15 Best Corkscrews for Opening Wine Bottles Manually in 2023: Reviews & Buying Guide

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Popping the cork on any classy bottle of wine is half the fun of signaling any celebration. Corkscrews have not only become a functional effort to open your alcohol but also an obsession.

In fact, there is an organization for high-class corkscrew fanatics called The International Correspondence of Corkscrew Addicts, wherein they find antique and precious corkscrews, discuss about them, and even put them for auction.

In a normal setting, whether a restaurant, bar , or home, the humble corkscrew simply makes the drinker’s life easier by extracting the cork from the bottle hassle-free. If you want to have smoother wine sessions , read on and find the best corkscrews!

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: HiCoup Professional Waiter's Corkscrew

Why We Think It’s Great

• STURDY FRAME: Built to last with its stainless steel body and a hardwood grip.
• FAST OPERATION: Quickly and easily removes corks with just five twists.
• EFFICIENT ENGINEERING: Double-hinged fulcrum allows greater leverage.
• INTEGRATED FOIL CUTTER: Designed with a serrated blade for quick and easy cork removal.

What We Don’t Like

• The tool joints are stiff at first.

What Buyers Say

“The structure of this double-hinged corkscrew makes it easy to remove corks, and we find it more efficient than other wine openers. The key's construction is sturdy, and the silver plating and wood grain pattern on the grip give it an air of sophistication.

It's also nice how the silver has been etched so intricately. It's compact when folded up and takes up about as much area as a pocket knife when stored away. While this wine key may be difficult to open it at first, we soon realized that the sturdy hinges are snug.”

Material: Stainless steel, and natural rosewood | Size: 4.92” x 0.79” x 1.38” | Manufactured: China | Dishwasher Safe: No

Related: The Best Wine Foil Cutters

2. Runner-Up: Beneno Wing Corkscrew

Why We Think It’s Great

• CORROSION-RESISTANT: Produced from strong and long-lasting zinc alloy.
• BUILT-IN BEER BOTTLE OPENER: It also works on beer, soda, and anything sealed with a crown cap.
• ERGONOMIC GRIP: The curved handle makes extracting corks comfortable and fast.
• LIFETIME WARRANTY: If anything goes wrong, you can return it and get your money back.

What We Don’t Like

• Its drill is bigger, thus, leaving a bigger hole in the cork.

What Our Editors Say

“We recommend this time-tested, reliable, and straightforward winged corkscrew for people without experience using corkscrews. Consistent performance is ensured by its sharp worm and mechanical gear screw that secures it onto the cork.

Since it’s made from zinc, you can expect it to be sturdy and rust-proof. We also love how it’s designed with a bottle opener so you can use it for drinks other than wine.”

Material: Zinc alloy | Size: 2.28” x 1.57” x 7.55” | Manufactured: China

Related: The Best Bottle Openers

3. Best Set: Luxiluxy Wine Bottle Opener Corkscrew

Why We Think It’s Great

• HEIGHTENED STURDINESS: Commercial-grade stainless steel provides a long service life.
• EXTRA ACCESSORIES: Comes with a wine stopper, foil cutter, corkscrew stand, and a spare spiral.
• GIFTABLE: Packaged in a sturdy and elegant box.
• SATISFACTION ASSURANCE: A lifetime guarantee replaces the item for free if you're unhappy with it.

What We Don’t Like

• It requires a lot of strength when gripping it.

What Buyers Say

“This item is simple to use, reliable, and easily releases the cork. We appreciate how beautifully arranged all the bar tools are in the box, making gifting easier. For the price, the corkscrew and other items are well-crafted, being made from durable metal.

The wine opener is also considerably simpler to operate than a typical corkscrew. It worked effectively and efficiently in extracting the cork from the bottle and removing it from the screw.”

Material: Stainless Steel | Size: 6” x 4.5” x 5.5” | Manufactured: China

Related: The Best Wine Stoppers

4. Best Value: True Waiter’s Corkscrew

Why We Think It’s Great

• STAINLESS STEEL: Robust material that complements the double-hinge construction.
• COMPACT: Small and lightweight, perfect for bringing it along on trips.
• CONVENIENT DESIGN: Equipped with a bottle opener, serrated knife, and a non-stick worm.

What We Don’t Like

• The plastic insert can fall off.

