We Had a Sommelier Test Wine Openers—These Are Her Favorites

The Oster Cordless Electric Wine Bottle Opener takes the top spot

We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

Best Tested Wine Openers

The Spruce Eats / Kate Dingwall

It’s safe to assume you've opened at least one wine bottle in your life. Whether you’re comfortable with it (or do it often) is another story.

To help you figure out which wine opener is best for your needs, we tested them out and evaluated each on its design, size, durability, and overall value. Many bottles of wine were opened with various opener styles, including both manual and electric options, to make sure the products on this list are truly the best.

Here are the best wine openers for every scenario, according to our tests.

Best Overall

Oster Cordless Electric Wine Bottle Opener with Foil Cutter

5
oster-cordless-electric-wine-bottle-opener-with-foil-cutter

Amazon

What We Like
  • Sleek design

  • One-touch functionality

  • Easy to use and hold

  • Includes foil cutter

What We Don't Like
  • Whirring noise

Oster’s Cordless Electric Wine Bottle Opener is your quintessential electric workhorse. It's a go-to for many casual everyday wine drinkers (the rave reviews speak for themselves), is available in multiple color options, and comes with a foil cutter.

Our product tester found that this rechargeable electric wine opener, which can open up to 30 bottles on a single charge, fits all traditional wine bottles and is extremely easy to use. To remove any cork in seconds, with zero physical effort, just place the opener on the neck of the bottle, and press the lower switch to bring the worm down into the cork. Press the upper switch to pull the cork out, and voilà.

During testing, we found this ergonomic bottle opener comfortable to hold and quite foolproof, though a little noisy, which isn’t ideal for more high-end wine situations. Our home tester also enjoyed that the unit lights up when it's in the charger, which may not need to be used very frequently, as our tester found that the unit could easily open dozens of bottles without a charge-up.

Super durable and easy to wipe clean if you spill any wine, this easy-to-use bottle opener takes our top spot as our Best Overall pick.

Price at time of publish: $30 for Electric Wine Opener

Dimensions: 5.51 x 14.96 x 5.32 inches | Weight: 1 pound | Material: Plastic

Oster Cordless Electric Wine Bottle Opener

The Spruce Eats / Sage McHugh

Testing Takeaway

"If you're looking for a workhorse opener for a standard weeknight bottle of wine, this is an excellent option."

Best Waiter’s Friend

Le Creuset Waiter’s Friend Corkscrew

5
Le Creuset Waiter’s Friend Corkscrew

Courtesy of Amazon

What We Like
  • Built-in serrated foil cutter

  • Scratch-resistant, ergonomic handle

  • Comes in many color options

What We Don't Like
  • Pricey

“Sometimes called a ‘sommelier’s cork puller,’ the double-hinged versions are, by far, the most preferred by the wine community. They’re sturdy, they fit perfectly in your hand and then into your pocket, and the investment is easy to swallow,” says Linda Trotta, director of North Coast Winemaking at WX Brands. Double-hinged corkscrews, as compared to those with a single hinge, provide additional leverage to safely and easily remove either synthetic or natural corks from any bottle. According to Trotta, this style also generally avoids puncturing through the bottom of the cork, which can lead to cork bits ending up in your wine (although if it’s natural cork, that is no big deal—just remove the pieces if they make it into your glass). 

You can find plenty of quality double-hinged classic corkscrews for a bargain price, but if you’re willing to spend a bit more, go for a design with a grooved worm, like this Le Creuset waiter’s friend. The grooved worm makes quick work of tough corks (even delicate aged ones or thicker plastic ones), allowing you to smoothly and quickly get to the bottom.

Our home tester agrees, noting that the grooved worm really goes into corks like butter (whether that's an aged cork or a more modern plastic one), and the design is far more elevated than your standard wine key. She also noted that the hinged steps are a particularly nice feature; it lends you the leverage you need to guide a stuck cork out. 

For anyone who opens bottles frequently, this is your new best friend.

Price at time of publish: $32 for Black

Dimensions: 0.8 x 6 x 1.5 inches | Weight: 2.82 ounces | Material: Metal and steel

Le_Creust_Wine_Opener

The Spruce Eats / Kate Dingwall

Testing Takeaway

"The groove on the worm of this bottle is absolutely elegant. It slides right through the cork, eliminating any risk of breaking the cork. The handle is thicker than most waiter's keys, which ensures the opener feels secure and won't bend while removing trickier corks."

Best Preserver

Coravin Model Two Premium Wine Preservation System

4.9
coravin-model-two-premium-wine-preservation-system

Amazon

What We Like
  • Helps preserve high-quality wine for longer

  • Easy to use

  • Great gift for wine lovers

What We Don't Like
  • Expensive

A Coravin is every wine pro’s secret weapon. While it’s not technically an opener, it not only pours your wine but preserves whatever you don’t drink—essentially, you’re accessing your wine without actually opening the bottle. Think of it as a fancy tap that bypasses the cork using a needle and inert gas, allowing you to pour your wine without exposing it to oxygen, so it will keep as if you'd never opened it at all. (A natural or synthetic cork will reseal itself after you remove the needle.)

