Anyone who enjoys a glass of vino knows the value of having a good wine opener on hand. But if you've landed here, you might be aware that there are several types to choose from—not to mention a vast range of price points. Though you should consider a corkscrew's type, ease of use, and durability, there are several other factors to keep in mind as well. According to Joe P. Hasler, co-founder of Flotsam + Fork, the most critical features of a wine opener are mechanical.
"[It] needs solid construction and good components—a screw that bites the cork, tight hinges that hold fast, and a blade that actually cuts through foil and wax," says Hasler.
Depending on which style you choose, you may want to consider the look of the corkscrew as well. Although many are small enough to fit in a drawer, some options may need to be on display between uses. "Something sleek and modern will look great displayed on your bar or kitchen countertop," says Tina Martindelcampo, a Decorist designer.
Here, we found the best wine openers no matter what style you're looking for.
Best Overall
OXO Vertical Corkscrew with Removable Foil Cutter
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/oxo-steel-vertical-lever-corkscrew-f3322beb23c347ad911a2642431cb1b1.jpg)
Amazon
Dimensions: 7.8 x 2.6 x 7.3 inches | Material: Stainless steel
If you want something that makes opening a bottle relatively effortless, you can't go wrong with the OXO Vertical Lever. This slick, modern wine opener has a nonstick screw that twists in with ease and releases the cork with a simple pump of the lever.
The die-cast zinc handle has soft rubberized grips for a comfy feel and impressive slip resistance. Not only that, but this all-star wine opener comes with an extra screw as well as a foil cutter that clicks onto the lever for convenient storage. It's robust and effective yet compact and sleek, fitting into any drawer, and it's easy to take on the go.
Best Budget
True Truetap Waiter's Corkscrew
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/true-truetap-double-hinged-professional-waiters-corkscrew---wine-key-and-wine-opener-for-wine-bottles-black-6f8bea7e08694bad93e5a2556da442f0.jpg)
Amazon
Dimensions: 4.75 x 0.75 x 1 inches | Material: Stainless steel, plastic
The True Truetap Double Hinged Waiter's Corkscrew is a budget-friendly option you'll be glad to have in your kitchen. Recommended by Martindelcampo, the classic stainless steel design is small in size yet will make it easy to pop open any bottle.
The corkscrew is offered in a variety of colors, from black to vibrant blue hues and beyond. It features double hinges, a five-turn worm, and a serrated foil cutter as well, and will easily fit into your kitchen drawer (or pocket!) for easy storage.
Best Splurge
Peugeot Elis Reverse Electric Corkscrew
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/peugeot-elis-electric-corkscrew-85cb6bae77eb4ee7bfc688b754c263a2.jpg)
Crate and Barrel
Dimensions: 3 x 3 x 8 inches | Material: Beechwood
Although the Peugeot Elis Reverse Electric Corkscrew is certainly an investment piece, it'll make for an effective and stylish addition to your countertop. The French-made wooden wine opener is easy to use and has a sleek design that'll blend well with any decorative pieces you may have.
To use it, all you have to do is press it into the cork and wait for it to automatically eject—once it stops, simply tilt it sideways and the cork should come right out. It'll work on about 50 bottles before it has to be recharged with its included USB cable. Though it'll make for a generous housewarming gift or token for your favorite hostess, it's understandable if you want to snag this chic option for your home instead.
Best Electric
Oster Cordless Electric Wine Bottle Opener with Foil Cutter
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/oster-cordless-electric-wine-bottle-opener-with-foil-cutter-d3bc6059877a4e3bbc4a5056d87d190b.jpg)
Amazon
Dimensions: 5.51 x 14.96 x 5.32 inches | Material: Plastic
If you're looking for an electric option, you can't go wrong with Oster's Cordless Electric Wine Bottle Opener. The budget-friendly pick will remove a cork in seconds, so you'll be able to enjoy your favorite bottle with ease.
The corkscrew, which can also act as a foil cutter, is operated by a simple switch that's easy to use. It features a built-in battery that can open up to 30 bottles on a full charge, so you'll be able to get tons of use out of it. When the battery runs low, you'll be able to charge it on its included charging base.
Best Winged
Ethan+Ashe Vagnbys Wings Corkscrew
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/CorkscrewWings-3_1024x-30bcf5fcdc7f4ee7bec868990496fd3f.jpeg)
Dimensions: 6.85 x 1.81 x 1.57 inches | Material: Zinc alloy, ABS
Ethan+Ashe's Vagnbys Wings Corkscrew is a more traditional option that'll get the job done. Inspired by the grace and curvature of a bird's wings, the lightweight corkscrew will make an elegant addition to your bar cart.
The corkscrew is made with powerful gears located underneath the wings, so you won't have to work too hard to remove the cork. It's more expensive than other winged options, but it's a true design pick that also makes for a thoughtful housewarming gift.
Best Set
Le Creuset 5-Piece Wine Tool Set
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/img85o-d31cd07a5185446685eb12bb088f58a5.jpeg)
Dimensions: Various | Material: Stainless steel, plastic
Whether you're shopping for a gift or just want to ensure your at-home bar has the essentials, you can't go wrong with Le Creuset's 5-Piece Wine Tool Set. The set includes a lever-style corkscrew, a wine pump, two vacuum stoppers for preserving open bottles, and a foil cutter, so you'll be ready for your next glass.
If you end up saving an opened bottle for another occasion, you'll appreciate the wine pump and stoppers—together, they'll preserve the flavor and aroma of the wine for up to seven days. Plus, the collection arrives in a giftable box that makes it ready to go for your next housewarming party.
