The Best Wine Openers and Corkscrews
Having an amazing wine opener is something you don’t realize you need until you have one! That was what happened to me, I suffered with a cheap one for years until I decided I wanted to make my life easier.
Behold, my pick for the best wine openers and corkscrews I found!
For as long as wine was stored in jugs and stoppered with oilcloth and bits of wood, there was no need for a specialized opener.
My Search For The Best Corkscrew
As a lover of the grape, I decided to search for the best corkscrews. I have had so many corkscrews over the years and have been disappointed SO many times by crappy and gimmicky corkscrews. I am sure I am not alone in walking into a Bed Bath & Beyond and being wooed into buying some piece of junk. Below you will find my personal list of what I have found to be the best wine bottle opener. This list is from my personal experience and research!
My approach to the best corkscrew began with a series of questions:
- Do I easily understand how this corkscrew works simply by looking at it?
- Is it unwieldy or difficult to use?
- Does it have a relaxing grip?
- Can it effectively carry out all steps involved, or are further parts needed?
- How easily does it extract and does it induce any visible damage to the cork in the process?
- How long does it take me to open a bottle?
With this in mind I made a quick list of what I needed to look for when choosing the best corkscrew:
- Easy to use
- Durable construction
- High quality materials
- Polished design
- Efficient
- Quick and mess free uncorking
While it can be difficult to determine which is the best corkscrew to meet your needs, especially with the various options available on the market, you can do it by considering the factors we listed earlier in this review.
Every wine opener on the list made the cut (30 were examined) because they met the threshold of being durable, well-designed, effective, and easy to use. So, whether you choose something compact, like a waiter’s corkscrew, or a larger model, like the electric wine openers, you will not be disappointed with any wine opener on this list. Be ready for some convenient and effortless wine opening. Enjoy your wine!
Gitko Wine Opener & Waiters Corkscrew
- GITKO WINE OPENER USED BY PROFESSIONALS & AMATEURS ALIKE! – our Waiters corkscrew and bottle opener, is an ideal solution that is used by professionals and wine drinkers, as it is very practical, durable and extremely easy to use! Try it yourself and be our next happy customer, we are sure you will love it.
- BEAUTIFUL POUCH INCLUDED, COMPACT & MODERN DESIGN! – With a very comfortable rosewood grip handle and heavy-duty , 420 stainless steel body, this wine bottle opener and foil cutter is much more than a necessary accessory; it’s an elegant, sstate of the art possession! Comes with a real nice silky pouch to store the gitko openers for years to come.
- 5 YEAR GUARENTEE – WE WILL TAKE THE RISK FOR YOU, JUST ENJOY! – Gitko great multi-functional wine key is the best product money can buy – and we are certain it is, that we are offering A 5 year guarantee, If something doesn’t work properly or if you don’t realy like your new corkscrew wine opener we will gladly replace it for you.
- QUALITY ROSEWOOD & STAINLESS STEEL- RUST FREE – our waiters corkscrews comes equipped with a 420 Stainless Steel Serrated foil cutter, and corkscrew. Unlike other cheap standard foil cutters on most corkscrews, our Stainless Steel Serrated knife effectively cuts the foil with ease, giving it an even cut and therefore a clean removal. No more torn foils with the Gitko wine opener.
- BEST MANUAL CORK REMOVER MONEY WILL EVER BUY – The beautiful wood handle is designed with a Double Hinged Fulcrum and formed to give you a unique feel of the wine bottle opener and offer great control when removing the cork, from the wine bottle. The gitko serrated foil cutter makes this wine key a great option, it offers all the tools necessary to open your wine bottle in style – this is why our wine key is bought by waiters all over the world.
For those looking for a double-hinged corkscrew, this is your solution. Gitko’s all-in-one stainless steel corkscrew will become your best friend in the kitchen.
This corkscrew is perfectly designed to perform multiple functions. The snug, all-in-one unit can be used as a wine corkscrew, bottle opener, and foil cutter.
