Breville Dual Boiler Review (2023) – Is It Any Good?

Whether you are looking for your first-ever espresso machine or you are looking to upgrade from a single to a dual-boiler machine, I’m sure that Breville Dual Boiler showed on your radar at least a few times.

That’s no wonder. It is one of the top home espresso machines on the market today. But is it worth the price tag? Should you get it for your home?

I’ve got you covered! In this Breville Dual Boiler review, I’ll be taking a deep dive into one of the most versatile and reliable machines out there. I’ll be covering everything from its features and specifications to its real-life performance – so keep reading!

Breville Dual Boiler Overview

I had the pleasure to review the Breville Dual Boiler and I must say it exceeded my expectations. It is one of the best dual-boiler espresso machines on the market today. It’s pricey, but it delivers exactly what you want from this type of machine.

As its name suggests, Breville Dual Boiler aka BES920XL features a dual boiler system, which means it has a separate boiler for both brewing and steaming. This is a significant upgrade from traditional machines, which use a single boiler for both purposes.

In addition to the dual boiler system, the Breville Dual Boiler also boasts a number of other features that make it stand out from the competition.

These include programmable shot control, a convenient pressure gauge, a PID temperature control system, and a pre-infusion function.

So if you are a home barista looking for a machine that makes great espresso and gives you complete control over the brewing process, I’m pretty sure that Dual Boiler will have you mesmerized.

Sure, it is not the prettiest espresso machine out there but it is straightforward and delivers consistently good espresso.

One of the things that impressed me most about the Breville Dual Boiler is how easy it is to use. The machine comes with an intuitive control panel that allows you to control the brewing process with just a few clicks.

That’s no wonder after all. All Breville espresso machines have been designed with beginners in mind. And in the rest of my Breville Dual Boiler review, I’ll walk you through all its advanced features as well.

Build Quality & Design

As someone who appreciates both functionality and aesthetic appeal, I was initially underwhelmed with its plain, stainless steel appearance. It’s a Breville after all.

In terms of build quality, on the other hand, the Breville Dual Boiler is a solid machine that is built to last. Despite not being the sturdiest espresso machine out there, I would say that it will last for a long time if you take proper care of this machine.

While the design of the Dual Boiler may not be the most eye-catching, it has that sleek, minimalist Breville appeal that is reminiscent of a classic Italian espresso machine. This is mostly thanks to that pressure gauge in the front.

The machine is super-easy to use due to its intuitive user interface. I would say that even if you are a complete beginner, you will have no trouble navigating the machine. Power and volumetric buttons are clearly labelled and the LCD display assists with the advanced features that Dual Boiler offers.

Size-wise, the Breville Dual Boiler is compact. It takes up minimal counter space and is ergonomically designed for easy use. It can easily fit into any kitchen decor without clashing with other appliances.

Main Features

As I already mentioned in this Breville Dual Boiler review, this espresso machine stands out from the competition due to its advanced features. But there is one feature amount them all that truly sets it apart from the gang in the home espresso machine game.

Dual Boilers

Basically, the Breville Dual Boiler has two separate boilers, one for brewing and the other for steaming milk. This means that you can pull a shot and steam milk at the same time, allowing for a more efficient and streamlined coffee-making experience.

But it’s not just about convenience.

The two boilers also ensure that the water temperature remains consistent and stable for both tasks. This is crucial for achieving that perfect espresso shot, as variations in temperature can greatly affect the taste and quality of the coffee.

For example, with equally pricy Breville Barista Pro, you don’t have this luxury. The same is with other single-boiler espresso machines.

But perhaps the best thing about the dual boiler system is that it allows for more complex and creative latte art. With the ability to steam milk, while brewing, there’s no waiting around for one task to finish before starting the next.

I’m confident to say that with Breville Dual Boiler, you can create those beautiful, coffee shop-worthy designs in no time!

Temperature Control

The boilers on Breville Dual Boiler are made of high-grade stainless steel and feature a PID temperature control system. This means that the temperature is monitored and adjusted constantly, down to the decimal point, to ensure precision and accuracy.

But the temperature control on the Breville Dual Boiler doesn’t just stop there.

The machine also allows you to set a specific temperature for your brewing process. This makes it even easier to achieve the perfect cup of coffee, as different types of coffee require different brewing temperatures.

I was equally pleased with the fact that the PID system heats up the group head as well. This means that the machine is equipped to provide the perfect temperature with every shot you pull.

Pre-Infusion

Just like all Breville machines, Dual Boiler has this feature. The Pre-Infusion feature is a pre-brewing system that allows the coffee grounds to bloom before the full extraction process begins.

When the coffee grounds are initially exposed to water, they release carbon dioxide, which creates a layer of gas around the coffee particles and prevents proper extraction. Pre-Infusion solves this problem by giving the coffee grounds a chance to fully saturate before brewing.

The Breville Dual Boiler’s Pre-Infusion feature allows for a full 60-second cycle, which is longer than many other espresso machines on the market. This extended cycle ensures that the coffee grounds have time to bloom fully, which leads to better flavours and aromas in the final cup.

