If you’ve ever tried shopping around to find the best replacement plunger for a french press coffee maker, you’ll no doubt appreciate what an arduous task it can be.
Indeed, while packs of replacement filters are ten a penny, there simply doesn’t seem to be that many options out there for replacing the entire plunger, at least not many that guarantee both lasting quality and a perfect fit for your favorite french press.
That’s where this guide comes in.
I’ve tracked down four of the very best replacement plungers to help you find the one that’s perfectly suited to you and your coffee set up.
Below, you’ll find reviews of the pros and cons for each of these top four picks, along with an in-depth buyer’s guide to help you determine which one to purchase.
Before I get to all that though, here’s a quick overview of the four best french press replacement plungers around right now:
At a Glance: Top 4 Best Replacement Plungers for French Press
- MSR Windburner Coffee Press Kit – Best All-Round Plunger
- Jetboil French Press Coffee Maker
- Aeropress Coffee and Espresso Maker
- CCC French Press Filter Replacement Parts
What is a Replacement French Press Plunger?
A replacement french press plunger can prove to be an invaluable piece of equipment when your existing plunger has broken or simply seen better days.
While it’s possible to buy individual parts (and I have included one option for that), for the sake of this guide, I’m generally using the term “plunger” to refer to all of those parts connected together.
This means the filter, center rings, and the press-down filter pole are all included and ready to be used with little to no assembly required. That way, all you have to do is take it out of the box and put it to work on making that delicious-tasting coffee.
Who Needs a Replacement French Press Plunger?
There are a number of reasons why you might be in the market for a new replacement plunger for your french press.
If your existing plunger is dropped, smashed, or otherwise damaged, you may find that it’s just too much hassle to put it back together again and that actually, replacing the whole thing is a much easier and more cost-effective option.
Likewise, if your plunger is simply looking a little worse-for-wear and is affecting your ability to make coffee, the overall aesthetic of your favorite coffee maker, or both, then that may be a tell-tale sign that it needs replacing. Alternatively, you may simply be looking to arm yourself with a spare plunger to take out into your RV, vacation home, or even to help you enjoy a cup of the good stuff while out camping.
With all that being said, there’s one time when you won’t need to buy a replacement plunger, that being when the only thing that’s damaged or worn down is the filter itself. In that case, you can simply buy replacement filters which generally prove to be much cheaper.
Replacement French Press Plungers Buyer’s Guide
Before I talk you through my top four picks, it’s perhaps a good idea to discuss the most important factors to consider when buying a replacement plunger of your own so that you know exactly what to look for when picking the right one for you and your home.
These factors include:
Size
Although it may seem obvious to more experienced coffee connoisseurs, some people do still overlook the fact that not all french presses are the same size.
As such, the most important thing you’ll need to consider is whether the french plunger you’re thinking of buying is actually going to fit your french press.
Compatibility
Size may be the most important factor, but another top consideration to think about when trying to find the best coffee gear of any kind is whether multiple components are compatible with each other. In other words, while the plunger you’re looking at seems to be the right dimensions for your press, if that press has a unique design, the two may not go together well.
For the purposes of this guide, I’ve tried to include as many options as I can that are compatible with all popular french press designs, but again, it’s always worthwhile checking first.
Quality
Regardless as to whether you’re buying a french press, a brand new cold brew coffee maker, an insulated glass mug to drink your brew in style, or any other type of coffee equipment, the quality and durability are going to be an important factor.
When it comes to replacement plungers, however, it matters more than ever. After all, the whole reason you’re buying a replacement plunger in the first place is likely to be that the last one broke or is otherwise no longer fit for purpose. So, when you’re buying a new one, you want to be sure that it lasts a whole lot longer and that you won’t be forced to buy another replacement any time soon.
Again, high-quality, durable materials make a big difference here, but so too does high-quality manufacturing and even the warranty length where applicable.
Selection Criteria
The factors listed above were the main influences on my decision to pick the five plungers I’ve picked for this guide. No brands paid me or this website to feature their products, nor are Whisk and Mix in the business of selling replacement plungers of our own.
By remaining independent, I’ve been able to give you my honest, impartial views on each plunger and share with you not only what I like about them but also what I really don’t. That said, the things I discussed with you in the buyer’s guide were not the only things I considered when making my choices.
I also looked at:
Full Plunger vs Replacement Parts
As I mentioned in the introduction, finding a complete, fully operational replacement plunger for a french press can be a lot trickier than you might first imagine.
Shop around, and you’ll find that many manufacturers are likely to offer an unassembled collection of parts that you have to put together yourself. While this can sometimes work out cheaper, it’s rarely the best option if your entire plunger has broken rather than just an individual part, and it’s also going to be much more time-consuming in the long run.
