Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Review

As a passionate home barista, I’ve always sought the perfect espresso machine to elevate my coffee experience. When I came across the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL, it seemed to check all the boxes: dual boiler technology, precise temperature control, and a design that promised to bring café-quality espresso into my kitchen. After months of use, I’m excited to share my experience with this machine.

Why I Chose the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL

Selecting an espresso machine can be overwhelming with so many options on the market. What drew me to the BES920XL was its combination of advanced features at a reasonable price. I wanted something that could give me the consistency of a professional machine without requiring a barista-level skillset to operate. The dual boiler system was a game-changer for me, as I didn’t want to wait between brewing espresso and steaming milk—this was a feature I previously missed with single-boiler machines.

The Learning Curve: Getting Comfortable with the Machine

Despite its advanced capabilities, I found the BES920XL remarkably approachable. The intuitive LCD screen provides clear instructions for programming shot volumes, temperature, and pre-infusion settings. For someone like me who enjoys experimenting with different coffee beans, having this level of control allowed me to customize each shot and truly appreciate the nuances of my coffee.

That said, it wasn’t all smooth sailing initially. There’s a slight learning curve when dialing in grind size, dose, and tamp pressure. Thankfully, Breville includes a razor dosing tool to help you achieve the right coffee puck height, which was a helpful starting point. Once I got the hang of it, pulling consistent shots became second nature.

Dual Boiler Advantages: A Game-Changer for Home Brewing

One of the standout features of the BES920XL is the dual boiler system. This means you can brew espresso and steam milk simultaneously, which is a huge time saver. For someone who loves making lattes and cappuccinos, this feature has been invaluable. It’s particularly useful when entertaining guests—there’s no downtime between brewing and steaming, so I can serve drinks quickly without sacrificing quality.

The temperature stability provided by the dual boiler system is another highlight. I noticed immediately that the machine consistently delivered espresso at the ideal temperature, ensuring that each shot was rich and full-bodied. This level of precision is something I hadn’t experienced with previous machines.

Steaming Milk: A Dream for Latte Art Enthusiasts

As someone who enjoys practicing latte art, the BES920XL has been a joy to use. The steam wand is powerful and offers excellent control, making it easy to texture milk to a velvety microfoam. Whether I’m making a simple cappuccino or attempting more intricate latte art designs, the steam wand delivers consistent results every time.

I’ve also found that the steam boiler heats up quickly and maintains consistent pressure. This eliminates the frustration I’ve experienced with other machines where the steam power dwindles halfway through frothing.

Maintenance and Care: Keeping Things Running Smoothly

Like any espresso machine, the BES920XL requires regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly. Thankfully, Breville has made this as straightforward as possible. The machine provides alerts for tasks like descaling, and the dedicated descale function simplifies what can often be a tedious process with other machines.

Cleaning the BES920XL is equally user-friendly. The drip tray is easy to remove and clean, and the storage space underneath is perfect for keeping tools and accessories organized. I also appreciate the removable water reservoir, which can be filled from the front or back depending on your setup.

Real-World Use Cases: How It Fits into My Routine

The BES920XL has seamlessly integrated into my daily routine. On busy mornings, I can quickly pull a double shot of espresso and steam milk for a latte in under five minutes. On weekends, I like to take my time experimenting with different beans and brewing parameters to perfect my technique. The machine’s versatility means it caters to both scenarios effortlessly.

One unexpected benefit is how much I’ve learned about coffee since owning the BES920XL. The precise controls have encouraged me to explore different origins, roast levels, and grind settings, deepening my appreciation for the craft of espresso.

What Could Be Improved

While the BES920XL has been an excellent addition to my kitchen, it’s not without its quirks. The machine takes a few minutes to heat up, which might be a downside for those who are always in a rush. Additionally, the price point may feel steep for beginners, though I believe it offers great value for the features it provides.

The machine’s size is another consideration. While it’s not overly bulky, it does require some counter space, and accessing the cup warmer can be tricky if you have low cabinets.

Would I Recommend It?

If you’re someone who enjoys high-quality coffee and is willing to invest a bit of time and money into the process, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is an excellent choice. It bridges the gap between consumer and professional-grade machines, offering advanced features in an approachable package. Whether you’re pulling single espressos, crafting lattes, or experimenting with pre-infusion settings, this machine is up to the task.

For me, the BES920XL has not only improved the quality of my coffee but also turned the act of brewing into a ritual I genuinely look forward to. If you’re serious about your coffee and ready to take your home setup to the next level, this machine is well worth considering.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What makes the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL different from other espresso machines?
A: The BES920XL stands out due to its dual boiler system, which allows simultaneous brewing of espresso and steaming of milk. It also offers precise temperature control, programmable pre-infusion, and a user-friendly design, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced home baristas.

Q: Is the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL suitable for beginners?
A: Yes, while it has advanced features, the BES920XL is beginner-friendly thanks to its clear instructions, intuitive LCD interface, and helpful tools like the razor dosing tool. However, beginners should be prepared for a slight learning curve when dialing in grind size and brew settings.

Q: How long does it take to heat up?
A: The BES920XL typically takes about 5–7 minutes to fully heat up. This ensures that both boilers reach the optimal temperature for brewing and steaming.

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 recommended. Pairing the machine with a good-quality burr grinder will significantly enhance the flavor and quality of your espresso.

Q: How easy is it to clean and maintain?
A: The BES920XL is designed with ease of maintenance in mind. It includes maintenance alerts, a descale function, and easily removable components like the drip tray and water reservoir. Regular cleaning and following the provided maintenance schedule will keep the machine in top condition.

Q: Does the BES920XL work well for milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos?
A: Absolutely. The powerful steam wand produces consistent, velvety microfoam, making it perfect for lattes, cappuccinos, and even latte art. The dual boiler design allows you to steam milk and brew espresso at the same time, speeding up the process.

Q: What is the water capacity of the machine?
A: The BES920XL has a 2.5-liter water reservoir, which is large enough for multiple drinks without frequent refilling. The reservoir can be filled from the front or back for added convenience.

Q: Does the machine include a grinder?
A: No, the BES920XL does not include a built-in grinder. It is recommended to use a high-quality burr grinder for precise control over grind size, which is essential for achieving great espresso.

Q: Is the machine durable?
A: Yes, the BES920XL is built with high-quality stainless steel and components designed to last. With proper care and maintenance, it can provide years of reliable performance.

Q: Can it handle high-volume use, like making multiple drinks for guests?
A: Yes, the dual boiler system ensures that the machine can handle high-volume use without compromising on performance. You can brew and steam simultaneously, making it ideal for serving multiple drinks in a short amount of time.

Q: Is the price worth it?
A: While the BES920XL may seem like a significant investment upfront, its advanced features, consistent performance, and durability make it an excellent value for coffee enthusiasts who want a professional-level experience at home.