I was amazed by this level of control in a machine in this price range. This allows you to customize your espresso shots to your liking and experiment with different brewing methods.

But as you are about to see in my Breville Dual Boiler review, this is not the only feature that raises this machine from the rest.

Volumetric Control

The volumetric control on the Breville Dual Boiler allows you to choose between 1 or 2 shots of espresso, or even manually control the amount of espresso in your cup.

But what exactly makes the volumetric control on the Breville Dual Boiler stand out?

It’s the versatility that sets it apart. The 1 and 2-shot presets are great for when you’re short on time, quickly brewing your morning pick-me-up before heading out the door.

However, when you have more time, you use the manual control to experiment with different levels of espresso and crema. This is where the Breville Dual Boiler truly shines – it allows you to customize your brewing experience to your exact taste.

Pressure Gauge

As a Breville enthusiast, I love models like Barista Express because of the pressure gauge. It not only looks cool but it is a great assistance during the brewing process. That’s why I was thrilled to discover the pressure gauge on Breville Dual Boiler.

The pressure gauge basically allows you to monitor the exact amount of pressure that is being applied to coffee grounds, ensuring that each shot is consistent and perfectly balanced.

What sets the pressure gauge on the Breville Dual Boiler apart is its accuracy. It measures the pressure up to 15 bar, which is the industry standard for brewing espresso. I know I can trust this gauge to give me precise and reliable measurements.

Water Tank

First off, the tank on Breville Dual Boiler is large – it holds a whopping 84 ounces of water, which means less time spent refilling and more time spent enjoying espresso.

Moreover, the tank has a top-loading feature that enables you to refill the tank without having to move the entire coffee machine. This feature comes in handy, especially if you have limited counter space.

What I find great about the Breville Dual Boiler’s water tank is its water filtration system. The machine features a replaceable water filter that ensures that the water used is of high quality and free of any impurities.

Portafilter

One of the standout features of this Breville Dual Boiler espresso machine is the professional 58 mm stainless steel portafilter that holds a 22g dose.

The portafilter is made from high-quality stainless steel, which is known for its durability and resistance to corrosion. This means that the portafilter is built to last and can withstand daily use.

As I said, the portafilter is designed to hold a 22g dose, which is the perfect amount for a double shot of espresso. For example, a smaller portafilter found on Bambino Plus, for example, might not be able to extract the same quality espresso.

The Breville Dual Boiler also comes with dual and single wall filters included, which is great for experimenting with different brewing methods and perfecting your espresso shot.

Steam Wand

I’m absolutely thrilled with the Breville Dual Boiler steam wand. It’s an essential tool for any home barista who takes their craft seriously.

First off, it’s a professional-grade stainless steel 360° swivel-action steam wand with 3 hole tip. The wand is also adjustable, allowing you to find the perfect angle and position for steaming milk.

One of the things I love most about the Breville Dual Boiler steam wand is its power.

The steam wand relies on its own dedicated boiler with an integrated Heat Exchange for steaming, which means more power and precision. On top of that, the machine has a powerful 15-bar pump, which creates steam quickly and efficiently.

This all means that you can quickly and easily create perfectly steamed milk for lattes, cappuccinos, and other espresso-based beverages. More about this later in my review!

Tamper

Breville Dual Boiler comes with a tamper. This tamper sits comfortably in the machine’s magnetic dock on the left-hand side, making it easily accessible and convenient to use.

However, the tamper just like some other accessories that I will discuss below in my Breville Dual Boiler review, is not the best quality. You might want to consider investing in a professional 58mm tamper for the best results.

Accessories

In addition to must-have features like a 58mm portafilter and optional, but useful tamper, the Breville Dual Boiler includes a few other accessories that come in handy.

• 58mm Razor Dosing tool
• 1cup & 2cup Single and Dual Wall Filter Baskets
• 16oz Stainless Steel Milk Jug
• Cleaning Kit
• Water Hardness Test Strip
• Water Filter Holder and Water Filter

Brewing Performance

Perhaps the most important aspect of any espresso machine is its ability to consistently brew great shots. And I can confidently say that this is the area where Dual Boiler particularly shines.

The main reason why that is so lies in the fact that it has a dedicated brewing boiler. The machine allows for precise temperature control, with PID technology ensuring that the water is always at the optimal temperature for extraction.

Moreover, the Dual Boiler boasts a pre-infusion function, which allows for an even extraction and fuller flavour. And with a 15-bar Italian pump, the machine consistently produces enough pressure for the perfect extraction.

And the heated group head gives it exactly what you need to brew outstanding espressos every single time.

One thing that I particularly appreciate about the Dual Boiler is easy it is to use the espresso machine. The intuitive interface and easy-to-use dials make it simple to adjust and control every aspect of the brewing process.

And with programmable shot volumes and customizable temperature settings, you can tailor the brew to suit your individual preferences or variety of coffee beans.

Overall, the Breville Dual Boiler is an exceptional espresso machine that delivers on its promise of consistent and delicious shots. The dual boilers, PID technology, and pre-infusion function all contribute to its outstanding brewing performance.

