Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Review

As an avid coffee lover, I've always been on the hunt for the perfect espresso machine. When I first heard about the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL, I was intrigued by its promise to combine professional-level espresso brewing with user-friendly features—all at a relatively affordable price point for home baristas. After spending months brewing on this machine, I can confidently say that it delivers a remarkable espresso experience. In this review, I’ll walk you through my personal experience with the machine, highlighting its key features, performance, and any potential drawbacks based on my hands-on use.

Design and Build Quality of the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL

The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is immediately impressive from a design perspective. Built with a sleek stainless steel exterior, the machine has a polished, professional appearance that fits in seamlessly with most kitchen decors. One of the first things I noticed was the size of the machine—it's substantial but not overwhelming. At 16.25 inches wide, 15.5 inches tall, and 14.5 inches deep, it’s larger than a typical home espresso machine but still compact enough to fit on most countertops.

The build quality is solid, and it has a nice weight to it. It feels sturdy and well-made. The brushed stainless steel finish resists fingerprints, which is always a plus in a busy kitchen. Breville has made sure the Dual Boiler BES920XL is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional. The controls are laid out clearly, and the machine’s display is intuitive, which made setting up and getting started relatively easy for me.

A standout feature of the design is the dual boiler system, which, in essence, allows the machine to brew espresso and steam milk at the same time. This is a game-changer for anyone who loves milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. But let’s get into how this translates into performance.

Brewing Performance of the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL

For someone who enjoys experimenting with different beans, grind sizes, and brew temperatures, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL offers a lot of flexibility. The dual boiler system is the heart of its performance, and it really stood out to me as a game-changer. It consists of two separate stainless steel boilers: one for brewing and the other for steaming milk. This allows for precise control over both brewing and steaming, a feature that’s often found in much more expensive machines.

What impressed me most about the BES920XL was how consistent the espresso shots were. With the ability to adjust the brew temperature in 1°F increments, I could fine-tune the machine to my specific coffee beans and brewing style. This precision has made a noticeable difference in the quality of my shots. The result is a perfectly balanced espresso with rich crema, full-bodied flavors, and no bitterness, even when I was experimenting with different grind sizes or adjusting the dose.

One of my favorite features on the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is its Pre-Infusion setting. The machine starts by soaking the coffee grounds at a lower pressure before ramping up to the full brewing pressure. This results in a more even extraction, which helps produce a sweeter, more balanced shot. I noticed a real difference when pulling espresso shots, especially when compared to my older machine, which didn’t have the same kind of pre-infusion control.

Steaming Milk and Latte Art with the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL

If you’re someone who loves making milk-based drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, or flat whites, you’ll appreciate the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL for its ability to steam milk quickly and efficiently. While it doesn’t have the same power as commercial espresso machines, it’s more than adequate for home use.

The steam wand on the BES920XL is very easy to control, which made it easier for me to practice my latte art. I was able to produce velvety microfoam with relatively little effort. The machine does a good job of creating the right texture for pouring intricate designs. I found the steam pressure to be just right for making smooth and silky foam without over-frothing or under-frothing. This was a huge improvement over some other machines I’ve used in the past.

However, while I was generally pleased with the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL’s steaming ability, I did notice that it can take a bit longer to steam milk compared to higher-end commercial machines. This might not be a huge deal for most home users, but if you’re used to quick steaming for multiple drinks, you may find it a little slow. Nevertheless, for the price point, the steaming performance is impressive.

Ease of Use and Features of the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL

One of the most appealing aspects of the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is how user-friendly it is. Even as a novice home barista, I found that it didn’t take long to learn the ropes. The large LCD display is clear and easy to navigate, and the machine provides helpful indicators for things like water temperature, shot timers, and maintenance alerts.

I also found the shot timer to be particularly useful in fine-tuning my brewing. As someone who likes to tweak the length of my shots for different beans, having a built-in timer made it simple to track each brew. Additionally, the programmable settings allow you to store your preferred brew temperature, shot volume, and even pre-infusion times, so it’s easy to recreate your perfect shot every time.

For those who enjoy experimenting with more advanced features, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL offers control over pre-infusion time, shot pressure, and water temperature. I found this flexibility invaluable, especially when dialing in new beans or adjusting for environmental changes. The ability to tweak every aspect of the brewing process meant I was able to achieve consistent, high-quality results with minimal effort.

Maintenance and Cleaning the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL

When it comes to maintaining an espresso machine, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL makes life easy. The machine comes with a cleaning cycle that guides you through the process, and it even provides helpful alerts when it’s time to clean or descale the machine. I found this to be incredibly convenient, as it takes the guesswork out of the process. Additionally, the drip tray and water reservoir are both easy to access and clean, and the group head and steam wand can be quickly wiped down after each use.

One minor downside to the machine’s maintenance is that the water reservoir could be a bit larger, especially for those who plan to use the machine frequently. I found myself refilling the reservoir more often than I would’ve liked, though it’s still relatively easy to remove and refill.

Durability and Reliability of the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL

In terms of durability, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL has been nothing short of impressive. After months of daily use, it has shown no signs of wear or performance issues. The machine feels solid and well-constructed, and I haven’t encountered any problems with leaking, overheating, or malfunctioning. Breville also offers a two-year warranty, which gives me peace of mind knowing that I’m covered in case anything goes wrong.

