Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Review

As someone who's been passionate about coffee for years, finding the right espresso machine has always been a bit of a challenge. I’ve tried several models, but none seemed to hit that sweet spot between ease of use and delivering café-quality results at home. That changed when I stumbled upon the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL. After hearing rave reviews from fellow coffee enthusiasts and doing some research, I decided to take the plunge and invest in this machine. Little did I know, it would change my home coffee experience for the better.

Setup Experience: Getting Started with the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Review

The setup process with the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL was surprisingly straightforward, especially for a machine that offers so much control. I was initially concerned about how complex it would be to dial in, but Breville’s design makes it relatively intuitive for someone like me, who’s familiar with espresso machines. The manual provided clear guidance, and the LCD display offers helpful prompts during the initial setup process.

One of the first things I appreciated was how quickly the machine can get up and running—though, as I’ll mention later, it does take some time to fully heat up if you don't use the preheat function. But once you get over that, the dual boiler system allows for seamless transitions between brewing and steaming, a feature that’s incredibly convenient when making multiple drinks in a row.

Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Review: Espresso Shot Quality

Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter: espresso quality. One of the main reasons I chose the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL was because of its reputation for delivering consistently great shots. After experimenting with various grind settings, tamp pressure, and coffee beans, I found that this machine lives up to its promise.

The shots are consistently smooth, rich, and packed with flavor. The PID temperature control makes a noticeable difference, keeping the brewing water temperature steady throughout the extraction process. I’ve found that this level of precision results in shots that aren’t too bitter or sour—something that had been an issue with some of my previous machines.

Steam Power and Milk Frothing: A Key Feature of the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Review

For anyone who enjoys milk-based drinks like I do, the steam performance of the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is worth highlighting. With the separate steam boiler, I didn’t have to wait for the machine to switch modes before frothing milk. This was a game-changer for me when preparing drinks like lattes and cappuccinos for friends or family.

I’ll admit, when I first started using the steam wand, it took some practice to get the milk texture just right. But once I got the hang of it, I was able to produce silky microfoam that elevated my drinks. Now, my homemade lattes rival what I would get from my favorite coffee shop. The ability to customize the steam pressure has been a welcome feature, allowing me to perfect my milk frothing technique over time.

Everyday Convenience in the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Review

One of the aspects that I didn’t expect to love as much as I do is how the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL fits into my daily routine. Despite being a powerful machine, it’s designed to make life easier for the home barista. I can program my preferred shot and steam settings, so I don’t have to fiddle with the controls every morning—just a quick button press and I’m good to go.

The water reservoir is large enough that I don’t find myself constantly refilling it, and I love the front-access design. Cleaning the machine is also relatively easy, thanks to the automatic cleaning cycles and reminders built into the system. While it’s not maintenance-free (no espresso machine truly is), the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Review proved to me that it doesn’t require a lot of effort to keep in good working condition.

Who is the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL For?

After spending a good amount of time with the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL, I can confidently say that it’s a machine for those who are serious about espresso. While it may not be the best option for complete beginners due to its level of customization, it’s perfect for someone who’s ready to take their coffee game to the next level.

If you’re someone who enjoys having control over every aspect of the brewing process—whether it’s adjusting the pre-infusion time, temperature, or extraction pressure—then this machine is a great fit. The learning curve may take a bit of time to overcome, but once you do, you’ll be rewarded with consistently excellent espresso and milk-based drinks.

The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Review: Pros and Cons

Of course, no machine is without its drawbacks. While I’ve been thoroughly impressed with the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL, there are a few minor issues worth mentioning.

The heat-up time, for instance, could be improved. If you forget to program the machine to preheat, it can take a bit of time to get up to temperature. For someone like me, who likes to get my coffee going first thing in the morning, this was a bit of an inconvenience at times. However, once the machine is up to temperature, it delivers outstanding results.

Another consideration is the size of the machine. It’s not the most compact model out there, so you’ll need to make sure you have enough counter space to accommodate it. But personally, I think the added features and performance are worth the extra footprint.

My Final Thoughts on the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Review

In the end, my experience with the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL has been overwhelmingly positive. This machine strikes a great balance between offering advanced features for the experienced home barista and being accessible enough for those who are ready to take their coffee journey a step further.

While there are a few quirks—like the heat-up time and size—that might be worth considering depending on your kitchen setup and routine, I’ve found these to be small trade-offs for what this machine delivers. The control, consistency, and quality it offers have transformed how I make and enjoy my coffee at home.

Product Review Conclusion

Ultimately, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is a solid choice for anyone looking to elevate their espresso-making experience. Its dual boiler system, customizable settings, and temperature stability make it an impressive machine for serious coffee enthusiasts. While it may take some time to get the hang of, once you do, the results are absolutely worth it. Whether you’re pulling shots of espresso or crafting milk-based drinks, this machine is capable of delivering café-quality results in the comfort of your own home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL take to heat up?
A: The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL typically takes about 10-15 minutes to fully heat up when starting from cold. However, it does have a programmable preheat function that allows you to set a specific time for the machine to turn on and preheat, so it’s ready when you are.

Q: Can I use the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL to steam milk and brew espresso at the same time?
A: Yes, one of the standout features of the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is the dual boiler system. This allows you to brew espresso and steam milk simultaneously, which is a major convenience for preparing milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos without waiting for the machine to switch modes.

Q: What kind of water should I use with the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL?
A: It’s recommended to use filtered water with the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL to prevent scale buildup inside the machine. While tap water can be used, it may lead to mineral deposits over time, which could affect performance. Regular descaling is recommended if using hard water.

Q: Does the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL come with a grinder?
A: No, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL does not come with a built-in grinder. You will need a separate grinder to grind your coffee beans fresh before brewing. Pairing it with a high-quality burr grinder is recommended for the best results.

Q: How do I clean and maintain the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL?
A: The machine has built-in reminders for cleaning and descaling. You’ll need to follow the instructions in the manual for regular maintenance, which includes cleaning the group head, descaling, and occasionally backflushing the machine. The steam wand should also be purged after every use to prevent milk buildup.

Q: Can I adjust the brewing temperature on the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL?
A: Yes, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL features PID temperature control, allowing you to adjust the brewing temperature to your preference. This is particularly useful if you want to experiment with different beans and extraction profiles to get the best flavor.

Q: What’s the difference between the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL and single boiler machines?
A: The key difference is the dual boiler system, which allows you to brew and steam simultaneously. Single boiler machines require you to wait between brewing espresso and steaming milk because they use the same boiler for both tasks. The dual boiler system in the BES920XL provides greater efficiency and temperature stability.

Q: Is the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL suitable for beginners?
A: The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL offers a lot of control and customization, making it ideal for more experienced users or those who are willing to learn. While it’s not overly complicated, complete beginners may find it a bit daunting at first. However, with practice and some patience, even novice users can enjoy excellent espresso with this machine.

Q: What size portafilter does the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL use?
A: The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL comes with a 58mm commercial-grade portafilter, which is standard for many high-end espresso machines. This size allows for better espresso extraction compared to smaller portafilters.

Q: Can I make hot water for tea or Americanos with the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL?
A: Yes, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL has a dedicated hot water outlet, allowing you to easily make Americanos, tea, or even instant coffee.