Is there anything worse than being caught short of a corkscrew? We've all been there, a glass of wine in hand, fumbling around in drawers searching for something (anything!) that will double as a corkscrew. That scenario can be rather irritating. It can be just as bad when you have a corkscrew to hand only to have it malfunction on the cork. A good bottle of wine can be ruined in no time!
Are you struggling to relate because your wine comes with a screw cap? Good for you, but not all wine bottles do, and one day you'll accidentally purchase a corked bottle and be in a real pickle! That's why a corkscrew is a mandatory utensil in the kitchen.
Best Pick
The lightweight, compact, and affordable Professional Waitress Corkscrew by Barvivo is our best pick!
Budget Pick
The Waitress Corkscrew by HiCoup features a bottle opener and small knife, so we’ve declared it our budget pick!
Quick Comparison: Top 10 Best Corkscrews
1. Professional Waiters Corkscrew by Barvivo
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The Professional Waitress Corkscrew by Barvivo is our best corkscrew pick. The high level of craftsmanship and simple functionality make it user-friendly and don’t just take our word for it; this corkscrew is used worldwide by waitresses and bartenders!
The corkscrews highlight feature has to be the double-hinged fulcrum, which prevents corkscrews from crumbling in the bottle. This innovative 2-step process used to remove a cork provides extra leverage when pulling the cork. This means you’ll be able to open the toughest bottles with complete ease.
Not only is the corkscrew suitable for wine bottles of every shape, width, and size, it’s also multifunctional. Use the fold-away blade to cut the foil on your bottle and the beer opener to pop the lids off any bottles!
Finally, the last reason we love the Professional Waitress Corkscrew by Barvivo is because of its craftsmanship. Made with real natural wood and genuine natural materials, this corkscrew looks the part.
2. Waiters Corkscrew by HiCoup
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The double-hinged leave ensures that even the longest cork can be removed with ease. Simple lever the cork up to notch one before changing your grip and balancing the corkscrew’s second notch on the wine bottle!
The corkscrew is also multifunctional and features a fold-away knife and bottle opener, making it great value for money. As for performance, thanks to the screws precision-cut groove, corks are easy to remove without breaking.
One of the best features of the Waitrose Corkscrew by HiCoup is that it’s available in 27 colors. While those wanting a corkscrew to blend in can opt for the modest sandalwood or ebony wood, those looking for something a little more fun might enjoy the Flamingo Resin pink handle or the Sapphire blue!
When researching this product, we noticed a handful of customers complained that the corkscrew quality deteriorated quickly. However, the majority found it easy to use, smart, and of high quality.
3. Wing Corkscrew Wine Opener by HiCoup
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The all-in-one Wing Corkscrew Wine Opener by HiCoup is a traditional corkscrew remover. Its angel-wings are easy to use, and even a novice would find the tool easy to grasp. The polished helix worm that winds its way through the corkscrew center is long enough to remove any cork without breaking a sweat!
The corkscrews ergonomic design makes it easy to grip and comfortable to hold for the comfort of use. The sturdy angel-wings expand three inches in length and are easy to push down, no matter how stubborn the cork!
Like most corkscrews, the HiCoup Wing Corkscrew is multifunctional and features a bottle opener. However, it’s worth noting that there isn’t a fold-away blade (usually used to cut and remove the foil that covers the cork), which some users may find disappointing.
One of the most reassuring features of this corkscrew is the lifetime guarantee offered by HiCoup. If the corkscrew malfunctions or breaks, simply return it to HiCoup, and they’ll replace it with a brand new corkscrew!
4. Rabbit Vertical Lever Corkscrew with Foil Cutter
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If you’re in the market for a modern corkscrew and want to wow your dinner guests, then the Rabbit Vertical Lever Corkscrew with Foil Cutter could be the perfect purchase. Say goodbye to manually twisting corkscrews and pulling at the cork; this little gadget does all the hard work for you.
The corkscrew is battery operated and has a battery life of roughly 30+ bottles, though the lifetime duration should see you opening well over 20,000 bottles before it needs replacing. The bottle opener comes with a replacement spiral that adds life to the product.
The ergonomic handle is comfortable to hold and sturdy enough to remove corks without any hassle. Simply insert the Rabbit Corkscrew into the cork, squeeze the bottom and pull the lever. The cork will slip right out! Release the lever to drop the cork.
