Try this
private void brewMethodSelectionChange(object sender, SelectionChangedEventArgs e)
{
var brewMethodList = sender as ListPicker;
if (brewMethodList.SelectedItem == manual_list)
{
brewMethod = MANUAL;
}
else
{
brewMethod = AUTO_DRIP;
}
update();
}
But yes, it is more better if you use the MVVM pattern. This link should be a good reference, http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/magazine/hh852595.aspx
EDIT: It is also better if you don't check through the name of the controls, once you implement MVVM pattern it will be a lot cleaner and simpler to do rather than doing everything behind the code. :)