Milk Frothing & Steaming

As noted earlier in this Breville Dual Boiler review, the machine comes equipped with a professional 3-hole steam wand. The wand is also easily manoeuvrable, which is essential for creating a perfect latte-art-worthy microfoam.

My favourite thing, once again, is the dual boiler setup with a dedicated steaming boiler, which allows you simultaneously steam and brew. This is great because your espresso wants “fall down” while you steam milk.

The machine also has adjustable temperature control that allows you to control the temperature to your liking.

So as you can notice, this unit is all about that old-fashioned manual milk frothing and steaming. Unlike the milk frothing and steaming system on Barista Touch, the Dual Boiler’s system doesn’t offer automatic frothing.

Overall, the milk frothing and steaming performance of the Breville Dual Boiler is great. Whether it’s a creamy cappuccino or a silky latte, this unit will never fail to deliver the perfect milk texture and temperature.

Maintenance & Cleaning

It’s not that hard to clean espresso machines, especially models like Breville Dual Boiler. There are a few things you have to do daily, and periodically to make sure the unit is in tip-top condition.

Firstly, it is recommended to descale the Breville Dual Boiler every 2-3 months, depending on the hardness of your water.

Using the Breville cleaning tablets, run a descaling cycle through the machine, making sure to follow the instructions carefully. This will remove any mineral buildup and improve the quality of your espresso.

It is also important to regularly clean the group head and portafilter after each use. Using a brush specifically designed for espresso machines, remove any coffee grounds or residue. Pull a blank shot to make sure it’s clean.

As for the steam wand, make sure to purge it after each use, and wipe it with a damp cloth immediately to prevent milk-residue build-up and clogging.

Additionally, empty and rinse the drip tray and wipe down the exterior of the machine with a damp cloth and dry it to prevent any water spots.

It is also very important to keep the water tank clean. Empty and refill the tank with fresh water daily to prevent any bacteria buildup. Additionally, replace the water filter on Dual Boiler every 2 months to ensure clean and fresh water for your espresso.

Who Is Breville Dual Boiler For?

I can confidently say that the Breville Dual Boiler espresso machine is perfect for those who want to take their barista game to the next level. If you are sick of your single boiler machine and want to upgrade, this unit is a great choice.

Even if you are new to the home brewing game, and you want to start with a reliable piece of equipment, investing in this unit is not going to be a mistake.

Furthermore, if you want a machine that is capable of delivering consistently great espressos, Dual Boiler is the one. With its dual boiler and PID temperature control, heated group head and 58mm portafilter, this machine does the job!

This machine is also great for those who enjoy experimenting with different coffee beans and brewing methods. You can customize the temperature, volume, and time of your shots, and have complete control over the brewing process.

And since Breville Dual Boiler comes equipped with a manual steam wand and a dedicated steaming boiler, I would say it is a great choice if you want to hone your latte art skills and create barista-quality beverages in the comfort of your own home.

On the other hand, if you perhaps want to take your home brewing game even further, I recommend inspecting our list of the best prosumer espresso machines as well.

Breville Dual Boiler Review – Final Verdict

Overall, after testing out the Breville Dual Boiler, I can confidently say that it is an excellent espresso machine for those interested in making high-quality espresso drinks.

Compared to other Breville models, the big disadvantage of this model is the price tag which is significantly higher. If you’re looking to invest in an espresso machine under $1000, then there are definitely some great options on offer from Breville as well.

Nevertheless, if you’re looking for an espresso machine with precise temperature control and great extraction and steaming capabilities – Dual Boiler simply cannot be beaten.

So, if flavour, consistency, power and precision are what you’re after – the BES920XL Dual Boiler from Breville is a great pick! Thanks for reading my review!

Breville Dual Boiler Review – FAQs

As an avid coffee lover, I recently purchased the Breville Dual Boiler and have been thoroughly impressed with its performance. In this Breville Dual Boiler review, I’ll answer some frequently asked questions to give you a better understanding of the machine.

What makes the Breville Dual Boiler stand out from other espresso machines on the market?

The machine’s unique feature is its double boiler system, which allows for simultaneous extraction and steaming. This drastically cuts down on wait time for the espresso shot and milk frothing.

How easy is it to use Breville Dual Boiler?

The Dual Boiler is user-friendly, with a simple interface and easy-to-follow instructions. The LCD screens provide clear instructions and allow for customization of temperature, pressure, and shot time.

Does the Breville Dual Boiler produce high-quality espresso shots?

Yes, the machine consistently produces perfectly balanced shots with a rich crema. The pre-infusion feature ensures an even extraction, and the 15-bar pump provides optimal pressure.

How durable is the Breville Dual Boiler?

The machine is constructed with high-quality stainless steel and heavy-duty components, ensuring its longevity. With proper care, it can last for a long time. The 2-year warranty further solidifies the machine’s durability.

Is the Breville Dual Boiler a good value for its price?

Absolutely. The machine’s dual boiler system, customizable settings, and consistent performance make it well worth the investment for any coffee enthusiast or professional barista.

PS. Credits to Breville’s product page for images.