Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Review

As a coffee enthusiast, I’ve always been on the hunt for the perfect espresso machine—one that combines functionality, durability, and the ability to produce high-quality shots of espresso consistently. The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL caught my attention due to its impressive feature set and reputation for producing excellent coffee. Having spent a considerable amount of time with it, I feel it’s time to share my thoughts.

From the moment I unboxed the machine, I could tell it was built with care. It’s a bit larger than what I was used to, but its solid, sleek stainless steel design immediately made it a centerpiece in my kitchen. As someone who enjoys a variety of coffee drinks, I was especially excited to try out its dual boiler system, which seemed like a game-changer. And after using the Breville Dual Boiler extensively, I can confidently say it’s a machine that delivers on its promises.

A Closer Look at the Design

One of the first things I noticed about the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL was its robust and professional feel. It has a polished, stainless steel exterior that resists fingerprints and still looks pristine even after several uses. The machine’s size might be intimidating for those with limited space, but it has a sleek, modern aesthetic that made it a stylish addition to my countertop.

The dual boiler system is clearly one of the standout features. As the name suggests, it comes with two separate boilers: one dedicated to brewing the espresso and the other for steaming milk. This means I could brew espresso and steam milk at the same time, something I didn’t realize I’d appreciate until I started using it. The result is that my coffee-making process feels more efficient, and I no longer have to wait for the machine to switch between brewing and steaming modes.

Easy-to-Use Interface

Even though the Breville Dual Boiler is a sophisticated machine, it’s surprisingly easy to use, especially considering the level of control it offers. The machine features an intuitive LCD display that gives you real-time updates on the brewing process. It shows the temperature of both boilers, and you can even see how much time is left on each brewing cycle.

I particularly appreciated the programmability of the machine. As someone who loves tweaking and customizing my coffee, the Breville Dual Boiler allowed me to adjust parameters such as the pre-infusion time, brewing temperature, and shot duration. For someone like me who enjoys experimenting with different brewing profiles, this flexibility was a huge plus.

The shot clock feature also helped me keep track of my espresso brewing time. With the ability to monitor the timing, I could ensure that every shot was consistent and well-extracted, which is crucial for getting the best flavor from my coffee beans.

Performance That Impresses

When it comes to espresso machines, performance is everything. Thankfully, the Breville Dual Boiler lives up to its reputation. The consistency of the shots it produces is something I’ve come to really appreciate. The dual boilers work together to maintain stable temperatures, which is vital for proper extraction. It’s not uncommon for lower-end machines to experience temperature fluctuations, which can negatively impact the flavor of the espresso. With the Breville Dual Boiler, I never had that issue.

One feature that stands out to me is the 58mm portafilter. This is the standard size used by most professional espresso machines, and it’s no surprise that it helps extract coffee more evenly, resulting in a fuller and richer shot. Whether I used a lighter roast or a dark espresso blend, I found that the espresso consistently tasted balanced and flavorful.

The ability to adjust brewing pressure is another plus. I could fine-tune it based on the coffee I was using, which allowed me to experiment with different flavors and extractions. This control made me feel like I had a lot of power over the final cup, and I found it easy to make adjustments based on what I wanted to taste.

Frothing and Steaming Milk

Being a fan of lattes and cappuccinos, I was especially eager to try out the milk steaming capabilities of the Breville Dual Boiler. The steam wand works really well, delivering a smooth and creamy texture that’s perfect for creating microfoam. This was one of the features I was most excited about, and I was not disappointed.

The automatic steam wand is easy to use, and I found it intuitive to adjust the steam pressure. For a cappuccino with thick foam or a latte with velvety smooth texture, the wand produced consistent results. The temperature control is another great feature. I could set the milk to a precise temperature, and the machine would alert me when it was ready, which saved me from any guesswork.

Cleaning and Maintenance

One thing I’ve noticed with high-end espresso machines is that they can require a lot of maintenance. Fortunately, the Breville Dual Boiler makes the process relatively painless. The machine is equipped with an automatic cleaning cycle, which helps keep the internal parts in good condition. Additionally, the drip tray and water tank are easy to remove and clean, making maintenance quick and hassle-free.

