Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Review

As a coffee enthusiast who loves the ritual of making espresso, I've always wanted a machine that delivers high-quality results with consistency and precision. After months of research and testing various machines, I finally settled on the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL, and I have to say—it’s been an absolute game-changer for my home brewing setup. In this Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL review, I’ll take you through my experiences with this espresso machine, from the setup to its performance, features, and final verdict.

What Makes the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Stand Out?

The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is designed for coffee lovers who are serious about their espresso brewing. The machine boasts a dual boiler system, which allows for simultaneous brewing and steaming, an essential feature for home baristas who appreciate both convenience and efficiency. This system ensures that you won’t have to wait for the temperature to adjust between brewing and steaming, something that single-boiler machines cannot offer.

Additionally, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is packed with features that make it a worthy contender in the world of high-end espresso machines. With its PID temperature control, precise pressure regulation, and professional-grade components, it promises to deliver a top-notch coffee experience, whether you’re making a quick espresso shot or crafting intricate milk-based drinks.

The Design and Build of the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL

When I first unpacked the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL, I was immediately impressed by the machine’s aesthetic and build quality. The brushed stainless steel exterior is sleek and modern, giving the machine a premium feel. It’s not just for looks; this durable construction ensures the machine can withstand daily use without showing signs of wear too quickly.

While the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL has a relatively large footprint, its compact design doesn’t overwhelm my kitchen counter. It measures approximately 15.5 inches in height, 15 inches in depth, and 16 inches in width, so you'll need a bit of space to accommodate it. However, considering its dual boiler system and commercial-grade performance, this size is expected and makes sense in the overall design.

One of my favorite features of the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is the easy-to-read LCD screen, which provides real-time information about the brewing temperature, shot timer, and pressure gauge. It’s not only intuitive but also makes navigating through the machine’s settings a breeze, even for those who are new to the world of espresso machines.

Performance: How Does the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Hold Up?

Performance is the true test of any espresso machine, and the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL did not disappoint. The dual boiler system is one of the standout features of this machine. It has two separate boilers: one dedicated to brewing espresso and the other to steaming milk. This allows you to brew and steam simultaneously, which is a huge time-saver when making multiple drinks. No more waiting for the temperature to switch from brewing to steaming; both processes can happen at the same time.

The PID (proportional-integral-derivative) controller in the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL ensures that the water temperature is precise and stable throughout the brewing process. This is crucial for making high-quality espresso, as fluctuations in temperature can result in under-extracted or bitter shots. With PID control, you can be confident that your espresso will be brewed at the optimal temperature every time.

Another great feature is the pre-infusion function, which gradually increases the water pressure to gently saturate the coffee grounds before the full extraction begins. This helps to produce a more even extraction and better-tasting espresso. The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL also features a 15-bar Italian pump, which is responsible for generating the necessary pressure to extract rich, flavorful espresso.

Espresso Quality: Is the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Worth It?

When it comes to espresso quality, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is a true performer. As someone who enjoys experimenting with different beans and grind sizes, I found that this machine offers a solid foundation for getting the perfect shot every time. The temperature stability, precise pressure control, and consistent pre-infusion make a noticeable difference in the taste of the espresso.

The machine’s large 58mm portafilter is made of high-quality stainless steel, which contributes to better heat retention. This is important because the group head is the part of the machine that comes into direct contact with the coffee grounds, and maintaining a stable temperature here is crucial for a consistent extraction.

After dialing in the grind size and tamping the coffee, I was able to pull rich, full-bodied shots with a beautiful, thick crema. The espresso was balanced and smooth, with just the right amount of acidity and sweetness. Whether I was brewing a single shot or a double shot, the results were consistently excellent.

Milk Frothing and Steaming with the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL

If you’re someone who enjoys milk-based drinks like lattes or cappuccinos, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL has you covered. The machine’s powerful steam wand can generate enough pressure to create velvety microfoam with ease. The steam wand is also highly responsive, which means you can easily adjust the texture of the milk to suit your preference.

One of the things I love about this machine is the level of control it offers when steaming milk. The steam power is impressive, and the wand’s swivel action allows you to position it at the right angle for optimal frothing. Whether I’m making a cappuccino with thick foam or a latte with silky milk, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL consistently delivers fantastic results.

For those who prefer more convenience, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL also has an automatic milk texturing feature. This allows you to set your desired milk temperature and texture, and the machine will automatically steam the milk to your specifications. It’s a nice feature for those days when you’re in a hurry but still want a perfect milk-based drink.

Ease of Use: How User-Friendly is the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL?

