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We Had a Sommelier Test Wine Openers—These Are Her Favorites

Fun and easy tools for popping that cork

Wine Openers together that were all tested

The Spruce Eats / Kate Dingwall

It’s safe to assume you've opened at least one wine bottle in your life. Whether you’re comfortable with it (or do it often) is another story. All it takes is one broken cork, stuck halfway down the neck of the bottle, and your confidence is destroyed.

To help you figure out which wine opener is best for your needs, we tested them out and evaluated each on its design, size, durability, and overall value. Many bottles of wine were opened with various opener styles, including both manual and electric options, to make sure the products on this list are truly the best.

Best Overall

Oster Electric Wine Opener

Amazon oster-cordless-electric-wine-bottle-opener-with-foil-cutter

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Usability
    4.8/5
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Sleek design

  • One-touch functionality

  • Easy to use and hold

  • Includes foil cutter

What We Don't Like
  • Whirring noise

Oster’s Cordless Electric Wine Bottle Opener is your quintessential electric workhorse. It's a go-to for many casual everyday wine drinkers (the rave reviews speak for themselves), is available in multiple color options, and comes with a foil cutter.

Our testing found that this rechargeable electric wine opener, which can open up to 30 bottles on a single charge, fits all traditional wine bottles and is extremely easy to use. To remove any cork in seconds, with zero physical effort, just place the opener on the neck of the bottle, and press the lower switch to bring the worm down into the cork. Press the upper switch to pull the cork out, and voilà.

During testing, we found this ergonomic bottle opener comfortable to hold and quite foolproof, though a little noisy, which isn’t ideal for more high-end wine situations. We also enjoyed that the unit lights up when it's in the charger, which may not need to be used very frequently, as we found that the unit could easily open dozens of bottles without a charge-up.

Dimensions: 5.51 x 14.96 x 5.32 inches | Weight: 1 pound | Material: Plastic

Best Waiter’s Friend

Le Creuset Waiter’s Friend Corkscrew

Le Creuset Waiter’s Friend Corkscrew

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Usability
    5/5
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Built-in serrated foil cutter

  • Scratch-resistant, ergonomic handle

  • Comes in many color options

What We Don't Like
  • Pricey

“Sometimes called a ‘sommelier’s cork puller,’ the double-hinged versions are, by far, the most preferred by the wine community. They’re sturdy, they fit perfectly in your hand and then into your pocket, and the investment is easy to swallow,” says Linda Trotta, director of North Coast Winemaking at WX Brands. Double-hinged corkscrews, as compared to those with a single hinge, provide additional leverage to safely and easily remove either synthetic or natural corks from any bottle. According to Trotta, this style also generally avoids puncturing through the bottom of the cork, which can lead to cork bits ending up in your wine (although if it’s natural cork, that is no big deal—just remove the pieces if they make it into your glass). 

You can find plenty of quality double-hinged classic corkscrews for a bargain price, but if you’re willing to spend a bit more, go for a design with a grooved worm, like this Le Creuset waiter’s friend. The elegant grooved worm makes quick work of tough corks (even delicate aged ones or thicker plastic ones), allowing you to smoothly and quickly get to the bottom.

We noted during testing that the grooved worm really goes into corks like butter, which eliminates any risk of breaking the cork, and the design is far more elevated than your standard wine key. We also appreciated that the hinged steps are a particularly nice feature; it lends you the leverage you need to guide a stuck cork out. 

Dimensions: 0.8 x 6 x 1.5 inches | Weight: 2.82 ounces | Material: Metal and steel

Le Creuset Waiter’s Friend Corkscrew with a cork on a dark counter

The Spruce Eats / Kate Dingwall

Best Preserver

Coravin Model Two Premium Wine Preservation System

coravin-model-two-premium-wine-preservation-system

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Usability
    4.9/5
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Helps preserve high-quality wine for longer

  • Easy to use

  • Great gift for wine lovers

What We Don't Like
  • Expensive

A Coravin is every wine pro’s secret weapon. While it’s not technically an opener, it not only pours your wine but preserves whatever you don’t drink. Essentially, you’re accessing your wine without actually opening the bottle. Think of it as a fancy tap that bypasses the cork using a needle and inert gas, allowing you to pour your wine without exposing it to oxygen, so it will keep as if you'd never opened it at all.

