Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Review

As someone who’s passionate about coffee, I’ve spent countless hours trying to perfect the art of brewing espresso at home. Over the years, I’ve tried many machines, from entry-level to more advanced models, each offering their own set of features. When I first came across the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL, I was intrigued. It promised the ability to brew espresso and steam milk simultaneously, which was something I hadn’t experienced with my previous machines. After using it for several months, I can confidently say that it has become one of the most reliable, versatile machines I’ve ever had in my kitchen.

What drew me to the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL was its advanced features, high-quality build, and the promise of professional-grade espresso and milk steaming in a home machine. As someone who enjoys both the technical and creative aspects of making espresso, I was eager to see if this machine could live up to the hype. In this review, I’ll walk you through my experience with the machine, how it performs, and why it might just be the perfect addition to your coffee routine.

First Impressions: A Well-Designed Machine

When I first unboxed the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL, the first thing that stood out was its sleek, brushed stainless steel design. It’s clean, modern, and has a premium look that’s hard to miss. The machine is a bit heavy, which was a good sign to me—it felt solid and sturdy, unlike some lighter machines that feel a bit flimsy.

It’s clear from the start that this is not just a coffee maker but a well-thought-out piece of equipment that blends form and function. The control panel is intuitive, with easy-to-read LCD displays that show you key data such as shot time and temperature. There are also manual dials for pressure control and temperature, giving you the flexibility to experiment with different settings and techniques.

Overall, my first impression was positive. It felt like the kind of machine I could grow with as I honed my espresso-making skills.

Dual Boiler System: Brewing and Steaming Simultaneously

One of the major selling points of the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is its dual boiler system, which allows you to brew espresso and steam milk at the same time. This feature alone makes the machine stand out in its price range.

Before I used the BES920XL, I often found myself having to wait between pulling shots and steaming milk on my previous machines. The process felt inefficient, especially when I was making drinks for multiple people. With the BES920XL, I no longer have to worry about waiting. Whether I’m making a latte or a cappuccino, I can brew my shot and steam my milk in parallel, cutting down on preparation time.

This has made mornings a lot easier, as I can now pull multiple drinks in quick succession without any delays. The simultaneous brewing and steaming process also means I’m able to serve drinks that are fresh and hot, which is key for maintaining the right temperature for both the espresso and the milk.

Temperature Control: A Key to Perfect Espresso

For any home barista, temperature control is crucial when making espresso. Too hot or too cold, and you’ll end up with a subpar shot. That’s why I’ve always been drawn to machines with PID controllers, which maintain precise temperature control. The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL has a built-in PID controller, and it does a great job of maintaining consistent water temperature during the brewing process.

When I first started using this machine, I experimented with different temperature settings. I typically set my brew temperature to 200°F, which I’ve found works well for most of the beans I use. The ability to adjust the brew temperature is something I really appreciate, especially when I switch between lighter and darker roasts. Lighter roasts tend to benefit from a slightly lower brew temperature, while darker roasts can handle a bit more heat.

After several months of use, I’ve learned that the consistency provided by the PID controller is one of the reasons I keep coming back to the BES920XL. The shots I pull are consistently flavorful, with rich crema and a well-balanced taste, which makes a huge difference in the overall espresso experience.

Shot Quality: Consistent and Reliable

For me, espresso quality is the most important aspect of any machine. There’s nothing more disappointing than a shot that’s under-extracted or watery. Fortunately, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL does not disappoint in this department. The 15-bar Italian pump delivers strong pressure, and the pre-infusion feature ensures that the grounds are evenly soaked before the full pressure is applied.

What I appreciate about this machine is the consistency of the shots. Whether I’m brewing a single shot or pulling a double, I know that the machine is going to extract the coffee evenly, resulting in a full-bodied, rich shot of espresso with a beautiful crema. The accuracy and reliability of the shot quality are some of the reasons why I can confidently say that the BES920XL has become my go-to machine.