This is a heavy duty corkscrew that is also ideal for a fast paced work environment to make short work of opening any type bottle with a cork or metal cap. It’s durable, high-quality, comfortable Rosewood handle makes it a very reliable and efficient wine opener. Backed by a lifetime guarantee. Ideal gift.
Prestige Waiters Corkscrew by Courale Sommelier
- FRAME AND HANDLE IN SOLID STAINLESS STEEL – Our Prestige Rosewood by Coutale Sommelier is built on a base of Solid Stainless Steel. From here, a slab of hand-cut Rosewood is affixed to the frame via stainless steel rivets. The end product? A corkscrew that is as aesthetically gorgeous as it is useful. Made of practical lines, The Prestige Rosewood by Coutale Sommelier is as comfortable opening 100’s of bottles a night as it is on display at home.
- STAINLESS STEEL GROOVED WORM – The Prestige line of corkscrews by Coutale Sommelier features a stainless steel grooved worm. Not only is the worm gorgeous – crafted from a single piece of stainless steel – but furthermore it is practical. The groove in the worm creates friction between the cork and the worm, allowing for greater tension and a smoother cork pull.
- STAINLESS STEEL SERRATED KNIFE – The Prestige line of corkscrews comes equipped with a Stainless Steel Serrated Knife. Unlike the dull standard-issue knives on most corkscrews our Stainless Steel Serrated knife cleanly cuts the foil, allowing for an even cut across the foil and a clean removal. No more torn foils with the Prestige by Coutale Sommelier.
- OUR GUARANTEE – All Coutale Sommelier corkscrews are backed by a lifetime guarantee. We stand by our product as the ONLY French Patented spring-loaded double lever and the most aesthetic and utilitarian double-lever waiter’s corkscrew on the market. All Coutale Sommelier corkscrews are backed by a lifetime satisfaction guarantee. Message us through Amazon with any questions you may have and we promise to always answer within 24 hours.
A premium choice, this corkscrew spotlights a spring-loaded, double lever that allows you to easily and quickly open your wine bottle.
Constructed with a combination of superior-quality stainless steel and natural wood, it’s not only incredibly functional but impressively stylish.
The stainless steel and grooved worm were designed to produce more friction to allow for a fluid and trouble free pulling of the cork. It also features a serrated knife that allows for a thorough and even dispersal of the wine bottle’s foil.
If you want to spend less time removing the cork and more time enjoying your wine this is a great choice.
Metrokane Houdini Corkscrew with Foil Cutter Extra Spiral
- Open wine bottles quickly and effortlessly with this innovative corkscrew design.
- Simply push the corkscrew down onto the bottle and pull up, removing the cork.
- Push down and pull up again to disengage the cork from the corkscrew.
- Tested for 20,000 cork pulls by an independent laboratory, this corkscrew is made with hardened metal gears to withstand years of use.
- Great as a gift for any wine lover, this corkscrew comes with an extra spiral and matching foil cutter.
This corkscrew has worldwide popularity due to its premium design. If you struggle to open wine bottles, you will enjoy this opener. Its cutting-edge corkscrew design drills and secures almost any cork. It is great for home or restaurant use. This corkscrew can stand a lot of abuse. With most corkscrews, breakages are common. They can also wobble and lose their efficiency over time. The Houdini has been tested to withstand up to 20,000 cork pulls. It is a durable product with hardened metallic gears and heavy-duty handles.
This is a professional grade product that will also ease your home entertaining.
OXO Steel Vertical Lever Corkscrew
- Lever removes cork in seconds with two easy motions
- Works with natural and synthetic corks
- Die-cast zinc handle with soft, non-slip grip provides leverage for comfortable use
- Removable foil cutter stores on the Corkscrew for quick access and convenient storage
- Releases cork automatically with a simple pump of the lever
Thanks to its heavy-duty, convenient design, the OXO removes the cork with two simple motions in just a few seconds. Ideal for removing natural and synthetic corks, this corkscrew is constructed with a die-cast zinc handle with a textured, non-slip grip that enhances the leverage giving you a better grip and control.
