Lucky for you we have come out with our best corkscrew list just in the knick of time. Your boss is coming to dinner, you've splurged on some fine wine, but the only corkscrew you have is from your college days.
Do you want to open that fine wine with a corkscrew that has a big bottle cap opener on top and "The Beer Mug" emblazoned on its side? That's hardly the image you want to project, especially to your boss.
But what type of corkscrew should you get? Yes, there's more than one type of corkscrew. There are eight different types of corkscrews, and some of them don't even have a "screw."
It's time to knuckle down, so you don't look like a knucklehead.
Comparison Table
[amazon box=”B005GUA3GK, B002RFUB0K, B0055OGPWS, B00MSXW15E, B00092M4AI, B015P5XL8W, B01261VEOG, B01DP8Q5BG, B07BDL4QN9, B0002WZR4K” template=”table”]
Corkscrew Types
Image Source: Pixabay.com
It was the early 1700s when the British first put wine in corked bottles. No, the French weren't the first.
Almost every type of corkscrew in use today was invented by the 1880s. Fortunately, there have been many improvements and a few new inventions as well.
For terminology clarification, the piece that goes into the cork is called a screw and also a worm.
Twist
The twist corkscrew was invented and first patented, in 1795 by the Rev. Samuel Henshall from Oxford, England. This corkscrew is the simplest of wine bottle openers, with a handle set perpendicular to the screw to make it easy to twist.
But using this simple type of opener does require a lot of wrist action, and if your wrists are frail, there are better options.
Fortunately, there have been improvements to this type of corkscrew. Number one on our best corkscrew list is a specialty twist style corkscrew. And number two on our list is an excellent example of an improved twist style corkscrew.
Waiter
Image Source: Pixabay.com
In 1882, Karl Wienke invented and patented (in Germany) the first waiter's corkscrew. This corkscrew is also known as the sommelier knife and wine key.
This type of corkscrew features a double hinge which provides leverage that helps easily remove the cork, once you insert the worm. And a waiter type corkscrew almost always includes a knife to remove the foil.
The handles come in a variety of materials, including wood, metal, or plastic. It's compact, efficient, and most used by waiters (surprise) and sommeliers. It's a sure bet that if you've had a bottle of wine in any restaurant, you've seen this type of corkscrew.
Check out numbers three and four on our best corkscrew list for this type of corkscrew.
Air pressure
This new type of wine opener is a Chinese invention, patented in 2014 as a pneumatic bottle opener.
Instead of a traditional screw, this type of opener requires you to insert a hollow needle through the cork. Then, push a small button to release enough CO2, from a little inner cartridge, that will force the cork out of the bottle.
Because this type of opener requires minimal physical force, it's an excellent choice for wine aficionados that are elderly or have arthritis issues.
Number five on our best corkscrew list is an air pressure opener.
Winged
Image Source: Pixabay.com
In 1988, H.S. Heely received a British patent for his "A1 Heeley Double Lever" corkscrew. This corkscrew is also known as a double-winged lever and double lever corkscrew.
The design of this corkscrew has a screw with a handle on top and two levers on either side.
To use, you position the screw over the cork, turn the handle which turns the screw that catches in the gears and raises the levers.
Then press down on the levers to pull the cork out. It's a lot easier to use than to explain how it works. Winged corkscrews are easy to use and require less effort than a simple twist or waiter type corkscrew.
Number six on our best corkscrew list is a winged type corkscrew.
Electric
In 1998, Dusan Nikolic patented the electric-powered corkscrew. These wine openers are simple and easy to use.
Once you remove the foil, place the corkscrew over the cork, press a button and the worm will twist into the cork and then pull the cork out.
It's a perfect choice for older wine lovers or anyone with limited dexterity because you need no strength.
Number seven on our list is our choice for the electric best corkscrew.
