Breville BES900XL Dual Boiler Espresso Machine Review

Breville BES900XL ReviewIf you’re anything like me, you want an espresso machine that will do it all: make perfect espresso, cappuccinos and lattes; have an out-of-this-world design; and still be user-friendly. The Breville BES900XL Dual Boiler Espresso Machine is an answer that you would never hide away in a cabinet. For home machines, its price is slightly high, but Breville’s quality and the machine itself are worth the price. One of Breville’s many slogans and mottos is “Perfection requires precision every time.” The Dual Boiler model delivers on that motto, and also its personal slogan of “Commercial features and performance, in a domestic footprint.” I’ve taken the time to review this espresso magician for you.

Price: $1,175 $1,499
Our Rating: Breville BES900XL Rating

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Breville BES900XL Dual Boiler BES900XL Espresso Machine Review

Novice or Coffee Geek

The Dual Boiler claims pride in its offerings of features for both amateurs and coffee geeks alike. Not all machines of this caliber can say the same thing, and I’m sure many amateur espresso drinkers have tried and failed with other high-tech machines.

For the novice, you have the ability to choose programmed settings and auto-start functions. The machine also features a shot clock and pressure gauge in case you want to expand your knowledge and practice your barista skills.

For the coffee geek, sit down and be prepared. The Breville  BES900XL Semi Automatic espresso machine offers features that are going to make your mouth water. You get both programmable pre-infusion duration and pre-infusion power with a manual override option. You can also choose between preset, manual-override or programmable shot volume. The technologically cool display features both fahrenheit and celsius temperature readings. As a coffee geek, you’ll also get pleasure out of the shot clock and the pressure gauge that are both stylish and functional.

Technology

As the name of the machine suggests, its heart is a dual stainless-steel boiler heating system that features an electronic PID temperature control. If you’re an amateur, you may not know that a dual boiler means you can simultaneously heat the espresso and steam milk. The dedicated espresso boiler is adjustable and will heat perfectly to your chosen temperature anywhere between 190- and 205-degrees Fahrenheit. For coffee geeks, you know this will allow you to choose the right temperature for your favorite roast or origin. Another element located in the group head ensures the system maintains a consistent temperature during the process.

Breville also hid technological advancements within the pressure system. An Over-Pressure Valve limits the amazing 15-bar Italian pump during the extraction process. Basically, this means it prevents bitter flavors coming through in your shot. Low-pressure pre-infusion gently and gradually increases the pressure during extraction; this gently expands the grinds for an even, perfect extraction for a delightful shot of espresso.

Design

The Breville BES900XL Dual Boiler Espresso Machine has a design that is sure to amaze, and maybe even intimidate. It’s simply elegant, with a stainless steel body and pleasing blue back lights. Upon looking at the machine, you may be intimidated at first, but upon second glance you’ll notice everything is simply labelled and user-friendly.

It’s hard to tell what takes first place in the design, although the pressure gauge sits front and center and is definitely a focal point of the machine. On the upper right, you’ll find three buttons: “manual,” “one cup” and “two cups.” To the left of the pressure gauge you’ll see the digital disply, programming buttons and a large power button.

The 3-hole tipped, 360-degree swiveling frothing wand also sticks out and may make your mouth water just thinking about the cappuccinos and lattes you’re going to be enjoying.

Even with everything it offers, the Breville BES900XL Dual Boiler Semi Automatic Espresso Machine still has a relatively small footprint.

Features and Specs

  • 15-bar Italian Pump with OPV extracts perfect aroma, delivers great crema and also limits the extraction to make sure your shot isn’t at all bitter
  • Espresso shot clock serves as a guide to extraction consistency
  • Auto-start setting preheats the machine at a certain time — it can be ready when you wake up!
  • Dual-boiler system with dedicated espresso boiler, another one for milk frothing!
  • Electronic PID control
  • Heated group head delivers consistent temperature
  • Pre-infusion duration and power is programmable and low-pressure — lets you fine-tune your coffee experience
  • Stainless single-wall and dual-wall filter baskets
  • Removable 84 oz water tank with integrated filter
  • Houses all accessories within the machine when not in use
  • Audio alerts
  • Swivel foot lifts the machine for maneuverability
  • Programmable volume control for 1 and 2 cup, manual override or reprogrammable
  • 360-degree, 3-hole-tipped swivel frothing arm for perfect milk-based coffee drinks
  • Hot water outlet for making Americanos or preheating your cups
  • Included accessories: portafilter, filter baskets, tamper, frothing jug, cleaning tools and products, water filter and 1-year’s-worth of filters
  • Measures 15- by 16 ¼- by 15-inches (HWD)
  • Weighs 35 lbs.
We highly recommend this machine, this semi automatic gives you high performance of the commercial machines in a home appliance. The Dual Boiler system works extremely well and makes a huge difference compared to ThermoBlock systems. You will save time, get espresso and milk coffee drinks done faster, with perfect taste.
Accessories and features you need are all there. And though you can automate and program most functions, the BES900XL still provides the human control you may be looking for that you can’t get from super automatic espresso makers. Definitely an awesome product.

Want to find out even more about the Breville BES900XL?

Breville BES900XL Dual Boiler BES900XL Espresso Machine Reviews

The Breville Dual Boiler BES900XL scored a solid 4.9 out of 5 stars on Amazon.com. All reviews were 5-star except for one lonely 4-star review. Users love the machine and it’s not hard to tell why. Throughout the reviews, you’ll come across the words “perfect” and “love.”

What Others Are Saying About The Breville BES900XL

“When I say perfect, I mean double-shot-single-wall-filter-14gr-30-lbs-of-tamper-pressure-200F-9-bars-30-second-extraction-2oz-full-of-crema PERFECT.”

“Pros: The extra features really make this machine a joy to use
Cons: Extra features may push unit toward self-awareness and trying to take over the world…ha ha.”

“That’s all changed with the dual boiler…no thermoblocks here, just two fully independent stainless steel boilers, PID controlled group head and brew boiler, OPV, and more. A feature set unheard of in the ~$1k price range.”

Actual users feedback from amazon

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