Pop the Cork with Ease: Best Wine Openers
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Peugeot Salma Wine Opener -
Le Creuset Pocket Model Wine Opener -
Vin Fresco Portable Electric Wine Opener -
The Good Cook Corkscrew Wine Opener -
Waring Portable Electric Wine Opener -
Wine Enthusiast Electric Blue Push-Button Corkscrew -
Oster Tuxedo Black Electric Wine Opener -
Buyer's Guide
Many people know the struggles of trying to open a bottle of wine. In many cases, a manual wine opener fails miserably. From wine corks dropping and crumbling into the wine to simply not being able to get the cork out, it is obvious that a good wine opener is essential.
There are multiple types of wine openers both manual and electric. I am happy to say that many of the newer versions of manual wine openers are actually very good. They are comfortable to use and do a much better job of extracting the cork. Many of the manual versions have levelers. When you push them down, the leveler lifts the cork out more easily. This allows you to work less to get the cork out. All in all, the new manual wine openers are much better than the old ones that have the wooden handle and the corkscrew on the end.
A personal favorite, however, is the electric opener. There are several manufacturers out there that are making them now and they are easy to operate. What I like about the option of the electric opener is that they have the ability to open multiple bottles within minutes. These openers work fast and they are very efficient. They are typically battery operated and some even have adapters. If you plan on having a party or opening more than one or two bottles of wine, electric openers are much more convenient and a lot faster.
As with most things, it is all a matter of choice. If you don't drink wine often, maybe investing in an electric opener isn't necessary. A good manual one will do. If you do entertain a lot, then an electric opener will be optimal. One thing is for sure, no matter what your wine opener personality is, there is one on this list of the best wine openers in 2022 to suit everyone.
What are the best wine openers of 2022?
Peugeot Salma Wine Opener - Top Pick
The Salma Wine Opener by Peugeot is sturdy and comfortable to handle. Designed in the more traditional style of corkscrew wine openers, this one will open your wine with ease and in one motion. The endless corkscrew mechanism goes deeply into the center of the cork. You keep tuning in the same direction to eventually extract the cork. It's just that simple. This well made opener also comes with a foil cutter and is portable.
Le Creuset Pocket Model Wine Opener - Runner Up
This Le Creuset Pocket Model Wine Opener will make it a lot easier to open wine. This self pulling corkscrew has a revolving handle that allows you to turn it with one finger. It's not only easy to pull out the cork, put it also has a retractable foil cutter. The comfortable handle detaches and stores inside the body. The cork screw is sharp and can penetrate deeply, allowing the cork guides to ensure stability and removal. Use at home or take to a friends.
Vin Fresco Portable Electric Wine Opener - Easy To Use
With this wine opener, you can effortlessly and swiftly remove the cork from your favorite wines and spirits. It can open up to 30 bottles on a single charge. It features a beautiful black mat finish that makes it a lovely addition to any space. In addition to the easy-to-use opener, it includes a beautiful foil cutter and batteries. This genuine Vin Fresco Wine Bottle Opener will dazzle you with its simplicity of use, elegance, and dependability. With hundreds of uses on a single charge and a small size, you can easily sneak it into your pocketbook or satchel for any occasion. Give as a wedding present, to greet friends into a well-deserved retirement, or for any holiday or special event that necessitates a distinctive and considerate gift.
The Good Cook Corkscrew Wine Opener - Honorable Mention
I couldn't complete this list without including a winged corkscrew. The Good Cook Corkscrew Winged Deluxe is a great tool for uncorking your wine. This wine opener works smoothly to drive the corkscrew into the cork. The smooth action lever will easily pull the cork out of the wine while keeping it in perfect shape. It is durable and has a smooth black coating and is designed to resist rust, warping or scratches. It's comfortable to use and guaranteed to give you great results. Although it is bulkier than the others, it can be transported easily.
Waring Portable Electric Wine Opener - Consider
This high performance electric opener is guaranteed to make opening wine a cinch. The Waring Portable Electric Wine Bottle Opener is fully rechargeable, long lasting and my favorite. You can easily open up to 120 corks on one charge. It is constructed with a durable, commercial-grade forward and reverse motor and is whisper quiet. It maximizes space by allowing you to charge and store at the same time. It has an attractive stainless steel design. It also includes a foil cutter, replacement auger and is portable.
Wine Enthusiast Electric Blue Push-Button Corkscrew - Best Electric Wine Opener
The Electric Blue Push-Button Corkscrew not only opens wine but provides an exciting experience. It is one of the easiest wine openers you could ever use. The stylish bottle has a blue light that shines through the clear bottle window, allowing you to watch as it works. Simply place it over the cork and push the button. It's that simple. It includes detailed instructions and has a rechargeable battery that lasts up to eight hours. It also comes with a foil cutter and goes well with any decor.
Oster Tuxedo Black Electric Wine Opener - Best Electric Wine Opener
This affordable opener combines style with performance. The Oster® Tuxedo Black Electric Wine Opener has a sleek black and silver design and a convenient rechargeable base. The cordless design has a simple one touch process for uncorking your wine. It can open up to 30 bottles of wine effortlessly, on one charge. It also includes a foil cutter. This is a great tool whether you're having a party or not. It is easy to transport and durable.
Buyer's Guide
A bottle of wine is worthless if you can not open it. Imagine being home after a tiresome day at work and finding out your tawdry wine opener is broken. Or being embarrassed at your wedding when you can not get the champagne to pop because the wine opener is too complicated.
