Breville BES920BSS1BCA1 the Dual Boiler™

Breville BES920XL Dual Boiler Espresso Machine Overview

Breville’s Dual Boiler espresso machine has been updated so that it exceeds the “Gold Standard” for making great espresso. This machine’s state-of-the-art controls allow users to limit the maximum extraction pressure, apply an automatic pre-infusion, and maintain consistent extraction temperatures. And, because it’s a dual-boiler, it allows for simultaneous brewing and steaming, too.

Features and Benefits

With one boiler just for espresso and dual electronic PID controls, (proportional–integral–derivative), the BES920XL delivers temperature controlled pre-heated water to the boiler, producing precise water temperature for an ideal extraction every time! Added temperature control over the steam boiler has been included, allowing you to adjust between 265 - 285 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing you to fine tune steaming pressure.

The Breville BES920XL Dual Boiler features not one, but two PID controllers. One is working on the brew boiler, and the second one is on the grouphead, not the steam boiler. This temperature control delivers precise water temperature for optimum espresso flavor and is user programmable to achieve optimal espresso flavor. The steam boiler is controlled via a thermistor control. This focus on maintaining temperature extends to the commercial grade grouphead which has an embedded element for optimal thermal stability during extraction. This machine also has two pumps. One is a 15 bar Italian pump with over-pressure valve (OPV) protection and delivers water at the optimum maximum extraction pressure of 9 bars. The other one is a less than 3 bar pump exclusively used to feed the steam boiler. That means no pressure problems at the grouphead should the auto-fill decide to trigger for the heat exchanger boiler while you are pulling a shot. Finally, a user programmable low pressure pre-infusion feature gradually increases water pressure to gently expand grinds for an even extraction.

That said, there's still much more to this machine for the coffee geek. Programmable pre-infusion duration and pre-infusion power with manual override; a temperature display in either °F or °C; and preset/manual-override/programmable shot volume. An optional Auto Start setting preheats the machine at a programmed time; a top-fill 84 oz water tank ensures easy access; and the dedicated hot water outlet makes it faster to pre-heat cups or prepare an Americano. There is also a shot clock and pressure gauge to help you improve your barista skills over time. All you'll need are some freshly ground beans and a bit of practice to rival the best café.

Breville has also included their patented 58mm twist blade, allowing you to precisely level off your portafilter for consistent extraction. It might be the last thing you want to think about, but maintaining your machine has never been easier thanks to the new descale alert and assisted descale procedure, which help you to keep your machine in top condition for increased performance and lifespan.

Why You Should Get It

If you want the precision control and power of a dual-boiler espresso machine, the Dual Boiler from Breville is a wonderful option, especially considering its price tag. With the precision control of brew pressure and temperature coupled with the ability to program volumetric or time-based extractions, creating a workflow that produces delicious espresso consistently is as achievable as ever with the Dual Boiler.