Milk Frothing: Silky Microfoam for Lattes and Cappuccinos

If you’re a fan of milk-based espresso drinks like lattes or cappuccinos, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL delivers excellent results. The steam wand is strong, allowing me to create silky smooth microfoam in a matter of seconds. One of the things I love about this machine is the steam pressure, which is more than adequate for home use. I’ve used steam wands on other machines that simply don’t have the power to create the texture I prefer, but the BES920XL performs well every time.

Creating latte art has become much easier with this machine. The steam wand’s ability to froth milk to the right consistency quickly allows me to focus on my pour instead of struggling with the milk texture. I’ve been able to achieve that velvety microfoam that’s perfect for creating designs like rosettas and hearts—something I struggled with on previous machines.

Ease of Use and Maintenance

Even though the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is packed with advanced features, it’s surprisingly user-friendly. The interface is clear and easy to understand, even for someone who’s not familiar with all the technical aspects of espresso making. It doesn’t take long to get a feel for the machine, and once you have the basics down, it becomes second nature.

The machine also comes with a helpful cleaning cycle, which takes the guesswork out of maintaining it. I’ve found that regular maintenance is essential to keeping the machine in top shape, and the BES920XL makes that process relatively straightforward. The drip tray, water tank, and portafilter are all easy to remove and clean, and the machine alerts you when it’s time for descaling.

Overall, I appreciate that Breville has designed this machine with ease of use in mind, even with all its advanced features.

Final Thoughts

After months of using the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL, I can confidently say that it has been a great addition to my coffee routine. It offers everything I need to make high-quality espresso and milk-based drinks, from the dual boiler system to the precise temperature control and powerful steam wand.

Whether you’re a seasoned espresso lover or someone just getting started with home brewing, the BES920XL has the versatility and performance to cater to your needs. It has certainly improved the quality of my espresso, and I’ve enjoyed experimenting with different beans, grind sizes, and brew temperatures.

In the end, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL delivers on its promises of consistency, precision, and high-quality espresso. For anyone serious about getting into the world of home espresso, this machine is well worth considering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL’s main feature?
A: The main feature of the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is its dual boiler system, which allows you to brew espresso and steam milk simultaneously. This feature enhances efficiency and ensures there is no delay between brewing and frothing.

Q: How does the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL maintain consistent temperature?
A: The BES920XL uses a PID controller to regulate the water temperature in the espresso boiler, ensuring precise temperature control. This technology helps maintain a consistent brewing temperature, which is essential for producing high-quality espresso.

Q: Is the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL easy to use for beginners?
A: Yes, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is relatively user-friendly. It has an intuitive control panel with clear LCD displays and programmable functions, making it accessible for beginners. However, some familiarity with espresso brewing techniques is beneficial to get the most out of its features.

Q: How long does it take for the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL to heat up?
A: The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL heats up fairly quickly, usually within 10 to 15 minutes. The machine has an auto-start function, so you can pre-program it to be ready when you need it.

Q: Can I adjust the brew temperature on the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL?
A: Yes, you can adjust the brew temperature on the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL. This feature allows you to fine-tune the temperature for different coffee beans and roasts, helping you achieve the perfect extraction.

Q: How easy is it to clean and maintain the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL?
A: The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is relatively easy to clean. It has removable parts like the drip tray and water tank, and the machine also includes a cleaning cycle. Regular descaling is recommended to keep the machine in top condition.

Q: Is the steam wand powerful enough for creating latte art?
A: Yes, the steam wand on the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is strong enough to create silky microfoam, which is ideal for latte art. The powerful steam pressure allows for smooth, velvety milk texture that is essential for making designs.

Q: What kind of warranty does the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL come with?
A: The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL typically comes with a 1-year limited warranty. However, warranty terms can vary by region, so it’s a good idea to check with the retailer or Breville directly for specific details.

Q: How does the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL compare to other espresso machines?
A: The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL offers excellent value for its price, especially considering its dual boiler system, precise temperature control, and powerful steam wand. It performs on par with more expensive machines, making it a great choice for those seeking professional-level espresso at home.