Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Review

As a coffee enthusiast, I often find myself on the hunt for the perfect espresso machine. When I came across the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL, I was intrigued by its features and capabilities. After spending some quality time with this machine, I’m excited to share my thoughts and experiences in this review.

Initial Impressions of the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL

Upon unboxing the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL, my first thought was how well it was packaged. The machine was securely wrapped, ensuring it arrived in pristine condition. As I set it up on my kitchen counter, I couldn’t help but admire its professional appearance. The stainless steel finish exudes quality, making it a stunning centerpiece in my kitchen.

Getting started was surprisingly straightforward. I appreciated that Breville included a clear, detailed manual that guided me through the initial setup. After filling the water tank and plugging it in, I was ready to explore its features.

Brewing the Perfect Espresso

One of the most exciting aspects of the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is its ability to brew espresso with precision. The dual boiler system allows me to extract shots while steaming milk at the same time, which is perfect for busy mornings. I’ve always enjoyed making lattes, but the efficiency this machine offers has truly elevated my coffee-making routine.

I remember my first shot of espresso with the Breville. I was pleasantly surprised by the rich flavors and the thick crema. The PID temperature control lets me fine-tune the brewing temperature to suit different coffee beans, which has been particularly useful when experimenting with various roasts. I’ve found that lighter roasts shine at lower temperatures, while darker roasts benefit from a slightly higher setting. This flexibility has allowed me to fully explore the nuances of each bean.

Steaming Milk Like a Pro

I’ve always admired baristas for their ability to create stunning latte art, and with the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL, I’ve been able to practice this skill myself. The steam wand is impressively powerful, making it easy to froth milk to the perfect texture. I’ve found that a few seconds of steaming produces that coveted microfoam, which is essential for creating latte art.

What I love most is that I can make drinks for friends and family without feeling rushed. Whether it’s a quick cappuccino before work or an elaborate vanilla latte for a weekend brunch, the Breville has streamlined the process. The temperature gauge helps me avoid overheating the milk, ensuring I can consistently create creamy, delicious beverages.

Customization and Control

Another feature that stands out to me is the level of customization the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL offers. I’ve become more adventurous with my coffee creations since getting this machine. From adjusting the grind size to experimenting with extraction times, I appreciate the hands-on approach it encourages.

I’ve also enjoyed tinkering with the pre-infusion settings. This function gradually increases the water pressure before the full extraction, which has resulted in more balanced shots. By adjusting this feature, I’ve been able to enhance the flavors in my espresso, pulling out subtle notes I hadn’t noticed before. It’s a rewarding experience to see (and taste) the results of these adjustments.

Everyday Usability and Maintenance

One of the aspects that initially worried me was the maintenance of a high-end espresso machine. However, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL has proven to be quite user-friendly in this regard. The machine features an automatic cleaning cycle, making it easy to keep it in top shape.

I’ve established a routine that includes regularly emptying the drip tray and cleaning the steam wand after each use. I find that dedicating just a few minutes to maintenance ensures the machine continues to perform beautifully. Additionally, Breville provides cleaning tablets, which makes the process even simpler.

Versatility for Different Coffee Lovers

While I initially purchased the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL for personal use, I’ve found that it’s versatile enough to accommodate various coffee preferences. My partner, who enjoys a straightforward black coffee, has also embraced the machine. The hot water spout is a handy feature that allows for easy tea preparation or Americano-style drinks, broadening its appeal.

We’ve even hosted coffee-tasting sessions with friends, showcasing the machine’s capabilities. It’s been enjoyable to demonstrate how different settings and beans can dramatically change the flavor profile of the coffee. The conversations and shared experiences have turned our coffee breaks into something special.

Conclusion

In summary, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL has truly impressed me with its performance, design, and ease of use. The dual boiler system, precise temperature control, and powerful steam wand have transformed my coffee-making experience. While it comes with a higher price tag, the quality and consistency of espresso I’ve been able to produce make it a worthwhile investment for any coffee lover.

If you’re looking for a machine that delivers café-quality espresso and steamed milk, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL is an excellent choice. I highly recommend it to anyone serious about elevating their home coffee experience.

FAQs for the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL

Q1: What makes the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL different from other espresso machines?
A1: The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL features a dual boiler system that allows for simultaneous brewing and steaming, which is not common in many espresso machines. This means you can pull a shot of espresso while frothing milk, significantly reducing preparation time.

Q2: How do I maintain the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL?
A2: Maintenance is straightforward. The machine has a built-in cleaning cycle, and you should regularly empty the drip tray and clean the steam wand after each use. Using the provided cleaning tablets will help keep the machine in optimal condition.

Q3: Can I adjust the brewing temperature on the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL?
A3: Yes, the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL features PID temperature control, allowing you to set the brewing temperature to suit different types of coffee beans, ensuring a perfect extraction.

Q4: Is the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL suitable for beginners?
A4: While the machine is designed for advanced coffee enthusiasts, its user-friendly interface and clear instructions make it accessible for beginners as well. With some practice, even novice users can produce great espresso.

Q5: What type of coffee grounds should I use with the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL?
A5: The machine is compatible with a wide range of coffee grounds, but it’s best to use freshly ground coffee for optimal flavor. A good quality burr grinder will allow you to achieve the right grind size for espresso.

Q6: How long does it take for the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL to heat up?
A6: The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL typically heats up in about 10 minutes, allowing you to start brewing relatively quickly, especially compared to single boiler machines that may require longer warm-up times.

Q7: Can I make drinks other than espresso with the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL?
A7: Absolutely! In addition to espresso, you can use the hot water spout for tea or Americanos and create a variety of milk-based drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos thanks to its powerful steam wand.

Q8: What is the warranty on the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL?
A8: The Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL typically comes with a 2-year warranty, which covers manufacturing defects. It's advisable to check with the retailer or Breville's website for specific warranty details.

Q9: Does the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL come with any accessories?
A9: Yes, the machine usually comes with several accessories, including a stainless steel milk jug, a portafilter, single and double baskets, a cleaning kit, and a tamper, providing everything you need to get started.

Q10: Is the Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL easy to clean?
A10: Yes, the machine is designed for easy cleaning. It features removable parts like the drip tray and water tank, and the automatic cleaning cycle simplifies regular maintenance, ensuring your machine stays in good condition.