Breville BES920XL Espresso Machine (click to enlarge)

I’ve reviewed other Breville espresso makers (yes, they have quite a few), and they’re always a pleasure to use. But the BES920XL holds a special place in my heart. This model isn’t always easy to get a hold of and it’s a bit on the expensive side, but it brews up a cup of espresso that rivals what you’d get in an Italian café. There’s a lot to love about this machine, and I can’t wait to share the details of my review with you.

Commercial-Quality Espresso Machine

First, let me just say that this machine is commercial-quality, or as close as you’ll get with a home machine. It’s built with stainless steel, so it’s highly durable. All parts are made from either steel or BPA-free plastic.

All the Features You Could Ever Need

The BES920XL features dual stainless steel boilers with two 15-bar Italian pumps. This allows for steaming and espresso brewing simultaneously. The dedicated steam boiler is 32 ounces, while the dedicated espresso boiler is 10 ounces.

On top of this, you get a ton of programmable features, like:

• Shot volume
• Shot temperature
• Pre-infusion duration
• Power
• Auto start time
• Audio volume
• Shot volume

The BES920XL uses precise electronic temperature control to ensure your espresso is always brewed at the optimal temperature.

The backlit LCD display also shows you the shot clock (how long the brew will take), regular clock or the shot temperature. The 84 ounce water tank is removable, too, for added convenience. Plus, it comes with a 360-degree swivel steam wand for brewing coffeehouse drinks.

The OPV (over-pressure valve) ensures that your grounds are never over-extracted because of excess pressure. And the BES920XL gives you instant hot water, so you can preheat cups or brew Americanos.

At first glance, you’ll think the BES920XL is a complicated “space machine” (at least that’s what I called it), but it’s really easy to use. And after a few rounds, you’ll be brewing espresso like a professional barista.

Smart “Clean Me” Feature

One of the things that I really love about this model, and other Breville espresso makers, is that it lets you know when it’s time to clean the machine. It also comes with cleaning tools and a cleaning disc for added convenience.

The exterior of the BES920XL is stainless steel, so it wipes clean with a sponge or damp towel.

Will Give You Years of Espresso Brewing

Breville is known for their high quality home appliances, and the BES920XL is well-engineered. I have no doubt that this machine will give you years of use if you take proper care of it.

The Right Price

I’m going to be honest – this machine isn’t cheap. Right now, you’re looking at spending well over $1,000 for the BES920XL. But if you’re a true fan of espresso, you know that a high quality brewer is worth every penny and can’t compare to low-range (or even mid-range) machines.

Why I Love This Machine

• Dual boilers and pumps, so you can brew and steam at the same time.
• OPV limits the extraction pressure, so you get a smooth shot of espresso every time.
• LCD display makes it easy to brew.
• With a ton of features, you can brew your espresso to your own liking.
• Swivel steam wand lets you make cappuccinos, lattes and other coffeehouse drinks.

The One & Only Con

• Price

Aside from the price, there’s nothing I’d change about this machine. It has everything you could possibly want in an espresso machine. And, in all honesty, that makes it well worth the price. I can’t recommend the Breville BES920XL more. If you love espresso, you’ll love this machine.