I think the lever valves used for steam and hot water on the Elektra Sixties and La Deliziosa models are some of the coolest bits of machine kit out there. Sadly these machines are well out of my price range. I'll bet I could afford the valves though. Are these valves interchangeable with any other machines, specifically the Brewtus 2.

I understand there is an optimum balance to be achieved between steam wand diameter and tip configuration as well as boiler size and heating element wattage to create good steaming ability. I feel confident that if the valves would fit I could find someone to make different tips to try and balance steam output from a less than 6 liter boiler.

Maybe this is a heretical suggestion but the chopper builder in me says the valves are too sweet to pass up if I can help it. All replies appreciated.

I'd say it's definitely doable if you want to commit to what may be serious modifications. At a minimum, you'll have to adapt the steam/water tap pipes in the back of the machine to fit the Elektra's steam/water taps. If I had to guess, I would say they're probably male 3/8" BSPP compression. I have a T1, but here's a link for you to look at:



So, whatever your Brewtus is, you'll have to accommodate that. You might also have to drill out the frame to accommodate the large diameter of the male threads on the taps.

...Which brings me to the main issue I expect you'll have with the Elektra valves... They're really, really big. They look natural on the Elektra, but I think they'd be disproportionate on a smaller machine like a garden variety exposed group E61 semi commercial machine. The diameter of the body of valve is quite large (~1"), and the length that they protrude from the backsplash is significant (~7" including the handles).

Other than that, it's probably quite doable if you make some phone calls and find out the threading on the pipes in your Brewtus and get confirmation on the threading of the Elektra steam/water tap assembly. You may have to widen the holes in the frame of the Brewtus to accommodate them, and then it's just a matter of finding a good tip. the stock Elektra is categorically not doable, a 4 hole pattern with each hole about 1.5-1.6mm in diameter. I got the EspressoParts NW custom LM tip that seems to have about a 4-hole 1.0mm pattern on it. That one is a little slower than I'd like on the Elektra, but it makes super-tiny milk volumes come out sweeter. I think it'd work well for a small ~2L boiler.

Hope that helps.

Thank you for the links Roeland, and thanks Nicholas for the scale reference and plumbing suggestions.

I guess for the moment I will file this thought under never mind. I figured I could go all the way back to the tubing to accommodate the different valve taps, but the cost of the valve assemblies new is nearly the cost of the Brewtus. I guess it goes without saying this is one of the reasons that the machines are not in the same class. Maybe if I could source some take off or rebuilt assemblies that would bring the cost within reach.

I'm sure some people likened my thought to putting Lambo doors on an import tuner, or a pig in a prom dress, but I can't help it. They are dead sexy valves!

Thanks again for the help.

Edit* the price difference for the complete assemblies between the 2 vendors are quite different. This makes the statement about the valve assemblies above a little inaccurate. I may still be able to pull this off. You guys are the best.

FWIW I recommend calling or emailing the Cafeparts people (or Stefano) directly, as they don't always have this stuff in stock. Remember, since you have an exposed group you will need to get the all-chrome parts, and these can be harder to find and more expensive. Make sure you get some indication beyond a part number that you're getting the correct parts.

Good luck. Personally, I think I'd be looking at custom-made knobs over new valve assemblies, especially at the price of the Elektra parts (at either price point).

It is funny that you would mention custom knobs as that was the catalyst for me asking about the valves. I was looking at Dave's custom wood thread in the Marketplace. He has some beautiful stuff there. Since many of the examples shown there were made for those sweet Elektra valves I got to thinking about the feasibility of swapping them onto the Brewtus, a machine I do not have but one that I am expecting in the next few days. Is it sad or foolish that I have not even received the machine and I am already contemplating changing it?

"Maybe both are happening at the same time." Forest Gump