It also features a non-stick screw that smoothly and easily glides into the cork offering no resistance and making removing it trouble free. Despite its tight grip, there’s no need to worry about how to release the corkscrew as a single pump of the lever will automatically release it.
Included in the pack is an extra non-stick screw for longer use and a removable foil cutter.
This is a quick and easy way to open a wine bottle with minimal force and effort.
Hi Coup Wine Corkscrew and Bottle Opener
This is the world’s most popular wine opener design. This sturdy and classic style bottle opener feels “right” in your hand and does not look out of place if placed on a table.
It’s a cost effective corkscrew and efficient. It is simple to use: simply place the corkscrew over the bottle, twist the handle to insert the worm into the cork, and then press the opener’s wings down when they rise to extract the cork. A coated screw glides smoothly and a stopper prevents cork breakage.
A versatile tool that pulls double duty as a bottle opener. Easy to clean and dishwasher safe.
Barvivo Professional Waiter’s Corkscrew
If you’re looking for something both heavy duty and wallet friendly then this is a solid choice. It has a double-hinged fulcrum which allows for the removal of the most breakable and obstinate corks.
Despite its durable construction it was designed to be small and compact thus not taking up much space so you can bring it wherever you want. It is great for outings or picnics when you want to open a bottle of wine.
Made from quality stainless steel with a wood handle, this corkscrew was built to last. The all-in-one multitool also includes a serrated foil cutter and a bottle cap opener.
Buy at Amazon
Secura Electric Wine Bottle Opener
If you have difficulty with manual corkscrews this wine opener can be the perfect alternative.
Compatible with most wine bottle sizes, this rechargeable electric corkscrew can remove corks (even the most difficult) in a few seconds with a simple press of a button.
It can open 30 bottles on a single charge, ideal for parties and small gatherings. It is designed to be small and compact enough to store easily without taking up too much space.
It features a sophisticated and burnished modern design with an LED light and a solid and durable outer casing. It makes an impeccable gift for the wine lovers in your life.
Buy at Amazon
Oster Cordless Electric Wine Bottle Opener
Another electric opener that efficiently removes corks in seconds. Can open 30 bottles on a single charge with a single push of a button. To recharge, just place it back on its base and it will recharge for your next use. The package also includes a foil cutter for removing the foil on wine bottles.
It features a soft grip handle that makes it inviting and easy to use, allowing you to hold it securely while it opens your wine bottles.
It’s very stylish, modern, and pleasing to the eye yet provides exemplary utilitarian use.
Never be frustrated by opening a wine bottle with this efficient tool.
Rabbit Original Vertical Lever Corkscrew
As you can see, corkscrews come in many shapes and sizes. If you are looking for an ultra-deluxe one that will serve you for years, this vertical rabbit corkscrew is your consummate choice.
Its protean design drills and pulls corks from most types of wine bottles in one swift motion.
Made of stainless steel, it is a durable product. The risk of breaking is miniscule. Rust and corrosion are non-issues. Its polished surface is not only smooth but pleasant to handle.
The vertical corkscrew is efficient and you will not struggle to extract most types of corks. It will pull your corks swiftly and release immediately after opening.
True Twister: Easy Corkscrew Turn Key Bar Accessory Wine Bottle Opener
Are you looking for a commercial grade corkscrew? Do you want more leverage?
This is a reliable tool that is comfortable in a restaurant or a home.
Features a self-pulling corkscrew for effortless bottle opening. It pushes the extracted cork back off the screw without damaging the cork. It opens all types of corks including synthetic. Works on any size wine bottle.
The corkscrew is stylish yet all business with its black and chrome look. The easy, self-centering, non-stick cork screw is joy to use.
Buy at Amazon
Brookstone Compact Wine Opener
A lever pull design goes a long way towards making bottle opening simple and trouble free. It also has an extra long handle with a user-friendly grip that not only provides its users with greater leverage (to open both natural and synthetic corks) but also a pleasing grip on the handle.
