A Note About Counterfeits
While researching brands to test, we came across concerns about counterfeit versions of the popular Pulltap waiters-friend corkscrew, made by Barcelona-based Pulltex. The chrome Pulltap we tested was about $27, and we called the Maryland-based distributor before ordering to confirm its authenticity. Fake versions of the Pulltap are floating around Amazon for less than half the price, and often arrive without any markings on the corkscrew, or the proper packaging.
What caught us by surprise was a counterfeit version of another waiters-friend modelone that normally costs around $5. A fake Truetap made it to our office with no engravings, packaged only in a yellow bubble mailer. If the price seems too good to be true, it might be, so its a good idea to read comments left by buyers before handing over your cash.
Add A Uniquetouch To Your Wine Collection
Just insert needle into wine cork and push the button – button will pop up with a classic, satisfying sound. This wine bottle opener makes a wonderful gift for the wine lover in your life. Perfect for a housewarming, bridal shower or birthday present.
- Ships in protective packaging
*Additional items pictured, not included*
Best Hinged Corkscrew: Hicoup Professional Waiter’s Corkscrew
The #1 Amazon bestseller in Waiter Corkscrews, this HiCoup model comes in 21 different colors and materials, from different types of wood to stone, resin, and stainless steel.
On the functionality side, it features a double-hinged fulcrum that will provide the exact amount of leverage you need regardless of the cork or bottle size, plus a serrated foil cutter, bottle opener, and stainless-steel corkscrew.
“The restaurant I work at gives us wine keys however mine broke nearly immediately, so I bought this,” writes one of the 8,320 five-star reviewers. “I have since opened hundreds of bottles of wine and it feels and works like new still! All the servers I work with compliment it every time I let them borrow it. Truly amazing and high quality.”
Buy it: $13;
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The Best Lever Corkscrew: Oxo Steel Vertical Lever Corkscrew
What we liked: The OXO worked on every bottle we tested. The two-step motionpush down, then pull upyanks the cork out in under three seconds. Repeat the process again, and the cork comes free of the corkscrew. The foil cutter, which works well, clips into the body of the tool, meaning you have one fewer thing to store. Built for speed, this lever corkscrew is a good choice if you want bottles opened quickly and have room for storage.
What we didnt like: Some testers found the OXOs downstroke awkward, as the levers handle could bump into the wrist of the hand holding the tool. This model also does not include a beer-bottle opener.
The Best Corkscrew For Opening Wine
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Even though we havent done new testing for this guide in a few years, we still believe the True Fabrications Truetap is the best corkscrew for most people.
Although you can spend plenty of money on a gadgety wine opener, every wine expert we spoke to said they preferred a simple, double-hinged corkscrew. We especially like True Fabrications’ Truetap. Yes, it is a knockoff of the Pulltaps corkscrewthe corkscrew that most experts recommendbut in our tests, we found it to be similar in handling, one of the least expensive models we tried, and solidly built. And unlike the Pulltaps, it can ship from a reliable, local source.
Our pick
Just a few bucks gets you a reliable and easy-to-use manual opener. The double-hinge makes pulling the cork out of a bottle a simple process.
Buying Options
*At the time of publishing, the price was $6.
Unlike wing corkscrews, the True Fabrications’ Truetap is compact, slim, and affordable, which means you can buy a couple and keep extras in your desk, glove compartment, or backyardso youre always ready to open up a bottle.
The OXO is similar to the Truetap, but for a few bucks more, you get a soft grip that some might find more comfortable.
Buying Options
*At the time of publishing, the price was $15.
Also great
Easy to grab, easy to use, and inexpensive, you cant go wrong with this electric opener. It placed at the top in every category in which we tested it.
Buying Options
*At the time of publishing, the price was $20.
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Theres A Style For Every Wine Lover At Any Experience Level
Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the bestproducts; youcan learn more about ourreview process here.We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.
The Spruce Eats / Chloe Jeong
Its safe to say youve probably opened at least one wine bottle in your life. Whether youre comfortable with it is another story. With the help of two of our favorite wine experts, weve put together a guide to navigating the process with the right tool for your needs and preferences. Linda Trotta, winemaker at Jamieson Ranch Vineyards, breaks down the markets main offerings in approachable terms: Openers fall into a few categories: levered, hinged , rabbit-eared, electronic, and then the very pretty but highly frustrating old fashioned cork pullers shaped like a T, she shares. Then, there are specialty tools like the Ah-So, designed for older corks, but this shouldnt necessarily be the only wine opener you have on hand, Trotta notes.
Like Trotta, D.C.-based blogger and wine pro Alicia Chew is partial to the classic waiters friend-style, the simple, yet effective traditional design that youll see used at most bars and restaurants. They’re pretty simple and inexpensive, and one of the most convenient options on the market.
Here, well break down why you should have at least one waiters friend in your arsenal and explore other options for the best wine openers for every scenario.
