Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Review

As a passionate home barista, I’ve always been on the lookout for a machine that can produce café-quality espresso with minimal hassle. After using various machines over the years, I decided to invest in the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL to elevate my coffee game. This machine has garnered rave reviews for its precision, performance, and versatility, so I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype. In this review, I’ll share my personal experience with the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL, discussing its features, performance, and overall value. Learn How to change the brew temperature on Breville/Sage Barista Express

Unboxing the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL

When the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL arrived, I couldn’t help but be excited. The machine comes well-packaged, with all the necessary components safely secured inside. Upon lifting it from the box, I immediately noticed how solid and substantial it felt. Weighing in at around 30 pounds, it’s clear this machine is built to last. The stainless steel exterior gives it a sleek, professional look that fits well with my kitchen decor.

Inside the box, I found everything I needed to get started: a 58mm portafilter, a single and dual-wall filter basket, a tamper, a milk jug, and a cleaning kit. The user manual was easy to understand and provided clear instructions for setting up the machine. After reading through the instructions, I was ready to begin setting up the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL. How to steam milk on the Breville Review

Setting Up the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL

Setting up the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL was surprisingly straightforward, especially for a machine with so many features. I started by filling the 84-ounce water reservoir, which is conveniently located at the back of the machine. This large capacity means fewer trips to refill the tank, which is a nice touch. The machine also has a clear water level indicator, so I always know when it’s time to top up.

Once the water tank was filled, I connected the machine to the power supply and turned it on. The machine’s startup process was relatively quick, and it took about 10 minutes to fully heat up. This is a bit longer than other machines I’ve used, but I found the wait to be worth it once I saw how precisely the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL maintained its temperature throughout brewing.

Features of the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL

The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL lives up to its name with its dual boiler system. One boiler is dedicated to brewing espresso, while the other is reserved for steaming milk. This allows you to brew espresso and steam milk at the same time, which is an incredible time-saver when preparing multiple drinks.

The machine’s PID (proportional-integral-derivative) temperature control ensures that the water temperature stays consistent throughout the brewing process. This is a huge benefit because temperature stability is key to extracting the best flavor from the coffee. The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL maintains the temperature within a narrow range, which translates to more consistent shots with rich, flavorful crema.

One of the standout features of the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is its Over Pressure Valve (OPV). The OPV limits the maximum pressure during extraction to prevent over-extraction and bitterness, which is something that many other home espresso machines don’t offer. This feature gives me greater control over the flavor profile of my espresso shots and helps me avoid the harsh, unpleasant taste that can come from high pressure. Did you know How to steam milk on the Breville Barista Express

Brewing with the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL

Brewing espresso with the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is an absolute pleasure. The machine’s 58mm portafilter is a commercial standard, which means I can use the same tools and techniques that I would at a café. The portafilter fits snugly into the group head, and the machine’s solid construction ensures a tight seal, preventing any leakage during extraction.

The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL allows you to adjust various settings, including pre-infusion time, shot volume, and brew temperature. The pre-infusion feature is especially useful for ensuring even extraction, as it allows the coffee grounds to bloom before full pressure is applied. This results in a smoother, more balanced shot of espresso.

The pressure gauge on the front of the machine provides real-time feedback during extraction, which is incredibly helpful for dialing in my grind size and tamping pressure. The gauge shows the ideal pressure range for espresso brewing, so I can easily adjust to ensure that I’m getting the best possible shot. With Using a single basket with a Breville or Sage home espresso machine review

Milk Frothing with the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL

If you’re a fan of milk-based drinks like lattes or cappuccinos, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL won’t disappoint. The steam wand is incredibly powerful, and I was able to produce rich, velvety microfoam with little effort. The wand swivels 360 degrees, making it easy to position the milk jug for perfect frothing.

The steam power is easily adjustable using the machine’s settings, which is a great feature for those who prefer different levels of milk texture. The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is capable of creating a wide range of milk textures, from dense microfoam for latte art to airy froth for cappuccinos.

Because the machine has two boilers, I was able to steam milk and brew espresso simultaneously, which significantly reduced the overall preparation time. This is a huge advantage when making multiple drinks for guests or when I’m in a hurry.

Cleaning and Maintenance of the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL

Maintaining the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is relatively simple, thanks to its self-cleaning features. The steam wand automatically purges itself after each use, which helps prevent milk buildup and makes it easier to maintain. I also backflush the group head regularly using the provided cleaning disc and tablets. The machine’s cleaning cycle is easy to initiate, and the included instructions make the process clear and straightforward.

