Breville BES900XL Dual Boiler Semi Automatic Espresso Machine
Price:


Product Feature
- Dual stainless steel boilers and dual Italian pumps for simultaneous espresso extraction and steaming
- Over-Pressure Valve (OPV) limits extraction pressure
- Electronic PID temperature control for precise water temperature, plus actively heated group head and heat exchanger (HX) to maintain thermal stability
- Backlit LCD displays brew temperature, shot clock or time. Assists with programming shot temperature and volume, pre-infusion duration and power, and auto-start time
- Drop-down swivel foot lowers a wheel that lifts the machine upwards for convenient access to the water tank (both rear and top-fill)
Product Description
Why the Breville Dual Boiler espresso machine?
Perfection requires precision. Every time. How do you keep precise temperature and pressure from the tank to the espresso cup? The Breville Dual Boiler ��s dedicated boilers for simultaneous milk texturing and espresso extraction ensures that your espresso arrives in its cup with the optimum flavor.
Commercial performance in a domestic footprint
A domestic machine with numerous professional features, it regulates temperature to within one degree Celsius of the optimal temperature, giving budding baristas the precision and control they need to perfect their technique. Actively heated group head, PID temperature control, over-pressure valve and low pressure pre-infusion maintain optimum temperature and pressure throughout extraction.
Espresso yourself: tools for precise personalizing and perfecting
Ultimately there is only one standard by which espresso should be measured: taste. And espresso taste is notorious for being a matter of preference. The Breville Dual Boiler gives you the tools to customize your espresso to your personal specifications, with the ability to program shot temperature with precise PID temperature regulation technology, shot volume (1 and 2 cup), and pre-infusion duration and power. You can also program it to auto start, so it will be warmed up and ready to go in the morning.
Extraction pressure and low pressure pre-infusion | Temperature | Simultaneous steam |
---|---|---|
Limiting the maximum pressure throughout extraction produces a balanced espresso with an aromatic crema: too little pressure during extraction leads to espresso that is thin and under-developed, but too much pressure during extraction can lead to bitter flavors. The Breville Dual Boiler has low-pressure infusion with programmable pressure and duration, a feature seen in high-grade commercial espresso machines but not in domestic thermoblock systems. Maximum extraction pressure is achieved with an Over-Pressure Valve (OPV) for optimal espresso flavor. Low pressure pre-infusion gradually increases water pressure at the start of the extraction to gently expand grinds for an even extraction (power & duration is user programmable). | Precise and stable water temperature is required for optimum espresso flavor. Water temperature that is too low can lead to espresso which is sour, too high can lead to ashy or bitter flavors. The dedicated stainless steel espresso boiler with electronic PID control technology delivers precise water temperature with variation of only one degree Celsius, based on tests conducted by Breville (2011). The actively heated group head maintains thermal stability throughout extraction, controlled by PID technology.
The stainless steel heat exchanger delivers pre-heated water to the espresso boiler via the steam boiler, aiding thermal stability for optimal extraction temperature. | If combining the textured milk and espresso is delayed, the crema may dissipate or lose its flavor. The ability to texture milk whilst extracting espresso, which allows you to immediately combine the two, ensures that the delicate aromatics of the crema are captured. This produces a creamier texture with more complex flavors. The dedicated stainless steel steam boiler delivers steam on demand, allowing you to texture for one cup or continuously for multiple cups |
Product Features
- Dual stainless steel boilers: dedicated boilers and two pumps for simultaneous milk texturing and espresso extraction at the optimum temperature and pressure.
- Dedicated 32 fl. oz. (950ml) steam boiler
- Dedicated 10 fl. oz. (300ml) espresso boiler
- Programmable functions: adjust the shot temperature, shot volume, pre-infusion duration and power, auto start time and audio volume
- Programmable extraction temperature with PID technology: electronic temperature control delivers precise water temperatures of 190-205 degrees Fahrenheit (89-96 degrees Celsius) for different roasts and origins
- Programmable pre-infusion: alter duration and power to fine tune flavor profiles
- Auto start: preheats the machine at a programmed time
- Audio alerts: select from high, low, or no volume
- 58mm tamper
- Backlit LCD: displays shot temperature, shot clock, or time
- Espresso shot clock: a guide to extraction consistency that displays the duration of the espresso shot being extracted
- Regulated extraction pressure: over-pressure valve (OPV) limits the maximum pressure throughout extraction to optimum levels
- Low pressure pre-infusion: gradually increases water pressure to gently expand grinds for an even extraction. User programmable
- Drop down swivel foot: lowers a wheel for easy maneuverability
- Programmable volumetric control: preset, manual over-ride or reprogrammable shot volumes
- Pressure gauge: monitors extraction pressure
- Instant hot water: dedicated hot water outlet for Americanos and pre-heating cups