This means that you don’t really have to think about whether or not you’re going to finish a bottle, and you’ll minimize your wine waste significantly. Now, this tool is an investment (as are its accessories, from stoppers to new cartridges), but it’s also a game-changer. You’ll need to stock the gas cartridges, and you can also add on other attachments like an aerator. Just note that this system is not compatible with screw caps.

Testing found this item very easy to use. We thought the learning curve was low and that it pulled out fresh glasses with ease. We were impressed with how the wine maintained its freshness, and we were able to enjoy a few glasses over the course of a week (even of an unfiltered natural wine that typically dies within a few hours of opening). All in all, the Coravin was surprisingly easy to use. It required minimal effort and poured a perfect glass of wine.

Dimensions: 2.5 x 4.25 x 8.25 inches | Weight: 10.9 ounces | Material: Mixed material

Coravin Model Two Premium Wine Preservation System on a dark counter

The Spruce Eats / Kate Dingwall

Best Specialty

Monopol Westmark Germany Steel Two-Prong Cork Puller with Cover

Monopol Westmark Germany Steel Two-Prong Cork Puller with Cover

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Usability
    5/5
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
What We Like
  • Durable, high-quality construction

  • Ideal for bottles of older wine

  • Great gift for wine collectors

  • Compact for taking on the go

What We Don't Like
  • Has a learning curve

The Ah-So style is something that most wine professionals own. Featuring two prongs that slide down the sides of the cork, this tool is designed to gently and effectively pull old and brittle corks. This type of opener is great to have around if you drink the occasional older wine, but it’s not exactly essential for the casual everyday drinker and shouldn’t be the only one you have on hand. Still, having one is essential for wine lovers; if you feel that the cork in your older Barolo or your aged port is at risk, whip out this two-pronged opener to avoid having to use cheesecloth and a decanter.

A good, high-quality Ah-So makes an excellent gift for any wine collector or advanced enthusiast in your life. MONOPOL Germany’s expertly crafted two-prong steel opener comes in a sleek, silver satin finish with a decorative cover and five-year warranty.

During testing, we noted that while pros will love this unit, it has a learning curve. Consider testing out your first Ah-So with a few low-stakes bottles before opening a premier cru Burgundy. Also, note that no foil cutter is included with this unit, so you will have to use a separate knife.

Dimensions: 11 x 6.5 x 1 inches | Weight: 2.46 ounces | Material: Steel

Monopol Westmark Germany Steel Two-Prong Cork Puller with Cover on a dark surface

The Spruce Eats / Kate Dingwall

Best Value

TableCraft Hand-Held Winged Corkscrew

TableCraft Hand-Held Winged Corkscrew

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Usability
    5/5
  • Quality
    4/5
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Value
    4/5
What We Like
  • Straightforward to use

  • Affordable

  • Dishwasher-safe

What We Don't Like
  • Wing handles are thin

Winged corkscrews are a bit old-school, but they have their perks. They’re also relatively affordable, generally speaking (particularly this model). D.C.-based blogger and wine pro Alicia Chew recommends a winged-style corkscrew for a few reasons: “[These have] an additional lever, and this is a popular option because it's easier to use than the standard wine key,” she says. “It's almost impossible to angle the lever incorrectly with a winged corkscrew.”

To use, simply secure the corkscrew onto the neck of the bottle after removing the foil, double-checking that the screw itself is aimed straight down at the center of the cork. Then, twist the top clockwise to drive the worm downward and into the cork. Once it’s fully inserted, the wings will have risen—push those down with both hands, and it’ll do most of the work to pull the cork out for you with the help of your leverage. This Tablecraft corkscrew is a budget-friendly, no-frills model with a plastic ring to protect the bottle. Its also got a sturdy chrome construction that will carry you through many a bottle.