Brookstone products are known for their high quality and precise craftsmanship and this opener lives up to both of those attributes.
It is compact enough for easy storage and secures safely on to any wine bottle for easy cork removal.
If you want quick and efficient cork removing you can’t go wrong with this corkscrew.
Buy at Amazon
Le Creuset Pocket Model Wine Opener
Featuring a self-pulling design and a rotating handle, the Le Creuset pocket model is your ideal travel corkscrew that is light in weight and convenient to use.
This corkscrew features a knife, a bottle opener, and cork remover in one easy to use tool. It places an entire wine system in your hands and can easily become the do-it-all small tool for your home bar.
Constructed with a smooth, stylish shape it comes equipped with soft-touch panels that provide a comfortable grip and hold. The multi-use design features a retractable, stainless steel foil cutter and bottle opener. Designed with a tasteful black finish it measures just 7”x6.5”x7 ⅔ and even folds for easier storage.
Buy on Amazon
Ozeri Nouveaux II Electric Wine Opener
This is not simply a wine opener as it also features a wine pourer and stopper. European inspired, it features a distinctive lucent shell that is illuminated by a soft blue LED light; a light that indicates when it’s in use or being recharged.
It can remove both natural and synthetic corks and has the capacity to remove up to 60 corks on a single charge, all at the push of a button. It also features a removable lid that can be converted into a foil cutter, allowing you to easily store it when not in use.
Other features include an ergonomic grip and its ability to stand upright without the need of a base stand.
This cordless wine opener is an elegant and sophisticated way to automate the opening of your wine bottles.
For as long as wine was stored in jugs and stoppered with oil cloth and bits of wood, there was no need for a specialized opener.
But in the 17th century, as bottles sealed with cork became more common, corkscrews did too. Collectors say that very early versions of the tool were derived from military kits; soldiers used screw shaped “gun worms” to pull misfired musket balls from the barrels of their guns. They would drill into the lead and drag the ammunition up and out.
The first corkscrews were small and portable, often nothing more than the worm (the screw itself) and a small ring for pulling with your finger.
But by the 18th century people came to recognize the advantages of aging wine, and bottles were regularized in a long-neck, cylindrical shape suited for long term repository. The new attention on shelf life warranted a better cork and thus a better corkscrew.
In 1795, an Oxford don named Samuel Henshall patented a better design corkscrew
Stronger worms and stronger devices were needed because the corks themselves were getting bigger and more tightly stuck. In 1795, an Oxford don named Samuel Henshall patented a better design. Like other corkscrews of the time, the wooden handle of his corkscrew had a brush at one end for dusting the dirt from vintage bottles. But he also incorporated a small, concave cap at the top of the worm, which limited how far down into the cork the screw could drill. Once it reached its limit, further twists of the handle would twirl the cork itself, which aided the stopper from the bottle.
Many researchers concur that it was a good corkscrew but probably a stolen idea. While Henshall was the first to patent the concave cap, a Dublin cutler named Thomas Read seems to have made a similar device (called the coaxer) as early as the 1770s. Offshoots of the design would be produced for about a century.
The next consequential patent came in 1802, when a Birmingham inventor named Edward Thomason came up with a way to extricate a cork by means of steady turning in one direction. His idea was to embed one screw inside another, with threads going in opposite directions. When you rotated the handler, the inner screw plunged into the cork and stopped as soon as the outer screw gripped, pulling the corkscrew upward.
The Waiter’s Friend
Thomason’s proficient mechanism stimulated further creations. The “concertina corkscrew,” credited to the Englishman Marshall Wier in 1884, had a folding set of levers overlapping the screw like an accordion. The cork would be removed by pulling these open with a ring. (The Zig Zag, a more famous French rendition of this arrangement, was introduced in the 1920s.) Around the same time, a German named Karl Wienke invented what was later called the “waiter’s friend.” This was a folding, pocket corkscrew in which the handle can be braced against a bottle’s mouth for leverage. (These are still used in restaurants.)