- Actively heated group head: commercial 58mm group head with embedded element maintains thermal stability throughout extraction
- Commercial 360 degree swivel action steam wand: with 3 hole tip for a silkier texture
- 84 fluid oz. (2.5L) removable water tank: top-fill or rear-fill with rear integrated water filter and water level indicator
- Included accessories: single wall filter baskets (1 and 2 cup), dual wall filter baskets (1 and 2 cup), integrated tamper, stainless steel frothing jug, cleaning disc and tablets, cleaning tool and allen key, water filter holder and water filters (1 year supply)
Attribute | BES900XL: Dual Boiler | BES870XL: Barista Express | BES840XL: the Infuser |
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Dimensions | 16.25"x15"x15" | 13.25"x12.5"x14.5" | 10.25"x12.5"x13.25" |
Weight | 30 lbs | 23 lbs | 17 lbs |
Heating system | Dual boilers, stainless steel | Thermocoil, stainless steel | Thermocoil, stainless steel |
Pump | Dual Italian pumps | 15 bar Italian pump | 15 bar Italian pump |
Wattage | 1700W | 1600W | 1600W |
Water tank | 84 fl. oz. top-fill and rear-fill | 67 fl. oz. top-fill with handle | 61 fl. oz. top-fill with handle |
Accessories | 2 x 58mm dual wall filter baskets, 2 x 58mm single wall filter baskets, 58mm integrated tamper, stainless steel milk jug, cleaning tool, cleaning disc and tables, allen key, water filter holder and filters, coffee scoop | 2 x 54mm dual wall filter baskets, 2 x 54mm single wall filter baskets, 54mm integrated tamper, stainless steel milk jug, cleaning kit, water filter holder and filter, precision dose trimming tool | 2 x 54mm dual wall filter baskets, 2 x 54mm single wall filter baskets, 54mm integrated tamper, stainless steel milk jug, cleaning tool, cleaning disc and tables, allen key, water filter holder and filter, coffee scoop |
Auto purge? | Not required | Yes | Yes |
Steam wand | 360 degree swivel, 3 hole tip | 360 degree swivel, 1 hole round tip for easier cleaning | 360 degree swivel, 1 hole tip |
Other | Over-pressure valve (OPV), actively heated group head, heat exchanger (HX), programmable extraction temps, programmable pre-infusion, backlit LCD, espresso shot clock, auto start, audio alerts (high, low, mute), drop down swivel foot | .5 lb bean hopper, conical burr grinder, grind size dial, grind amount dial, hands-free grinding cradle | |
Housing | Stainless steel; parts that come in contact with water, coffee, and milk are BPA free | Stainless steel; parts that come in contact with water, coffee, and milk are BPA free | Stainless steel; parts that come in contact with water, coffee, and milk are BPA free |
Breville BES900XL Dual Boiler Semi Automatic Espresso Machine Review
I don't even know where to start. I just got this "Lamborghini" of espresso machines, about 2 hours ago and after about 6 tries I pulled a perfect shot.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.
I have been using a BES820XL for quite some time and I was very happy with the quality and all my friends always said that my espresso was the best they've ever tried. True, my espresso has always been consistent and close to the coffee I drank throughout Italy.
UNTIL NOW.
I can't believe the difference this machine made. I mean the same coffee (same amount of coffee & same tamper pressure & 30 second extraction) tastes like it's not from the same beans. It tastes like dark chocolate with a very long finish and a delicious aftertaste. The same coffee pulled through BES820XL lacked the finish and wasn't as full-bodied.
The machine is a lot bigger than my BES820XL (I will try to upload a photo later) but it's pure sexinness. I don't even mind that my espresso cups don't fit on top of it when it's under the cupboards (my cabinets are hung a little low).
Besides the obvious difference in the looks between the two machines, this machine is a technological marvel. The PID controls alone are worth it. The PID controls let you keep the temperature pegged at 200F with just over a 1 degree variation. Instant steam means I never have to wait again or hear that pumping noise.
I love the wheels underneath. It makes it so easy to maneuver the machine on the counter. And I also love the fact that you can fill it up right through the top lid.
The ONLY disappointment is the weight of the included tamper. I mean it's great that you can store it right on the machine but for my big hands it's a bit small and too light. I will have to get another tamper (this machine usees a 58mm tamper as opposed to the 51mm on the BES820XL). I've been used to using a nice heavy tamper with a rosewood handle, so I'll probably look for the same one in 58mm.
In conclusion, I LOVE the BDB (Breville Dual Boiler).
I've only had it for 2 hours, so time will tell if it will continue to deliver the results. I will keep updating the review, so stay tuned.
***UPDATE***
I've uploaded 2 photos. On one of them you can see the difference in size between BES820XL (same size as BES830XL) and the new BES900XL.
***UPDATE***
Didn't even read the instructions until now, but it says to soak the water filter for 5 minutes before inserting. I didn't do it (hopefully it won't be an issue). And I just ordered the Smart Grinder Breville BCG800XL Smart Grinder will my wife kill me? We'll find out tonight. :)
***UPDATE***
This machine is MASSIVE. I don't know where to put it in my small kitchen... It's intruding into the cooking space. I might have to put it somewhere outside of the kitchen. I may have to get a bigger apartment to accommodate this espresso machine. I think in the new apartment I will have a separate coffee & wine room with just my coffee stuff and wine refrigerators, how cool would that be?
