Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Review

As a coffee enthusiast, I have always been on a quest to find that perfect cup of espresso at home. After experimenting with a number of espresso machines over the years, I finally stumbled upon the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL, a machine that promises cafe-quality coffee without the cafe prices. Today, I’m excited to share my experiences, thoughts, and impressions of this machine with you, and how it might just be the best choice for serious home baristas looking for consistency, control, and quality.

First Impressions of the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL

When I first unboxed the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL, I could immediately tell that this was a well-crafted machine. The stainless steel finish gives it a professional appearance, and it looks perfect on any kitchen countertop. The moment you see it, you get a feeling that it's not your average home espresso machine. It’s sturdy, thoughtfully designed, and, more importantly, it’s packed with features designed for the home barista who wants control over every aspect of their coffee.

The machine comes with all the essentials you’ll need to get started—a 58mm portafilter, tamper, milk frothing jug, and various filter baskets. This attention to detail means you don’t have to spend time and extra money buying additional accessories, which was a pleasant surprise.

Key Features That Make the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Stand Out

One of the first things that caught my attention about the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL was, of course, the dual boiler system. If you’re new to making espresso, this simply means that the machine can steam milk and brew espresso at the same time, saving time and maintaining optimal temperatures for each task. This makes a huge difference if you enjoy milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos, as you won’t have to wait for the machine to switch between brewing and steaming.

The machine features PID temperature control—a major plus for ensuring temperature stability during extraction. Temperature is everything when it comes to espresso, and the PID ensures it remains constant, providing consistency shot after shot. In my experience, this has led to far better-tasting espresso, with richer flavors and an amazing mouthfeel.

Brewing with the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Review

Brewing with the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is a pure delight. One of the things I love most is the ability to control different parameters such as shot volume, pre-infusion pressure, and even the duration of the pre-infusion. These options give you so much flexibility to dial in your perfect shot. I remember my first week with the machine—I was pulling shots left and right, tweaking each one to perfection.

The pre-infusion feature deserves special attention because it has a noticeable effect on the espresso's quality. The pre-infusion phase wets the coffee grounds at low pressure before the full pressure is applied. This allows for a more even extraction, which means more consistent shots with better flavor. I found this feature particularly helpful with freshly roasted beans, as they can be quite challenging to extract properly without blooming.

Steaming Milk with the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL

Milk steaming is where the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL truly shines. I’ve used machines in the past that struggle to produce decent steam pressure, making it almost impossible to get that luxurious microfoam that’s crucial for lattes and cappuccinos. The dedicated steam boiler on the BES920XL is powerful enough to create silky, velvety microfoam with ease.

I’ve always been passionate about latte art, and I can confidently say that the steam wand on the Breville BES920XL has allowed me to take my milk frothing skills to the next level. The wand is fully articulating, which means I can easily adjust the angle for optimal steaming. I particularly love that I can steam milk while brewing the espresso simultaneously—it’s a game changer when you’re in a rush or making drinks for multiple people.

Maintaining the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Review

Maintenance is often an overlooked aspect when choosing an espresso machine, but it’s crucial for long-term satisfaction. Luckily, Breville has made maintaining the BES920XL as simple as possible. The machine features an alert system that tells you when it’s time to descale, and the backflushing process is quick and easy.

The drip tray is large enough that I don’t have to empty it every day, but it still has a “Empty Me!” indicator that pops up when it’s full—a simple but clever touch. The water reservoir can be accessed from the front or the back, which is a surprisingly handy feature if you’re placing the machine under kitchen cabinets and need the flexibility.

Comparing the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL to Other Espresso Machines

I have used quite a few espresso machines before landing on the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL, and I can say that this machine hits the perfect sweet spot between cost, functionality, and control. Compared to single boiler machines, like the Rancilio Silvia, the BES920XL’s dual boiler makes a world of difference in terms of speed and convenience, especially if you love milk-based drinks.

Compared to some higher-end prosumer machines, the BES920XL holds its own quite well without the steep learning curve. For example, I briefly used the Rocket Espresso Appartamento, which also makes fantastic espresso, but I found the learning process much more challenging and the price tag considerably higher. With the Breville, you’re getting a machine that’s more forgiving yet still gives you the power to pull great shots once you’ve learned the basics.

Cons of the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Review

Of course, no product is perfect, and the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL does have its drawbacks. One of the issues I’ve experienced is that the machine requires a bit of a warm-up period, which is around 10 to 15 minutes. This isn’t a huge issue, especially considering the machine allows you to program a start time, but it’s something to be aware of if you’re always in a hurry.

Additionally, the machine is fairly large and does take up a good amount of counter space. If you have a small kitchen, this might be a consideration. However, for me, the trade-off is worth it for the quality of coffee I’m able to make every day.

Why I Think the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is Worth It

In my opinion, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is absolutely worth every penny. It provides a professional coffee-making experience without the intimidating learning curve of more expensive prosumer machines. The combination of precise temperature control, the ability to brew and steam simultaneously, and ease of use makes this machine an ideal choice for coffee lovers who are serious about espresso but aren’t ready to invest in a commercial-grade machine.

The BES920XL is a great way to elevate your coffee game at home, and it has certainly made my morning routine something to look forward to every day. I’ve found myself enjoying experimenting with different beans, adjusting grind sizes, and really dialing in every aspect of the shot. It’s a machine that’s fun to use, and it makes a consistently excellent cup of coffee.

Product Review Conclusion

The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is a stellar espresso machine that provides the best of both worlds—ease of use combined with professional-level performance. Whether you’re an experienced barista or just starting to delve into the art of espresso, this machine delivers everything you need to create outstanding coffee beverages at home. Its dual boiler system, precise temperature control, and easy maintenance make it a standout choice among home espresso machines. Despite a few minor drawbacks like its size and warm-up time, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL has undoubtedly made my journey into home espresso more rewarding and enjoyable. If you’re serious about making great coffee, I genuinely believe this machine is worth considering.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. 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 fully heat up. This ensures that both boilers reach optimal temperatures for brewing and steaming. You can also program the machine to start heating at a specific time, so it's ready when you need it.

2. Can I steam milk and brew espresso at the same time with this machine?

Yes, you can steam milk and brew espresso simultaneously with the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL. The dual boiler system allows for both processes to happen independently, saving time and ensuring both tasks are performed at the correct temperature.

3. How often does the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL need to be descaled?

The frequency of descaling depends on the hardness of your water and how often you use the machine. However, the BES920XL features a descaling alert that will notify you when it's time to descale, making maintenance straightforward and easy to manage.

4. Does the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL come with a built-in grinder?

No, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL does not have a built-in grinder. You will need a separate grinder to ensure you get the freshest possible coffee grounds. Many users pair this machine with a quality burr grinder for the best results.

5. What is the pre-infusion function, and why is it important?

The pre-infusion function wets the coffee grounds at low pressure before full pressure is applied. This allows for a more even extraction, leading to a better-tasting shot of espresso with enhanced flavors and crema. It's especially useful for freshly roasted beans that require blooming.

6. How difficult is it to maintain the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL?

Maintaining the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is quite straightforward. The machine features alerts for descaling and backflushing, and the process for both is simple. The drip tray also has a handy "Empty Me!" indicator, and the water reservoir can be easily accessed from the front or back of the machine.

7. Can I adjust the temperature on the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL?

Yes, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL features PID temperature control, allowing you to adjust the brewing temperature. This gives you greater control over the extraction process, which can be particularly beneficial when working with different coffee beans and roast profiles.