In 1930, Dominick Rosati patented the now familiar double lever, rack and pinion type, whereby screwing down into the cork raised a pair of arms that could then be used for pulling. And, in 1979, a Houston oil engineer named Herbert Allen (in his 70s) created a Screwpull, a very stylish device with a lean, Teflon-coated screw. Allen also patented a lever-pull corkscrew: pushing the lever down, up, then down again removed the cork from a bottle and released it off the screw.
For all known designs, however, many others remain opaque….perhaps because they never really worked so well. In researching this article I looked over numerous patented designs and shook my head. My thoughts were: why would that one work? More specifically, why would anyone have manufactured it?
A Guide to Mastering the Corkscrew
The Importance of Knowing How to Use a Corkscrew
So why bother learning how to use a corkscrew properly? For starters, it’s an essential skill for any wine lover or host who plans on serving bottled beverages at their next gathering.
Imagine struggling to open a beautiful bottle of your favorite cabernet sauvignon in front of your guests – it could be embarrassing and frustrating! Moreover, knowing how to use a corkscrew can help prevent accidents or injuries from improperly opening bottles.
A poorly opened bottle can cause wine to spill or break glass shards into your drink – not exactly desirable outcomes! Additionally, some types of corked bottles may require more effort than others to open safely and effectively.
Ready to learn how to master this seemingly simple but essential task? Let’s get started with some tips on getting started with picking out the right kind of corkscrew!
Getting Started
Choose the right type of corkscrew for your bottle
Before starting, make sure you have the appropriate corkscrew for your bottle. There are a few types of corkscrews to choose from, including winged and waiter’s styles.
Winged corkscrews are the most common and user-friendly type, with two levers that grip the cork as you twist the screw. Waiter’s corkscrews have a more compact design and require a little more skill to operate but are perfect for keeping in your pocket or purse for on-the-go wine emergencies.
Inspect the cork and bottle for any damage or debris
Once you’ve got your corkscrew ready, it’s time to inspect both the cork and the bottle neck. Check that there aren’t any signs of damage on either that could compromise the wine’s quality. If there is any buildup around the lip of the bottle, use a clean cloth to wipe it away before opening.
Next, examine the cork itself. It should be snug in place without being too tight or too loose in its position.
If it seems like it might be difficult to remove (either because it’s swollen from heat or humidity), consider placing it in an ice bucket for a few minutes before attempting to open. Taking these basic steps before opening your wine will help ensure that everything goes smoothly when using your corkscrew later on!
Using the corkscrew
Position the corkscrew in the center of the cork
Now that you have chosen the right corkscrew for your bottle, it’s time to get started. The first step is to position the corkscrew in the center of the cork.
This is important because if you place it off-center, you risk breaking or damaging the cork. To find the center of the cork, look for any visible seams or lines on its surface.
This will give you a good idea of where to position your corkscrew. Once you have identified this spot, gently push down on it with your finger to create a small indentation.
Twist the screw into the cork, making sure it stays straight and centered
The next step is to twist the screw into the cork. Begin by placing your corkscrew directly over your indentation line and start turning clockwise with firm pressure. Keep going until about three-quarters of an inch (2 cm) of screw remains sticking out from above.
Make sure that as you’re twisting, you keep it straight and centered so as not to damage either bottle nor cork. Be patient and go slow as this can take some time depending on how tightly fit into position a wine bottle’s cork might be.
Use leverage to pull out the cork, using a firm grip on the handle
Use leverage to pull out the cork while keeping a firm grip on the handle with one hand and holding onto the neck of the bottle with another hand for extra stability. Slowly begin pulling upwards while twisting back forth gently while tugging upward at an angle (preferably 45 degrees).
Don’t rush at this stage as doing so can cause wine spillages or even break off small pieces from inside which could fall into the bottle and make it unsafe to drink. Instead, keep a steady and firm grip on the handle while pulling up slowly and consistently until the cork comes out completely.
Now that you have successfully opened your first wine bottle, give yourself a pat on the back! Enjoy your wine while basking in newly acquired corkscrew skills.
