Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Review

As someone who loves espresso, I’ve always dreamed of brewing café-quality drinks from the comfort of my own home. After testing a few espresso machines over the years, I finally decided to give the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL a try. Known for its dual boiler system and precise temperature control, this machine seemed like the perfect upgrade for my home coffee setup. Now that I’ve spent a decent amount of time with it, I’d like to share my thoughts and experience.

Initial Setup and First Impressions

When the Breville Dual Boiler arrived, I was immediately impressed with its build quality. It has a solid, premium feel to it, thanks to the brushed stainless steel construction. At just under 30 pounds, it’s not exactly lightweight, but that gives it a sturdy, reliable presence on my countertop. The design is sleek yet functional, with a clean, professional look that fits well in my kitchen. As I set it up, I appreciated the clear instructions that came with it. I could easily understand how to get started, even though this is a more advanced machine than I was used to.

What really stood out from the start was the thoughtful layout of the machine. The control panel features a combination of easy-to-read buttons and a digital display that shows crucial details like temperature and shot time. It’s intuitive enough for someone like me, who had limited experience with dual boiler systems, to navigate without feeling overwhelmed.

The Dual Boiler System in Action

The highlight of the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is undoubtedly the dual boiler system. It’s a feature that really makes this machine stand out, especially if you’re someone who values efficiency and precision. Having separate boilers for espresso brewing and steam allows you to do both at the same time. This is a huge advantage, especially during busy mornings when I’m trying to get my coffee fix while also making a latte or cappuccino.

The advantage of dual boilers becomes clear when you realize how much time it saves. I no longer have to wait for the machine to cool down or heat up between brewing and steaming. The consistency in temperature control between the two boilers is impressive, and I can immediately start steaming milk as my shot of espresso is being pulled. For me, it’s a game-changer.

Customization and Precision

One thing I really appreciate about this espresso machine is the level of customization it offers. I love the fact that I can adjust the brewing temperature, shot volume, and even the pre-infusion time. With these settings, I can experiment with different beans and find the perfect brewing parameters for each one. This flexibility is something I’ve come to value, especially as I dive deeper into the world of espresso.

The PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) temperature control is a key feature here. With this level of precision, I can adjust the brewing temperature by 1-degree increments. This might sound like a small detail, but it makes a noticeable difference in the taste and consistency of the espresso shots. I can pull a shot at 200°F for a particular coffee blend, or adjust it to 198°F when experimenting with a different roast, which allows me to fine-tune the flavor and achieve a more balanced shot.

The pre-infusion feature is another great addition. By gently saturating the coffee grounds before applying full pressure, I’ve noticed more even extraction and a fuller, more complex flavor in my espresso. The result is always smooth and rich, whether I’m brewing a single or double shot.

Espresso Quality

Now, let’s talk about the espresso quality. When I first started using the Breville Dual Boiler, I was impressed by the richness of the crema and the smoothness of the espresso shot. The machine offers excellent temperature stability, which is key to achieving the perfect extraction. I’ve noticed that, with this machine, the shots come out more consistent than ever before.

As I experimented with different grind sizes and doses, I was able to find a routine that worked for me. The pre-infusion function helped with an even extraction, and the dual boiler system kept everything running smoothly. I found that the machine could handle a range of beans well—from dark roasts to lighter blends—without compromising flavor. That kind of versatility is exactly what I was looking for in an espresso machine.

Steaming Milk and Frothing Experience

As someone who enjoys making lattes and cappuccinos, the milk steaming process was another area where the Breville Dual Boiler really shines. The steam wand is powerful and produces plenty of steam, which allows for quick and easy milk frothing. The texture of the milk is always creamy, and I’ve been able to achieve the microfoam I’ve always wanted.

The fact that the machine uses a separate steam boiler means I can steam milk without waiting for the brew temperature to stabilize, which is incredibly convenient. It’s an especially helpful feature when I’m in a hurry to make multiple drinks for family and friends. I can easily go from brewing to steaming without any downtime.

Cleaning and Maintenance

When it comes to cleaning, the Breville Dual Boiler is straightforward but does require a bit of regular attention. The machine comes with helpful reminders for maintenance tasks like descaling and cleaning the steam wand. The automatic descaling function is a nice touch, and it makes the process feel less like a chore.