Best Statement Piece: Secura Champagne Gold Electric Wine Opener
Do you have a bar cart you like to roll out when you’re entertaining? Or a bar in your family room or game room that you want guests to flock to? If so, this glamorous electric wine opener from Secura is for you. The body comes in champagne gold, rose gold, blue, or silver, and the bottom lights up around the corkscrew while it’s charging, making for a wine opener that doubles as a conversation starter.
“The transparent business-end of the opener helps with centering it over the cork,” explains one happy customer. “It’s very easy to use, even for arthritic hands. Finally, it’s equally useful on the newer synthetic corks as on the traditional corks. Buy this electric corkscrew and be happy!” The compact charging stand also houses an elegant and easy-to-use foil cutter.
Buy it: $25.99;
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The 5 Best Wine Openers
Whether you love to entertain or you enjoy a glass of wine by yourself on a quiet night, chances are you’ll need a wine opener at some point in your life. Wine is many guests’ favorite gift to bring event hosts, and you don’t want to be caught unprepared when it comes time to crack those bottles open. What used to come in just a simple, handheld corkscrew style has now transformed into everything from state of the art electric wine openers to huge countertop stands with levers and buttons. We here at Wise Bread have taken the guesswork out of bottle opening by picking the five best corkscrews out there today.
What Makes A Great Corkscrew
As long as the cork comes out of the bottle without a hitch and the wine flows freely, most folks wouldnt complain about the nuances of corkscrew performance. In the absence of an appropriate tool, theres always the shoe method . Or another widely touted hack: using a standard house key .
But since I was genuinely in search of the best corkscrew, each time I approached a new one I would ask myself a series of questions. Do I easily get the gist of how this device works, simply by looking at it? Is it cumbersome or awkward to wield? Does it have a comfortable grip? Can it successfully execute all steps involved, or are additional parts required? How smoothly does it extract, and does it inflict any noticeable damage to the cork in the process? How long does it take me to open the bottle?
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What We’re Testing Next
Pulltap’s Classic Corkscrew: We plan on ordering a Pulltap’s opener from the official site to see if all the extra shipping and international payment hurdles are worth the effort. The Classic Corkscrew has a double-hinged design, with two boot levers, a Teflon-coated screw, and a built-in serrated foil cutter.;
Zwilling J.A. Henckels Waiter’s Corkscrew with Micarta Handle: This beautiful opener with a handle made from linen and resin comes highly recommended by senior reporter Owen Burke. It has a classic two-step design, nonstick screw, and built-in foil cutter.;
Laguiole En Aubrac Waiter’s Corkscrew: We were sold by beverage director Jordan Salcito’s glowing review of the brand. She told Insider Reviews, “Their selection in terms of style and price point – is extraordinary and if you’re looking for a gift , they engrave and also work with some incredible materials such as fossilized wooly mammoth tusk or wood from trees planted at Versailles by Marie Antoinette.; They also offer a lifetime guarantee. If anything goes awry you can mail in your wine key and they’ll fix it, then send it back as good as new.”
Best Wine Key: Le Creuset Waiter’s Friend Corkscrew
;Le Creuset
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Simple and easy to use
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Durable
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Pricier than similar styles
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Foil cutter can come loose;
Efficient, budget-friendly and sleek, this classic wine key is another great all-rounder. Made by the trusted French cookware brand Le Creuset, the Waiters Friend corkscrew appeals to the service industry and home drinkers alike with its two-step design and grooved screw. This way, its intended to maximize movement through cork as smoothly and as vertically as possible. The metal corkscrew is also BPA-free.
Most waiters friend-style corkscrews are extremely versatile and work well for any type of cork. Plus, they can easily live in a pocket or baganother reason Israelson highly recommends this option.
Whats Included: Two-step wine key
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Allows you to have just a glass or two at a time
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Easy to store and carry
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Product and refills are expensive
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Works only on natural cork
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Needle is easy to break
A leader in wine preservation, the Coravin system uses a needle and inert gas , allowing users to access wine without actually opening the bottle. This is essential because cork is a self-healing material and will close back up again after the needle is removed.
It gives the flexibility of tasting a bottle without being forced to open the whole thing, says Beth Martini, a certified sommelier and captain at Entente in Chicago. Coravin systems are typically used for reserve wines as a measure against loss and oxidation, and Model Two is a unanimously popular choice across the industry.
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Factors To Consider Before Buying A Cork Pops Wine Opener
Mode of Operation
As we said Air pressure wine bottle opener either pump type or cartridge type. We described the advantages and disadvantages of both categories. Which one is more suitable for you, you have to decide before buying.
Material Used
Some models made of cheap plastic, while others use heavy-duty ABS. Some are simple in design, while others use threaded screw design for extra grip to prevent slippage. For long-lasting performance, some models build there handle with solid aluminum alloy. Whatever they use, you have to check the durability and whether or not these materials are safe for food.