Putting too much thought into buying a wine opener may seem stupid, but to avoid situations like these, you need a wine opener that best suits your needs. An array of wine openers are now available in the market. Let us break down the information regarding their features and what to look out for in a wine opener so you can buy the best wine opener which is ideal for your taste and capabilities.
Types of Wine Openers and how to use them
Wine key or waiter’s corkscrew
The waiter’s corkscrew is the oldest, most traditional style of a wine opener. However, it is still the most popular choice among households and restaurants because it is straightforward, affordable, and portable.
The structure and mechanism of the wine key are fairly simple. It includes a corkscrew, two levers, and a foil cutter for added convenience. To open a bottle, insert the worm in the center of the cork and use the two levers to pull out the cork in two stages. The process requires lesser arm strength when compared to the traditional pull-screw system but it takes time to master the skill to use it properly. The corkscrew must be right in the center of the cork and should be twisted in precisely otherwise there is a chance you will damage the cork.
Winged Corkscrew
The winged corkscrew has wing-like arms on either side with a screw in the center and hence the name. To use it, keep twisting the corkscrew into the middle of the cork until the wings lift all the way up. Then, press down on both the wings to pull the cork out.
Even though the winged corkscrew is a good choice for oenophiles, it may not be the best.
The mechanism to use it is undemanding however, it comes with its drawbacks, mediocrity being on top of the list. The winged corkscrew offers middle-of-the-road control, ease of usage with a lackluster design when compared to the wine key.
Lever Corkscrew
Also called rabbit-style wine openers because of their design, the lever corkscrews are portable and uncomplicated. They have a singular lever attached to the worm along with two handles. Originally named after their design, newer versions of the lever corkscrew work using a similar principle but may or may not have a rabbit ear-like handle.
Perhaps the winning quality that people swear by of the lever corkscrew is the control it gives the user. Because there is only one lever, the bottle is secured by the user unlike using a winged corkscrew where both the arms need to be pushed down, and the bottle is left at the mercy of the friction provided by the table. Another quality that compensates for its appearance is the range of motion of the lever which significantly decreases the amount of strength while pulling the cork out. The ease of usage is also worth mentioning. You need to simply insert the worm in and pull the cork out using the lever.
Electric Corkscrew
If you do not want to fuss around with a mechanical wine opener, the electric corkscrew will be your best friend! You just have to place the bottle vertically under the opener and via an automated process, it will all the work for you.
Cheaper models of electric corkscrews have a shabby appearance and style. There are also several complaints about some models being unnecessarily loud. Also, if you have an old bottle or the cork is already damaged, an electric corkscrew may not be the best option as you have zero control over the opening process. They also have a shorter lifespan than manual wine openers.
Screwpull system
If you are an amateur looking for an affordable, fool-proof wine opener, you have to the screwpull system. One motion. One motion is all it takes for the user to open the bottle. You simply twist the worm in until the cork slips out on its own. These wine openers are so alluring because of their practical and portable nature best for front-of-house use.
There is a slew of other models and designs available in the market apart from this lot. From wine cork extractors to the table or wall-mounted corkscrews, you can choose from a huge variety to cater to your needs.
Features to look out for in a wine opener
Materials
If you have no budget restrictions, it is always recommended to buy a stainless steel wine opener over a plastic one. These go well with your kitchen and are more durable. A screw with a non-stick coating is a cherry on top of a good wine opener. You will have to replace the worm lesser times and it will be more convenient to use.
Durability
The hassle of replacing shoddy wine openers every month can be frustrating especially if you are a regular wine drinker or a restaurant owner. Cheaper wine openers may seem attractive because of their affordability but they are mostly compromised on their quality. Having a good-quality, sturdy wine opener will not only be cheaper in the long run but will also be more comfortable to handle. Your smartest bet would be to go for a wine opener that comes with a warranty.
Ease of use
There is a reason why there are so many types and models available for wine openers. Not every design is suitable to use for everyone. Choose a wine opener that best suits your preferences and capabilities. If you are new to this, an electric or lever corkscrew will be a good first purchase.
Size
The size of a wine opener solely depends on your preferences. If you don’t have enough space, a small opener that you can tuck into the drawer is the right choice. However, if you have a bar, a bigger-sized version can help add an oomph along with functionality to your bar.
Budget
At the end of the day, it all comes down to what you can afford. Wine openers range from pocket openers on the far end of the price spectrum ($2) to fancier electric or corkscrew openers prices as high as $400.
On average, a good quality wine opener will cost about $30-$60.
Add-ons or extra features
A few add-ons come with some wine openers for a better user-oriented experience. Some of these are:
- Stand
- Foil cutter
- Aerator
- Decanter
Safety precautions
It is fairly safe to use wine openers but there is no denying that the process is tricky and sometimes, some level of risk is involved. The safest option is an electric wine opener but if that is not your cup of tea, keep a few things in mind while using manual wine openers. You must have control over the cork and bottle so the cork does not unexpectedly pop out and hurt you. Also, be careful not to cut yourself with an unfolded foil cutter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.1. How do you clean wine openers?
Electric wine openers should be wiped clean with a damp cloth. The dishwasher may be used for mechanical wine openers.
Q.2. What is the best wine opener for beginners?
The double-hinged wine key or the screwpull system.
Q.3. which wine opener is best for old or fragile corks?
The Ah-so wine opener will work best if you are working with a tricky cork. A decanter may also be useful if the cork is falling apart.