The drip tray is large and easy to remove, and it includes an "Empty Me!" indicator that pops up when it’s full, which is a thoughtful touch. The water reservoir and drip tray are both dishwasher-safe, making cleanup even more convenient.

Performance and Consistency of the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL

After using the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL for several months, I can confidently say that it delivers outstanding performance and consistency. The dual boiler system ensures that I never have to wait for the machine to switch between brewing and steaming, which makes my coffee-making routine much more efficient.

The PID temperature control system is highly effective at maintaining consistent water temperatures, which has a direct impact on the quality of my espresso shots. The pressure gauge also allows me to fine-tune my brewing process, ensuring that I’m always extracting the perfect shot.

The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is a durable, reliable machine that has consistently produced high-quality espresso, day after day. It’s clear that this machine is built to last, and I’m confident that it will continue to perform at a high level for years to come.

Pros and Cons of the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL

Pros:

• Dual Boiler System: Allows for simultaneous brewing and steaming, saving time and improving workflow.
• PID Temperature Control: Provides consistent water temperature for better espresso extraction.
• Over Pressure Valve: Prevents over-extraction and bitterness, leading to better-tasting espresso.
• Powerful Steam Wand: Makes it easy to create microfoam and froth milk to perfection.
• User-Friendly Interface: The machine’s controls and settings are easy to navigate, even for beginners.
• Durable Construction: Made with high-quality materials for long-lasting performance.

Cons:

• Size and Weight: The machine is large and heavy, requiring ample counter space.
• Learning Curve: With so many customizable settings, it may take some time to master the machine’s full potential.
• Price: It’s an investment, though the performance justifies the cost.

Product Review Conclusion

The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL has truly exceeded my expectations. Its dual boiler system, PID temperature control, and powerful steam wand make it an exceptional choice for home baristas who want to take their coffee game to the next level. While it may not be the easiest machine for beginners to master, its performance, consistency, and durability make it well worth the learning curve. If you’re serious about espresso and want a machine that can deliver café-quality results at home, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is definitely worth considering.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL

Q: What is the dual boiler system on the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL?
A: The dual boiler system means the machine has two separate boilers—one for brewing espresso and one for steaming milk. This allows you to brew espresso and steam milk simultaneously, improving efficiency and saving time, especially when preparing multiple drinks.

Q: What is PID temperature control, and why is it important?
A: PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) temperature control is a system that maintains a stable water temperature for brewing espresso. Consistent temperature is crucial for extracting the best flavor from coffee, and the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL’s PID system ensures precise temperature control, resulting in better-tasting espresso.

Q: Can I adjust the brewing temperature on the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL?
A: Yes, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL allows you to adjust the brewing temperature to suit your preferences. You can fine-tune the temperature to get the perfect extraction for different types of coffee beans and roasts.

Q: How powerful is the steam wand on the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL?
A: The steam wand on the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is very powerful and capable of creating high-quality microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos. It’s also fully articulating, meaning you can adjust the position of the wand to suit your frothing technique and milk jug size.

Q: Is the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL easy to clean?
A: Yes, cleaning the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is straightforward. The steam wand features an automatic purge system after each use to clear out milk residue, and the machine has a simple cleaning cycle for backflushing. The drip tray, water reservoir, and other parts are easy to remove and clean as well.

Q: How long does it take for the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL to heat up?
A: The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL typically takes about 10 minutes to heat up fully, which is standard for a machine with dual boilers. During this time, the water reaches the optimal temperature for brewing espresso, ensuring consistent results.

Q: Can I make two cups of espresso at the same time with the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL?
A: Yes, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL has a dual boiler system and a 58mm portafilter, allowing you to brew two espresso shots simultaneously. This is particularly useful if you're preparing drinks for multiple people or entertaining guests.

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 to purchase a separate burr grinder to grind your coffee beans. However, Breville offers a range of compatible grinders that work well with the BES920XL.

Q: How often do I need to descale the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL?
A: The frequency of descaling depends on the hardness of your water and how often you use the machine. The machine will notify you when it’s time to descale, but generally, it’s recommended to descale every 2–3 months, or more frequently if you live in an area with hard water.

Q: Is the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL suitable for beginners?
A: While the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL offers a range of customizable features, it may not be ideal for absolute beginners. It has a learning curve due to its advanced settings and controls. However, with some practice and patience, it can be a great machine for those who are looking to improve their espresso-making skills.

Q: How does the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL compare to other espresso machines in its price range?
A: The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is a high-performance machine with a dual boiler system, PID temperature control, and commercial-grade features, which makes it a strong contender in its price range. While it may be more expensive than some entry-level machines, its versatility and performance make it an excellent value for serious coffee enthusiasts.