Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Review

From the moment I unpacked the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL, it was clear that this machine was designed with care and attention to detail. Setting it up was straightforward, and the manual provided clear guidance on getting everything up and running. I took a few minutes to review the settings, checking out the temperature controls and pre-infusion settings, which are easy to adjust thanks to the intuitive LCD screen. For anyone who's dabbled with home espresso machines before, the setup is intuitive, but even beginners will find it accessible.

One small but notable feature is the machine’s self-purge function, which automatically cools the heating element after steaming, making it ready to brew again without delay. This is one of those details that adds to the convenience, especially when you're making multiple drinks back-to-back for family or guests.

Ease of Use and Daily Workflow

Using the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL quickly became part of my morning routine. I love that it heats up in just a few minutes, so by the time I’m done grinding my beans, the machine is ready to go. The dual boiler feature is a game-changer here—it allows me to brew espresso and steam milk simultaneously, cutting down on time and making the experience feel more professional. With some other machines, I’d have to wait for the temperature to adjust between brewing and steaming, but here, I can pull my shot while frothing milk, achieving that smooth flow of a coffeehouse routine right in my kitchen.

The portafilter is a standard 58mm size, which is what you’ll find in many commercial machines. I liked this because it allowed me to use a variety of tampers and dosing tools that I already had on hand. The machine also comes with a tamper that magnetically attaches to the machine, keeping it within easy reach.

Experimenting with Settings for the Perfect Shot

One of the aspects I appreciate most about the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is its adjustability. With the ability to control the brew temperature and pre-infusion time, I can tailor the espresso shot to different beans and roast levels. When I first started using this machine, I spent time adjusting the temperature and pre-infusion settings for each new bag of beans, discovering how subtle tweaks brought out different flavors and intensities.

For instance, lighter roasts often taste best with a slightly higher temperature, while darker roasts benefit from a lower temperature to avoid bitterness. The pre-infusion feature is equally valuable, allowing me to control the water pressure applied to the coffee grounds in the initial stages. This helps balance out the extraction, making it easier to achieve a consistent, balanced shot every time.

Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL for Entertaining and Coffee Lovers

If you’re someone who enjoys hosting friends or family for coffee, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL really shines. The large water tank (2.5 liters) means I don’t have to worry about refilling it frequently, even when making multiple drinks. Plus, with the dual boiler system, I can keep a steady flow of drinks coming without downtime.

The Breville also comes with programmable shot volumes, which makes it easier to stay consistent when brewing for a crowd. I’ve often used the double shot function for guests, and it reliably produces even and rich espresso, perfect for those who enjoy stronger coffee or milk-based drinks. And since the machine is designed with back-to-back brewing in mind, I’ve never had to deal with overheating or a drop in quality between shots.

Temperature Stability and Precision in Brewing

Temperature stability is essential in espresso making, as fluctuations can lead to inconsistent shots and unbalanced flavors. The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL has a PID temperature controller, which maintains precise water temperature throughout the brewing process. This stability is something I noticed right away in the taste and texture of the espresso, especially compared to single boiler machines that sometimes struggle to hold a steady temperature.

For those who may not be familiar, the PID control essentially ensures that the water temperature doesn’t waver, which results in better flavor clarity. With other machines I’ve tried, a small temperature variation could lead to a shot that’s either too sour or too bitter. The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL consistently maintains its set temperature, which makes it easier to dial in and achieve the flavors I’m after.

Steam Wand Performance: The Art of Frothing

While the steam wand may not be the most powerful compared to high-end commercial machines, it still gets the job done for home use. I can create a smooth, velvety microfoam, which is ideal for lattes and cappuccinos. The wand has a 360-degree swivel, making it easy to find the perfect angle for frothing.

If you’re a fan of latte art, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL can produce the texture needed for pouring designs. I won’t claim to be an expert, but I’ve managed some decent rosettas and hearts, which add a fun and personal touch to my drinks. The only downside is that it takes a little longer to steam larger quantities of milk, but for the average single or double drink, it works well.

Reliability and Long-Term Investment

After several months of daily use, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL has proven to be reliable and consistent. Breville offers a 2-year limited warranty, which speaks to their confidence in the machine's durability. It’s also evident that this machine was built to last, with high-quality components and thoughtful engineering. The machine’s design includes alerts for regular maintenance, such as descaling, so I don’t have to keep track manually.

As a long-term investment, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL has the durability to justify its price. Compared to entry-level machines that might only last a couple of years, this model feels like something I can rely on for many espresso shots to come.

