OXO Corkscrew

Product Information

Winged Corkscrew: This classic corkscrew design uses a pair of “wings” that raise as you twist the screw into the cork. Once the screw has a firm grasp, you simply push both wings downwards, and both screw and cork pop out. Generally very cheap but less compact than the waiter’s friend, this is an affordable at-home staple. Double-hinged wine keys and lever openers are simple to use but may be difficult for some with arthritis or similar concerns. An electric wine opener does most of the work, so it might be an easier option. If you’re looking for a slightly smoother and simpler experience, a lever-style wine opener gives you more leverage and requires less hand and arm strength to use. Thus, a lever-style opener might suit someone who is starting to collect wine and open more than two bottles per week, or it might appeal to the infrequent wine drinker who doesn’t open bottles often and hasn’t developed the muscle memory to use a waiter’s friend accurately. A lever-style device does take a bit more storage space, so you’d want to factor that in, but it’s always ready to go, unlike an electric wine opener. Who is it for? Those who need a bit of assistance removing stubborn corks from bottles and don’t mind paying a premium. How much should I spend?

While pros love it, it does require a bit of a learning curve. Consider testing out a Durand with low-stakes bottles to get the hang of it (and read the instructions carefully, too). Wine collectors with high-end cellars swear by this corkscrew. The compact cork (cute!) carrying case helps protect the legs from bending or snapping. It's definitely not the least expensive option among this selection, but if you have an extensive wine cellar and don't ever want to gamble on breaking a cork, this is the go-to special tool. Corkscrews come in a wide variety of types with a lot of different styles and features, so have a read of our buying guide to find out which kind is best for you. With our help, you’ll be prepared for whatever bottle you might come across. The best corkscrews: At a glanceThe best corkscrews are an essential item for any good dinner party host. A lot of the best wine is sealed with a cork, as it allows the wine to age naturally without becoming sour. To enjoy these naturally aged wines, however, you will of course need a good corkscrew – the last thing you want is to ruin your evening by shredding the cork into the wine below.

With a built-in foil cutter and substantial design, the OXO Winged Corkscrew is comfortable to hold and simple to use.First, don't worry. When this happens, it isn’t the end of the world. Your wine isn't ruined. Insert the worm into the cork as carefully as possible and twist, slowly lifting the cork out of the bottle. If there are cork particles in the wine, grab a bit of cheesecloth and decant the wine through cheesecloth. It will remove the cork without you having to fish your fingers into the wine. Overall, the Coravin Timeless Three is a great investment for those who are very, very serious about their wine.

Laguiole Waiter's Corkscrew: The single-lever Laguiole works about as well as the design allows, but it’s slower than a double-fulcrum version of the waiter’s-friend corkscrew.During our extensive real-world tests, we evaluated the form, function, durability of components, and features of a total of 13 manual and electric corkscrews, including winged and lever-style models. Our testing process included opening bottles of wine by cutting the foil, uncorking, and removing the cork. Our selections are based on the following metrics: ease of use, comfort, performance, and value.