Optimal type of wine bottle opener?

Optimal type of wine bottle opener? - Bottles of wine in boxes

The type of opener I typical use for wine bottles is the winged lever corkscrew type:

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The main problem I have with these is that they don't actually pull the cork all the way out. You have to lever out the last quarter of an inch. Also, there is the chance that you could crumble the cork into the wine.

The other main types seem to be the prong type, the hinged corkscrew, and the gas injection needle. I have not experimented with those. Theoretically the needle would seem to be best because there is no risk of crumble and it will force the cork out in one movement, assuming a big enough pumping handle, but not having actually tried one, I don't know if there are any hidden gotchas.

If we ignore cost and size as criteria, and consider only speed and convenience, what is the best type?

How do different types of wine bottle openers compare for speed and convenience (ignoring cost and size as criteria)?



Best Answer

Simply look at what the vast majority of waiters at restaurants use. Speed and convenience is their top priority. They mainly use the hinged, "waiter's corkscrew". It is also the choice of most wine "geeks" I know. It's what I use. That, and an "ah so" cork puller for very old vintages/potentially damaged corks....With any corkscrew, some care has to be taken, depending on the bottle being opened.

(While I think this answers your question, the question may be flagged as opinion based.)




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Quick Answer about "Optimal type of wine bottle opener?"

Also known as a wine key, the waiter's corkscrew is a favorite of many wine pros for it's do-it-all nature in a compact format. This version's two-hinged lever makes it easy to pull even tough corks and its ability to fold up to the size of a pocket knife makes it perfect for travel.

Which wine bottle opener is best?

Here are the best wine openers of 2021
  • Best wine opener overall: Le Creuset Waiter's Friend Corkscrew, $24.99 from Bed Bath & Beyond. ...
  • Best winged corkscrew: KitchenAid Gourmet Winged Corkscrew, $22.87 from Amazon. ...
  • Best lever corkscrew: Rabbit Vertical Lever Corkscrew, $43.33 from Amazon.


How do I choose a wine opener?

You should consider a number of factors when choosing the perfect wine opener, such as the person that will use it, its intended use and setting, as well as the type of bottle it will be used on, and the type of cork that needs to be extracted.

What type of wine opener is used the most in restaurants?

Waiter's Corkscrew The most basic wine opener is still used by restaurant servers and sommeliers. Also known as a wine key, waiter's corkscrews are inexpensive and small enough to slip in your pocket.

What are the two types of wine opener?

The most common types of wine openers, their use cases, and how to operate them can be found in the list below.
  • Wine Key and Waiter's Corkscrew. ...
  • Wing Corkscrew. ...
  • Electric Wine Opener. ...
  • Ah-So Cork Puller. ...
  • Air Pressure Pump. ...
  • Tabletop/Bar/Legacy Corkscrew. ...
  • Lever Corkscrew. ...
  • Twist And Pull Corkscrew.




  • TOP 5: Best Corkscrew Wine Bottle Opener 2021 | Wine Tools




    More answers regarding optimal type of wine bottle opener?

    Answer 2

    Google or Amazon "lever wine opener" and sort by best reviews. There is a "rabbit" type and other animal shape references that are quite good and have 2 different screws for natural and synthetic corks. They take the guess work out and cost around $30. Not cheap but good looking and effective. rabbit key

    The other types take practice and knowledge of cork type. For half that price a really good "waiter" style with a hinged double fulcrum can be excellent (and easier to store, portable). Use the shorter fulcrum ledge to get it started and the other for final pull. waiter key

    Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

    Images: Piotr Arnoldes, ready made, Jill Wellington, Zakhar Vozhdaienko