Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Review

As a long-time coffee lover, I’ve always been drawn to the art of crafting the perfect espresso. When I started my search for a home espresso machine, I quickly realized that there were a lot of options, ranging from basic single-boiler machines to advanced dual boiler systems. After a lot of research, I decided to try the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL. My goal was simple: to recreate the café experience at home without compromising on quality or getting lost in overly complex machinery.

Let me share my hands-on experience with the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL, the pros and cons, and whether I think it’s the right fit for other coffee enthusiasts out there.

Setting Up the Machine: Simple and Straightforward

When the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL arrived, I was initially intimidated by its size and all the parts included in the box. However, setting it up turned out to be surprisingly simple. Breville has done a great job of making the process intuitive, even for someone who isn’t particularly tech-savvy.

The instruction manual was clear, walking me through filling the water reservoir, setting the boiler temperature, and calibrating the machine for optimal use. It also includes a water hardness test strip, which helped me adjust the settings for my local water. This small but thoughtful addition showed me that Breville really considers the user experience.

First Impressions: The Brewing Experience

The first time I pulled a shot of espresso with the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL, I was blown away. The richness of the crema, the balanced flavor, and the sheer consistency of the extraction were leagues ahead of anything I’d achieved with my previous single-boiler machine.

I loved how easy it was to adjust the pre-infusion time. For those new to espresso, pre-infusion wets the coffee grounds at low pressure before the full extraction begins, which ensures an even flavor. Playing around with this feature helped me bring out the best in the different coffee beans I experimented with.

Milk Frothing: A Latte Lover’s Dream

I’ll admit, I’ve always struggled with frothing milk on cheaper espresso machines. The steam wands often lacked power or consistency, leaving me with subpar foam. With the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL, frothing milk became a joy rather than a chore.

The steam wand is precise and powerful, allowing me to create smooth, silky microfoam for lattes and dense froth for cappuccinos. It took a bit of practice to master, but once I did, it became second nature. Now, I can finally make drinks that rival what I’d get at my favorite café – and I’m even dabbling in latte art!

Customization Features I’ve Come to Love

One of the things I truly appreciate about the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is the level of customization it offers. Whether you’re a coffee purist or someone who likes to experiment, this machine gives you control over nearly every aspect of the brewing process.

For instance, the programmable shot volume is a game-changer. I’ve set it to deliver the exact amount of espresso I need for my favorite drinks, which saves time and ensures consistency. The machine even allows for manual overrides, so I can adjust on the fly if I’m in the mood to experiment.

I also love that I can set an automatic start time. On busy mornings, having the machine warmed up and ready to go when I get to the kitchen is a small luxury that makes a big difference.

Longevity and Maintenance: Worth the Effort

When investing in a high-end espresso machine, I wanted to make sure it would last. After several months of daily use, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL has proven to be a reliable workhorse.

That said, it does require regular maintenance. The machine provides reminders for key tasks like descaling and changing the water filter, which helps keep everything running smoothly. Cleaning the steam wand and group head after each use has become a habit for me, and while it might sound tedious, it’s worth it for the performance I’ve enjoyed.

What I’ve Learned About Espresso

Owning the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL has been more than just an upgrade in my coffee setup – it’s been an education. The machine’s precision has taught me how small changes in grind size, tamp pressure, and water temperature can significantly impact the flavor of an espresso shot.

I’ve also gained a new appreciation for the importance of fresh, high-quality beans. With a machine this capable, it’s easy to tell the difference between good coffee and great coffee. Pairing it with a good grinder has been essential, as a consistent grind is key to making the most of what this machine can do.

Who Should Consider This Machine?

If you’re someone who enjoys the ritual of making coffee and values control over the brewing process, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL could be a fantastic addition to your home. It’s especially well-suited for people who regularly drink milk-based espresso drinks, as the steam wand is one of the best I’ve used on a home machine.

However, it’s worth noting that this machine requires a bit of a learning curve. If you’re looking for something simple and fully automatic, you might find the manual controls and maintenance requirements a bit overwhelming.

Is It Worth the Price?

Let’s address the elephant in the room: the price tag. The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is undeniably an investment. However, for what it offers, I believe it’s worth every penny.

The dual boiler system alone sets it apart from many other machines in its price range, allowing for simultaneous brewing and steaming without compromising quality. Add in the precise temperature control, customization options, and durable build, and it’s easy to see the value.

While it’s not for everyone, this machine is perfect for anyone who takes their coffee seriously and wants to recreate café-quality drinks at home.

Final Thoughts

The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL has been a game-changer for my coffee routine. It’s allowed me to explore the art of espresso in ways I never thought possible and has turned my kitchen into my own personal café.

If you’re ready to take your home coffee game to the next level and are willing to invest some time in learning and maintaining a high-end machine, I can confidently say that the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is a fantastic choice. It’s not just about brewing coffee – it’s about elevating the entire experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What makes the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL different from other espresso machines?
A: The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL stands out because of its dual boiler system, which allows you to brew espresso and steam milk simultaneously. It also features precise temperature control through digital PID technology, a professional-grade steam wand, and extensive customization options for shot volume, pre-infusion, and boiler temperature.

Q: Is the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL suitable for beginners?
A: While the machine offers advanced features, it’s designed to be user-friendly with a clear LCD display and straightforward controls. However, there is a learning curve for those new to espresso-making. Beginners who are willing to invest the time to learn will find it rewarding.

Q: How much maintenance does the machine require?
A: The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL requires regular maintenance, including cleaning the steam wand and group head after each use, descaling periodically, and replacing the water filter as needed. The machine provides reminders for maintenance tasks, making it easier to keep everything running smoothly.

Q: Can I use pre-ground coffee with this machine?
A: Yes, you can use pre-ground coffee, but for the best results, freshly ground coffee is highly recommended. Pairing the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL with a high-quality grinder will significantly improve the flavor and consistency of your espresso.

Q: What types of drinks can I make with the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL?
A: This machine excels at making a variety of espresso-based drinks, including espresso shots, lattes, cappuccinos, flat whites, Americanos, and more. The powerful steam wand also allows for creating velvety microfoam for latte art.

Q: How long does it take to heat up?
A: The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL takes about 5–7 minutes to fully heat up, depending on the ambient temperature. You can also set the machine to start automatically at a specific time so it’s ready when you need it.

Q: Is the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL worth the investment?
A: If you’re serious about coffee and want café-quality drinks at home, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is a worthwhile investment. Its precision, durability, and customization features make it a top choice for coffee enthusiasts.

Q: Does it come with accessories?
A: Yes, the machine includes a range of accessories, such as a stainless steel milk jug, cleaning tools, a water hardness test strip, and single and double filter baskets. These additions help you get started and maintain the machine.

Q: Can I adjust the temperature for different types of coffee beans?
A: Absolutely. The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL allows you to fine-tune the brewing temperature to suit different roasts, ensuring you get the best flavor extraction for each type of coffee bean.