If you’re looking to brighten up your kitchen, or perhaps you’re purchasing it as a gift, the Rabbit Corkscrew is available in three colors, including Velvet Black, Gun Metal Grey, and Candy Apple Red.
While this corkscrew looks cool, some users noted it’s not worth the money (the Rabbit Vertical Lever Corkscrew with Foil Cutter is a little more expensive than non-electric corkscrews). Issues with performance and durability were a common theme, and not surprising when you involve technology in design.
5. Chef Craft 21318 1-Piece Waiters Corkscrew
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The Chef Craft 1-Piece Waiters corkscrew is a classic corkscrew featuring a nonstick coating and a traditional design. The foil cutter blade, bottle opener, and screw all fold into one and other to pack away into a compact tool suitable for the kitchen or the road.
Unlike other corkscrews, the Chef Craft 1-Piece is only available in one color, though the black handle and screw look timeless thanks to the black-matte finish. The material is also dishwasher friendly, so cleaning the corkscrew is time-efficient and easy!
Some users noted that the duration of this particular corkscrew was poor, stating it lasted less than four months before the handle broke. However, the majority of users were pleased with the quality.
On a whole, we’d likely give this corkscrew a 7/10. While it’s good value for money, there are arguably better performing corkscrews on the market for a similar price.
6. Le Creuset TM100L2-31 Original Table Model
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The Le Creuset Orginal Table Model corkscrew is a little different to the traditional angel-wing corkscrew or the folding corkscrew. Instead of having angel-wings to lever against the bottle, this corkscrew uses a pull handle to extract the cork.
The screw itself is perfectly designed so it glides through the cork, grips it, and removes it without breaking off. Once out of the bottle and on the screw, simply pork the cork out and it should be fully intact.
We’d suggest that this corkscrew isn’t for those who enjoy the traditional methods of opening wine. Similar to the Chef Craft 21318 1-Piece Waiters Corkscrew mentioned above, customers have noted that it’s not too reliable.
7. OXO Steel Vertical Lever Corkscrew
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Similar to the Rabbit Vertical Lever Corkscrew with Foil Cutter, the Oxo Steel Vertical Lever corkscrew opener is a modern gadget for the modern wine drinker! Versatile enough to work on natural, synthetic, and plastic stoppers, this corkscrew can tackle the toughest of corks!
The selling point of the Oxo Steel Vertical Lever Corkscrew is the die-cast zinc handle, which is soft to hold and easy to grip thanks to its non-slip properties. Holding onto the leaver, you can remove a stubborn corkscrew in just two swift moves. Once the cork has been removed, one press of the leaver will release it intact.
Does it come with a knife for cutting foil? Yes! The small blade is detachable from the corkscrew, making it a multipurpose tool. As for durability, OXO provides a spare spiral with each corkscrew opener so you can replace the first when necessary.
The OXO Steel Vertical Lever Corkscrew with Removable Foil Cutter is marginally more expensive than a non-electric corkscrew but if you’re after a reliable modern gadget, look no further!
8. True Twister: Easy Corkscrew Turn Key Bar Accessory
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The Easy Corkscrew Turn-Key Bar Accessory by True is a non-stick corkscrew available in the shade black and is a sleek addition to any kitchen. Thanks to the corkscrews self-centering mechanism (the main selling point), the corkscrew gracefully removes corks of all sizes from any bottle.
Also, no jerking, pulling, or awkward motions are required to remove the cork from the bottle when using the True corkscrew. That's all thanks to the secure turn mechanism, which requires minimal effort to use.
As for material, the corkscrew features an ergonomic chrome handle, a durable plastic body, and a non-stick worm/ spiral. To work the corkscrew, simply place the bottom of the worm at the cork's top and twist. Instead of using angel wings as a lever, this corkscrew's self-centering mechanism means all you have to do is pull the handle up once the screw has attached to the cork.
Some users noted that this particular mechanism doesn't perform well on stubborn corks. Since there's no way of knowing how tricky your cork may be to remove, it could be a gamble to purchase. Overall, the product performed well and would be a good buy if you want a simple utensil in your kitchen.9. LESTAVEN Stainless Steel Wing Corkscrew Wine Opener
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The stainless steel wing corkscrew by Lestaven is a traditional angel wing bottle opener. However, it’s a little smaller than average, and while most people find this beneficial (compact utensils are easy to store), it may feel too small to some users.
