Sommelier’s Bestfriend: 8 Best Corkscrew For Sommeliers

A decent corkscrew is essential for any wine lover, but it is vital for sommeliers. If you’re a sommelier, then you know that opening wine bottles is a big part of your job. A good corkscrew will make your job easier and help you open bottles quickly and efficiently. Without one, they would have a much harder time opening bottles of wine for tastings and service. There are a few different corkscrews on the market, but which one is the best corkscrew for sommeliers?

From waiter’s corkscrew to electric corkscrews, we have listed down some of the best corkscrews for sommeliers based on our own experience and opinions from other top sommeliers.

Corkscrew	Brand	Our Rating	Check Price on Amazon
	Pulltap's Double-Hinged Waiters Corkscrew		Check Price
	IPOW Wing Corkscrew		Check Price
	HiCoup Premium Waiter's Corkscrew		Check Price
	Laguiole En Aubrac Waiter's Corkscrew		Check Price
	Secura Electric Corkscrew		Check Price
	The Durand Vintage Wine Corkscrew		Check Price
	OXO Vertical Lever Corkscrew		Check Price
	Barvivo Professional Waiter's Corkscrew		Check Price

What Makes A Good Corkscrew For Sommeliers?

As long as the wine cork comes off the bottle in one piece, the corkscrew is doing its job. The cork should come out without any hitch, and the wine should flow freely from the bottle. You won’t complain about the corkscrew if it performs this primary function.

Without this helpful tool, the wine-tasting experience can be more challenging. You might be tempted to use a standard house key or a steak knife, but we don’t recommend it. A good corkscrew will make your job easier and help you open bottles quickly and efficiently. There are a few features that make a corkscrew better suited for sommeliers, including:

Ease of use: The corkscrew should be easy to use, even for beginners. It should have a simple design and be easy to operate.

Speed: A good corkscrew should be able to remove a cork from a wine bottle quickly and efficiently.

Quality: The corkscrew should be made from high-quality materials built to last.

Multi-functionality: A good corkscrew should be able to do more than just open wine bottles. It should also have features useful for other tasks, such as removing foil caps and breaking seals.

Top 6 Best Corkscrews

Our Number 1 Pick

Top Contenders

IPOW Wing Corkscrew is the perfect accessory for any wine lover. It has durable high quality, and easy to open. The wing handle makes it comfortable and ergonomic while opening your favorite bottle of wine or beer.

It’s made with a premium zinc alloy that you can use for both natural and synthetic corks. The hard, sharp zinc alloy screw will ensure that the cork comes out without any damage to the wine. The non-slip silicone base will keep it in place while using it.

The wing style design helps you open your bottles quickly, efficiently, and with little effort. Simply place the opener over the top of the bottle and push it down on the wings to drive the screw into the cork. Then, twist the wings to extract the cork from the bottle. The non-slip silicone base keeps the opener in place while you’re using it, and the hard, sharp zinc alloy screw ensures that the cork comes out effortlessly. You can also use IPOW Wing Corkscrew as a bottle opener, ideal for parties with friends or family.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just having friends over for dinner, this durable wine bottle opener is the perfect accessory for opening any bottle of wine.

The double-hinged fulcrum articulates the pivot and provides extra leverage for the easy removal of corks. The serrated edge around the mouth of the bottle easily removes any foil. In contrast, a built-in foil cutter makes opening your bottle even more effortless.

The ergonomic handle is durable stainless steel, making it both elegant and functional. The soft-grip design provides a comfortable grip, and the non-slip plastic base keeps the opener in place while you’re using it. The HiCoup Premium Waiter’s Corkscrew is also available in different colors, making it the perfect addition to any wine lover’s collection.

The Laguiole En Aubrac Waiter’s Corkscrew is a high-performance waiter’s corkscrew crafted from 100% authentic, heirloom-quality Laguiole cutlery. Made near the village of Laguiole, in the region of Aubrac, France, by a single craftsman, each piece is unique and handmade with care using traditional methods.