What Our Experts Say

“I've tested a lot of corkscrews in my tenure as a bartender and chef, and one model that really stood out is the True Double-Hinged Waiter’s Corkscrew,” expresses Jodi Pemberton, head Chef and founder of Eat Pallet Restaurant & Food Advice .

“It’s durable, easy, and has a compact and stylish design, making it chic and comfortable in the hand. Corkscrews are investments in the workplace and the kitchen as it preserves the wine's cork, which will keep its flavor and aroma after opening,” she adds.

Material: Stainless steel | Size: 4.75” x 1” x 0.5” | Manufactured: China

Related: What Is A Bar Key?

5. Best Vintage: Ghidini Italy BOTTICELLO Wing Corkscrew

Why We Think It’s Great

• ATTRACTIVE DESIGN: Exquisite embossing and finish that make it look amazing on your table or wine cart.
• SOLID FEEL: Has a weighty construction from alloy steel, making it durable and corrosion-resistant.
• GIFTABLE PRODUCT: Not only is it of high quality, but it also comes in a beautiful box.

What We Don’t Like

• The plastic insert comes out sometimes.

What Our Editors Say

“The first thing we noticed about this winged corkscrew is its classic Old World design, with the grape vines and barrel embossing. We also like that it has a nice weight but isn't too heavy, which heightens the comfortable experience.

However, the plastic part does occasionally slide around the area where the screw is located. But you can simply push the plastic piece back up, and it will stay in place. Overall, the construction is excellent and does the job well.”

Material: Alloy steel | Size: 4.4” x 1.8” x 8.7” | Manufactured: Italy

Related: The Best Wine Carts

6. Best Simple: Fantes Italian Bell Corkscrew

Why We Think It’s Great

• SIMPLE CONCEPT: The bell-shaped grip provides leverage as you turn the 5-turn worm onto the cork.
• COMFORTABLE HANDLE: Made from beechwood and conveniently shaped to conform to the user’s hand.
• COMPACT: Convenient to transport from one place to another and to stow away until needed.
• QUICK TO CLEAN: Simply wipe it with a damp cloth/towel.

What We Don’t Like

• The shaft/worm could be longer.

What Our Editors Say

“We love the simplicity behind this screwpull wine opener, and we recommend it to anyone who prefers the traditional way of opening a bottle of wine. The bell addition is brilliant because it streamlines the procedure and allows precision when drilling the cork.

Furthermore, the cork can be easily extracted from the bottle by placing the bell on the bottle and rotating the wooden handle. In addition, the curved design of the handle makes it comfortable to use, and you’ll get fewer to no hand strains.”

Material: Metal and beechwood | Size: 5.5” x 3.5” x 1” | Manufactured: Italy

Related: The Best Inexpensive Gift Ideas for Wine Lovers

7. Best for Old Wine Bottles: The Durand Corkscrew

Why We Think It’s Great

• IDEAL FOR OLD CORKS: The design is intended for the delicate task of removing the corks that have become degraded with time.
• BEAUTIFUL PACKAGING: Comes in a unique cork box with magnetic closure.
• EASY-TO-UNDERSTAND DIRECTIONS: Within the reusable wrapper is a graphic direction showing how to use it.
• GREAT GIFT: Perfect for a vintage wine collector or wine enthusiast.

What We Don’t Like

• It can’t remove corks from other bottles.

What Our Experts Say

Melissa L. Smith, founder of Enotrias Elite Sommelier Services , shares that one of her favorite wine openers is The Durand. “It is used to open very old library wines that have very fragile corks, so it is a great option for wine collectors,” she says.

“Basically, the lengthy spiral paired with the two prongs makes it possible to secure the cork, and prevent damage, while the non-slip handle ensures a firm grip when pulling the cork out.”

Material: Metal | Manufactured: USA

Related: The Best Unicorn Wines

8. Best Professional-Grade: BarVivo Wine Opener

Why We Think It’s Great

• LONG-LASTING BUILD: Made from heavy-duty, premium stainless steel.
• EASY TO USE: Designed with a double-hinged fulcrum that allows an easy two-step cork removal.
• PREMIUM WORM: With its double worm, you can easily remove natural and synthetic corks.
• ERGONOMIC HANDLE: Crafted from smooth and strong wood, making it easy to grip.

