Lelit Iconic wooden handle set for MaraX3 – knobs and Pagaia in zebrano or Smoked OAK
The knob sits warm in your hand and turns smoothly, the steam kicks in – wood instead of plastic changes this moment before the coffee even begins.
It's a small thing, and it still makes a difference. Design and feel influence the enjoyment long before the first sip: material, colour and surface measurably change how we judge what then ends up in the cup. The limbic system sorts these impressions too; it doesn't draw a clean line between what the hand feels and what the tongue reports. And dopamine is released in anticipation, not only during the enjoyment itself – reaching for the knob is part of that anticipation.
What's in the set
Lelit describes this set as gem-shaped; in German-speaking retail it's sold as Iconic. It replaces four controls on the MaraX3: two knobs for the steam and hot water wands, one knob for the brew lever and the Pagaia – the paddle on the group head that lets you guide the water flow by hand on the MaraX3. All fitting parts and instructions are included, and you fit it at home.
The fact that it's the paddle of all things that's made of wood makes the biggest difference day to day. It's the part you stay with throughout the shot, while the pressure builds and shapes the aromatic window – different compounds dissolve at different moments, and if you guide by hand, that's exactly where you step in. Pressure profiling is a learning process, not total control. It takes a few weeks until your hand knows what it's doing, and that's the lovely part of it.
You get to choose the wood. Zebrano is an exotic wood with a bold, striped figure. Smoked OAK, smoked oak, goes towards deep, calm tones with a dense grain. Technically, both are identical. Nobody needs wood on an espresso machine – you either want it or you don't, and both are fine. If you want it, you know why. Our opinion is one of many.
At a glance
| Contents |
2 knobs for the steam and hot water wands, 1 knob for the brew lever, 1 Pagaia (group paddle) |
| Material |
Zebrano wood or Smoked OAK (smoked oak) |
| Compatible machine |
Lelit MaraX3 (PL62X3) |
| In the box |
All fitting components and fitting instructions |
| Fitting |
Can be done at home |
| Item numbers |
PLA2218 (Zebrano), PLA2219 (Smoked OAK) |
| Origin |
Lelit, Castegnato (BS), Italy – designed and made in Italy |
Who it's made for
For anyone with a Lelit MaraX3 who wants to make the machine their own. Every wooden part has its own grain, so no two sets ever look the same. It doesn't make the espresso measurably better – it says something else, every morning, when you reach out your hand. That decision is legitimate and needs no further justification.
If you have a MaraX that isn't the third generation, you'll find the matching set in the portafilter handles and replacement handles collection – that's where the version without the Pagaia is. The Lelit espresso machines show which Lelit machine belongs to which generation.
What goes with it
Once there's wood on the machine, the portafilter isn't far from your mind: the portafilters and bottomless portafilters collection has the Lelit models with a wooden handle, bottomless and with two spouts, in the same woods.
For the tools alongside: for anyone who wants an affordable, precise tamper, WDT tool and scale, the Normcore barista tools are the way to go – spring-loaded tamper, WDT tool, compact scales. If you want more, you'll find the Weber Tamper and the Moonraker at Weber Workshops, and an app, flow-rate display and Bluetooth with the Acaia coffee scales.
Frequently asked questions
Which Lelit machine does this set fit?
The Lelit MaraX3 (PL62X3). The set includes the Pagaia, i.e. the group paddle, and is designed for this machine. For a MaraX that isn't the third generation, there's a separate set of two wand knobs and one knob for the brew lever, without the Pagaia.
What's included?
Two knobs for the steam and hot water wands, one knob for the brew lever and one Pagaia. Plus all fitting components and fitting instructions.
Can I fit the set myself?
Yes. Lelit includes all fitting parts and instructions, and the conversion can be done at home. If you're unsure, just get in touch with us.
What's the difference between zebrano and Smoked OAK?
Technically, nothing. Both sets have the same contents and the same dimensions. Zebrano shows a bold, striped grain, Smoked OAK goes towards deep, calm tones with a dense figure. It's a decision about how the machine comes across in your home.
Can I see the product before buying?
Yes. In Bern at Gerberngasse 44 and in Zurich at Hagenholzstrasse 50b, you can see both woods in person. If you buy online in Switzerland: delivery to Switzerland and Liechtenstein takes 2 to 4 working days.
From the roastery
If you're new to working with the Pagaia, you need a bean that stays calm while your hand is still finding its way. Cozy Chocolate and Nutty Delight are well suited to this – dense, round, caramel and chocolate, and they're forgiving when the flow runs faster than planned. If you're after maximum body without any acidity, go for Very Nutty. And once your hand has settled in, Wild Peach shows what slow guiding can bring out of a lighter roast – fruity, lively, a discovery on the side. That's our recommendation, one of many; any other bean works just as well.
