Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Review

As someone who has spent countless hours dialing in espresso shots and trying various machines, I can say that the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL stands out as one of the most versatile and high-performing espresso machines I've ever used. Whether you’re a novice just starting on your espresso journey or an experienced barista looking for professional-quality results at home, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL promises a combination of consistency, precision, and ease of use. In this review, I’ll walk you through my experience with this machine, highlighting its features, performance, and overall value for money. Know Using a single basket with a Breville or Sage home espresso machine

What Sets the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Apart?

The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is a machine that doesn't just perform well; it does so with a level of precision that’s hard to find in most home espresso machines. The main feature that sets this machine apart is its dual boiler system. Most home espresso machines use a single boiler, which can either brew espresso or steam milk, but not both at the same time. The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL, on the other hand, has two separate boilers—one dedicated to brewing and one for steaming milk. This means you can brew and froth milk simultaneously, saving precious time while also ensuring that both processes are done at the optimal temperature.

For anyone who’s made espresso at home before, you know that temperature stability is key to producing a great shot. The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL uses a PID (Proportional Integral Derivative) controller to maintain precise temperature control, which is essential for achieving that perfect shot of espresso with consistent results. This level of control, combined with the ability to steam milk without waiting for the boiler to cool down, makes the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL an excellent choice for anyone serious about espresso. 

Design and Build Quality of the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL

The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is beautifully designed, with a sleek stainless steel exterior that gives it a professional and high-end look. Weighing in at about 30 pounds, this machine has a solid, sturdy feel that conveys quality. It’s not one of those lightweight, flimsy machines that might slide around on your countertop. Instead, it feels substantial, which is a positive attribute for a machine that’s meant to last and withstand the daily grind of home espresso brewing.

In terms of size, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is larger than many home espresso machines, so you’ll need to make sure you have ample counter space. The dimensions are about 15.5 inches wide, 14 inches deep, and 16 inches high, so it takes up quite a bit of space, especially in a smaller kitchen. However, given the dual boilers and the overall performance, the size is justified. I appreciate that despite its size, it still manages to look sleek and modern, fitting in well with other high-end appliances. 

Ease of Use: Is the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Beginner-Friendly?

While the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL has a lot of professional-grade features, it’s surprisingly user-friendly for beginners as well. The machine features an intuitive LCD display that shows important information like temperature, shot time, and pressure. The display makes it easy to monitor and adjust various parameters during brewing.

As a beginner, you’ll appreciate the pre-programmed options, such as the single and double shot buttons. You can get started with these automatic settings while you learn the ins and outs of espresso. The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL also includes a programmable auto-start feature, allowing you to wake up to a pre-warmed machine, which is a huge convenience.

One of the standout beginner-friendly features is the automatic milk texturing. The machine comes with a steam wand that allows you to either manually control the frothing or use the automatic milk texturing feature for those who prefer hands-off operation. I found this feature particularly helpful when I was still getting the hang of creating silky microfoam. For more experienced baristas, the manual control gives you complete freedom over milk texture, which is a nice balance for both beginners and experts. 

Performance of the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL: Brewing Quality Espresso

Let’s talk about the most important part: the coffee. The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is a powerhouse when it comes to brewing quality espresso. The PID controller ensures precise temperature regulation, which is essential for pulling consistent, well-balanced shots of espresso. I tested this machine with a variety of coffee beans, and each shot came out smooth, with rich crema, and well-extracted flavors.

The 58mm commercial-sized portafilter helps ensure uniformity in the espresso extraction, which contributes to even, high-quality shots. I also appreciated the pressure gauge, which allows you to monitor the extraction pressure during brewing. This was a nice touch for perfecting my technique and avoiding under or over-extraction, two common issues when pulling espresso shots.

The dual boiler system really shines during busy mornings when you need to brew espresso and steam milk simultaneously. One of the major pain points for many espresso machines is waiting for the temperature to stabilize after brewing before you can steam milk. The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL removes this hassle by allowing both processes to occur at the same time. The powerful steam wand also performs beautifully, providing enough pressure to create velvety foam for lattes, cappuccinos, or any other milk-based drinks you prefer.

The Steaming Process: Powerful and Precise

The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL excels in milk frothing, thanks to its powerful steam wand. Whether you're making a cappuccino with thick microfoam or a latte with smooth, velvety texture, this machine can do it all. The steam pressure is more than enough to froth milk quickly, which is a big plus for anyone who enjoys creating café-quality drinks at home.

The steam wand is fully articulating, meaning it can rotate and move in any direction, making it easy to position the wand for frothing milk at the perfect angle. For someone with experience, the manual control over the steam allows you to perfect the texture of your milk, while beginners will appreciate the automatic milk texturing feature, which does a great job of creating the ideal foam every time.

Maintenance and Cleaning: Easy and Hassle-Free

Maintaining the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is relatively simple, thanks to several built-in features designed to make cleaning easier. The machine has an automatic cleaning cycle that alerts you when it’s time for maintenance. Additionally, the portafilter, drip tray, and water tank are all easily removable, making it simple to clean them after each use.

The machine also has an integrated water filter system, which helps improve the taste of your espresso by removing impurities in the water. If you live in an area with hard water, this feature is a lifesaver. Regular descaling is also recommended to keep the machine in top shape, but the process is straightforward, and the machine will notify you when it's time to descale.

Product Review Conclusion: Is the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Worth It?

In conclusion, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is a top-of-the-line espresso machine that combines professional-grade performance with ease of use. Whether you’re a seasoned barista or someone just getting started, this machine offers an impressive array of features to help you achieve consistently excellent espresso and milk-based drinks. Its dual boiler system allows for simultaneous brewing and steaming, while the PID controller ensures that the temperature remains stable, providing the perfect shot of espresso every time.

The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is not the cheapest machine on the market, but its performance, build quality, and durability make it well worth the investment. If you're serious about espresso and want a machine that can grow with you as you refine your skills, this is an excellent choice. The ability to make café-quality drinks at home, with professional-level features, is something that will make any espresso enthusiast smile.

Overall, if you’re looking for a machine that offers both precision and flexibility, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is a top contender. It’s an investment that pays off in terms of espresso quality, ease of use, and overall satisfaction. For anyone looking to elevate their home coffee game, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is worth every penny.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

A: The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL typically takes about 10 to 15 minutes to fully heat up, depending on your environment and the initial temperature of the water in the tank. However, it has a pre-warming feature, so once it's up to temperature, it holds it steady for your brewing and steaming needs.

Q: Can I make a latte with the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL?

A: Absolutely! The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL comes with a high-quality steam wand that allows you to froth milk for lattes, cappuccinos, and other milk-based drinks. You can either manually control the steam or use the automatic milk texturing feature, which makes it easier to create the perfect microfoam for lattes.

Q: How do I clean and maintain the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL?

A: The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL has an easy-to-follow cleaning system. The machine alerts you when it needs to be cleaned, and the process is automated for convenience. Regular tasks like cleaning the drip tray, portafilter, and water tank are simple and quick. The machine also has a built-in descaling reminder to help you keep it in top working condition.

Q: What kind of coffee beans are best for the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL?

A: For the best espresso experience, it’s recommended to use high-quality, freshly roasted beans. The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL can handle any type of coffee bean you prefer, but beans roasted within the last two to four weeks yield the most flavor. The machine's consistent temperature control ensures that you'll get the best out of whatever beans you use.