A Few Considerations

While I’m overall thrilled with the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL, there are a couple of areas to keep in mind. First, it’s a large machine. If you have limited counter space, it might feel a bit cumbersome, especially with the added need for a grinder alongside it. It’s also relatively heavy, so while it’s on retractable wheels for easy movement, you probably won’t want to relocate it frequently.

Another consideration is that while the machine is relatively easy to use, there is a learning curve, especially if you’re new to espresso-making. However, I found the effort well worth it, as it allows me to craft café-quality drinks at home.

Product Review Conclusion: Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Review

In summary, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is an outstanding choice for coffee lovers who want to step up their home espresso game. Its dual boiler design, precise temperature control, and customizable settings make it possible to create a truly exceptional cup of coffee. While it has a few minor drawbacks, like its size and slightly slower steam power, these are easy to overlook considering the quality of espresso it produces.

For those ready to invest in a machine that balances convenience with professional features, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is a worthy choice. It brings together the elements of a high-quality espresso machine with the user-friendliness needed for home use, making it ideal for both coffee enthusiasts and serious home baristas alike.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL

Q: Can I make both espresso and steamed milk at the same time with the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL?
A: Yes, the dual boiler system allows you to brew espresso and steam milk simultaneously. This feature saves time, especially when making multiple drinks in one session, and provides a smooth, coffeehouse-like experience at home.

Q: Is the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL suitable for beginners?
A: While the BES920XL is packed with professional features, it’s also user-friendly, making it suitable for beginners willing to learn the basics of espresso-making. The intuitive LCD display, programmable settings, and clear instructions make it accessible to both newcomers and experienced home baristas.

Q: How precise is the temperature control on this machine?
A: The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL uses a PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) controller to maintain stable water temperature throughout the brewing process. This allows for 1°F adjustments in brewing temperature, providing excellent precision for those looking to dial in their espresso flavors.

Q: How long does it take to heat up?
A: The BES920XL typically heats up in about 5-10 minutes, depending on your settings. The machine also has an auto-start feature, allowing you to set it to preheat automatically so it’s ready when you are.

Q: What maintenance is required for the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL?
A: Regular maintenance includes cleaning the portafilter and steam wand after each use, emptying the drip tray, and descaling as needed. The machine has a built-in descaling function, and it will alert you when descaling or other maintenance is due. It’s also recommended to drain the boilers periodically if the machine won’t be used for an extended period.

Q: Does the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL come with a grinder?
A: No, the BES920XL does not come with a grinder. Since grind consistency is critical for espresso quality, it’s recommended to pair this machine with a high-quality burr grinder for best results.

Q: How large is the water tank, and how often does it need refilling?
A: The BES920XL has a 2.5-liter water tank, which is relatively large for a home espresso machine. It can handle several drinks before needing a refill, making it convenient for daily use or when serving guests. The tank can be refilled from the front or back, adding to its flexibility.

Q: Can I use pre-ground coffee with this machine?
A: While you can use pre-ground coffee, the BES920XL is designed to work best with freshly ground beans. Espresso quality is highly dependent on grind size, so using a grinder allows for more control over the extraction and results in a better shot.

Q: Is the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL compatible with any water filters?
A: Yes, the water tank can be fitted with a water filter, which helps reduce scale buildup and improves the taste of the espresso. Using filtered water can also help prolong the lifespan of the machine.

Q: How much space does the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL require?
A: This machine is relatively large and does take up counter space, so it may not be ideal for very small kitchens. The exact dimensions are approximately 14.7 x 14.8 x 15.4 inches, so it’s best to check your available space before purchasing.

Q: Is it possible to make adjustments for different beans and roasts?
A: Absolutely. The BES920XL offers precise control over temperature, pre-infusion time, and shot volume, making it easy to adjust for various beans and roasts. This flexibility allows you to explore and optimize flavors with different coffee types.

Q: Does the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL make good milk froth for latte art?
A: Yes, the steam wand is capable of creating smooth, microfoam suitable for latte art. While the steam power is slightly slower than some commercial machines, it’s effective for home use and provides enough control to create designs if you’re interested in practicing latte art.

Q: How does the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL compare to single boiler machines?
A: The dual boiler system allows for simultaneous brewing and steaming, whereas single boiler machines require you to wait between these functions. This makes the BES920XL more efficient, especially for milk-based drinks, and also offers more control over temperature stability for a better espresso shot.

Q: What’s the warranty on the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL?
A: Breville offers a 2-year limited warranty on the BES920XL, which covers parts and some repairs. This gives users a good level of confidence in the machine’s durability and longevity.