Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Review

I’ve always been passionate about coffee, and after spending years honing my barista skills at home, I decided it was time to upgrade my setup. After extensive research, I landed on the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL, and I’ve been using it for quite some time now. In this review, I’ll walk you through my personal experience with this machine and whether I believe it’s worth the investment for serious home espresso enthusiasts.

My Experience with the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL

From the first time I used the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL, I could immediately feel the difference compared to other espresso machines I’ve used. The dual boiler system isn’t just a gimmick—it’s a game changer. Being able to brew espresso and steam milk simultaneously feels luxurious in a home setting, and it allows me to make drinks faster, especially when I’m preparing multiple lattes for guests.

One of the key things that stood out to me during my experience with this machine is how precise it is. The PID temperature control ensures that the water is always at the right temperature for extracting rich, flavorful espresso. I also appreciated the control it offers over pre-infusion and steam pressure, giving me the ability to fine-tune my shots and milk frothing. I’ve tried everything from light roast single origins to dark roasts with this machine, and the consistency it delivers has been remarkable.

Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Review: Ideal for the Espresso Enthusiast

If you’re the kind of person who likes to experiment with every aspect of your espresso, this machine is for you. I’m someone who enjoys tinkering with variables—whether it’s adjusting the grind size, playing with the extraction time, or experimenting with the temperature settings—and the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL allows for all of that and more.

The machine gives you the freedom to create your ideal cup, but at the same time, it’s intuitive enough for someone who just wants to make a great cup of espresso without too much hassle. The included dosing tool helps with consistent coffee measurements, and the LCD screen provides real-time feedback on your brew, which is a great way to refine your process if you’re looking to up your game.

Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Review: Who Is It For?

While I would recommend the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL to anyone serious about making espresso at home, it’s important to recognize who this machine is best suited for. I think the BES920XL is ideal for:

• Aspiring home baristas who want the precision and control of a commercial-grade machine without having to spend a fortune on actual commercial equipment.
• Coffee enthusiasts who enjoy experimenting with different brewing parameters to bring out unique flavors in their coffee.
• Entertainers who frequently prepare coffee for guests and need a machine that can handle making multiple drinks efficiently.

That being said, if you’re someone who prefers convenience over customization, you might find some of the manual processes involved with this machine a bit much. There are plenty of automatic espresso machines on the market that can deliver decent results with the push of a button, but if you want full control over the brewing process, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is hard to beat.

Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Review: Everyday Use and Convenience

One of the things I’ve come to appreciate most about the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is how easy it makes the process of brewing exceptional espresso at home. After dialing in my settings, I’ve been able to pull consistently great shots every morning without much effort. The dual boiler system also makes it more convenient to prepare lattes or cappuccinos without waiting for the machine to switch between brewing and steaming.

While there is a learning curve if you’re new to manual espresso machines, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is not as intimidating as some other high-end machines I’ve tried. The interface is user-friendly, and the machine gives you enough guidance to get started while leaving room for more advanced techniques as your skills develop.

Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Review: Practical Considerations

I’ll be honest—the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL isn’t a small machine. It takes up a decent amount of counter space, so if you have a compact kitchen, that’s something to consider. In my case, I found that the trade-off was worth it, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re already working with limited space.

Another thing to note is that the machine does require regular cleaning and maintenance. The steam wand, in particular, needs to be wiped down after each use to prevent milk from drying on it. Descaling is also necessary, especially if you live in an area with hard water like I do. That said, the maintenance is straightforward, and the machine provides prompts when it’s time to clean or descale, which makes it easy to stay on top of.

Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Review: The Learning Curve

One thing that stood out to me while using the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is that it’s not necessarily a machine for beginners. If you’ve never used a manual espresso machine before, it might take some time to get the hang of pulling shots and steaming milk. In my case, I had some experience with manual machines, but even then, it took a bit of practice to master the different settings and techniques.

However, once you get comfortable with the machine, the results are well worth the effort. I now have full control over every aspect of the brewing process, which allows me to consistently make high-quality drinks that rival what you’d get in a coffee shop.

Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Review: Why I Chose This Machine

Before I decided to purchase the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL, I did a lot of research and considered a few other machines in the same price range. What ultimately sold me on the BES920XL was its combination of dual boiler functionality, customizable features, and overall build quality. I also appreciated that Breville is a trusted name in the home espresso machine market, and their customer support has been excellent in my experience.

While it is a bit of an investment, I believe the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL offers incredible value for what you get. The precision and control it provides are typically only found in much more expensive machines, making it a great option for anyone who wants professional-level performance at home.

Product Review Conclusion

After using the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL for several months, I can confidently say that it’s one of the best espresso machines on the market for home use. It strikes a perfect balance between performance, customization, and durability, making it a great choice for serious coffee lovers. While it requires some time to learn and maintain, the quality of the espresso and milk-based drinks it produces makes it well worth the effort.

If you’re someone who enjoys the process of making espresso and wants to take your skills to the next level, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is a fantastic investment that will elevate your home coffee experience.

Q: What makes the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL different from other espresso machines?
A: The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL features a dual boiler system, allowing you to brew espresso and steam milk simultaneously. It also offers precision control with PID temperature settings, pre-infusion, and adjustable steam pressure, providing more customization than typical single boiler machines.

Q: Is the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL suitable for beginners?
A: While beginners can use it, there is a learning curve due to its manual operation and advanced features. However, for those willing to learn, it offers professional-grade results at home.

Q: Does the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL take up a lot of space?
A: Yes, the BES920XL is relatively large compared to other home espresso machines due to its dual boiler system and commercial-grade features. Make sure you have sufficient counter space.

Q: How easy is it to clean and maintain the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL?
A: The machine has a built-in descaling mode and prompts you when cleaning is needed. Regular maintenance, including wiping down the steam wand after use and cleaning the portafilter, is required for optimal performance.

Q: Can I customize the temperature settings on the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL?
A: Yes, the BES920XL features PID temperature control, allowing you to set precise brewing temperatures. This ensures consistent espresso extraction tailored to your coffee preferences.

Q: How long does it take to heat up?
A: The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL takes about 10-15 minutes to reach the optimal temperature for brewing and steaming, which is standard for a dual boiler machine.

Q: What accessories come with the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL?
A: The machine includes a 58mm portafilter, stainless steel milk jug, cleaning tools, and a razor dosing tool for precise coffee measurement.

Q: Is it worth the price?
A: If you’re serious about making espresso at home and want full control over the brewing process, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL offers excellent value for its professional-grade features. However, it may be overkill for casual users or those seeking convenience over customization.