To use, simply drill the spiral into the cork and push down the two wings. As you begin to turn, allow the wings to rise slowly. Once you’ve turned the spiral all the way into the cork, take hold of the wings and press them down (make sure your bottle is standing on a sturdy flat surface). As you do this movement, the cork should rise from the bottle attached to the spiral! From here, simply twist the cork off the spiral and place in the bin (or keep to commemorate an occasion!). The process takes a matter of seconds thanks to the double levers, which provide tight tension and good leverage.
What’s the best thing about this stainless steel wing corkscrew? It comes with a satisfaction guarantee! If you’re not happy with the product, simply contact Levestan, and they are happy to discuss any issues that may have arisen.10. Kit-Home Professional Waiter Corkscrew Wine Openers Set
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The four-pack of professional corkscrews by Kit-Home is aimed at restaurant owners, bartenders, and servers who are purchasing multiple corkscrews for staff. This particular four-pack is excellent value for money - four for the price of one!
The corkscrews come in eight different colors (including red, yellow, white, and black), which is ideal for staff who want to differentiate between them. The corkscrews also boast a foil cutting knife and a bottle opener, making them multifunctional - a godsend in the workplace.
Weighing only 90 grams each and folding away into a compact shape, the corkscrews can easily be carried around in a trouser pocket or an apron's pocket.
So, what's the catch? Well, we haven't found one! They're sturdy, durable, and affordable, which gives them 10/10 in our eyes. One thing we would say is that the 4-pack doesn’t have the wow-factor required for a gift. However, for work purposes only, this pack of corkscrews ticks all the right boxes.
11. Pulltap’s Double-hinged Waiters Corkscrew
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We have to confess, this isn’t our favorite bottle opener. It’s advertised as stainless steel but the majority of the corkscrew is actually made from copper plating with a chrome steel finish. Not only will this rust quickly, but it also devalues the utensil.
Some users also noted that upon receiving this corkscrew, it was missing the insignia so there’s no guarantee that you’ll receive an official Pulltap product.
For an extra couple of dollars, we recommend upgrading to the Professional Waiters Corkscrew by Barvio. You’ll avoid disappointment while still enjoying value for money. Alternatively, if you liked the look of the black and silver Pulltap Double-Hinged Waiters Corkscrew, consider purchasing the OXO 3110200 Steel Double Lever Waiter’s Corkscrew (see our review below) instead. Side by side, these two corkscrews look fairly similar.12. OXO 3110200 Steel Double Lever Waiter’s Corkscrew
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The OXO Steel Double Lever waiter’s corkscrew is an impressive little kitchen gadget. Not only does it look elegant (thanks to the stainless steel finish and matte black handle), its seamless design makes it super sleek.
The OXO corkscrew is also multifunctional as you’ll find a small knife tucked into the handle along with a bottle opener. These features have been seamlessly added to the corkscrew, so much so that you might not spot them on the first inspection!
If you’re looking for a waiter’s corkscrew for your next camping trip, or perhaps to gift to someone who you know loves wine, then this elegant corkscrew fits the bill. OXO is a renowned brand that has customer service at its heart. If you’re not happy with this particular corkscrew, get in touch with OXO, and they’ll work fast to find the solution to suit you.
One downside to the OXO Steel Double Lever corkscrew is that it only comes in one color. While matte black is elegant enough to go with every kitchen type, various colors would add an extra wow factor to this product.Things to Consider when Buying a Corkscrew
Types of Corkscrew
By now, you’ll probably have noticed that there are a couple of different types of corkscrew on the market. These range from traditional cork removers to modern devices, and some are more oriented for bar staff rather than general use. We’ll explain the differences between each below:
Basic Corkscrew
The basic corkscrew has a T-design and usually boats Teflon or wooden handles. The screw tends to be geared to ensure it screws easily in and out of the cork. Over the years, the basic corkscrew has been neglected for more compact, versatile corkscrews.
Waiter’s Corkscrew
The waiter's corkscrew is one of the most popular models and is used worldwide by bartenders and waiters. The corkscrew folds into itself for easy storage (one of the main reasons it's popular with servers) and is a similar size to an average Swiss army knife. Almost all waiter's corkscrews also feature a small blade for cutting foil and a bottle opener.
