Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Review

As a passionate coffee lover, I’ve spent years perfecting my home brewing setup, and the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is the latest addition to my arsenal. Known for its advanced features and professional-grade performance, this espresso machine promises to deliver café-quality espresso right in your kitchen. In this review, I’ll share my personal experience with the machine, its standout features, and whether it’s worth the investment.

Unboxing the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL

The first impression of any product is often made during unboxing, and the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL did not disappoint. As soon as I removed the machine from its packaging, its premium build quality was evident. The stainless steel body has a sleek and polished appearance, which immediately gave me confidence in its durability.

Inside the box, Breville includes a range of accessories:

• Single and double-wall filter baskets
• A stainless steel milk frothing jug
• A tamper
• A cleaning kit
• Water filter

It’s clear Breville has thought of everything you need to get started. The machine itself, however, is quite substantial. It weighs around 30 pounds and measures 16 inches wide, so you’ll need to dedicate some counter space for this beauty.

Setting Up the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL

Setting up the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL was refreshingly simple. I soaked the water filter, installed it into the 84-ounce reservoir, and filled the tank. I appreciate the option to refill the water tank from either the front or back—this is particularly handy for tight kitchen spaces.

The control interface is user-friendly, even for beginners. The LCD display is clear, and the machine prompts you through key setup steps. Once I powered it on, it took around 10 minutes to heat up fully. For a dual boiler machine, this is impressively fast.

Brewing Espresso with the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL

When it comes to brewing espresso, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL shines. The dual boilers—one for espresso and one for steaming—allow you to brew and froth milk simultaneously, which is a feature typically reserved for commercial machines.

I tested a variety of coffee beans, from light to dark roasts, and found the machine’s PID temperature control made a huge difference. By maintaining a stable temperature during extraction, I was able to pull consistently rich and balanced shots.

The programmable pre-infusion function is another standout feature. This gently saturates the coffee grounds before full-pressure extraction, ensuring an even extraction. With the help of the pressure gauge, I was able to fine-tune my grind size and tamping technique to hit the sweet spot for perfect espresso.

Steam Wand Performance on the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL

No espresso machine review is complete without testing its milk steaming capabilities, and the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL didn’t disappoint. The steam wand is a commercial-grade, 360-degree swivel wand equipped with a three-hole steam tip.

While the steam pressure isn’t quite as powerful as what you’d find in a high-end commercial machine, it’s more than sufficient for home use. I was able to create silky microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos with a bit of practice. If you enjoy latte art, you’ll appreciate how well this machine froths milk.

Customization and Control Features

One of the most impressive aspects of the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is the level of control it offers. You can customize almost every aspect of the brewing process, including:

• Shot volume (single or double shot)
• Temperature control via the PID system
• Pre-infusion time and pressure

The ability to tweak these variables gives you complete control over your espresso, making this machine ideal for both beginners and seasoned home baristas. For those who prefer a hands-on brewing experience, the BES920XL is incredibly rewarding.

Maintenance and Cleaning the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL

No espresso machine is maintenance-free, but the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL simplifies the process with automated cleaning features. The machine alerts you when it’s time to descale, and it includes a convenient cleaning cycle to keep the internal components in top shape.

The drip tray also has an “Empty Me” indicator, which pops up when it’s full—an often overlooked but incredibly useful feature. Regular cleaning and backflushing are essential to ensure the machine’s longevity, but Breville makes this process straightforward.

Comparing the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL to Other Machines

Before purchasing the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL, I considered other espresso machines in its price range. Models like the Rancilio Silvia and Gaggia Classic Pro are popular choices, but they lack the dual boiler system and temperature precision that the BES920XL offers.

Higher-end machines like the La Marzocco Linea Mini deliver exceptional performance but come at nearly three times the price. In my opinion, the Breville Dual Boiler strikes the perfect balance between affordability and professional-level features.

Is the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Worth the Investment?

For coffee enthusiasts who are serious about brewing café-quality espresso at home, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is an excellent investment. Its dual boilers, advanced controls, and robust build quality set it apart from other machines in its class.

While the price might seem steep initially, the level of performance and control you get makes it well worth the cost. With a little practice and experimentation, you can pull shots that rival those from your favorite coffee shop.

Product Review Conclusion: Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Review

After months of daily use, I can confidently say that the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL has exceeded my expectations. This machine bridges the gap between home and professional espresso brewing, offering advanced features without sacrificing user-friendliness.

The dual boiler system, precise temperature control, and customizable settings give you full control over your coffee. Whether you’re pulling espresso shots, frothing milk for a latte, or perfecting your morning cappuccino, the BES920XL delivers consistently excellent results.

While it does require a separate grinder and a bit of counter space, the overall performance and reliability make it a standout choice. If you’re a home barista looking to take your espresso game to the next level, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is worth every penny.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL

Q: What is the difference between the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL and the Breville Barista Express?

A: The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL offers more advanced features compared to the Barista Express, including a dual boiler system that allows simultaneous brewing and steaming. The BES920XL also features PID temperature control for more consistent and precise brewing temperatures. In contrast, the Barista Express has a single boiler and a built-in grinder, making it more compact and convenient for users looking for a more straightforward machine.

Q: Do I need a separate grinder for the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL?

A: Yes, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL does not come with a built-in grinder. For optimal espresso quality, it's recommended to pair it with a high-quality burr grinder. A consistent grind size is essential for pulling great shots, and the Breville Smart Grinder Pro is often recommended as a good match.

Q: How long does it take for the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL to heat up?

A: The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL heats up relatively quickly for a dual boiler machine. It typically takes around 10 minutes for the machine to reach the optimal brewing temperature. However, this may vary depending on the ambient temperature and whether you’ve just turned the machine off or are coming from a standby mode.

Q: Can I adjust the steam pressure on the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL?

A: Unfortunately, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL doesn’t offer adjustable steam pressure. While the steam power is sufficient for most home users, it’s slightly less than commercial-grade machines, so it might take a bit longer to froth milk to your desired texture. However, with practice, you can still achieve excellent microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos.

Q: Is the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL easy to clean?

A: Yes, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is relatively easy to maintain. The machine includes automated cleaning cycles, and there’s a handy descaling reminder. It also has a front-access water reservoir and drip tray that make it convenient for everyday cleaning. Regular backflushing is necessary, but the process is straightforward with the included cleaning tools.