That being said, the machine does require a bit more upkeep than simpler espresso machines. I need to backflush it with cleaning tablets periodically and clean the portafilter and group head to prevent any build-up. It’s not a huge inconvenience, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re considering this machine.

One of the things I appreciate is the water filter system, which ensures that the water I use is free from impurities that could affect the flavor of the espresso. The machine also includes a reminder for changing the water filter after a certain number of uses, which helps ensure that the quality of my espresso is always top-notch.

Size and Space Considerations

One thing to keep in mind is the size of the Breville Dual Boiler. It’s larger than a single boiler machine, so you’ll need some counter space to accommodate it. While it’s not overwhelmingly large, it’s important to factor in the space required for the water reservoir, drip tray, and any accessories you plan to use.

That said, if you have a dedicated coffee corner or kitchen space, it shouldn’t be an issue. For me, it’s been a great addition to my counter, especially given how much I use it. If you’re looking for something more compact, though, this may not be the best fit.

Final Thoughts

After using the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL for several months, I can confidently say it’s one of the best espresso machines I’ve had the pleasure of working with. The dual boiler system, precision temperature control, and steam wand functionality have elevated my home espresso game to new heights.

While it’s definitely more of an investment than some entry-level machines, I believe it’s a worthwhile purchase for anyone serious about making high-quality espresso drinks at home. Whether you're crafting your morning latte or pulling the perfect shot for an afternoon cappuccino, the Breville Dual Boiler makes the process both enjoyable and rewarding.

For those who are passionate about coffee, this machine offers a great balance of performance, customization, and ease of use. If you’re willing to invest the time to learn its features and maintain it properly, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL can be a long-term companion that delivers exceptional espresso every day.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How long does it take for the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL to heat up?
A: The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL typically heats up in about 10 to 15 minutes, which is quite fast for a dual boiler espresso machine. The separate boilers for brewing and steaming allow it to be ready to brew or steam milk almost immediately after turning it on.

Q: Does the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL come with a grinder?
A: No, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL does not come with a grinder. You will need to purchase a separate grinder to go along with the machine. It’s important to use freshly ground coffee for the best results, and a good grinder is essential for consistent espresso shots.

Q: Can I use pre-ground coffee with the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL?
A: Yes, you can use pre-ground coffee, but for the best flavor and consistency, it’s recommended to use freshly ground coffee. A burr grinder will give you a more consistent grind, which is crucial for achieving a great espresso shot.

Q: How often do I need to clean the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL?
A: Regular cleaning is necessary to maintain the machine’s performance. You should backflush the machine with cleaning tablets approximately every 1-2 weeks, depending on usage. You’ll also need to clean the portafilter, drip tray, and steam wand after each use. The machine will also notify you when it’s time for descaling.

Q: Can I make multiple drinks at once with the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL?
A: Yes, the dual boiler system allows you to brew espresso and steam milk at the same time, which is ideal when making multiple drinks. The machine’s ability to handle both processes simultaneously saves you time and makes it more efficient when preparing drinks for guests or family.

Q: Is the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL suitable for beginners?
A: The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL offers a lot of advanced features, which might be overwhelming for absolute beginners. However, it’s still user-friendly enough for someone willing to learn. If you are new to espresso machines but eager to improve your skills, this machine can grow with you over time.

Q: Does the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL have a water filter?
A: Yes, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL comes with a built-in water filter to improve the quality of the water used in the brewing process. This helps to ensure that the flavor of the espresso is not affected by impurities in the water.

Q: How much maintenance does the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL require?
A: The machine requires regular maintenance, including backflushing, cleaning the group head, and descaling the machine periodically. It also has built-in reminders for these tasks. If you’re consistent with the maintenance, the machine will remain in good working condition and continue to deliver high-quality espresso.

Q: What type of milk can I use with the steam wand?
A: The steam wand works well with any type of milk, including dairy and non-dairy alternatives like almond, oat, or soy milk. Keep in mind that some non-dairy milks froth better than others. For the best results, use fresh, cold milk to achieve creamy microfoam.

Q: Is the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL worth the price?
A: While it is on the higher end of the price spectrum for home espresso machines, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL offers excellent value for its performance and features. If you’re serious about espresso and want a machine that can deliver professional-level results, it’s definitely worth the investment.