Troubleshooting tips
If the cork breaks, use a pair of pliers to remove it in pieces
So, you have started using your corkscrew and you’re moving along with confidence. Suddenly, the cork snaps in half leaving a portion still inside your wine bottle. Don’t panic!
It happens all the time. Just grab a pair of pliers and get to work.
First things first, make sure that your pliers are clean before attempting to remove any broken cork pieces. Once they’re clean, gently clamp down on one of the exposed edges of broken cork with the pliers and start twisting clockwise or counterclockwise.
It’s important that you take it slow and easy so that you don’t accidentally push any remaining cork deeper into the bottle. Keep twisting until you can feel it start to loosen up then gently pull it out with your fingers or tweezers if necessary.
If you can’t get enough leverage, try using your body weight or a towel for better grip
You’ve probably seen people struggle with corkscrews before – they twist and pull but just can’t seem to get enough leverage to pop open their bottle of wine. If this is happening to you, don’t worry! There are a few tricks that will help.
Firstly, try putting some pressure on top of the bottle neck while pulling up on the handle of the corkscrew at the same time. This will create more force by increasing friction between corkscrew and cork.
If that doesn’t work then try wrapping a towel around bottle neck for extra grip while pulling up on handle again – this adds extra grip pressure giving more force for leverage when opening bottles without damaging them too much. Remember: Never use excessive force when opening bottles as this can cause damage or breakage which is definitely not desirable!
Finishing touches
Wipe off any excess debris from the bottle neck
After successfully removing the cork from your bottle of wine, take a moment to inspect the neck for any excess debris. This could be bits of cork or foil that may have broken off during the opening process.
Using a clean cloth or napkin, carefully wipe away any excess debris. Pro tip: If you notice bits of cork floating in your wine after pouring, use a fine-mesh strainer to remove them before serving.
Pour yourself a glass and enjoy!
With the cork safely removed and debris cleared away, it’s time to pour yourself a well-deserved glass of wine! Hold your glass at an angle and gently pour in a steady stream until it’s about two-thirds full.
This technique helps to aerate the wine and release its flavors and aromas. Take note of the color and clarity of your wine as you pour – this can be an indication of its age and quality.
Swirl the wine around in your glass to further release aromas, then take a sip and savor its taste. Cheers!
Pro tip: If you’re serving multiple glasses or saving some for later, consider using a decanter to transfer some or all of the remaining wine. This can improve its flavor by exposing it to more oxygen.
The importance of finishing touches
While it may seem trivial, taking care with finishing touches like clearing debris and properly pouring your wine can actually enhance your overall experience with it. By showing attention to detail, you demonstrate respect for both yourself and the beverage itself.
Plus, taking care with these final steps ensures that no unwanted elements interfere with your enjoyment of this delicious treat. So go ahead – treat yourself (and those lucky enough to share in your bottle) by mastering all aspects of corkscrew use!
Key points of using a corkscrew safely and effectively
Using a corkscrew may seem daunting at first, but it’s actually quite simple when you know what to do. Remember to select the right type of corkscrew for your bottle, inspect the cork and bottle for any damage or debris, and position the corkscrew in the center of the cork.
Twist the screw into the cork carefully, keeping it straight and centered. Use leverage to pull out the cork with a firm grip on the handle.
If something goes wrong, don’t panic! If the cork breaks, use a pair of pliers to remove it in pieces.
If you can’t get enough leverage, try using your body weight or a towel for better grip. By following these steps, you’ll be able to open a bottle of wine with ease – even if you’ve never done it before.
Practice your newfound skill with friends and family
Now that you know how to use a corkscrew properly, why not put your skills into practice? Invite some friends over for dinner and show them how easily you can open a bottle of wine. Share your newfound knowledge with those around you so they too can enjoy good wine without struggling with opening bottles.
Remember that practice makes perfect – so don’t be afraid to try opening different types of bottles and experimenting with different techniques. Before long, you’ll be an expert at using a corkscrew!
