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A wine key, sometimes called a waiter’s corkscrew, is the traditional wine opener of choice for most establishments. They offer the perfect blend of affordability, compact size, and functionality, and they are considered to be the oldest form of opening a bottle of wine.
The Winners, at a Glance
This sturdy corkscrew was incredibly easy to hold and maneuver, and the fulcrums were appropriately spaced and fit securely on the bottle. It pulled corks out quickly and without a hitch.
I liked the grippy, balanced handle on this corkscrew from OXO. It also boasted a super sharp cutter that sliced through foil with ease.
Twist corkscrews make really easy work of removing a cork, since they have a seamless turning motion that pushes the worm into the cork and at the same time, removes it. I liked this sturdy offering from Brabantia, which was easy to use, fast, and powerful enough to even remove a cork through its foil cap.
Yes, this corkscrew looks a little…weird. BUT! It actually worked fabulously and made pulling the cork out of a bottle so effortless and so easy, I kind of couldn’t believe it.
This was another great lever-style corkscrew that required minimal effort to use. It clamps over the bottle, screws the worm into the cork when you push the lever down, and pops the cork out when you lift the lever. Easy. Peasy.
If you’re looking for an ultimate no-effort way to open a wine bottle, this electric corkscrew takes the hard work out of the equation. Just place it on top of the bottle and press down to engage the corkscrew.
What’s a waiter’s corkscrew?
These corkscrews are called a waiter’s friend for a few reasons: they’re affordable, they’re slim (they can slip easily into a pocket), and they’re designed to remove corks efficiently. Waiter’s corkscrews have a small blade for stripping foil, and the two-step twist-then-pull action can be (albeit with a bit of practice) performed swiftly and without fanfare.
Every Wine Tool a Sommelier Uses | World Of Wine | Bon Appétit
FAQ
What is the most popular type of wine opener among professionals?
Which type of wine opener is best?
What wine opener do sommeliers use?
Which is the best tool in opening wine in a standard way?
How do you use a wine opener?
1. Wine Key and Waiter’s Corkscrew The waiter’s corkscrew remains one of the most popular choices for wine openers thanks to its simplicity and portability. To use this opener, screw into the top of the wine cork, position the fulcrum on the corner of the bottle’s lip, and use leverage to pull the cork out.
What are the best wine openers?
In 2019, Nikki was named a Top Young Wine Writer by Vinous Media. The best wine openers are functional, stylish, and affordable. From the waiter’s friend to electric openers, we researched and tested the top options.
Which electric wine bottle opener is best?
If you prefer the effortless ease of an electric wine opener, the Oster Cordless Electric Wine Bottle Opener is your best bet—it does virtually all the work for you. For its simplicity, compact design, and durability, the classic waiter’s style corkscrew just can’t be beaten.
Are wine openers reliable?
A reliable wine opener is a wine lover’s best friend, while a wonky one can ruin that special bottle of Bordeaux you’ve been saving for just the right occasion. With that in mind, we tested eight top-rated wine openers in three different styles — traditional waiter’s corkscrews, labor-saving lever styles and rechargeable electric models.