Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Review

As a dedicated coffee enthusiast, I've always sought the perfect espresso experience at home. The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL has been a game-changer in this pursuit, offering a harmonious blend of professional-grade features and user-friendly design.

When I first decided to step up my coffee game, I knew I needed a machine that could balance consistency, performance, and usability. After plenty of research and recommendations from friends who share the same love for coffee, I settled on the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL. Now, after several months of daily use, I can confidently say that this machine has met (and sometimes exceeded) my expectations.

Design and Build Quality

The BES920XL boasts a sleek stainless steel exterior that complements any kitchen decor. It feels sturdy and well-built, reflecting the thoughtful engineering that went into it. I appreciate how compact the machine is for something so powerful; it fits comfortably under my cabinets without feeling bulky.

One of the standout features is the little details that make a big difference. For example, the machine sits on retractable wheels, making it easy to slide forward when I need to refill the water tank or clean behind it. There’s also a hidden compartment under the drip tray where I store my cleaning tools and accessories—Breville really thought of everything here.

Dual Boiler System: A Game-Changer

The real magic lies in the dual boiler system. If you’ve ever used a single-boiler espresso machine, you know the struggle of waiting for the steam function to heat up after pulling a shot. With the BES920XL, that’s no longer an issue. It can brew espresso and steam milk simultaneously without missing a beat.

I love how quickly I can prepare drinks for guests without the usual wait times. Whether I'm pulling a double espresso for myself or making back-to-back cappuccinos for friends, the machine doesn’t lose steam pressure or brewing consistency.

For someone like me who takes their coffee seriously, the PID-controlled brew boiler is a game-changer. The temperature control ensures that every shot is pulled at the ideal temperature, giving me the kind of consistency I expect from a high-end espresso machine.

Precision and Customization

If you enjoy fine-tuning your espresso to suit your personal taste, this machine gives you all the tools to do so. At first, I was slightly intimidated by the sheer level of customization, but once I got the hang of it, I realized just how valuable these features are.

• Temperature Control: Being able to adjust the brew temperature between 190°F and 205°F makes a noticeable difference, especially when switching between lighter and darker roasts.
• Pre-Infusion Settings: The adjustable pre-infusion lets you control the time and pressure to ensure an even extraction. I found that experimenting with pre-infusion improved the overall flavor of my espresso, bringing out subtle notes I hadn’t noticed before.
• Shot Programming: I’ve set up both single and double shots to my preferred volumes, which makes morning coffee preparation effortless and consistent.

What I appreciate most is that these features are accessible without being overly complicated. The digital display and menu navigation are intuitive, so even if you’re new to espresso machines, you’ll quickly get the hang of it.

Steaming Milk and Making Lattes

One of the biggest tests for any espresso machine is its ability to steam milk properly, and the BES920XL doesn’t disappoint. The steam wand delivers strong, dry steam that creates beautifully textured microfoam.

As someone who enjoys lattes and cappuccinos, I’ve been able to produce café-quality milk texture with minimal practice. The wand gives me full control over the process, so whether I’m going for light foam or silky smooth milk for latte art, the results are consistently good.

The fact that I can steam milk while brewing a shot is a major time-saver. This feature has made mornings much more efficient, especially when preparing drinks for my family.

Maintenance and Usability

Like any high-end espresso machine, regular maintenance is required to keep the BES920XL performing at its best. Fortunately, Breville has made this part straightforward.

The machine features a descaling mode, which allows you to drain the boilers without hassle. This is a huge improvement over older models that required professional servicing for descaling. The digital display also reminds me when it’s time to descale or change the water filter, taking the guesswork out of maintenance.

Other features like the easy-to-access water reservoir, drip tray float indicator, and hot water spout add to the overall convenience.

Who Is This Machine For?

If you’re someone who enjoys experimenting with espresso, the BES920XL is a perfect fit. It offers the kind of precision and control that allows you to get the most out of your coffee beans. For those who entertain guests or have multiple coffee drinkers in the household, the dual boiler system is a lifesaver.

That said, if you’re brand new to espresso machines, there may be a slight learning curve. However, Breville has done an excellent job of balancing advanced features with ease of use, so even beginners will find their way with a bit of practice.

My Overall Thoughts

After months of daily use, I can confidently say that the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL has transformed my home coffee experience. The combination of precision, performance, and thoughtful design makes it an excellent investment for any coffee enthusiast.

Is it perfect? Well, there are minor downsides. The machine takes a few minutes to heat up fully, which might feel like an eternity when you’re rushing in the morning. Also, while the machine offers impressive steam power, it’s not quite as powerful as some commercial-grade machines. That said, these are small trade-offs for a machine that delivers exceptional quality at a fraction of the cost of professional setups.

If you’re looking for a reliable, feature-packed espresso machine that can handle everything from espresso shots to creamy lattes, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is well worth considering. It’s a machine that allows you to take your coffee craft to the next level without the complexities of commercial equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL take to heat up?
A: The machine typically takes about 10-15 minutes to fully heat up. However, with the programmable auto-start feature, you can set it to preheat at a specific time, so it’s ready to go when you need it.

Q: Is the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL suitable for beginners?
A: While the BES920XL offers advanced features, its user-friendly interface and intuitive controls make it accessible for beginners. With a bit of practice, new users can quickly learn to pull great shots and steam milk effectively.

Q: Can I brew and steam milk at the same time?
A: Yes! The dual boiler system allows you to brew espresso and steam milk simultaneously, which is a huge time-saver, especially when making multiple drinks.

Q: How often does the machine need to be descaled?
A: The frequency of descaling depends on your water hardness and usage, but the machine’s digital display will notify you when descaling is needed. Breville has made the descaling process straightforward with accessible boiler drains.

Q: Does the BES920XL include a grinder?
A: No, the BES920XL does not come with a built-in grinder. For the best espresso results, it’s recommended to pair the machine with a high-quality burr grinder.

Q: What kind of maintenance does the machine require?
A: Regular maintenance includes descaling, cleaning the steam wand, emptying the drip tray, and changing the water filter when prompted. Breville’s alerts and digital reminders make it easy to stay on top of these tasks.

Q: Is the steam wand powerful enough for latte art?
A: Yes, the steam wand produces strong, dry steam that creates excellent microfoam. With a bit of practice, you can achieve café-quality milk texture for latte art.

Q: How consistent is the brew temperature on the BES920XL?
A: The PID temperature control ensures very consistent brew temperatures, which is crucial for extracting espresso evenly and enhancing flavor.

Q: Can I customize shot volume and pre-infusion time?
A: Yes, the BES920XL allows you to program shot volume, pre-infusion time, and temperature settings, giving you full control over the brewing process.

Q: Does the machine come with any accessories?
A: Yes, it includes a portafilter, single and double shot baskets, a steaming jug, a tamper, cleaning tools, and a water filter.