While I haven’t had any issues so far, I do recommend keeping an eye on the machine’s internal components—like the group head and steam wand—especially if you make heavy use of the machine for steaming milk. Regular cleaning is key to ensuring that these parts remain in good condition and continue to perform optimally.

Product Review Conclusion: Should You Buy the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL?

After spending several months using the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL, I can confidently say that this espresso machine is an excellent choice for anyone looking to elevate their home coffee experience. The dual boiler system is a standout feature that offers precise temperature control and the ability to brew and steam simultaneously, making it perfect for those who enjoy making milk-based drinks.

In terms of espresso quality, the BES920XL consistently delivers exceptional results. With its adjustable brew temperature, pre-infusion control, and excellent shot consistency, I was able to dial in the perfect brew time and temperature for each batch of beans. The steaming performance, while not the fastest on the market, is more than adequate for home use, and I was able to create beautiful, creamy microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos.

The machine’s user-friendly interface, combined with its high-quality construction, makes it an ideal choice for both beginners and experienced baristas alike. The ability to program settings, track shot times, and customize the brewing process was a huge benefit for me, allowing me to experiment and refine my technique with ease.

If you’re in the market for a reliable, high-performance espresso machine that offers excellent value for the price, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is definitely worth considering. It strikes a great balance between affordability and professional-level features, making it an ideal addition to any coffee lover’s kitchen.

FAQs about the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL, along with their answers:

Q: What is the main difference between the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL and the BES870XL?

A: The main difference between the BES920XL and the BES870XL (also known as the Breville Barista Express) is that the BES920XL has a dual boiler system, meaning it has separate boilers for brewing espresso and steaming milk. This allows for simultaneous brewing and steaming, which the BES870XL does not. The BES870XL is a more affordable machine with a single boiler and is aimed at beginners, while the BES920XL is more suited for intermediate to advanced home baristas looking for precise control over brewing and steaming temperatures.

Q: Is the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL easy to use for beginners?

A: Yes, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is user-friendly, even for beginners. While it has advanced features like programmable shot times, brew temperature adjustments, and pre-infusion control, the machine also provides clear indicators on its LCD screen and simple controls. Breville has designed the interface to be intuitive, so first-time espresso machine owners can still enjoy a solid espresso experience without feeling overwhelmed.

Q: How does the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL compare to commercial espresso machines?

A: While the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL offers many features typically found in commercial machines—like dual boilers, precise temperature control, and high-quality steam wands—it is still a prosumer-level machine. It provides excellent performance for home use, but commercial machines are designed for higher volume and more intense use. In terms of quality, the BES920XL stands out for its affordability and the consistency of the espresso shots it produces, but it may not have the same longevity or power as commercial machines meant for cafes or restaurants.

Q: Can the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL steam milk while brewing espresso?

A: Yes, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL can steam milk and brew espresso at the same time. This is made possible by its dual boiler system, with one boiler dedicated to brewing and the other for steaming milk. This feature allows you to make espresso-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos more efficiently, without having to wait between brewing and steaming.

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

A: The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL generally takes around 10-15 minutes to fully heat up and be ready for brewing. The machine uses PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) technology to control temperature, which helps achieve fast heat-up times while maintaining consistent temperature stability. This is quicker than many high-end espresso machines, though it’s worth noting that you should give it some time to properly warm up for the best extraction and steaming performance.

Q: Does the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL come with a grinder?

A: No, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL does not include a grinder. However, Breville does offer other products like the Breville Smart Grinder Pro or the Breville Dose Control Pro, which are great companions to the BES920XL for grinding your coffee beans. For optimal espresso results, a high-quality burr grinder is recommended, as grind size and consistency are crucial for great shots.

Q: How easy is it to clean the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL?

A: Cleaning the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is relatively easy. The machine has an auto-cleaning cycle, and it provides helpful indicators when it’s time to clean or descale. The drip tray and water reservoir are easy to access and clean, and the group head and steam wand can be wiped down after each use. Breville recommends regular maintenance like backflushing the machine and descaling it every few months, depending on your water hardness.

Q: What is the warranty on the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL?

A: The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL comes with a 2-year warranty that covers any manufacturer defects or issues that may arise during normal use. It’s important to note that the warranty does not cover damage caused by improper use, neglect, or accidents. However, Breville has a strong reputation for customer service, and I found that they are quite responsive if any issues arise.

Q: Is the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL suitable for making large volumes of espresso?

A: The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is well-suited for home use, but it might not be the best choice if you’re looking to make large quantities of espresso quickly. While it performs well in smaller batches, commercial machines are better suited for high-volume situations, as they are built to handle the demands of busy cafés. That said, the BES920XL is perfect for home baristas who want quality espresso with the ability to steam milk and brew simultaneously without waiting.

Q: Can I adjust the brew temperature and pressure on the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL?

A: Yes, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL allows you to adjust both the brew temperature and pre-infusion pressure. This gives you a high level of control over your espresso, allowing you to fine-tune the machine to match your coffee beans and personal preferences. You can adjust the brew temperature in 1°F increments and modify the pre-infusion time and pressure for more even extraction.

Q: Does the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL have a water filtration system?

A: Yes, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL comes with a water filter that can be placed in the water reservoir to help reduce the amount of minerals in your water. This is beneficial for both taste and machine longevity. Using filtered water helps to prevent mineral buildup inside the machine and improve the flavor of your espresso. Breville also recommends regularly changing the filter for optimal performance.