Accessories
To insert a needle first, you have to expel the foil from the wine bottles neck. For what an essential tool is a foil cutter. You can use good quality wine aerator pourer to enhance the taste of wine, and a vacuum wine saver is necessary to prevent spoiling your wine. Among these foil cutter is a standard tool offered by most of the brand with their products. However, if you need all those, you have to check whether your brand includes other accessories or not.
Warranty and Guarantee
Jgrzf Rabbit Wine Opener
The JGRZ Rabbit Wine Opener is a great value choice on the market. Its made of zinc alloy and has a copper/chrome finish. Durable, functional and compatible with all corks: it gets the job done. Quickly.
Sometimes the corkscrew spiral in rabbit wine openers can get worn out. This is why the JGRZ comes with 4 additional spirals, easy to replace. The included spare parts ensure the longevity of your purchase. If you accidentally damage the device and manage to break a spiral: simply replace it and youre good to go!
Now, there is one other thing we should mention about the product: its makers arent completely fluent in English. Dont be alarmed that the product description mentions the device can open even a tiny woman. The company has obviously invested more time in the development of the wine opener itself, than on translation of sales materials. But the opener itself still works like a treat!
Tip: Want some more wine opener inspiration? Do check out our other editorial on the top picks for uncorking bottles, including the Best Electric Wine Opener, the Best Wine Opener Keychain, and the Best Corkscrew Wine Opener: Top 5 Reviews!
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Le Creuset Screwpull Lever Model Elegance
This more expensive, luxury wine opener from Le Cruset is one that reviewers feel makes a wonderful gift around the holidays. Owners claim that it is extremely aesthetically pleasing, with one reviewer writing that it looks like a piece of art.
To use the Le Creuset, simply grip the neck of the wine bottle with the two handles and push the lever down so that the screw goes into the cork. Pulling the lever back up easily removes the cork, and one more push on the lever releases the cork into the trash. The extra long corkscrew can get deep into bottles and ensures that no cork will break when being removed. It is triple coated with teflon, allowing it to stay very sharp. The company claims that you can open up to 2,000 bottles without having to change the screw. The one complaint seems to be that, at 4.8 pounds, this is one of the heavier wine openers to operate.
The Le Creuset Screwpull Lever Model Elegance comes with a an extra spiral, a stand that can rest on the shelf or be wall mounted, and a foil cutter which reviewers claim is easier to use and far more superior than other models. This wine opener also comes with a 10-year warranty and is available in black.
Current Price:
Best Wine Openers In 2021
BestWine OpenersiMore2021
Wine openers are not only convenient utensils to have on hand, but they can also be great statement pieces in your kitchen or wine cellars. Picking a wine opener that is convenient to use and looks great will impress your guests at your next party or gathering. That’s why we recommend the Secura SWO-3N Electrical Wine Bottle Opener as it features a unique and future-forward design and can open 30 bottles in only one charge.
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Best Winged: Oxo Steel Winged Corkscrew
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Simple and comfortable to use
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Works with any type of cork
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Smooth, ergonomic design
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Plastic body is less durable than all-metal options
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Foil cutter quality is inconsistent
Winged corkscrews are another way to remove a cork with minimal physical effort, hallmarked by a set of levers on either side of the worm. This style offers several advantages, according to Erik Delanoy, a service industry veteran who currently tends bar at Classic Car Club Manhattan.
It removes a lot of the guesswork: It guarantees that the corkscrew will be inserted into the center of the cork at the correct angle parallel to the bottle, and the corkscrew itself is usually more of a blade style, which reduces chances of breaking a cork that might be dried out,” he explains.
This style does require a bit of work, but not nearly as much as the waiters friend, for instance, because the wings do most of the labor when pulling the cork out. Delanoy elaborates: Its great for stubborn corks or, in general, for those who dont necessarily have a lot of arm strength.” He adds that this OXO models built-in cutter, which makes for a clean line on the foil, is a welcome bonus.
Whats Included: Winged corkscrew, removable foil cutter;
Best Electric Opener: Oster Cordless Electric Wine Bottle Opener
If you’re someone who has a difficult time opening wine bottles, then this electric wine opener is perfect for you. Simply place the electric-powered opener around the mouth of the bottle, press a button, and watch the cork slide out in a matter of seconds.
If you’re hosting an event, the Oster Cordless Electric Wine Bottle Opener stayed powered up for 6 – 8 hours and can effortlessly open up to 30 bottles in just one charge. When charging, place the opener in an upright position on the charging dock.
Measuring at 5.5 x 15 x 5.3 inches, and weighing only 1 pound in weight, the Oster opener is carefully designed to fit all wine bottles easily. It has a classy and modern look and is available in three different colors, including silver, champagne, and merlot, which are visually appealing and very in theme with their function.
Although this wine bottle opener is excellent with cork materials, it can slip a little when handling corks that are made out of rubber or silicone. This wine opener also features a handy LED light, but the light does not indicate when the device is charged. Also included in this package is a convenient foil cutter to ensure that the bottle is prepared correctly before opening.
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