A bottle of wine is worthless if you can not open it. Imagine being home after a tiresome day at work and finding out your tawdry wine opener is broken. Or being embarrassed at your wedding when you can not get the champagne to pop because the wine opener is too complicated.
Putting too much thought into buying a wine opener may seem stupid, but to avoid situations like these, you need a wine opener that best suits your needs. An array of wine openers are now available in the market. Let us break down the information regarding their features and what to look out for in a wine opener so you can buy the best wine opener which is ideal for your taste and capabilities.
Types of Wine Openers and how to use them
Wine key or waiter’s corkscrew
The waiter’s corkscrew is the oldest, most traditional style of a wine opener. However, it is still the most popular choice among households and restaurants because it is straightforward, affordable, and portable.
The structure and mechanism of the wine key are fairly simple. It includes a corkscrew, two levers, and a foil cutter for added convenience. To open a bottle, insert the worm in the center of the cork and use the two levers to pull out the cork in two stages. The process requires lesser arm strength when compared to the traditional pull-screw system but it takes time to master the skill to use it properly. The corkscrew must be right in the center of the cork and should be twisted in precisely otherwise there is a chance you will damage the cork.
Winged Corkscrew
The winged corkscrew has wing-like arms on either side with a screw in the center and hence the name. To use it, keep twisting the corkscrew into the middle of the cork until the wings lift all the way up. Then, press down on both the wings to pull the cork out.
Even though the winged corkscrew is a good choice for oenophiles, it may not be the best.
The mechanism to use it is undemanding however, it comes with its drawbacks, mediocrity being on top of the list. The winged corkscrew offers middle-of-the-road control, ease of usage with a lackluster design when compared to the wine key.
Lever Corkscrew
Also called rabbit-style wine openers because of their design, the lever corkscrews are portable and uncomplicated. They have a singular lever attached to the worm along with two handles. Originally named after their design, newer versions of the lever corkscrew work using a similar principle but may or may not have a rabbit ear-like handle.
Perhaps the winning quality that people swear by of the lever corkscrew is the control it gives the user. Because there is only one lever, the bottle is secured by the user unlike using a winged corkscrew where both the arms need to be pushed down, and the bottle is left at the mercy of the friction provided by the table. Another quality that compensates for its appearance is the range of motion of the lever which significantly decreases the amount of strength while pulling the cork out. The ease of usage is also worth mentioning. You need to simply insert the worm in and pull the cork out using the lever.
Electric Corkscrew
If you do not want to fuss around with a mechanical wine opener, the electric corkscrew will be your best friend! You just have to place the bottle vertically under the opener and via an automated process, it will all the work for you.
Cheaper models of electric corkscrews have a shabby appearance and style. There are also several complaints about some models being unnecessarily loud. Also, if you have an old bottle or the cork is already damaged, an electric corkscrew may not be the best option as you have zero control over the opening process. They also have a shorter lifespan than manual wine openers.
Screwpull system
If you are an amateur looking for an affordable, fool-proof wine opener, you have to the screwpull system. One motion. One motion is all it takes for the user to open the bottle. You simply twist the worm in until the cork slips out on its own. These wine openers are so alluring because of their practical and portable nature best for front-of-house use.
There is a slew of other models and designs available in the market apart from this lot. From wine cork extractors to the table or wall-mounted corkscrews, you can choose from a huge variety to cater to your needs.
Features to look out for in a wine opener
Materials
If you have no budget restrictions, it is always recommended to buy a stainless steel wine opener over a plastic one. These go well with your kitchen and are more durable. A screw with a non-stick coating is a cherry on top of a good wine opener. You will have to replace the worm lesser times and it will be more convenient to use.
Durability
The hassle of replacing shoddy wine openers every month can be frustrating especially if you are a regular wine drinker or a restaurant owner. Cheaper wine openers may seem attractive because of their affordability but they are mostly compromised on their quality. Having a good-quality, sturdy wine opener will not only be cheaper in the long run but will also be more comfortable to handle. Your smartest bet would be to go for a wine opener that comes with a warranty.
Ease of use
There is a reason why there are so many types and models available for wine openers. Not every design is suitable to use for everyone. Choose a wine opener that best suits your preferences and capabilities. If you are new to this, an electric or lever corkscrew will be a good first purchase.
Size
The size of a wine opener solely depends on your preferences. If you don’t have enough space, a small opener that you can tuck into the drawer is the right choice. However, if you have a bar, a bigger-sized version can help add an oomph along with functionality to your bar.
Budget
At the end of the day, it all comes down to what you can afford. Wine openers range from pocket openers on the far end of the price spectrum ($2) to fancier electric or corkscrew openers prices as high as $400.
On average, a good quality wine opener will cost about $30-$60.
Add-ons or extra features
A few add-ons come with some wine openers for a better user-oriented experience. Some of these are:
- Stand
- Foil cutter
- Aerator
- Decanter
Safety precautions
It is fairly safe to use wine openers but there is no denying that the process is tricky and sometimes, some level of risk is involved. The safest option is an electric wine opener but if that is not your cup of tea, keep a few things in mind while using manual wine openers. You must have control over the cork and bottle so the cork does not unexpectedly pop out and hurt you. Also, be careful not to cut yourself with an unfolded foil cutter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.1. How do you clean wine openers?
Electric wine openers should be wiped clean with a damp cloth. The dishwasher may be used for mechanical wine openers.
Q.2. What is the best wine opener for beginners?
The double-hinged wine key or the screwpull system.
Q.3. which wine opener is best for old or fragile corks?
The Ah-so wine opener will work best if you are working with a tricky cork. A decanter may also be useful if the cork is falling apart.