Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Review

When I first set my sights on the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL, I knew I was stepping into the world of serious home espresso brewing. I’ve used my fair share of espresso machines over the years, but something about the BES920XL seemed different. It promised professional-level brewing and steaming capabilities at a reasonable price for home enthusiasts. After spending some time with it, I can confidently say it lived up to the hype. Here’s my in-depth Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL review to share what makes it worth the investment.

Why I Chose the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL

In my search for an espresso machine, I wanted something that offered consistent quality without too much of a learning curve. The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL seemed to tick all the boxes—it promised precision temperature control, dual boilers, and lots of user-friendly features. I love the idea of crafting espresso that rivals my favorite coffee shops right from my kitchen, and this machine looked like a capable partner in that pursuit.

Unboxing and First Impressions

From the moment I opened the box, I could tell that the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL was built to impress. The stainless steel finish gave it a sleek, modern look that fits well in any kitchen. It came with a range of accessories—single and double-wall filter baskets, a stainless steel milk jug, and even a water hardness testing strip. Everything about the packaging indicated this was a machine built by people who understand espresso.

Setting it up took me about 20 minutes, which was impressive given the complexity of many home espresso machines. The included manual was thorough, but I barely needed it—the intuitive setup steps made the process pretty straightforward.

Performance of the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL

Brewing with the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Review

The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL offers two separate boilers, which means you can pull a shot of espresso and steam milk simultaneously. I cannot overstate how much of a game changer this feature is. The result? I can brew a cup of cappuccino in just a couple of minutes, which is perfect when I'm in a rush during the mornings.

The PID temperature control is one of the BES920XL's biggest advantages. The consistent temperature, maintained between 200°F and 205°F, guarantees a rich espresso extraction every time. This consistency led to a noticeable improvement in the flavor of my shots—each cup was smoother and more balanced compared to other machines I’ve used.

Steaming Milk Like a Pro

If you love milk-based drinks like lattes or cappuccinos, you'll enjoy the power of the steam wand. With the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL, the steam wand delivers cafe-quality microfoam. The milk texturing is so silky that it's easy to create those beautiful latte art patterns you see on Instagram.

One downside is that there is a bit of a learning curve with the steam wand—I found it took me a few attempts to get the desired texture. However, once you get the hang of it, the consistency is second to none, and I’ve made some of my best cappuccinos using this machine.

Ease of Use and Customization

Adjusting the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Settings

One of the things I appreciated most during my Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL review was its customization. You can adjust everything, from brew temperature to pre-infusion time, which makes it ideal for someone who likes to tweak and fine-tune their espresso-making process.

I found that, even as a relative beginner, the interface is intuitive enough that I could make adjustments without feeling overwhelmed. Once I grew more comfortable, I played around with various temperatures and pre-infusion times to see the impact on my shots. This machine really allows you to explore and enjoy the science of coffee.

Comparing to Other Machines

How the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Review Stacks Up

I've used some cheaper single-boiler machines, but they can't compare to what the Breville BES920XL delivers in terms of control, taste, and overall experience. With the dual boiler system, I no longer need to wait between brewing and steaming—an issue I often had with my older machines.

I also looked at more high-end options, but they were often priced way beyond my budget, and the extra features didn’t justify the cost for me. With the Breville Dual Boiler, I felt like I was getting professional features at a home-barista price point, and that felt like a perfect fit.

Cons of the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL

Drawbacks in the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Review

No machine is perfect, and that’s true for the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL as well. For one, the machine is quite large. You’ll need a fair bit of counter space to accommodate it. This isn't a major issue for me, but if you have limited kitchen space, you might need to reconsider.

Another minor drawback is the warm-up time. The dual boilers mean you need to give it about 10-15 minutes to heat up properly. I usually switch it on first thing in the morning and go about my routine, but it’s not the fastest if you’re in a rush.

Lastly, the cost is higher compared to many entry-level machines. But when I consider the consistency and quality of espresso I get from the BES920XL, I feel it's worth every penny.

Maintenance and Care

Maintaining the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Review

One aspect I always consider before purchasing a coffee machine is how much effort it takes to keep it running smoothly. The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL comes with a handy reminder for descaling and cleaning, which helps keep the maintenance easy.

Breville also designed the BES920XL to allow users to descale the machine themselves, which isn’t always the case with similar espresso machines. I really like that I didn’t have to schedule professional maintenance for descaling—it made me feel more independent and in control.

I do need to backflush the machine regularly, but this takes less than a minute. The drip tray also fills up relatively fast, which means I find myself emptying it every couple of days. These little maintenance chores are a small price to pay for the high-quality espresso this machine produces.

My Favorite Features of the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL

Highlights from the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Review

One of my favorite features is the programmable shot volume and pre-infusion. I love that I can customize the amount of water that flows through my grounds. This allows me to really control the strength of each shot, depending on my mood or the type of coffee bean I’m using.

Another standout feature is the auto-start functionality. I like to program the machine to start warming up just before I wake up. By the time I reach the kitchen, it’s ready for me to pull a shot—and there’s no better way to start the day than with fresh espresso.

I also really appreciate the hot water outlet. If you enjoy making Americanos or tea, having the hot water spout is incredibly convenient.

Product Review Conclusion: Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Review

After several months of using the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL, I feel it’s an investment that’s well worth it for anyone serious about their home espresso game. The dual boilers, PID temperature control, and intuitive user interface make it an excellent choice for both beginners and more experienced users.

The learning curve may be slightly steeper compared to entry-level machines, and it takes up a significant amount of counter space, but the quality of the espresso and steamed milk is comparable to many commercial setups. The level of customization is impressive, and it has truly transformed my mornings.

If you want to elevate your home coffee experience and are willing to invest in a machine that offers consistency, control, and great taste, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL should be at the top of your list. I’m thrilled with my purchase, and I can’t imagine starting my day without it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL take to heat up?
A: The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL takes approximately 10-15 minutes to heat up properly. It has a dual boiler system, so it's best to plan ahead and switch it on before you need it.

Q: Can I descale the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL myself?
A: Yes, the Breville BES920XL is designed for users to descale it themselves. It has a built-in descaling feature that makes it easy, and the machine even provides reminders when it's time to descale.

Q: Is the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL difficult to use for beginners?
A: While the Breville BES920XL does have some advanced features, it’s quite beginner-friendly. The intuitive interface makes it easy for newcomers to get started, and the customization options can be explored as you become more comfortable.

Q: How much counter space does the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL require?
A: The BES920XL is relatively large, so you’ll need ample counter space to accommodate it. If your kitchen is small or has limited space, you might need to reconsider or rearrange some things to fit it in.

Q: Can I make multiple milk-based drinks quickly?
A: Yes, thanks to the dual boiler system, you can brew espresso and steam milk simultaneously. This means you can make multiple milk-based drinks, like lattes or cappuccinos, very quickly without waiting in between steps.

Q: Does the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL have a hot water outlet?
A: Yes, it does. The hot water outlet is great for making Americanos or even for tea, adding to the machine’s versatility.

Q: Is it easy to maintain the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL?
A: Yes, the BES920XL comes with reminders for regular cleaning and descaling. Backflushing is quick and easy, and while the drip tray fills up relatively fast, it’s simple to empty. Regular maintenance is straightforward and ensures the machine runs smoothly.

Q: Can I program the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL to start automatically?
A: Yes, the BES920XL has an auto-start feature, allowing you to program the machine to start warming up at a specified time. This feature is convenient, especially for those early mornings when you want your coffee ready as soon as possible.