Besides its affordability, we noted during testing that it is easy to use and requires less skill than a waiter’s friend. If you’re not one to drink a lot of wine, but desire an opener for when guests swing by, this option is an excellent all-purpose option. However, keep in mind that there is no foil cutter, so you will have to use kitchen scissors or a paring knife to open the foil.

Dimensions: 6.8 x 2.44 inches | Weight: 0.5 pounds | Material: Chrome

TableCraft Hand-Held Winged Corkscrew with a cork next to a wine bottle

The Spruce Eats / Kate Dingwall

Best Electric

Secura Stainless Steel Electric Wine Opener

Secura Stainless Steel Electric Wine Opener

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Comfort
    4.5/5
  • Performance
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Sleek design

  • One-touch functionality

  • Includes foil cutter

  • Transparent corkscrew mechanism

What We Don't Like
  • Wobbles on charger base

  • Foil cutter can be knocked off easily

Electric models can be pricier than manual models, but this is an incredibly easy tool to operate—and our hands-on testing can confirm. To use this set, remove the foil with the included cutter, and then place the opener on the bottleneck, making sure that the worm is centered on the cork. (The tool generally keeps things pretty centered, but it’s always good to double-check through the transparent window.) From there, push the down button, and your cork will be removed in approximately six seconds. The opener will stop automatically once the cork has been removed from the bottle. To remove the cork from the opener, press down on the upper part of the switch. The corkscrew will turn counterclockwise and release it.

While it doesn't require much muscle strength, we noticed during testing that the Secura Stainless Steel Electric Wine Opener requires a small amount of pressure to work properly. If you don't press down firmly, the worm will just spin around and not make contact with the cork. With that guidance in mind, cork removal is a breeze with this tool.

We really enjoyed the addition of a sharp and effective foil cutter. We found that while it is large (it takes up quite a bit of space in a cupboard or drawer), it makes quick work of a cork. We appreciated that it removed the cork, rather than requiring us to pull it out. That means it’s great if you’re struggling with a tough cork!

Dimensions: 12 x 2.7 x 7.5 inches | Weight: 1.2 pounds | Material: Stainless steel

Best Lever

Rabbit Lever Corkscrew

Rabbit Wine Lever Corkscrew With Built-In Foil Cutter

Amazon

What We Like
  • Well-regarded producer

  • Ergonomic grip

  • Integrated foil cutter

What We Don't Like
  • On the larger side

If a lever opener is more your style, the iconic lever opener from Rabbit is deserving of a fresh look. The Rabbit opener was at the vanguard of the lever corkscrew category when it was introduced over two decades ago. Now it's got a facelift and an ingenious new feature, but its basic principles of operation remain the same.

With its ergonomic grip, sizable handle, and smooth operation, the Rabbit allows you to pull any cork (natural or synthetic) with little to no effort in three seconds flat. To open your bottle, align the opener so that the worm is positioned at the center of the cork, tighten the handles so that the opener grips the bottle's neck, and then use the lever to plunge the worm into the cork. Next, lift the lever while maintaining a secure grip, and your cork will pop out in one smooth motion.

For all their ease of use, Rabbit corkscrews used to require a separate foil cutter to remove a bottle's foil top before opening—and if you've misplaced your foil cutter, that easy process suddenly became an ordeal as you rummaged in drawers. However, the new Rabbit corkscrew features an integrated foil cutter, right there between the handles, with four blades that do a great job shearing off your foil without the need for a separate tool.

While it’s a bit too large a unit to throw in your pocket at a party to whip open bottles with ease, we found that it was smooth to use and did the job quickly and efficiently. And now, with the integrated foil cutter, there's no extra item to inevitably misplace.

Dimensions: 7.25 x 2.03 x 5.75 inches | Weight: 1 pound | Material: Metal and silicone

Final Verdict

The Oster Cordless Electric Wine Bottle Opener with Foil Cutter takes the top spot, because it makes bottle-opening practically effortless. It boasts a sleek, compact design. If you're looking for a more affordable option, we recommend the TableCraft Chrome Wing Corkscrew.