Wing Corkscrew
The wing corkscrew is a little more elegant in design and features “angel-wings,” which act as levers. To work the corkscrew, spin the handle (which tends to double as a bottle opener) until the screw is entirely into the cork. While you screw the cork, the angel wings will have raised high. When ready to remove the cork, push the angel wings back down to their original position, and the cork will prise itself from the bottle. The wing corkscrew is one of the most common corkscrews found in the everyday household.
How to Use a Corkscrew
How you use a corkscrew depends on the type of corkscrew you purchase. In general, most corkscrews operate by twisting a spiral device twisting into the cork and then pulling it out. The bottle is often used as leverage to build enough force to remove the cork.
Why are bottles plugged with corks?
You might be thinking, what if we stopped plugging wine bottles with corks? Some vineyards have opted for the screwcap finish, but there's plenty of reasons why a cork plug is far better.
Firstly, cork as a material is perfect for plugging wine bottles as it allows the wine to breathe. As the bottle matures, the cork's oxygen is released into the bottle, oxidizing the wine and improving its taste. Whatsmore, cork's structure makes it imperial to most liquids, so the wine's quality is easily maintained.
Also, there are around 2,200,000 hectares of cork forest across the globe (Portugal is home to the most with a whopping 34% of the forest, while Spain follows closely behind with 27%). Not only do corks serve a real purpose in the wine industry, but they also provide jobs to thousands of workers across the globe.
Why do we need corkscrews?
The only way to seamlessly remove a cork from a bottle, without it touching the wine, is to use a corkscrew. While you may have been tempted once or twice to attempt removing the cork with a knife, or another such utensil, it's near impossible to do so without ruining your wine. Corkscrews offer a quick, easy, and simple solution to opening wine bottles!
What makes a good corkscrew?
There are plenty of factors to consider when purchasing a corkscrew so we’ve created a little tick list of things to look out for. Of course, you should pick a corkscrew based on your personal needs but the below features should always be included in your choice:
- Lightweight
- Compact
- Easy to use
- Durable material
- Sleek design
- Easy to clean
As with most products, it’s also checking whether your corkscrew comes with a warranty. What if the handle breaks in two years’ time or the spiral snaps after pulling it too hard? Some corkscrews also come with a spare spiral that can replace a damaged one and at a little more time onto the product life.
Corkscrew FAQ’s
Which corkscrew is best?
If you're working in the restaurant industry and need a compact corkscrew to keep in your apron, then a waiter's corkscrew would be the best. If the corkscrew size doesn't bother you, the wing corkscrew is both satisfying to use and impressive to look at.
When were corkscrews invented?
The earliest evidence of corkscrews existing is 1685 in France. However, the first patented corkscrew was registered in 1795 by Samuel Henshall.
How do I clean a corkscrew?
Corkscrews by nature tend to stay clean. The only subject they come in contact with is the cork. Therefore, you can easily wipe down the corkscrew with a wet cloth or pop it in the sink with the rest of your washing up. Some corkscrews are dishwasher friendly, though repeatedly running a corkscrew through the dishwasher may lower the product’s life expectancy.
How long do corkscrews last?
Corkscrews are usually built with stainless steel, a durable material, with the aim of lasting years (given the right maintenance). A well-maintained steel corkscrew should last you a lifetime. If you opt for a wooden corkscrew, expect it to wear down sooner.
Final Verdict
Let’s round up our final thoughts on some of the best corkscrews. Our favorite has to be the Professional Waitress Corkscrew by Barvivo. It’s compact, neat, and comes in a variety of colors. It’s also multifunctional and does exactly what you want it to with very little effort.
If you’re after a contemporary bottle opener, the Rabbit Vertical Lever Corkscrew with Foil Cutter is the best electric bottle opener on the market, in our humble opinion! As for angel-wing corkscrews, we loved the Wing Corkscrew Wine Opener by HiCoup. It’s ergonomically designed, sturdy, and comes with a lifetime guarantee. If you’re after value for money, or perhaps you’re purchasing a corkscrew for restaurant/bar staff, consider the 4 Packs Professional Waiter Corkscrew Wine Openers Set.