Lever
The first iteration of the lever corkscrew also called the "rabbit" or "bunny ears," was invented by Texas oilman and aerospace engineer, Herbert Allen in the 1970s.
He passed away before he licensed his invention, but left all of his patents to Rice University, his alma mater.
Many consider this type of wine opener the best for beginners because it's so easy to use.
Two handles (bunny ears) secure the bottle in place, the lever handle that includes the screw is lowered, allowing the screw to go through the cork. Then the handle is raised removing the cork.
Our pick for best lever corkscrew is number eight on our list.
Ah So
This very non-traditional cork remover is also called the "Butlers Friend." Because dishonest butlers using this remover were able to remove the cork, take a swig of wine, then replace the cork without damaging or puncturing the cork.
How it got the name Ah So is a bit unclear. It's either a translation from the German saying "Ach So." Or possibly from the exclamation "Ah, so that's what it is for!"
In any case, this opener is the best type to use for opening vintage bottles of wine that use natural corks. Because using a typical corkscrew could damage or cause the aged cork to crumble.
Whenever I have the sad mishap of a broken cork, my Ah So saves the day, or more accurately the wine. Every wine lover should have one of these cork removers on standby.
This wine saver has two flat prongs attached to a handle. You carefully slide the prongs between the cork and the bottle, give a gentle twist, and pull out the cork.
Number nine on our best corkscrew list is our choice for the best Ah So type cork remover.
Air pump
It's unclear when this type of cork remover made its first appearance or who invented it.
While this type of cork remover may immediately remind you of a bicycle pump, many oenophiles swear by this method of cork removal.
The air pump works similarly to the air pressure cork remover. You insert a needle into the cork, and then while you hold the bottle in one hand, you pump air into the wine bottle with the other until the cork pops out.
But this type of cork remover is best for those showmen who want to burn off calories, tone up arm muscles, and impress guests. It's way too much work for me, especially when there are so many other choices to get to the wine.
But if you are determined to have this in your wine cupboard, you'll find our pick for best corkscrew of the air pump type at number ten on our list.
How We Picked the Best Corkscrew
Image Source: Pixabay.com
This best corkscrew review is an independent analysis of the different types of corkscrews available for wine lovers. To narrow our best corkscrew list, we searched the internet for professional comments and recommendations and customer reviews and comments.
The purpose of this research is to give you sufficient factual, unbiased information. So that you can make a confident, informed, and easier decision when purchasing the best corkscrew for your wine cupboard.
Our 10 Best Corkscrew List
We have listed our choices for best corkscrew by type, not by preference.
1
Le Creuset Sparkling Wine Opener
[amazon box=”B005GUA3GK”]
Le Crueset's Sparkling Wine Opener is a twist style opener designed to uncork champagne and sparkling wine. Its four-prong design loosens and captures pressurized corks with a simple twisting motion.
The prongs of this opener latch securely to any pressurized cork eliminating the danger of flying corks, and the smooth rounded edges make it comfortable to use.
This unique specialty opener measures 3 inches by 3 inches by 5.5 inches, and it comes with a 10-year limited warranty.
Amazon customers rated this twister opener 4.9 out of 5.0 stars. An incredible 95 percent of reviewers rated this product 5.0 out of 5.0 stars.
2
True Brands Twister Easy-Turn Corkscrew
[amazon box=”B002RFUB0K”]
True Brands Twister Easy-Turn Corkscrew is an improved twister style corkscrew.
Just position the corkscrew over the wine bottle and the non-stick extra-long worm self-centers into the bottleneck. Then twist the ergonomic handle, the worm will screw into the cork. Keep rotating the handle, and the cork comes out. No pulling required.
This twister corkscrew is about five inches in length, so it won't take a lot of room where ever you store it. The only thing missing is a [amazon link="B01M5GPAJF" title="foil cutter"].
Amazon customers rated this twister corkscrew 4.3 stars out of 5.0 stars. An impressive 77 percent of the reviewers rated this product 5.0 out of 5.0 stars.