However, like any espresso machine, the Breville Dual Boiler requires periodic descaling, especially if you live in an area with hard water. The machine has a reminder function to let you know when it’s time to descale, so I never had to worry about forgetting. While the descaling process isn’t difficult, it’s something to keep in mind to ensure the longevity of the machine.

Versatility for All Types of Coffee Lovers

One thing I’ve come to appreciate about the Breville Dual Boiler is its versatility. Whether you’re someone who enjoys a straightforward espresso shot, a creamy latte, or a frothy cappuccino, this machine can handle it all. The ability to brew and steam simultaneously is a huge advantage, and the consistent results make it a reliable choice for anyone who takes their coffee seriously.

For someone like me, who loves to experiment with different brewing styles, the Breville Dual Boiler offers plenty of room for customization. I can adjust everything from the pre-infusion time to the steam pressure, which allows me to create different flavors and textures. If you’re a coffee enthusiast who enjoys getting into the nitty-gritty of espresso preparation, this machine offers the tools to make your perfect cup.

Conclusion: Worth the Investment

After using the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL for several months, I can confidently say that it’s one of the best espresso machines I’ve had the pleasure of owning. It combines professional-grade performance with user-friendly features, making it a great option for both newcomers and experienced coffee lovers.

The dual boiler system ensures consistent brewing and steaming, and the range of customizable features allows you to fine-tune every aspect of your coffee-making process. While it may come with a premium price tag, the quality and reliability of the machine make it a worthwhile investment for anyone serious about making high-quality coffee at home.

If you’re looking for a machine that can deliver exceptional espresso and is versatile enough to handle a wide range of coffee drinks, the Breville Dual Boiler is definitely worth considering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL?
A: The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is a high-end espresso machine designed for serious coffee enthusiasts. It features a dual boiler system, allowing you to brew espresso and steam milk simultaneously, ensuring optimal temperature control and consistent results.

Q: Is the Breville Dual Boiler suitable for beginners?
A: Yes, the Breville Dual Boiler is user-friendly, with an intuitive LCD display and programmable features that make it accessible for beginners. However, it also offers advanced customization options for more experienced users who want to fine-tune their espresso brewing process.

Q: How does the dual boiler system work?
A: The machine has two separate boilers: one for brewing espresso and another for steaming milk. This design allows both processes to happen simultaneously, which ensures that you don’t have to wait for the machine to switch between brewing and steaming, resulting in a faster and more efficient coffee-making experience.

Q: Does the Breville Dual Boiler come with a steam wand?
A: Yes, the Breville Dual Boiler comes with an automatic steam wand that delivers excellent frothing capabilities. It helps create smooth and creamy microfoam, making it perfect for lattes and cappuccinos. You can adjust the steam pressure to suit your preferences.

Q: How easy is it to clean the Breville Dual Boiler?
A: Cleaning the Breville Dual Boiler is relatively easy. The machine features a built-in cleaning cycle, and parts like the drip tray, water tank, and portafilter are simple to remove and clean. Regular descaling is recommended, especially in areas with hard water.

Q: What size is the portafilter on the Breville Dual Boiler?
A: The Breville Dual Boiler comes with a 58mm portafilter, which is the standard size used by professional espresso machines. This size ensures even coffee extraction and is ideal for producing high-quality espresso shots.

Q: Can I customize the brewing settings on the Breville Dual Boiler?
A: Yes, the Breville Dual Boiler offers a range of customizable settings, including pre-infusion time, brewing temperature, and shot duration. These features allow you to adjust the brewing process to suit your personal taste and preferences.

Q: How long does the Breville Dual Boiler take to heat up?
A: The Breville Dual Boiler typically takes around 10 to 15 minutes to fully heat up, thanks to its dual boiler system. The machine also has a quick recovery time, allowing you to brew and steam efficiently.

Q: Is the Breville Dual Boiler worth the price?
A: While the Breville Dual Boiler comes with a premium price tag, it offers excellent value for money, especially considering its advanced features, durable build, and the quality of espresso it produces. It’s a solid investment for anyone serious about making high-quality coffee at home.

Q: What type of coffee drinks can I make with the Breville Dual Boiler?
A: The Breville Dual Boiler is versatile and can be used to make a variety of coffee drinks, including espresso, lattes, cappuccinos, and americanos. With its dual boiler system and steam wand, it’s perfect for anyone who enjoys experimenting with different coffee beverages.