The worm and built-in serrated foil cutter are made of hardened steel. Its ergonomic knurled handle provides a comfortable grip. The Laguiole En Aubrac Waiter’s Corkscrew comes in a manufacturer’s lifetime warranty. It is a perfect gift for any wine lover in your life.

Are you looking for an easy way to remove corks from wine bottles? Look no further than the Secura Electric Corkscrew. This rechargeable wine bottle opener is made from high-quality materials. It can also open up to 30 bottles on a single charge.

The Secura Electric Corkscrew has a durable stainless steel body and a powerful motor that quickly removes corks from wine bottles. This electric wine bottle opener is also small enough to store away when not in use. It also comes with a charging base that you can place next to your storage rack, credenza, or wine fridge.

Also, this wine bottle opener makes opening wine bottles a breeze. Simply place the corkscrew on top of your wine bottle, press a button, and you will remove the cork in seconds.

The Durand Vintage Wine Corkscrew is a beautiful and functional wine bottle opener perfect for opening any type of wine. It is a broadly designed device that is highly efficient in opening comprised vintage wines that have whole and intact, fragile corks. The Durand Vintage Wine Corkscrew is also made with a beautiful wood handle and brass accents that give it a vintage look.

This wine opener includes a two-step process to avoid the cork’s breakage. Screw the helix into the cork until the stabilizer bar reaches the mouth of the bottle. Then insert the long and short blades between the bottle and cork. Continue pressing the blades until the handle reaches the stabilizer bar. With one hand, hold the bottle tightly and grasp the handle and stabilizer bar with your other hand. Twist the handle and gently pull upward to release the cork.

The OXO Vertical Lever Corkscrew also comes with a foil cutter that removes the foil from wine bottles for quick access and convenient storage. This corkscrew works with natural and synthetic corks and champagne stoppers. Additionally, OXO’s unique non-stick screw glides smoothly into the cork to help prevent breakage. And with a simple pump of the lever, you may open the bottle in seconds.

Stop worrying about broken and crumbled cork pieces falling into your wine glass. The Barvivo Professional Waiter’s Corkscrew helps remove the cork from wine bottles quickly and efficiently without harming the quality of the wine.

With its classic double-hinged fulcrum feature, the Barvivo Professional Waiter’s Corkscrew provides the perfect leverage to remove corks from wine bottles with ease. The serrated blade also cuts through foil caps easily so that you can get to your wine faster.

For added convenience, this corkscrew also comes with a built-in bottle opener, so you can pop open a beer or soda bottle while waiting for your wine to breathe.

The sleek wood handle provides a comfortable grip while removing the cork. Plus, the Barvivo Professional Waiter’s Corkscrew is small enough to fit in your pocket to take it with you wherever you go.

So there you have it, the best corkscrews for sommeliers. These corkscrews will do the job quickly and efficiently, no matter what type of wine you’re opening or how old the bottle is. So pop open a bottle of your favorite wine and enjoy!

What is a Sommelier?

When looking at a massive wine list, often with tiny print, and trying to decide which wine will pair best with your entrée, you may wish you had a sommelier. A sommelier is a Wine Steward, a wine expert who is there to help you make the best choice for your meal.

You can usually find them in high-class restaurants and around the hospitality industry. A sommelier’s job is to have an in-depth knowledge of wine and be able to guide you to the perfect wine for your meal. It includes everything from knowing the different wines, grape varietals, regions, and vineyards to food pairing and serving suggestions.

A sommelier will usually have a degree in hospitality or a related field. They might also have completed a master’s program specifically in wine studies. In addition to their schooling, a sommelier will also have to pass the Master Sommelier Diploma Exam, administered by the Court of Master Sommeliers. It is a challenging test that covers all aspects of wine knowledge.

So, the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed by a wine list, ask for the sommelier. They will be happy to help you find the perfect wine for your meal. And who knows, you might just learn a thing or two about wine in the process.