3
Pulltap's Double-Hinged Waiters Corkscrew
[amazon box=”B0055OGPWS”]
Pulltap's Double-Hinged Waiters Corkscrew is a waiter-style corkscrew. The double-hinge design of this corkscrew means you will have more leverage so you can remove the cork easily without breaking it.
The solid stainless steel arms give the opener a sturdy feeling, and the Teflon-coated worm enters the cork smoothly. It also has a sharp serrated knife that serves as a foil cutter.
This corkscrew is made in Spain and is 4.5 inches long. It's small enough to carry with you on picnics or travels.
Amazon customers rated this waiters corkscrew 4.0 out of 5.0 stars. A notable 68 percent of reviewers rated this product 5.0 out of 5.0 stars.
4
HiCoup Premium Waiter's Corkscrew
[amazon box=”B00MSXW15E”]
HiCoup's Premium Waiter's Corkscrew is an attractive waiter-style corkscrew with a rosewood handle and 420 stainless steel for strength and durability.
HiCoup says their specially designed heavy-duty steel worm can remove any natural or synthetic cork in five turns with no breakage. And the double-hinged fulcrum provides extra leverage for smoother pulling of even longer corks.
It also has a long, rounded, and serrated knife foil cutter.
Amazon customers rated this waiter corkscrew 4.7 out of 5.0 stars. An extraordinary 86 percent of reviewers rated this product 5.0 out of 5.0 stars.
5
CorkPops Legacy
[amazon box=”B00092M4AI”]
The CorkPops Legacy is an air pressure wine opener that uses a low-pressure gas cartridge to gently pop the cork, without affecting the taste of the wine.
CorkPops says to insert the needle straight down through the cork, press once and the cork pops out. While they don't recommend using for 1.5-liter bottles, many reviewers said they used it often on bottles of that size with no problems.
It works on natural, synthetic and long French wine corks. A note from many reviewers: make sure you hold the bottle tightly, or the pressure could cause the wine bottle to "fly out of your hand."
This attractive opener has a needle guard to protect the needle, comes with one cartridge, and you can easily purchase [amazon link="B000R4LLTI" title="replacement cartridges"]. But it doesn't include a foil cutter.
Amazon customer rated this air pressure opener 4.4 out of 5.0 stars. A respectable 76 percent of reviewers rated this product 5.0 out of 5.0 stars.
6
HiCoup Wing Corkscrew
[amazon box=”B015P5XL8W”]
HiCoup's Wing Corkscrew is different from many of the other wing corkscrews because it has a longer body. And it has an ergonomic turning knob that is a full two inches wide.
This corkscrew has an elegant look and a sturdy feel. Place the collar of the corkscrew on the bottle, twist the handle to insert the worm into the cork, the handles on the side will rise.
Once the worm is firmly in the cork, push the large three-inch handles down, and the cork will rise out of the bottle. The stopper prevents the screw from breaking the cork.
This corkscrew is 9.5 inches long and comes packaged in a box attractive enough for gifting. While it doesn't come with a foil cutter, it does include a lovely wine stopper.
Amazon customers rated this winged corkscrew 4.2 out of 5.0 stars. A creditable 73 percent of reviewers rated this product 5.0 out of 5.0 stars.
7
Secura Stainless Steel Electric Bottle Opener
[amazon box=”B01261VEOG”]
Secura's Stainless Steel Electric Bottle Opener is an attractive cordless electric bottle opener. If you like the color blue, you might say this is a gorgeous cordless electric bottle opener.
Position the stainless steel housing over the cork. The transparent shell that surrounds the corkscrew mechanism means there's no guessing where that worm is going to go. Press the button, and it goes into the cork and then removes the cork in seconds, with no effort from you.
The charging base has a blue LED light that shines through the transparent worm housing, and it also holds the attractive foil cutter.
