Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Review

As a coffee enthusiast, I’ve always been on the lookout for an espresso machine that balances performance, ease of use, and affordability. After spending weeks researching and experimenting with different models, I finally decided to invest in the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL. With its dual boiler system, precise temperature control, and intuitive design, this espresso machine caught my attention for all the right reasons. In this review, I’ll walk you through my personal experience with the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL, highlighting its design, functionality, and overall value.

Design and Build Quality of the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL

I first unboxed the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL, I was immediately impressed by its sleek and modern design. The brushed stainless steel exterior gives it a professional look that would look great in any kitchen. It’s a bit larger than some home espresso machines, but not overwhelmingly so, which means it fits nicely on my countertop without taking up too much space.

The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL comes equipped with a set of practical features that improve both its functionality and usability. One of the standout features is its retractable wheels, which allow the machine to glide easily in and out of place. Once positioned, the wheels can be locked, providing stability during use. The drip tray is also designed to be removable and easy to clean, which is always a plus for someone who enjoys maintaining their equipment.

As for its build, the materials feel premium, and it doesn’t feel flimsy or cheap in any way. The knobs and buttons are responsive, and the overall feel of the machine suggests durability. This is something I truly appreciate, as many home espresso machines tend to feel a bit too lightweight or fragile.

Brewing Performance of the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL

The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL boasts a dual boiler system, which allows you to brew espresso and steam milk at the same time. This feature alone was a major selling point for me, as I often find myself making multiple drinks in a row, and waiting for the machine to switch between brewing and steaming can be frustrating.

it comes to the actual espresso brewing performance, I’ve been thoroughly impressed. The machine features precise temperature control with an adjustable range, allowing me to dial in the perfect brew temperature depending on the type of beans I’m using. I’ve been able to pull shots with remarkable clarity, richness, and balance, which is often a challenge with machines in this price range.

In terms of shot quality, the BES920XL has delivered consistently excellent results. The shots are smooth and flavorful, with minimal bitterness or sourness. Whether I’m pulling a straight espresso or making a cappuccino, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL seems to bring out the best in the coffee, extracting a clean and aromatic shot every time.

Comparison: How Does the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Stack Up?

In comparing the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL with other machines I’ve used, I found that it holds its own against both lower-end and higher-end models. I compared it with the Gaggia Classic Pro, a popular single boiler machine, and the La Spaziale Vivaldi S1, a much more expensive dual boiler machine.

The Gaggia Classic Pro, while a great machine for beginners, has some drawbacks when it comes to versatility. It can only brew or steam at one time, meaning that if you’re making multiple milk-based drinks, you’ll need to wait between tasks. The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL, on the other hand, excels in this area, thanks to its dual boiler design, allowing me to brew and steam simultaneously, saving time and effort.

On the other hand, the La Spaziale Vivaldi S1, which is a much pricier machine, delivers excellent espresso quality. However, when I compared the two, I found that the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL delivered shots with just as much clarity and sweetness, though it did lack a bit of the thick mouthfeel that the Vivaldi is known for. Still, considering the price difference, the BES920XL holds its own and delivers fantastic value.

Steam Power and Milk Frothing with the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL

Milk frothing is a critical aspect of any espresso machine, especially if you enjoy lattes or cappuccinos. The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL does a solid job of steaming milk, although I did find that it doesn’t quite match the La Spaziale Vivaldi S1 in terms of speed. The steam wand on the BES920XL is powerful enough to produce a nice, velvety microfoam, though it takes slightly longer to steam milk to the desired temperature compared to other higher-end machines.

The steam wand itself is easy to control, with a smooth motion and a good range of movement. This makes it easier to achieve the ideal position for steaming milk, and I found it relatively simple to create latte art, even though I’m still a novice at it.

While the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL may not be the fastest milk frother out there, it still gets the job done well, and I’ve been happy with the consistency of the foam it produces. If you’re someone who often prepares multiple drinks in a row, however, you might find the steaming process a bit slower compared to other models. But for my needs, it’s been perfectly adequate.

User-Friendly Features of the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL

One of the things I love most about the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is its user-friendly design. The interface is simple to navigate, with clearly labeled buttons and an intuitive menu system. The machine has several programmable features that allow you to customize your brewing experience, from adjusting the brew temperature to fine-tuning the pre-infusion time.

The auto-off function is another great feature, as it ensures that the machine doesn’t waste energy when it’s not in use. Additionally, the shot clock is a useful tool that tracks extraction time, which helps me keep an eye on how my shots are progressing. For anyone who loves to experiment with different brewing variables, this is a helpful addition that adds a level of precision to the process.

I also appreciated the water tank design, which is large enough to hold plenty of water for multiple shots, but also easy to remove and refill when necessary. This is a simple but essential feature that many other machines overlook.