Types of Corkscrews and How to Use Them

Every type of corkscrew has different benefits and usage. Here are some of the most popular types:

🍾Waiter’s Corkscrews

The most popular corkscrew, waiter’s corkscrews, are also called wine keys. They are designed for easy one-handed use. This type of corkscrew provides functionality, compact size, and functionality. Waiter’s Corkscrews are ideal for sommeliers who usually open and pour wine for guests at the tables. Most waiter’s corkscrews include foil cutter blade and bottle cap opener.

How to use:

1. Using the foil cutter, remove the foil under the bottle’s lip.
2. Insert the worm on the center of the cork.
3. Twist the corkscrew handle to drive the worm into the cork.
4. Place the first tiny boot lever against the bottleneck and apply pressure.
5. Lever the handle on the second boot lever to extract the cork until halfway.
6. Move the second, larger boot lever twist the cork out of the bottle.
7. If there is a cage around the cork, remove it by turning it counterclockwise.
8. Hold the cork and twist the corkscrew in reverse to remove the cork from the worm.

🍾Lever Corkscrews

The second most popular type of corkscrew, the Lever Corkscrew, is also known as a “butler’s friend.” This type of corkscrew is designed for easy two-handed use. The main difference between waiter’s corkscrew and lever corkscrew is that the latter provides more torque, which means it can extract corks from bottles with higher resistance levels.

How to use:

1. Cut and remove the foil from the lip of the bottle using the foil cutter.
2. Hold the lever in an upward position, and place the corkscrew at the center of the cork.
3. Grip the bottle with your other hand and push the lever down to drive the worm into the cork.
4. Lift the lever back, and the cork will come out of the wine bottle.
5. Remove the cork from the corkscrew by flipping the handle up and down.

🍾Pocket Corkscrews

Pocket Corkscrews are the most compact and lightweight type of corkscrews. They are designed for easy one-handed use and are perfect for travel. Most pocket corkscrews have a sheath to prevent the worm from puncturing your pocket. This sheath usually creates the “T” shape handle that serves as its lever.

Servers and sommeliers can easily carry them around because of their small size. Servers and bartenders can carry around these portable corkscrews. When opening wine bottles, you also need more strength than a counter mount or electric corkscrews.

How to use:

1. Begin by removing the foil from the bottle’s lip with the foil cutter.
2. Take out the sheath slide it inside the corkscrew’s base.
3. Place the corkscrew on top of the cork and twist it until the worm digs into the cork.
4. After completely inserting the worm, pull the handle upward to take out the cork.
5. Hold the cork and twist the corkscrew in reverse to remove the cork from the worm.

🍾Electric Corkscrews

Similar to electric can openers, electric corkscrews are battery operated and require no arm strength to open wine bottles. Just place the corkscrew on top of the cork and let it do its job. This type of corkscrew is ideal for people with arthritis or other hand conditions that make it difficult to use manual corkscrews.

How to use:

1. Remove the foil from the bottle’s lip.
2. Slide the electric corkscrew onto the cork. Always keep the electric corkscrew in a vertical position.
3. Push and hold down on the corkscrew’s top button to make it start extracting the cork.
4. Once it removes the cork, remove the electric corkscrew.
5. Do the usual step of removing the cork from the worm of the corkscrew.

🍾Wing Corkscrews

Wing Corkscrews are the most popular type of corkscrews for removing synthetic corks. They are easy to use and are mostly found in most kitchens. The main difference between a wing corkscrew and other types is that it has two “wings” or levers on either side of the screw. These wings help extract the cork from the bottle with less effort. Keep in mind that wing corkscrews are not ideal for opening old wines or wine bottles with natural, delicate corks since they can damage the cork.