As someone who’s spent plenty of time with both manual and automatic espresso machines, I can say that the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL strikes an excellent balance between ease of use and advanced control. The LCD screen and intuitive controls make it easy to monitor and adjust settings, even for those who are new to making espresso.

The machine’s programmability is also a major plus. You can set up shot volumes, pre-infusion times, and temperature profiles to suit your preferences. If you like to experiment with different brewing methods or types of beans, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL offers a lot of flexibility. Whether you prefer a quick espresso shot or a slow pour, the machine adapts to your style.

Maintaining the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is also relatively easy. It comes with a cleaning cycle that helps to keep the internal components in top condition. The drip tray, portafilter, and steam wand are all easy to clean, and the machine even has an integrated water filter to ensure that your espresso tastes fresh and clean.

Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Review Conclusion

After using the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL for several months, I can confidently say that this is one of the best espresso machines I’ve ever owned. The dual boiler system, PID temperature control, and excellent steam wand make it an exceptional choice for anyone serious about espresso. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned barista, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL offers everything you need to create high-quality espresso and milk-based drinks with ease.

In terms of espresso quality, the machine excels at delivering consistent, rich shots with beautiful crema. The milk frothing capabilities are equally impressive, making it easy to create velvety microfoam for your favorite drinks. The intuitive controls and user-friendly design ensure that the machine is easy to use, while the durable build quality ensures that it will last for years.

If you’re looking for a machine that offers both performance and value, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is an excellent investment. It’s packed with features, easy to use, and delivers professional-quality espresso at home. Whether you're a coffee enthusiast looking to upgrade your home brewing setup or a novice who wants to learn the art of espresso making, this machine will meet all your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL

Q1: What is the difference between the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL and other espresso machines?
A1: The main difference is the dual boiler system. The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL has two separate boilers—one for brewing espresso and the other for steaming milk—allowing both processes to happen simultaneously. This contrasts with single-boiler machines, which need to switch between brewing and steaming, causing a delay. The BES920XL also offers PID temperature control for precise brewing temperature, which is crucial for consistent espresso quality.

Q2: Is the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL suitable for beginners?
A2: Yes, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is quite user-friendly, even for beginners. It has an intuitive LCD screen that provides clear information about temperature, shot times, and pressure. It also includes programmable features, allowing you to adjust shot volumes, pre-infusion time, and temperature. The machine is designed to be both beginner-friendly and suitable for more advanced baristas who want more control over their espresso.

Q3: How difficult is it to clean the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL?
A3: The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is relatively easy to clean and maintain. It has an automatic cleaning cycle, which helps you keep the internal components in good condition. The portafilter, steam wand, and drip tray are all removable and easy to clean. Additionally, it features an integrated water filter that ensures your water quality remains optimal for brewing.

Q4: Can I make milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos with the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL?
A4: Yes, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is equipped with a powerful steam wand that can create velvety microfoam for lattes, cappuccinos, flat whites, and other milk-based drinks. The machine also has an automatic milk texturing feature that allows you to set the milk’s texture and temperature for more consistent results.

Q5: Does the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL come with a grinder?
A5: No, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL does not come with a built-in grinder. It is recommended to use a high-quality burr grinder to grind your coffee beans just before brewing for the best espresso results. A separate grinder allows for greater control over the grind size, which is critical for making excellent espresso.

Q6: How does the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL compare to other high-end espresso machines in its price range?
A6: The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is considered one of the best espresso machines in its price range due to its dual boiler system, PID temperature control, and consistent performance. Many other machines in the same price range may lack the dual boiler system, which can result in longer wait times for steaming or inconsistent espresso extraction. The Breville offers a solid combination of features and quality for home use, making it a top contender for both beginners and experienced baristas.

Q7: What are the dimensions of the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL?
A7: The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL measures approximately 16 inches (height), 15 inches (depth), and 16 inches (width). It is a fairly large machine, so ensure you have sufficient counter space before purchasing.

Q8: How long does it take for the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL to heat up?
A8: The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL typically takes around 10-15 minutes to fully heat up and reach the ideal brewing temperature. Thanks to its dual boiler system, you can steam milk and brew espresso at the same time without waiting for temperature changes.

Q9: Does the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL have a water reservoir, and how large is it?
A9: Yes, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL has a large 2-liter water reservoir. This allows you to brew multiple shots of espresso or make several milk-based drinks without needing to refill the tank frequently.

Q10: Can the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL be used for commercial purposes?
A10: The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is designed primarily for home use, but it is built with commercial-grade features, such as a 15-bar Italian pump and durable construction. While it can handle high volumes of brewing, it’s not rated for continuous use in a commercial setting, where a more robust, dedicated commercial machine would be required. However, for home use and small-scale gatherings, it performs exceptionally well.