A French press coffee maker is one of the simplest and most effective brewing tools you can own. It produces rich, aromatic coffee without requiring electricity or paper filters — but to get the perfect cup, you need to assemble it correctly first.
Before assembling, let’s identify each component. Most French presses come with five main parts, regardless of material (glass or stainless steel).
| Part | Description | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Carafe (Body) | The main container, usually made of borosilicate glass or stainless steel | Holds the hot water and coffee grounds |
| Lid & Plunger Rod | The top piece with a handle and central rod | Allows you to press the filter down |
| Filter Screen (Mesh) | A fine stainless steel disc | Filters out coffee grounds while keeping natural oils |
| Cross Plate & Spiral Plate | Metal rings that secure the mesh filter | Keep the filter tight and stable during pressing |
| Base, Handle & Spout | The support frame for the carafe | Provides grip, stability, and clean pouring |
High-quality versions, like Sellwell French presses, use 304 stainless steel filters, reinforced plungers, and heat-resistant borosilicate glass, ensuring long-lasting, precise assembly.
Follow these steps carefully to ensure a perfect, tight-fitting setup:
Lay out all parts on a clean, flat surface. Make sure none of the pieces are bent, cracked, or missing.
You should have:
1 carafe
1 lid with plunger rod
1 mesh filter
1 cross plate
1 spiral plate
If your press includes extra mesh screens, keep them as spares or use multiple layers for finer filtration.
The filter assembly consists of three layers stacked together on the plunger rod.
From top to bottom, the correct order is:
Cross Plate (Top Frame) – The metal disc with four or more small openings.
Mesh Filter Screen – The fine stainless steel disc that traps coffee grounds.
Spiral Plate (Bottom Seal) – The spring-like ring that presses against the carafe walls to prevent grounds from slipping through.
Slide these three parts onto the plunger rod in that exact order.
Tip: If your French press has multiple mesh filters, stack them between the cross plate and spiral plate for an ultra-clean cup.
Once all parts are in position, screw the filter stack tightly onto the bottom of the plunger rod.
Make sure it’s secure but not overly tight — you should be able to move the plunger up and down smoothly without wobbling.
Check alignment by pressing the plunger into the carafe (without coffee) — it should slide evenly with gentle resistance.
With the filter stack attached, carefully insert the plunger rod and lid into the carafe.
Ensure the spiral plate fits snugly against the inner wall of the carafe. This tight seal prevents coffee grounds from leaking into your brew.
If your press has a detachable base or frame, attach it now and ensure the handle faces outward for safe handling.
Place the lid firmly on top of the carafe.
Most lids have a rotating spout cover — align the opening with the carafe spout for pouring, and rotate it closed to retain heat during brewing.
Now your French press is fully assembled and ready to brew!
| Step | Action | Confirm |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gather all parts | ✅ |
| 2 | Stack cross plate, mesh, spiral plate | ✅ |
| 3 | Screw onto plunger rod | ✅ |
| 4 | Insert into carafe | ✅ |
| 5 | Attach lid and align spout | ✅ |
When all boxes are checked, your French press should operate smoothly and feel stable during use.
Tighten gently: Over-tightening can bend the filter and reduce performance.
Check mesh alignment: The screen should sit flat — a bent filter can cause grounds to escape.
Clean after every brew: Disassemble and rinse all parts with warm water to remove oils and sediment.
Deep clean weekly: Use mild soap or baking soda to keep mesh and glass spotless.
Replace filters regularly: If the mesh shows tears or warping, replace it to maintain clarity and strength.
Sellwell French presses are designed with precision-engineered components that fit together seamlessly — making assembly fast, safe, and reliable.
304 stainless steel filter and spring plate: corrosion-resistant and perfectly aligned for even pressure.
Heat-resistant borosilicate glass carafe: fits tightly within its frame and retains brewing temperature.
Ergonomic plunger handle: ensures stable grip and easy pressing.
Wide-mouth design: simplifies assembly, cleaning, and pouring.
Thread-lock mechanism: keeps filter stack firmly in place during use.
Whether you’re assembling it for the first time or after cleaning, the process takes less than two minutes with Sellwell’s design.
| Mistake | Result | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Incorrect filter order | Grounds escape into coffee | Stack correctly: cross → mesh → spiral |
| Loose plunger | Uneven pressure, weak filtration | Tighten filter stack |
| Bent mesh screen | Leaks and sediment | Replace screen |
| Wrong lid direction | Spills during pouring | Align lid with spout |
| Skipping cleaning | Rancid taste, clogging | Rinse after every brew |
Proper assembly ensures not only easier operation but also cleaner, smoother-tasting coffee.
When not in use, it’s best to:
Unscrew the plunger and separate all components.
Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth.
Store in a dry place with filters detached to prevent odor buildup.
If you use your French press daily, reassemble it loosely after cleaning to keep it ready for the next brew.
Assembling a French press coffee maker is straightforward once you know the correct part order and fit. With the cross plate, mesh filter, and spiral plate properly aligned, your press will operate smoothly and deliver consistent, full-bodied coffee every time.
For easy assembly, long-lasting components, and superior brewing performance, choose a Sellwell French Press — crafted with durable stainless steel, heat-resistant glass, and precision-engineered parts that make setup effortless and brewing exceptional.
Simple assembly. Strong structure. Perfect coffee — every morning.
WhatsApp:
Phone:
Contact Now