How to use:

1. Take the foil from the bottle’s lip with the foil cutter included in the corkscrew.
2. Place the wing corkscrew at the center of the cork.
3. Turn the lever to puncture the worm inside the cork. Keep on turning until the worm is fully inserted and the wings ascend.
4. Press down on the wings to extract the cork from the bottle.
5. Follow the other steps for removing the cork from the corkscrew.

🍾Wall Mount Corkscrews

Wall Mount Corkscrews are not as popular as the other types of corkscrews. Still, they provide a lot of convenience for wine enthusiasts. This type of corkscrew is attached to the wall so that you don’t have to hold it while opening the bottle. It also has a weighted base so that it doesn’t move around while you’re trying to open the wine bottle.

How to use:

1. Take off the foil first from the bottle.
2. Insert the top of the bottle into the cradle of the corkscrew.
3. Pull the handle down to puncture the cork.
4. Reverse the handle to pull the cork out of the bottle.
5. The cork will eventually fall once you remove the bottle from the cradle.

🍾Counter Mount Corkscrews

Counter Mount Corkscrews are great for people who open a lot of wine bottles. They are similar to wall mount corkscrews, but you can use them on a counter or other flat surfaces. These corkscrews also have a weighted base so that they don’t move around while you’re trying to open the wine bottle. This type of corkscrew is perfect for high-volume establishments.

How to use:

1. Cut the foil first from the lip of the bottle with a foil cutter.
2. Insert the top of the bottle into the corkscrew.
3. Similar to wall mount corkscrew, pull down the handle to puncture the cork with the worm.
4. Remove the cork by releasing the handle.
5. Return the handle, and the worm will release the cork.

🍾Continuous Pull Corkscrews

Continuous Pull Corkscrews are similar to wall mount and counter mount corkscrews, but they have a different design. Instead of having a handle that you pull down, this corkscrew has a knob that you turn to insert the worm into the cork. Then, you just need to keep turning the knob until you extract the cork from the bottle. This corkscrew type is great for high-volume establishments because it is very easy and fast to use.

How to use:

1. Foil Cutter: Cut the foil from the lip of the bottle.
2. Turn the knob on the top of the corkscrew to puncture the cork.
3. Keep turning the knob until the worm screws into the cork.
4. Slide the sides of the corkscrews to have a better grip on the wine bottle.
5. Keep on twisting the handle until the cork is out of the bottle.
6. You can also use the lever to help pull out the cork if you want to.

🍾Wine Cork Extractors

Wine Cork Extractors are a corkscrew designed for natural and vintage corks. They have long, thin prongs that help remove the cork from the bottle without damaging it. Most wine cork extractors also have a built-in wine aerator, so you can start drinking your wine as soon as it’s opened. And because of their compact size, the wine cork extractors are excellent for keeping them behind the counter or aprons for easy access.

How to use:

1. Remove the foil from the lip of the bottle with a foil cutter.
2. Insert the extractor between the inside of the bottleneck and the cork.
3. Twitch the prongs of the extractor and apply a slight force.
4. Turn the handle and pull the cork out of the bottle.
5. If you are having trouble removing the cork, try using the aerator to help push it out.
6. Remove the cork by sliding it out of the prongs.

Factors to Consider When Buying a New Corkscrew

Now that you know the different types of corkscrews, it’s time to choose the right one for you. Here are some factors you need to consider when buying a new corkscrew:

✅The type of cork

Not all corkscrews can remove synthetic corks. Make sure you buy the right type of corkscrew for the cork you’re using. There are corkscrews specifically designed for synthetic corks, but they are not as common as other corkscrews.

✅Size

A small and lightweight corkscrew would be the best option for sommeliers, waiters, and those who love taking wine bottles anywhere. There are a lot of compact and easy-to-use corkscrews on the market that you can bring with you anywhere. Usually, a waiter’s corkscrew or pocket corkscrew is the best option for those who need a corkscrew that is easy to carry around.

Most level and counter corkscrews are bigger and heavier than the other types of corkscrews. But they are still easy to use and very durable. Large corkscrews are ideal for placing into one location, such as credenzas, bar counters, or kitchen counters.