Speaking of that blue LED light when you press the button to move the worm, that blue LED light turns on. Kind of makes you want to turn off the lights so you can fully appreciate that gorgeous blue.
Oh, and the built-in rechargeable battery opens up to 30 bottles on a single charge. You will more than appreciate this opener if you have arthritis or hand muscular problems. All you have to do is hold the opener and push the button; yes, it's that easy.
Amazon customers rated this electric opener 4.4 out of 5.0 stars. An incredible 79 percent of reviewers rated this product 5.0 out of 5.0 stars.
8
OXO SteeL Vertical Lever Corkscrew
[amazon box=”B01DP8Q5BG”]
The OXO SteeL Vertical Lever Corkscrew has a die-cast zinc handle and soft non-slip grip. And it provides enough leverage to remove corks smoothly and quickly with two natural motions.
This lever style corkscrew has a non-stick worm that glides into natural or synthetic corks and the cork releases from the corkscrew with a simple pump of the lever.
You won't have to search the drawer for the foil cutter because with this corkscrew, the removable foil cutter stores on the corkscrew for quick access and convenient storage.
After you have removed the foil, lift the handle and place the corkscrew on the cork. Then slowly push down on the handle, allowing the non-stick worm to glide in. Then lift the lever again, pulling the cork out of the bottle.
To remove the cork from the worm, push the handle down again, and then lift the handle.
This attractive lever corkscrew measures about 7.2 inches tall by 7.5 inches wide and 2.5 inches deep and comes with an extra worm. Plus, it comes in a box that is nice for gifting and storing.
Amazon customers rated this lever corkscrew 4.4 out of 5.0 stars. A remarkable 76 percent of reviewers rated this product 5.0 out of 5.0 stars.
9
Tirrinia Wine Air Pressure Pump Opener
[amazon box=”B07BDL4QN9″]
Tirrinia's Wine Air Pressure Pump Opener comes in a four-piece set. It includes the air pressure pump opener, a wine aerator, vacuum stopper, and foil cutter. All arranged and nestled in a box attractive enough for gifting and sturdy enough for storing.
This air pump opener works best on natural corks, especially on older bottles of wine with natural corks. Synthetic corks have a higher coefficient of friction and will take many more pumps, "more than 15."
They make this pump's handle with a high-quality aluminum alloy, and the needle is Teflon coated 304 stainless steel.
After removing the foil, carefully insert the needle through the cork, then pump the handle up and down reducing force as the cork begins to move. When half of the cork is out of the bottle, hold the outer cover of the pump, and pull up.
Tirrinia says to use your dominant hand to pump and your other hand to hold onto the bottle, not the outer cover of the pump, to keep the bottle stable.
Amazon customers rated this air pump opener 4.2 out of 5.0 stars. A respectable 72 percent of reviewers rated this product 5.0 out of 5.0 stars.
10
Monopol Germany Ah-So Cork Puller
[amazon box=”B0002WZR4K”]
Monopol Germany Ah-So Cork Puller
has high-quality hardened steel prongs and die-cast metal for a handle and cover.
The ergonomic handle can also double as a bottle cap opener. Every wine lover should have this cork remover in their arsenal of cork removers.
Perfecting the use of this uncomplicated cork remover may require a little practice. After you remove the foil, slide the flat prongs between the cork and bottle, give a gentle twist to loosen the cork, then slowly pull the cork out.
Amazon customers rated this Ah So cork remover 4.3 out of 5.0 stars. An incredible 80 percent of reviewers rated this product 5.0 out of 5.0 stars.
Now Let It Breathe
Choose any from our best corkscrew list. They will all flawlessly remove the cork from your bottle, and most will impress all of your oenophilia friends, even your boss.
So pick the one, or two, that would work best for you. Some you'll want to display, and others will be just fine in the drawer.
Let us know in the comments below which you picked from your list of best corkscrews.
Featured Image Source: Pixabay.com
Leave a Reply