Maintenance and Cleaning: Keeping the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL in Top Shape

Maintaining the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is relatively easy, though it does require some attention to detail. The machine includes a descaling alert, which notifies you when it’s time to clean the internal components. This is especially helpful, as it can be easy to forget to clean the machine regularly.

The drip tray and portafilter are both easy to remove and clean, and I’ve found the machine to be quite low-maintenance overall. Of course, like any espresso machine, it’s important to clean the steam wand after every use to prevent milk residue from building up. Thankfully, the BES920XL comes with a cleaning brush and a steaming wand cleaning tool, which makes this process quick and simple.

Product Review Conclusion: Is the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Worth the Investment?

After using the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL for several months, I can confidently say that it’s a top-tier espresso machine that offers excellent performance and value. The dual boiler system, which allows you to brew and steam simultaneously, is a game-changer, particularly for anyone who loves to make multiple milk-based drinks. The precision brewing controls ensure that you can dial in the perfect shot, and the user-friendly features make it easy to customize your coffee experience.

In comparison to other machines in the same price range, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL stands out for its combination of performance, ease of use, and thoughtful design. It’s not the fastest milk frother or the most powerful machine on the market, but it delivers consistently excellent espresso and steam at a price that’s much more accessible than many high-end models.

If you’re in the market for a prosumer espresso machine that balances quality and affordability, I wholeheartedly recommend the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone who’s serious about espresso at home.

FAQ

Q: What is the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL?
A: The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is a high-quality espresso machine designed for home baristas. It features a dual boiler system, allowing you to brew espresso and steam milk simultaneously. This machine offers precise control over brewing temperatures, shot timings, and milk frothing, making it a great choice for coffee enthusiasts.

Q: How does the dual boiler system work on the BES920XL?
A: The dual boiler system in the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL consists of two separate boilers—one for brewing espresso and one for steaming milk. This allows you to brew espresso and froth milk at the same time, eliminating the need to wait between these processes. It’s a significant time-saver and ideal for those who make multiple drinks in a short period.

Q: Is the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL easy to use for beginners?
A: While the BES920XL is designed for enthusiasts and more advanced users, it’s still relatively easy for beginners to use. The machine offers an intuitive interface with clearly labeled buttons and an adjustable temperature control that can be set for different types of coffee. Additionally, it provides an automatic shot clock and pre-infusion features, which can help beginners get the right shot.

Q: How long does it take to heat up the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL?
A: The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL heats up fairly quickly, usually within about 10-15 minutes. This is relatively fast for a dual boiler machine, though not as quick as some single-boiler models. However, once heated, the machine is ready to brew and steam simultaneously.

Q: Can I use pre-ground coffee with the BES920XL, or do I need a grinder?
A: While you can use pre-ground coffee with the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL, it’s recommended to use freshly ground coffee for the best results. Fresh grounds preserve the flavors and aromas that make espresso more enjoyable. If you don't already have one, investing in a high-quality coffee grinder will significantly improve the quality of your shots.

Q: How does the steam power of the BES920XL compare to other machines?
A: The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL offers solid steam power for milk frothing, but it is not the fastest machine when it comes to steaming milk. It takes around 25-30 seconds to steam milk to the desired temperature, which is slower compared to some higher-end models. However, the machine still produces high-quality microfoam suitable for latte art.

Q: What features can I customize on the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL?
A: The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL allows for a wide range of customizations. You can adjust the brewing temperature in 1°F increments, change the pre-infusion time, and fine-tune the water pressure. Additionally, it has an auto-off function and a shot clock to track extraction times, giving you complete control over your coffee-making process.

Q: How do I maintain and clean the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL?
A: Maintaining and cleaning the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is straightforward. It includes a descaling alert to notify you when it’s time to clean the machine. Regular maintenance includes cleaning the portafilter, steam wand, and drip tray. The steam wand should be wiped down after each use to prevent milk residue buildup. The machine also comes with a cleaning brush and steaming wand cleaning tool for easy upkeep.

Q: Does the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL have a good warranty?
A: Yes, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL typically comes with a 1-year limited warranty that covers any manufacturing defects or issues with the machine’s operation. It's always a good idea to check with the retailer or manufacturer for specific warranty details and coverage.

Q: How does the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL compare to the Breville Oracle?
A: The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL and the Breville Oracle are both high-end espresso machines, but the Oracle has additional automated features such as an integrated grinder, automatic tamping, and automatic milk frothing. The BES920XL, on the other hand, gives you more manual control over the brewing process. The Oracle is a more automated option, while the BES920XL is better suited for those who prefer hands-on involvement in making their coffee.

Q: Is the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL worth the price?
A: Yes, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL offers great value for its price. It provides high-quality espresso shots, precise control over brewing variables, and a dual boiler system that allows you to brew and steam at the same time. While there are more expensive machines on the market, the BES920XL offers excellent performance without breaking the bank, making it a great option for home baristas looking for professional-level coffee at home.