***UPDATE***
I keep on pulling perfect shots at 9 bars and get 2 oz in 30 seconds. I am using Lavazza "perfetto espresso" ground coffee, which seems to be the perfect grind size. The Smart Grinder should come in within a few days, but I don't see how it can get any better. The espresso I pulled (see the pictures I posted) is as perfect as I've ever had anywhere, even in coffee shops in Italy from freshly roasted and ground coffee.
***UPDATE***
Ran out of Lavazza "Il Perfetto Espresso" which was a perfect grind size. Opened a gold can of Lavazza and found the grind size to be too small - I tried pulling shots even with very little tamper pressure and the shots were coming out too slowly about 40 seconds. The Smart Grinder is coming in tomorrow so I am excited. I already bought the Lavazza and Illy whole beans. Will update my review tomorrow.
***UPDATE*** 11/23/2011
Received Breville's Smart Grinder (Breville BCG800XL Smart Grinder) today and started grinding my own coffee. I bought a 2.2 lb bag of Lavazza beans (Lavazza Super Crema Espresso Whole Bean Coffee, 2.2-Pound Bag) from Amazon, which was delivered super fast by the way.
I played with different settings on the grinder until I got to my double-shot-30-seconds-9-bars perfect shot. The coarsness setting is all the way to the right (the finest setting) and the amount setting is all the way to the left (when the amount setting is in the middle I got too many grinds which is an unnecessary waste of coffee).
The result left me speechless. I got so much crema that my eyes literally popped out of my head like in a cartoon. The taste and aroma were superb. I am finally "there". It doesn't get any better than this. You can have a $10,000 espresso machine and the best shot you'll make would be equal to my shot, because there is no room left for improvement.
BES900XL & BCG800XL are a match made in heaven.
***UPDATE*** 11/25/2011
I keep pulling perfect shots. I haven't had a single shot end up in the sink. I haven't even experimented with the pre-infusion or different temperature (I have it at 200F).
***UPDATE*** 11/27/2011
I just thought I'd say that this machine is not for someone who doesn't understand how the correctly pulled espresso shot is supposed to taste like. This machine is not "set it and forget it" type of machine. It's not a Nespresso or Keurig. To pull a perfect shot you absolutely HAVE TO make sure all the variables are correct and you have to know what you are doing, which means you HAVE TO do additional research on the following: 1. grind size 2. dosing 3. tamper pressure 4. temperature 5. extraction pressure 6. timing of the shot 7. type of bean, etc. If you are not sure what even one part of this means, please do your research BEFORE buying this machine! This machine does its magic only if you do the CORRECT PREP first!! I guarantee that if you pull a 10-second shot or a 50-second shot, you WILL BE disappointed even with your favorite coffee beans!!!
I also guarantee that if you do all the prep correctly you will be amazed at the quality of your espresso shots!!
I would really hate to see someone write a bad review of this machine because of their own mistakes in grind size, dosing and other variables.
***UPDATE*** 12/9/2011
I keep pulling perfect shots every single day. I did change the settings on the grinder to the finest (all the way to the right) and the amount is two ticks from the left between weaker and 0. If the amount is set to 0 it results in too much wasted coffee.
All in all, I am still extremely happy with BDB and the Smart Grinder.
If anyone has any questions, please feel free to ask me in the comments below.
***UPDATE*** 1/28/2012
Here is a quick update. I have not had a "sink shot" for 2 months straight. Every single shot I pull is absolutely perfect.
I went on a vacation to PR and stopped by a coffee shop, which had a La Marzocco Strada with 2 group heads. La Marzocco Strada is an incredible espresso machine with a hefty price tag and I just couldn't imagine how you can screw up a shot, yet the barista managed to screwed it up! I don't know whether it was his tamper pressure, grind size or something else but it was absolutely disgusting!! Even though I didn't even finish the coffee, it actually made me feel pretty good to be able to pull better shots than La Marzocco Strada! The moral of the story is, prep prep prep!!
***UPDATE*** 3/10/2012
I have been using this machine for almost 4 months. I have pulled probably close to 200 double shots.
The consistency of the machine is incredible. I haven't changed any settings in months and it still pulls perfect shots every time.
I haven't mentioned this before, but it is very important that your espresso cups are warm.
Here is a tip: the quickest way to warm up your espresso cups is to put a little bit of water in them and stick them in a microwave for 30 seconds while you are grinding the coffee.
*** UPDATE *** 11/23/2012
I have now had this machine for over a year. I have not changed any settings in almost an entire year and I still keep pulling perfect shots every single day.
*** UPDATE *** 4/13/2013
Still good! I use it every single day and have already gone through a few cleaning cycles.
I would estimate that I've pulled at least 500 shots in the last year and a half and have not changed any settings on the machine or the grinder in over a year.
I have the temperature set at 195, since when I experimented with different temperatures I found that the lower temp yields a sweeter shot.
If you are still thinking about buying it and comparing it to others - don't even waste time looking for anything else in this price range - there is simply no competition.
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