Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Review

As someone who loves a good espresso shot in the morning, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL caught my attention as a machine that promises both precision and control. After using it for a while, I can confidently say that it has lived up to my expectations. Whether you're a beginner in home espresso-making or more experienced, this machine feels like a professional-grade piece of equipment that you’d find in a café, but right in your kitchen.

My Personal Experience with the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL

When I first decided to upgrade my home espresso setup, I was looking for something that could offer more control than the standard single boiler machines I had used in the past. The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL stood out because of its dual boiler system, which allows you to brew espresso and steam milk at the same time. From the moment I made my first shot with this machine, I could tell the difference in quality. The consistency in temperature and shot quality was remarkable. I also found myself experimenting with different beans and temperature settings, and the machine’s precision made those experiments fun and rewarding.

Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Review: First Impressions

When I first unboxed the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL, the sleek stainless-steel body immediately impressed me. It’s a hefty machine, which gave me the sense that I was dealing with something built to last. The dual boiler system stood out right away—knowing that I could steam milk and pull a shot simultaneously promised a more seamless experience, especially when making milk-based drinks like cappuccinos or lattes.

Another thing I noticed right off the bat was how intuitive the controls were. Despite being loaded with advanced features, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL doesn’t feel intimidating. The digital display is clear, and the buttons for programming your shot time, temperature, and other variables are easy to navigate, even for someone who isn't an espresso expert.

Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Review: Setting It Up

Setting up the Breville Boiler BES920XL was a surprisingly smooth process. Breville provides clear instructions, and I appreciated the inclusion of all the necessary accessories like the tamper, milk jug, and various filters. Once I filled the water tank and let the machine heat up, I was ready to experiment.

This machine gives you control over several elements that many other machines at this price range don’t. For instance, it allows you to adjust the brew temperature with precision. This is essential if you're someone who enjoys experimenting with different beans or roast levels. I played around with this feature quite a bit and found that even small changes in temperature made a noticeable difference in the flavor of my espresso.

Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Review: Espresso Quality

Now, let’s talk about the espresso itself. The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL delivers exceptionally consistent shots. Thanks to the PID temperature control and the dual boiler system, every shot I pulled had great temperature stability, which is crucial for extracting the best flavors from the coffee grounds.

I tried various beans to test how well the machine handled different types of roasts. Whether I used a light roast with fruity notes or a dark, oily roast, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL managed to extract rich, flavorful espresso every time. The crema was thick and velvety, and I could taste the depth and complexity in each shot.

Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Review: Steaming Milk

One of my favorite features of this machine is the steam wand. It's a commercial-grade steam wand, so you get that powerful, dry steam that creates silky, micro-foam milk—a key for those who love making lattes or cappuccinos at home. I found the wand easy to maneuver, and within a few tries, I was steaming milk like a barista.

The dual boiler system shines here because you don’t have to wait between pulling your shot and steaming your milk. I often make multiple milk-based drinks in one go, so being able to multitask with the steam wand and espresso extraction saves time.

Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Review: Features That Stand Out

Several features of the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL stand out for me. First is the customizable shot volume. This is great because I like to dial in my espresso shot depending on the type of beans I’m using. Having control over how much water passes through the coffee grounds helps me refine my brewing process, ensuring consistency and quality.

Another key feature is the descale alert. Maintaining an espresso machine can be tricky, but the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL helps you stay on top of it with its automatic descaling notification. When it’s time to descale, the machine prompts you, ensuring that your machine stays in peak condition for longer.

Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Review: What I Didn’t Love

While the Breville BES920XL is an incredible machine, it’s not without its drawbacks. The size is one factor to consider—it takes up a significant amount of counter space. If you have a smaller kitchen, this machine could feel a bit bulky.

Another thing that some users might find intimidating is the learning curve. While the machine has plenty of user-friendly features, it still requires some trial and error to perfect your espresso-making skills. It took me a while to dial in the perfect shot, but once I did, the results were consistently impressive.

Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Review: Maintenance and Care

Maintaining the Breville Boiler BES920XL is relatively straightforward, but it’s something you need to stay on top of. Descaling and cleaning the machine regularly is essential to keep it functioning at its best. I’ve found that Breville’s cleaning reminders make this easier, but it’s not something you can neglect if you want to prolong the machine’s lifespan.

I also found that cleaning the steam wand after every use is crucial to prevent milk buildup, which can affect both the texture of your steamed milk and the performance of the wand.

Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Review: Who Is It For?

If you’re serious about your coffee and willing to invest in a machine that offers precision, consistency, and control, the Boiler BES920XL is for you. It’s particularly suited for coffee enthusiasts who want to experiment with brewing variables like temperature and shot volume, as well as those who enjoy making milk-based drinks at home.

For those who are just getting into espresso making, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL might feel overwhelming at first, but the learning curve is well worth it. Once you’ve mastered the machine, you’ll be able to create café-quality drinks with ease.

Product review conclusion

In conclusion, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is a powerhouse for anyone who takes their coffee seriously. It offers professional-grade features like the dual boiler system, PID temperature control, and a commercial steam wand, all of which elevate your espresso-making experience. While it does have a slight learning curve and takes up considerable counter space, these are minor issues compared to the quality and consistency it delivers.

For anyone considering a high-end espresso machine, I would highly recommend the Breville Boiler BES920XL. It’s a worthwhile investment that will improve your morning routine and allow you to experiment with different espresso techniques and drinks. Overall, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL has become a staple in my kitchen, and I can’t imagine going back to a simpler machine.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does it take for the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL to heat up?
The machine heats up relatively quickly, typically within 10 to 15 minutes, which is ideal if you’re in a rush in the morning.

Is the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL difficult to clean?
The machine requires regular maintenance, but it’s not difficult. The built-in descale alert and cleaning reminders help ensure that you stay on top of maintenance.

Can I use pre-ground coffee with this machine?
Yes, you can use pre-ground coffee with the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL, but for the best results, it’s recommended to use freshly ground beans for optimal flavor.

Does the machine include a built-in grinder?
No, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL does not come with a built-in grinder. You will need to purchase a separate grinder if you want to use freshly ground coffee beans.

Can I brew other types of coffee with the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL?
While this machine is primarily designed for espresso, you can also use it to make Americanos by adding hot water to your espresso, or milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos with the steam wand.