID temperature control, and customizable settings offer excellent value compared to other machines in its class. While it may be more of an investment upfront, the quality and longevity make it a solid choice for serious home baristas.

Q: Does the machine have any programmable features?
A: Yes, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL includes programmable options like shot volume, brew temperature, and pre-infusion time, allowing users to customize their coffee-making experience. Additionally, the “auto-start” function can be set to warm up the machine at a specific time, which is convenient for busy mornings.

Q: How large is the water reservoir, and does it require frequent refilling?
A: The water reservoir of the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL holds 2.5 liters, which is generous for a home espresso machine. This capacity allows for multiple drinks before needing to refill, especially if you’re mainly pulling espresso shots. However, for heavy usage, it’s best to check the water level periodically.

Q: How does the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL compare to other high-end machines?
A: The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL offers many of the features found in high-end commercial machines, like dual boilers, PID temperature control, and an OPV (over-pressure valve). While some high-end machines may have additional features or even more robust construction, the BES920XL is known for delivering comparable quality at a more accessible price, making it a popular choice among serious home users.

Q: What are common issues users face with the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL?
A: Common issues include occasional leaks if the machine isn’t descaled regularly, as mineral buildup can interfere with performance. Some users also find the steam wand takes practice to master. However, regular maintenance and descaling, as per the machine’s alerts, can prevent most issues.