With that in mind, I gave top marks to those plungers that were already pre-assembled and ready to use, though I did include one collection of parts as these can still be valuable for some users.
Cost
You may be desperate to get your french press working again so that you can enjoy your favorite brew, but that doesn’t mean you’re so desperate that you’ll blindly pay over the odds for a new plunger.
It’s for this reason that I looked carefully at the cost of each plunger, and although I’ve offered you choices at different price points, I tried to keep within a certain price range so that you don’t end up paying more than you need.
User Feedback
Finally, it’s important to note that along with my own thoughts on each plunger, I also looked closely at the views and opinions that real people who own these plungers have posted online.
That way, I’m able to offer you a much more well-rounded overview of each one and give you a better understanding of both the pros and the cons.
1. MSR Windburner Coffee Press Kit – Best All-Round Plunger
When I first started shopping around for the best replacement plunger for a coffee press, the MSR Windburner Coffee Press Kit immediately jumped out at me as being far and away superior to just about anything else out there.
For one thing, it comes fully assembled right out of the box, so all you have to do is plunge it straight into your press and start enjoying your favorite cup.
Though it’s designed mainly for MSR Windburner products, it works equally as good in its own right with most best-selling french presses and is available in both 1 liter and 1.8-liter models, so you’re almost guaranteed to find one that fits you.
Elsewhere, the high-grade stainless steel and flexible perimeter gasket are built to impeccable standards, ensuring this is one press plunger that won’t need replacing any time soon.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Quality stainless steel construction
- It can be quickly disassembled and packed away for travel use.
Cons:
- Not suitable for making espresso
- Doesn’t come with a warranty.
2. Jetboil French Press Coffee Maker
Ostensibly designed for outdoor use, the Jetboil French Press Coffee maker works equally as well for the press you have at home in your kitchen. Much like the MSR Windburner model we looked at earlier, this particular plunger is explicitly designed for other Jetboil products yet remains compatible with most leading presses of up to 1 liter in capacity.
Personally, I’m a big fan of high-grade plastic, which is fully heat-proof and as durable as you’re going to get from a plunger. Finally, although some assembly is required, this one is such a breeze to put together that it’s barely an issue, ensuring your french press will be good to go in no time.
Pros:
- Neatly and easily packs away for travel use
- Features resilient silicone ring to stop grounds escaping while plunging
- Excellent for filtering very fine coffee grounds.
Cons:
- Most expensive plunger in this guide
- Not very easy to clean.
3. Aeropress Coffee and Espresso Maker
And now for something completely different. The Aeropress Coffee and Espresso Maker is unlike anything else on this list but certainly gets the job done in fine fashion.
This large plastic plunger attaches to the rim of any standard coffee press but also works equally as well on just about any heat-proof vessel you can find. In other words, if you don’t have a dedicated french press, but you like the idea of taking your coffee that way, this will help you to do so.
That being said, my favorite part of all this is the total immersion brewing process that the Aeropress uses, as it creates a taste that is smooth and wonderfully rich in flavor.
Pros:
- Made in the USA
- Includes a funnel, scoop, stirrer, and 350 microfilters
- Lightweight and portable design.
Cons:
- More expensive than traditional presses
- It can be tricky to assemble.
4. CCC French Press Filter Replacement Parts
Finally, if you are only looking to replace your coffee plunger because the filter components have broken, the CCC French Press Filter Replacement will prove to be your best friend. Compatible with most french presses that measure 4 inches in width, this one includes the upper spiral disk, lower cross disk, and a very fine coffee press screen filter.
All of these do take some assembly, but this is no more difficult than sliding each component onto your plunger rod and tightening the nut. Sure, that’s not so great if the plunging rod itself is damaged, but if all you need is a few spare parts, this affordable little set may be just the thing.
Pros:
- Low cost
- High-grade stainless steel construction
- Works with almost all brands of french presses.
Cons:
- It doesn’t include a plunging rod
- It can be challenging to clean.
Which is the Best Replacement French Press Plunger Option for You?
By now, you’ve got all the information you need to help you make a truly informed purchasing decision when it comes to buying a new replacement plunger for your french press, but if you’re still struggling to decide, allow me to leave you with a few final recommendations:
If it’s simply the filter that’s broken and you need an affordable, good-quality replacement, the CCC French Press Filter Replacement is ideally designed for just that purpose.
If, on the other hand, you’re looking for a recommendation for the all-round best replacement french press plunger available today, look no further than the MSR Windburner Coffee Press Kit as it’s not only incredibly well made and compatible with most presses but also comes fully assembled so that you don’t have to waste time putting it together before you pour that delicious coffee.