What We Don’t Like

• Some components become loose and need to be tightened.

What Buyers Say

“We appreciate how this corkscrew has been dependable during its years of service. Compared to our prior wine opener, the two-tiered fulcrum is a stroke of genius. Plus, we like the visual value added by the resin side panels.

Additionally, the metal construction and heft of this item indicate high quality, and the motion of the lever is very smooth and solid. The price tag is higher than average for openers, but we think the product's longevity justifies it.”

Material: Stainless steel and natural bai ying wood | Size: 4.69” x 0.59” x 1.18” | Manufactured: China

Related: The Best Wine Cork Holders and Cages

9. Best Lever: OXO Steel Vertical Lever Corkscrew

Why We Think It’s Great

• EFFICIENT OPERATION: Eliminates the need for twisting with its two-step operation.
• NON-SLIP HANDLE: The die-cast zinc handle has a plush, non-slip grip for a secure hold.
• QUICK CORK RELEASE: Features a screw that doesn't get stuck in the cork and releases with a single push of the lever.
• FOIL CUTTER STORAGE: Can be removed and stored in the corkscrew itself.

What We Don’t Like

• The foil cutter doesn’t cut consistently.

What Our Experts Say

The best corkscrew that Luke Slater, founder of The Cask Connoisseur , recommends is the OXO Steel Lever Corkscrew. “This wine opener is made of stainless steel for durability and features a comfortable handle.”

He notes, “There is also a non-stick coated screw for easy insertion and cork removal. The lever-style design also makes it easy to open a bottle by simply pulling down the lever, and it comes with a foil cutter for added convenience.”

Material: Stainless steel and plastic | Size: 2.5” x 7.6” x 7.2” | Manufactured: China | Dishwasher Safe: No

Related: The Best Wine Preservation Systems

10. Best Compact: Monopol Westmark Two-Prong Cork Puller

Why We Think It’s Great

• HIGH-QUALITY CONSTRUCTION: Constructed using die-cast metal for the handle and cover and premium solid steel for the prongs.
• VERSATILE: Can remove and reinsert wine corks and remove crown caps.
• EASY TO CARRY: Its compact size allows it to be transported hassle-free.
• 5-YEAR WARRANTY: Provides a full refund without any fuss.

What We Don’t Like

• The handle could be bigger.

What Buyers Say

“We love how this wine opener is made of high-quality metal, and it performs well with natural and synthetic corks, even from older wines! This type of cork puller is fast and does not destroy the corks as they are extracted.

For older bottles, the corks are too fragile to be pulled by the spiral-type puller, so only the two-prong one will do. Using this type of puller properly takes a little practice, but once you master the technique, you will love it!”

Material: Alloy Steel |Size: 4.33” x 2.55” x 0.39” | Manufactured: Germany | Dishwasher Safe: No

Related: The Best Wine Aerators

11. Most Innovative: Cork Pops Wine Bottle Opener

Why We Think It’s Great

• FAST OPERATION: Requires less effort than a traditional corkscrew.
• CARTRIDGE-POWERED: Wines' aromas and flavors will not be altered because the cartridge uses a low-pressure, inert propellant.
• SAFE TO USE: The needle guard prevents injuries when extracting the cork from a bottle and removing it from the needle.

What We Don’t Like

• The foil cutter becomes dull after some time.

What Our Editors Say

“If you find it hard to use the traditional wine opener, we recommend this air pump corkscrew. Although still manual, we liken it to an electric wine opener in terms of ease of use and innovation. After sticking the needle through the cork, we just push the cartridge and lift!

One cartridge is already included in the packaging and can open up to 60 wine bottles. If it runs out, there are replacements available. Also, we appreciate how little countertop space it takes up!”

Material: Plastic | Size: 7” x 2.25” x 2.5” | Manufactured: China

Related: The Best Electric Wine Openers

12. Most Stylish: Viski Belmont Signature Corkscrew

Why We Think It’s Great

• BEAUTIFUL FINISH: 24k gold plating makes it a classy and elegant choice.
• SERRATED FOIL CUTTER: Sharp enough to quickly and easily cut the foil.
• COMFORTABLE TO USE: Fits snugly in the palm due to its ergonomic shape.
• GREAT GIFT: Perfect for giving as a present to a wine enthusiast, thanks to its attractive packaging.