How We Tested

All of the wine openers in this article have been carefully chosen by our editors and writers. We spent weeks home-testing all of the products featured here (as well as some we didn't feature!). We used these experiences to rate each item based on a comprehensive list of methodologies, and rank them on key attributes.

Some of the attributes we looked for and rated each item on were the design, size, durability, and overall value of the wine opener, as well as ease of use. Because we know that these wine openers need to help pop open bottle after bottle, each was tested in a number of circumstances—at a party, in the hands of a working sommelier, with troublesome corks, and with weeknight bottles.

Other Options We Tested

  • The Brookstone Compact Wine Opener is another great option if you're in the market for a lever-style corkscrew. It may well be one of the quickest openers on the market; we were able to open a bottle in just a few seconds. The pressure pushes the cork out with ease, and we liked the single-armed design. That said, we did find that it requires a fair bit of upper-body strength to extract the cork from the bottle, particularly with trickier corks.

What to Look for When Buying a Wine Opener

Electric or manual

Manual wine openers are generally inexpensive, but they do require some physical effort, which may or may not be OK with you, depending on your desire for convenience or possible ailments, like arthritis. Electric openers are certainly useful for those who open or serve wine frequently. They can be pricey, but they take the hassle out of popping bottles—and some get the job done in mere seconds.

Learning curve

Some wine openers are simpler to use than others, but once you learn how to operate a harder-to-maneuver tool, you could end up loving it. It all depends on whether you want to add a new skill to your repertoire (or whether you even need to).

Design

If you drink wine often, you want something durable that will last through many bottles for years to come. It's also wise to think about extraneous parts that you may have to replace from time to time, including batteries.

Flexibility is also another factor to consider with the design of a wine opener. If you're drinking old wine, the cork may be decayed and fragile, and you don't want an opener that will completely destroy it. On the contrary, other openers may be more suitable for newer corks and even synthetic ones.

Brookstone Compact Wine Opener on a wine bottle

The Spruce Eats / Céline Bossart

FAQs

How do you use a wine opener?

Your standard wine opener works by inserting a metal worm into the cork to pull out the cork smoothly, giving you full access to your favorite wine. Wine openers come in many forms, though. A waiter’s key stabilizes the cork to help you remove it, while a more automated wine opener will pop the cork without any effort from you.

How long does wine last after you open it?

That depends on the type of wine. Sparkling wines will go flat within a few hours of being exposed to air, while wines with more acidity will last up to five days in the refrigerator. A rule of thumb: The higher the acid, the longer the wine will last. That said, wines made in natural styles will have shorter lives once open, because they generally do not contain preservatives.

Do you have to refrigerate wine after opening?

Yes. The cold temperature will delay oxidation, keeping your wine fresh for longer. While your mind may immediately go to refrigerating whites, you can also pop your a red in the fridge to extend the life of the bottle.

Should you clean your wine opener?

Yes. Like any kitchen utensil, give your corkscrew a good wipe with a damp cloth after use. Units like a Coravin require more rigorous cleaning procedures, so read up on your particular unit before use.

Why Trust The Spruce Eats?

Céline Bossart, the original author of this roundup, is a wine and spirits writer and sommelier-in-training. She interviewed Linda Trotta, director of North Coast Winemaking at WX Brands, and D.C.-based blogger and wine pro Alicia Chew for expert opinions and recommendations.

The wine openers featured in this piece were all tested by Kate Dingwall, a wine and spirits writer and working sommelier at one of Bon Appetit’s most highly-recommended wine bars.

This piece was updated by Jesse Porter, a longtime sommelier and LA-based wine writer. His beverage writing has appeared in Mutineer Magazine, and he authored the Young Winos of LA blog from 2008 to 2012.

Originally written by
Céline Bossart
Celine Bossart
Celine Bossart is a New York-based freelance journalist and photographer specializing in wine and spirits.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Additional reporting by
Jesse Porter
Jesse Porter
Jesse has worked as a sommelier, a bartender, and a spirits rep. He’s available to have a drink with you next week or the week after, but this week is a little crazy.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
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