✅Ease of use

One of the biggest factors that differentiate various wine openers and corkscrews is the ease of use. How easy it is to remove the cork from the wine bottle can make or break your evening. Many people are having a hard time using the traditional wine key, so they want to continue looking for a better option that needs less effort.

For ease of use, lever and electric corkscrews are the easiest to use. You need to insert it into the cork, push a button or turn a lever, and wait for the machine to do its job. These corkscrews are perfect for those with arthritis or weak hands. They are also the best option for high-volume establishments.

✅Length of the worm

If your corkscrew has a very short worm, removing the cork from the wine bottle might be difficult. Conversely, if the worm is too long, it can damage the cork and may leave crumbs in the bottle. Make sure to choose a corkscrew with a more than 1.75 inches worm. It should be the right length for effectively pulling out the cork from the wine bottle.

✅Durability

There might be several affordable corkscrews, but they might not be as durable as the more expensive options. When choosing a corkscrew, always consider its durability. The last thing you want is a corkscrew that will easily break after a few uses. You want one made of high-quality materials and can withstand years of use.

Some brands sell corkscrews that include a warranty. That’s always a good sign that the product is built to last.

✅Style and design

Corkscrews come in different styles and designs. Some are sleek and modern, while others have a more vintage look. The style and design of the corkscrew will depend on your personal preference. But if you’re running a business, it would be best to choose one that matches your establishment’s overall theme or ambiance.

Even simple waiter’s corkscrews have various colors available, and electric corkscrews come with astonishing lighting effects when functioning. Choose one that fits your personality or the image you want your business to project.

✅Price

Corkscrews can be quite expensive, especially if you’re looking for a high-quality one. But many affordable options are just as good as the more expensive ones. When it comes to price, it’s important to find a balance between quality and affordability.

There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing the right corkscrew. But with the right information, it’s easy to find the perfect one for your needs. So, whether you’re a sommelier, waiter, or just someone who loves taking wine bottles everywhere, make sure to keep these factors in mind when shopping for a corkscrew.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much do corkscrews cost?

A: The average cost for corkscrews is about $2 to $100. Most high-end brands and models can even cost more than $100. But many affordable options are just as good as the more expensive ones.

Q: What is the best wine opener to use?

A: The best wine opener will depend on your needs. So, if you’re looking for an easy-to-use option, then an electric or lever corkscrew is the way to go. But if you’re looking for a more affordable option, then a waiter’s corkscrew is a good choice.

Q: Which corkscrew best opens bottle caps?

A: Most corkscrews can open wine bottles, not bottle caps. However, some models can be used to open both wine bottles and bottle caps. But suppose you’re specifically looking for a corkscrew that opens bottle caps. In that case, you should consider anything that includes a bottle opener.

Q: What is the difference between a corker and a corkscrew?

A: A corker is a device used to insert a cork into a wine bottle. On the other hand, a corkscrew is a device used by many to remove a cork from a wine bottle.

Q: What should I do if the cork breaks off on the corkscrew?

A: If the cork breaks off on the corkscrew, then you can try to remove it with a knife. But if that doesn’t work, you can always use a different type of wine opener, like a wine cork extractor or lever corkscrew.

Q: What should I do if the cork crumbled?

A: If the cork crumbles, you need to make a filter using a very thin cloth. Put the cloth over the top of a funnel and transfer the wine into another container. It will help to prevent the cork from getting into the wine.

Final Thoughts

Being a sommelier or waiter can be a lot of fun, but it also requires hard work. And one of the most important tools you need for the job is a high-quality corkscrew. So, whether you’re a sommelier, waiter, or just someone who loves taking wine bottles everywhere, keep these factors in mind when shopping for a corkscrew.

Do some browsing and find the best corkscrew for your needs. With the right information, it’s easy to find the perfect that suits your needs. You will eventually find the right tool to make you inseparable from your wine glass after a long day at work.