13 Types Of Corkscrews And Other Wine Openers, Explained

If you think about it, corkscrews don't get as much credit as they deserve. According to Vinepair, the old world bottle opener has been handily unleashing alcoholic concoctions since the 1680s. From its wooden-handled origins, to the double lever-winged improvement of later iterations, the corkscrew has only become more efficient. Even as bottle caps have advanced beyond an actual need for corks, a screw-on doesn't quite replace the satisfying experience of popping one out.

Uncorking wine carries with it a feeling of class, with everything from the remnants of red wine stained upon the cork to the small cloud of mist that escapes, followed by the pleasure of the first pour. Corkscrews are fairly straightforward tools, you simply position them in the center of the cork, then screw and pull. It takes no more than a minute, and even less time depending on what type of corkscrew you use. Lower-priced models will get the job done just fine, but can sometimes damage the cork itself. Trust us, trying to open wine without a corkscrew is a harder challenge than anyone deserves to randomly face.

That said, if there's anything you can learn from the history of corkscrews, it's that no matter what, humans will find a way to get to their beloved wine. Whether planning a romantic picnic outing, or hosting an important dinner party, enjoyment is only a corkscrew away. To keep you prepared for any wine-friendly occasion, here's a list of the many types of corkscrews and other wine openers.

Following the success of the original single direction twist corkscrew, a German wine-lover named Carl F.A. Wienke took it upon himself to reinvent the wheel. Keeping all of the features that have worked for years, Wienke took inspiration from a pocket knife and added a foldable function, thus creating the "Waiter's Friend." Other popular names are "Butler's Friend," "Wine Key," and even the "Sommelier's Knife," which of course comes from "pocket knife." That's why you'll usually find them with additional features, like a bottle opener and foil cutter.

With a foldable upgrade, the Waiter's Friend can leverage against the sides of the wine bottle, assisting you by pushing in the opposite direction to your pull. In other words, less shimmy is required. Like pocket corkscrews, these are also affordable and common go-tos. Waiter's corkscrews are just as portable, and also more efficient, but make no mistake about it, both are effective uncorking tools. It really boils down to how much you wanna grease your elbows, and how much free pocket space you have.

The next level up in corkscrew technology takes the wing-approach that uses a lever to help remove the cork, and makes it even more efficient. Lever corkscrews are operated using a grip and handle function. Fastening around the neck of wine bottles, its secure grip allows for easy uncorking. All you have to do is press down the handle to insert the screw tip into the cork, then lift it back up for a hassle-free removal. They're also referred to as the "Rabbit" corkscrew, which is actually a specific brand that helped popularize them. Even outside of the brand, many iterations have an unmistakable rabbit-like design too. 

Though generally pricier than other models, if you're a wine connoisseur, lever corkscrews are a must-have. They're sleekly designed, secure, drip-free, and only require two steps. You can find more budget-friendly types made of plastic, or professional grade ones made of stainless steel. Of course, quality and grip comfortability will vary. Either way, lever corkscrews are a worthy investment, trust us, you'll have no worries to wine about.

These large contraptions are primarily used at restaurants or establishments where wine is served. Mounted wine openers are lightning fast, delicate, and precise enough to remove corks cleanly and re-cork bottles when ready. According to the Wine History Project, while records exist showing they've been around since the 1800s, many iterations have been patented around the world. As such, mounted wine openers come in lots of shapes and sizes.

They're usually on the costly side, ranging from $60 on the low end to more than $100 on the high. A fancy one can run you even more. That's why you're likely to only find them in the homes of serious connoisseurs who wax "wine-etics" often. If that resonates with you, and you're looking to up your corkscrew game, the first thing you need is counter space. Although mounted wine openers don't take up a ton of space, the amount can vary depending on what type you have. You'll want to have at least 10 inches of available counter space to comfortably mount and use your corkscrew. If you have limited room, there are even some types that you can mount to your wall.

If there's anything you can say about humans, it's that we enjoy having to do less work. Convenience is a luxury of necessity, making things easier, faster, and better. At its core, it fulfills a basic need, but does so with style. Electric Wine Bottle Openers are a great example of convenience. They effectively reduce the act of uncorking to two effortless steps: positioning the corkscrew and pressing a button. Impressively, some don't even require a button.

Some are battery-powered while others need recharging, yet all only require one hand to use. Unsurprisingly, electric wine bottle openers are pricier than manual corkscrews, but many also come with warranties, so they'll be more than enough wine opening to go around. Depending on the brand you purchase, one fully charged battery is good for uncorking 30 to 80 wine bottles. The ease of use also makes it the best corkscrew option for those with limited range of hand and body motion.

Another screwless corkscrew variety is the air pump opener. It's one of the newest corkscrew inventions in the game and replaces the screwing function with air pumping technology. We're pretty certain the great corkscrew inventors of old were looking down from heaven when this genius gadget was created. Simplifying the process, the air pump opener features a long thin needle that cleanly pierces through corks. That allows air to be pumped inside, which creates pressure that pushes it out.

Sure to put a smile on a sommelier, the air pump opener makes the magic happen with only a few pumps — no twisting or pulling required. As the pressure builds, the cork actually begins moving upward by itself too. Bonner Private Wines demonstrates how to use it in this YouTube video, all it takes is a few seconds. Just make sure not to make the same messy mistake the guy in the video does — be patient and pull the cork out slowly.

In the wide world of wine there's an almost endless selection of tastes, types, tannins, and textures. Port wine, for example, not only carries its own unique profile, but it comes with a special opening tool called port tongs. Originating and named after Oporto, Portugal, port wine has been around since the mid-18th century. At the time, port wine bottles were more rounded and bottom heavy, donning short necks that made them impossible to lay on their sides. This style evolved over the years, becoming thinner until it resembled what we're accustomed to today.

Port tongs are long tools that are made of metal and require careful instruction before use. Rather than using a corkscrew, they're designed to clamp tightly around bottle necks, allowing you to break it and remove the cork. In this YouTube video, Mike Boyd demonstrates the impressive way in which port tongs cleanly break bottle necks. With a bit of learning curve and mindful consideration, you can make quick work of uncorking. 

The first step to using this old-world tool is to make sure you have a heat resistant resting place — you'll need it after you use the tongs. Next, heat the port tongs over an open flame until they turn red-hot. After, use them to grip the neck of the wine bottle, and hold it in place for at least a minute. After, place a cold and damp cloth to the affected area to make a clean break. Snap!