ECM joystick valve handle set in olive wood – handle set for machines with joystick valves
A quick flick upwards, a hiss, and the milk in the pitcher starts to spin before your hand can even let go of the handle.
Joystick valves work differently from rotary valves. Lever up, and the steam is there instantly; lever down, and it's gone again. That immediacy is why many machines are fitted with joystick valves, and it's also why a handle set is particularly noticeable here – you operate the levers twice for every cappuccino.
What's in the set
A high-quality chrome-plated portafilter with two spouts and an olive wood handle, a brew lever handle in chrome and olive wood, and two joystick valve handles, also in chrome and olive wood. Olive wood is light, with a lively grain, and feels warm to the touch. Because it's a natural, grown material, every piece is unique – no two sets ever look the same.
It's clear that a wooden handle doesn't change the temperature in the boiler. It still changes the experience, and measurably so: vessel, material and surface shift our perception before the first sip. If you stay on the lever a second longer while frothing because the wood feels good, you end up with different foam, too.
Nobody needs this. You either want it – or you don't, and both answers are worth just as much. Our opinion is one of many.
At a glance
| In the box |
Portafilter with two spouts and olive wood handle, brew lever handle chrome/olive wood, two joystick valve handles chrome/olive wood |
| Type of wood |
Olive wood, every piece unique |
| Portafilter |
High-quality chrome plating, two spouts |
| Compatible with |
ECM machines with joystick valves |
| Care |
Hand washing recommended, not dishwasher-safe |
| Item number |
AC100053-00 |
Who it's for
For anyone with an ECM machine that works with joystick valves. Among others, ECM equips the Synchronika II, the Technika VI, the Estetika and the Mechanika MAX II with joystick valves – if you're not sure which type is fitted on yours, we'll clear it up in two sentences.
And for anyone who likes to change something without replacing anything. A machine that's been running for years gets a new face with a handle set, and no budget is just a beginning here: a plastic handle makes the same espresso.
What goes well with it
Because joystick valves come into their own mainly when frothing milk, the next thing to look at is the milk pitcher. The pitchers from Normcore are affordable and good; more effort in shape and spout goes into the pitchers from Rhino and Weber Workshops.
Plus a coffee scale, so the brew ratio leads and not the stopwatch: compact and reliable from Normcore, with app, flow-rate display and Bluetooth from Acaia. The machines to go with it are in our ECM collection.
Frequently asked questions
What does the handle set contain?
A high-quality chrome-plated portafilter with two spouts and an olive wood handle, a brew lever handle in chrome and olive wood, and two joystick valve handles in chrome and olive wood.
How does this set differ from the rotary valve handle set?
In the valve type. This set is made for machines with joystick valves and contains two joystick valve handles. The rotary valve set is made for machines with rotary valves and instead contains two rotary knobs and the “Acqua” and “Vapore” knob discs.
Does the set fit my machine?
It's intended for ECM machines with joystick valves, for example Synchronika II, Technika VI, Estetika and Mechanika MAX II. If in doubt, send us your machine's item number and we'll give you a definite answer.
Can the set go in the dishwasher?
No. ECM explicitly recommends washing by hand, not least because of the wooden handles.
Can I see the product before buying?
Our showrooms in Bern (Gerberngasse 44) and Zurich (Hagenholzstrasse 50b) show a wide selection, but not our entire range – the display changes. Drop us a quick line at [email protected] before your visit, and we will check whether the product you have in mind is currently there. If you order online, delivery takes 2 to 4 working days throughout Switzerland and to Liechtenstein.
From the roastery
Joystick valves and milk belong together, and dense roasts come through best in milk. Cozy Chocolate brings chocolate and caramel, Nutty Delight goes for nuts and a long finish. If you want maximum body without acidity, take Very Nutty; Wild Peach is the fruity discovery for anyone who's curious. That's our recommendation, one of many.