Best Lever
Vinturi Vertical Wine Opener
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/cdn.cliqueinc.com__cache__posts__268827__best-wine-accessories-268827-1538075353253-product.700x0c-40ef35565c604a62bb9d325ebf7473b5-b38ff739d2954d9aa7aee35bc53e9cae.jpg)
Courtesy of Williams Sonoma
Dimensions: 4.5 x 2 x 7 inches | Material: Zinc, plastic
For an option with a lever, consider the Vinturi Vertical Wine Opener. The chrome-plated cast zinc design can stand upright on your bartop and is sure to offer strength and long-lasting durability for years to come.
Using the corkscrew is simple—after the non-stick screw glides into place, a swift up-and-down motion is all it takes to uncork a bottle. Plus, there's a built-in foil cutter that's sure to come in handy.
Best Tabletop
Rabbit RBT Tabletop Corkscrew
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/imageService-42b38bf273294522a6d295580cc34abe.jpg)
Dimensions: 7.4 x 7.4 x 18.5 inches | Material: Alloy steel
The Rabbit RBT Tabletop Corkscrew is more than a wine opener—it's a conversation piece. Made of solid acacia wood, stainless steel, zinc, and silicone, this tabletop corkscrew will make your next dinner party feel like fine dining.
The corkscrew's platform provides leverage by stabilizing the bottle while opening it, and a lever on the back can adjust to fit different sizes. While this wine opener is a bit of an investment, Rabbit backs it with a 10-year warranty.
Best Cork Puller
Monopol Westmark Germany Steel Two-Prong Cork Puller with Cover
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/monopol-westmark-germany-steel-two-prong-cork-puller-with-cover-de92746695744aa79d268baea0982060.jpg)
Amazon
Dimensions: 7.4 x 7.4 x 18.5 inches | Material: Alloy steel
Sometimes, all you need to open a bottle of wine is a pair of prongs. Take the Monopol Westmark Cork Puller, for example, a clever stainless steel tool that flaunts a satin finish you'll appreciate next time you want to pour a glass.
The corkscrew's looped handle is easy to grasp, and the super-sturdy dual prongs embrace even the most stubborn, brittle corks with finesse. It comes in a giftable box and with a protective sheath as well, making for a budget-friendly yet thoughtful gift for any occasion.
.
Best Waiter's Corkscrew
Flotsam + Fork Waiter's Corkscrew Deluxe
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Deluxe_1500x1000-2811c883d0694b179be2cd0d42128bf9.jpeg)
Dimensions: 4.5 inches long | Material: Stainless steel
The Flotsam + Fork Waiter's Corkscrew Deluxe is highly recommended by Hasler—and for good reason. Designed to meet the standards and requirements of French waiters and wine merchants alike, the corkscrew marries style and function for a truly special piece.
The steel corkscrew has a nonstick coating, and instead of rivets, all of the components are fastened by brass screws. Plus, it's only 4.5 inches, so you'll be able to store it in a kitchen drawer or on a bar cart with ease.
Best Features
Wine Enthusiast Electric Wine Opener and Preserver
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/81das2Q0jEL._AC_SL1500_-584d41231676457aa558e385ff9e88bb.jpg)
Dimensions: 4 x 9 x 11.5 inches | Material: Stainless steel, plastic
Martindelcampo is partial to this option from Wine Enthusiast, which has all the bells and whistles you could want when serving vino. "For a wine enthusiast like myself, this component is sleek and easy to use," she says.
"The electric opener is worth the investment and has additional features that allow you to remove the seal first before removing the cork, and it comes equipped with two vacuum stoppers," Martindelcampo adds.
Final Verdict
Our number one pick is the OXO Steel Vertical Lever Corkscrew (view at Amazon), a sleek wine opener with a non-stick screw that makes uncorking look and feel effortless. For folks on a budget, we suggest the True Truetap Waiter's Corkscrew (view at Amazon), a classic double-hinged wine opener that gets the job done with minimal effort.
What to Look for in a Wine Opener
Type
Wine openers really only have one purpose, but they come in a surprising variety of types. For starters, there are classic hinged corkscrews, winged models, cork pullers, and waiter's corkscrews, all of which are on the smaller side and relatively simple to use.
The next tier includes manual lever-style corkscrews and electric wine bottle openers, the latter of which essentially automates the uncorking process. Then you've got tabletop models, which are robust, efficient, and often high-end.
Ease of Use
According to Hasler, a wine opener should be "a smooth handling tool that gets the job done without a lot of fuss." In other words, the most important thing is that it works, time after time.
Having said that, the amount of elbow grease you're willing to put into opening a bottle of wine is personal—and a point of pride for some. "I learned to open a bottle of wine with a traditional corkscrew opener, and with a little practice, it's just a quick three-step process, plus the size makes it easy to travel with," says Martindelcampo.
Quality/Durability
No matter what type of corkscrew you grow, its quality and durability are of the utmost importance. "I've had many wine openers in the past that have broken, so make sure to do your research and be willing to spend a little more for convenience and durability if you are an avid wine drinker," says Martindelcampo.
Why Trust MyDomaine?
Theresa Holland is a commerce writer specializing in lifestyle, home design, and recreation. For this article, she interviewed a home goods expert and an interior designer, then researched the various types, materials, and sizes of wine openers. She pored over user reviews and product specs, considering dozens of models before landing on her final selections. Theresa enjoys wine tasting in the Willamette Valley, where she lives, and is a member at multiple wineries in the area. You can read more of her work on The Spruce.