What We Don’t Like

• The double hinge doesn’t move smoothly.

What Our Editors Say

“This double-hinged corkscrew's innovative design and 5-turn worm make it easier to work with and speed up the removal process. We also enjoy the addition of gold plating as it elevates the overall aesthetic, making it a fantastic display at your home bars .

Like most waiter’s corkscrews or wine keys, this one is also equipped with a foil cutter and a bottle opener for beers and soda. With a corkscrew this convenient and nice looking, we’re surprised it’s quite affordable!”

Material: Stainless steel | Size: 0.75” x 1” x 4.75” | Manufactured: China

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13. Best Grip: Rabbit Wing Corkscrew

Why We Think It’s Great

• FITS ANY BOTTLE: Securely clamps onto any bottle to make it stable when opening.
• EASY TO CLEAN: Designed to withstand the heat and pressure of a dishwasher for easy and convenient cleanup.
• DOUBLE ARMS: Sufficiently long to help easily pry open wine bottles.
• MULTI-PURPOSE: The top opener is designated for beer bottles and other crown cap bottles.

What We Don’t Like

• The plastic side walls could be more durable.

What Buyers Say

“This winged corkscrew has exceeded our expectations since it's well-built and it's a breeze to operate. It grips the top of the bottle for a good hold, and the corkscrew worm is treated so that it does not stick in the cork.

As a bonus, once the cork has been successfully extracted from the wine bottle, it may be removed from the opener with minimal effort.”

Material: Plastic and stainless steel | Size: 8” x 3.3” x 1” | Manufactured: China | Dishwasher Safe: Yes

Related: The Best Wine Funnels

14. Best Construction: Brabantia Classic Corkscrew

Why We Think It’s Great

• STRONG BUILD: Made from alloy steel, ensuring reliable performance over the long haul.
• NON-STICK WORM: Paired with a grounded tip so the cork will not crumble.
• ACCOMMODATING: Extra-wide body is suitable for bottlenecks of all sizes.

What We Don’t Like

• The foil cutter could be better.

What Our Editors Say

“This corkscrew looks and works similarly to an electric wine opener, but you just have to exert more effort. Nevertheless, it is still durable and has a standout design compared to most manual corkscrews.

We appreciate how safe it is for your fingers because it is almost entirely enclosed. Remember to grip it firmly, press down and twist until the cork is removed. Then twist it the other way to detach the cork from the metal helix.”

Material: Alloy steel and plastic | Size: 1.73” x 2.91” x 6.88” | Manufactured: USA

Related: The Best Wine Bottle Coasters

15. Best Gift: Prestige Waiter’s Wine Bottle Opener By Coutale Sommelier

Why We Think It’s Great

• HIGH-QUALITY MATERIALS: A combination of solid stainless steel and rosewood makes it durable and beautiful.
• DOUBLE-HINGED FULCRUM: French-patented and spring-loaded for efficient and smooth performance.
• GROOVED WORM: Allows less effort in piercing the cork and removing it.
• LIFETIME GUARANTEE: Answers inquiries within 24 hours to attend to customers’ needs.

What We Don’t Like

• The hinges are stiff at first.

What Our Experts Say

Sam and Stacy Greene, owners of Twist & Bitters , say, “Our favorite corkscrew is Prestige Waiters Wine Opener By Coutale Sommelier. We are big fans of 'old school' manual corkscrew because it’s like a swiss army knife, but for wine.”

“This wine key also easy to store or put in your pocket, and compared to electric openers, there are no batteries to worry about. We also love how reliable it is and can last many years, if not a lifetime,” they add.

Material: Stainless steel | Size: 4.75” x 0.5” x 1.25” | Manufactured: France

Related: The Best Wine Bottle Protector Sleeves

Final Verdict

The next time you buy your go-to wine or an expensive wine that you’ve wanted to try for a long time, make sure to have the best corkscrew on hand so you can successfully get the cork out and not get cork bits in your drink.

If you still need help in narrowing down choices, try first the HiCoup Professional Waiter's Corkscrew because it has a reliable structure, an affordable price, and is easy to use.

Which corkscrew is your favorite? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Best Corkscrews Buying Guide

Given the variety of corkscrews available, we have put together a few points to consider so you can get the most suitable one for your needs.

• Type

For a fairly specific purpose, there are countless types of corkscrews. Here is a summary of the ones featured above and their characteristics:

• Durability

Luke Slater says, “Look for a corkscrew made of stainless steel or other materials that are known for their durability. Also, consider the manufacturer's warranty, as this can give you peace of mind that you’re investing in a quality product.”

• Ease Of Usage

When using a cumbersome corkscrew, you risk dropping bits of cork into the wine, damaging the bottle, or failing to remove the cork altogether. Or even worse, you might hurt yourself!

Corkscrew types work differently, thus catering to different people. With this, look for a corkscrew style you’re most comfortable with. For instance, if you find it difficult to keep the worm at the center of the cork when twisting, you can opt for wine openers with a lever.

But if you’re proficient in twisting the screw down the cork, you can choose a wine key.

• Corkscrew Worm/ Prongs

The screw, also known as the helix or worm, is one of the most crucial parts of the corkscrew. Usually, it has a smooth texture with a sharp, curved tip. Other designs involve a sharp edge throughout the screw to better drill into the cork and a straight tip.

Also, assess the size and height of the worm. They are usually designed to have five turns but may be thin or big. Both are effective, but they may vary in how big the hole they make on the cork.

The same assessment should be applied to prongs for Ah-So openers. They should be long enough to fully grip the cork and have allowance in case it slips.

• Features

Mark Fang, founder of WineO Mark , comments, “I look for some features that can

make the experience of opening wine bottles smoother and easier. Look for one with a double lever to make pulling the cork out easier.”

“Plus, a serrated foil cutter on its handle provides extra convenience. It must be sharp for an effortless opening of wine foils; a dull foil cutter will make this process incredibly difficult,” he adds.

Other wine bottle openers have an integrated bottle cap opener, making them a versatile tool to bring to events where they serve different drinks.

• Price

If you drink wine frequently or stock your wine cellar with bottles for gatherings, consider splurging on something of high quality so it will last longer. On the other hand, a simple corkscrew will do if you only use it a few times a year.

Remember that the best one for you won't always be the most expensive. It also depends on the frequency of your wine consumption or the occasion.

Best Corkscrews FAQ

1. How to efficiently use a corkscrew?

The most important step in preventing cork breakage is to use the proper corkscrew. As mentioned above, corkscrew types work differently for various people. So, experiment with these types to determine what works best for you and your corks.

To remove a cork, start by piercing the middle of it with the tip of the worm. Turn the corkscrew so that it enters the bottle in its center and works its way out. You should keep twisting until approximately one twist remains, and then you should stop.

Clamp the corkscrew's arm against the bottle's rim and pry the cork out by applying hard pressure. Getting a clean pull on the cork is possible if you just make sure to center the screw.

2. What to do if the cork breaks mid-opening?

If the cork starts to break while trying to extract it, the best thing to do first is not to panic. Even the best sommeliers and wine enthusiasts experience this.

To remedy this, try drilling the screw into the cork at a 45-degree angle. Twist several times and pull slowly. You can also pull it by hand if most of the cork is out. If the cork is already in the bottle, filter the wine through a cheesecloth and pour it into a decanter.

If the wine is old and delicate, you shouldn't pour it all the way out, just until the cork has gotten out and landed on the cloth. As a result of the filtration procedure, the wine will be exposed to air, which will hasten the oxidation process.

3. What is an Ah-So wine opener?

The Ah So opener, also known as the "Butler's Friend," is the one with the two prongs. "Ah So” comes from the German exclamation "ach so!" which means "Now I understand!". This tool is ideal for removing seasoned corks that are too brittle to be screwed out with a standard corkscrew.

4. Does the Transportation Security Administration allow corkscrews?

According to the TSA's current regulations, only corkscrews without blades are permitted in carry-on luggage, while those with even the smallest blades must be packed in checked luggage. In order to protect the luggage handlers and inspectors, sharp objects should be wrapped or sheathed.

Why Trust Advanced Mixology?

We believe that our readers should have access to unbiased, well-informed reviews when deciding which products to buy, and we work hard to provide that type of content. Our editorial team is experienced and passionate about mixology and bar equipment. In addition, we often consult with industry professionals when gathering information, which gives us an insider's perspective on the products we're reviewing.

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