This means that you don’t really have to think about whether or not you’re going to finish a bottle, and you’ll minimize your wine waste significantly. Now, this tool is an investment (as are its accessories, from stoppers to new cartridges), but it’s also a game-changer. You’ll need to stock the gas cartridges, and you can also add on other attachments like an aerator, which will cut your aerating time significantly. Just note that this system is not compatible with screw caps.

Our tester found this item very easy to use. She thought the learning curve was low and that it pulled out fresh glasses with ease. She did note, however, that the cost of the canisters can add up, but she thinks the money you may save on wine by not letting bottles go to waste may be worth it.

Our tester found that the wine maintained its freshness, and she was able to enjoy a few glasses over the course of a week (even of an unfiltered natural wine that typically dies within a few hours of opening).

Wine lovers who like to savor their wine, as well as people who only enjoy wine occasionally, say they're happy they made this investment.

Price at time of publish: $205 for Model Two

Dimensions: 2.5 x 4.25 x 8.25 inches | Weight: 10.9 ounces | Material: Mixed material

Coravin_Model_Two_Wine_Opener

The Spruce Eats / Kate Dingwall

Testing Takeaway

"I was pleasantly surprised at how easy this was to use. High-tech wine accessories tend to be fussy, which is why I've spent years avoiding the Coravin. But this was simple to use, required minimal effort, and poured a perfect glass of wine."

Best Specialty

Monopol Westmark Germany Steel Two-Prong Cork Puller with Cover

4.8
Monopol Westmark Germany Ah-So Cork Puller

Courtesy of Amazon

What We Like
  • Durable, high-quality construction

  • Ideal for bottles of older wine

  • Great gift for wine collectors

What We Don't Like
  • Has a learning curve

The ah-so style is something that most wine professionals own. Featuring two prongs that slide down the sides of the cork, this tool is designed to gently and effectively pull old and brittle corks. This type of opener is great to have around if you drink the occasional older wine, but it’s not exactly essential for the casual everyday drinker and shouldn’t be the only one you have on hand. Still, having one is essential for wine lovers; if you feel that the cork in your older barolo or your aged port is at risk, whip out this two-pronged opener to avoid having to use cheesecloth and a decanter (plus, it takes up minimal space in your pocket or jacket).

A good, high-quality ah-so makes an excellent gift for any wine collector or advanced enthusiast in your life (or if you yourself happen to be either of those things). MONOPOL Germany’s expertly crafted two-prong steel opener comes in a sleek, silver satin finish with a decorative cover and five-year warranty.

Our tester notes that while pros will love this unit, it has a learning curve. Consider testing out your first ah-so with a few low-stakes bottles before opening premier cru Burgundy. She also flags that there is no foil cutter included with this unit, so you will have to use a separate knife.

Price at time of publish: $22

Dimensions: 11 x 6.5 x 1 inches | Weight: 2.46 ounces | Material: Steel

Westmark_Ah_So_Wine_Opener

The Spruce Eats / Kate Dingwall

Testing Takeaway

"If you're a collector or frequently open older wines with crumbling corks, an ah-so is essential. This one is a particularly nice option, with a protective sheath and brushed chrome finish. I always carry one waiter's key and one ah-so to jump in on tricky corks! It's compact as well—it fits right in your pocket."

Best Value

TableCraft Hand-Held Winged Corkscrew

4.5
table-craft-corkscrew

Courtesy of Bed Bath & Beyond 

What We Like
  • Straightforward to use

  • Affordable

  • Dishwasher-safe

What We Don't Like
  • Wing handles are thin

Winged corkscrews are a bit old-school, but they have their perks. They’re also relatively affordable, generally speaking (particularly this model). D.C.-based blogger and wine pro Alicia Chew recommends a winged-style corkscrew for a few reasons: “[These have] an additional lever, and this is a popular option because it's easier to use than the standard wine key,” she says. “It's almost impossible to angle the lever incorrectly with a winged corkscrew.”

To use, simply secure the corkscrew onto the neck of the bottle after removing the foil, double-checking that the screw itself is aimed straight down at the center of the cork. Then, twist the top clockwise to drive the worm downward and into the cork. Once it’s fully inserted, the wings will have risen—just push those down with both hands, and it’ll do most of the work to pull the cork out for you with the help of your leverage. This version by TableCraft is a budget-friendly, no-frills model with a plastic ring to protect the bottle, in addition to sturdy chrome construction, and best of all, it’s dishwasher-safe.

Besides its affordability, our home tester noted that it is easy to use and requires less skill than a waiter’s friend. If you’re not one to drink a lot of wine, but desire an opener for when guests swing by, this option is an excellent all-purpose option. However, our tester notes that there is no foil cutter, so you will have to use kitchen scissors or a paring knife to open the foil.

Price at time of publish: $16

Dimensions: 6.8 x 2.44 inches | Weight: 0.5 pounds | Material: Chrome

TableCraft_Wine_Opener

The Spruce Eats / Kate Dingwall

Testing Takeaway

"This is a sturdy, excellent, entry-level option. For more seasoned wine drinkers, you may want to opt for a wine key, but if you're opening a bottle a week or so, this unit certainly gets the job done. It's always useful to have on hand!"

Best Electric

Secura Stainless Steel Electric Wine Opener

4.8
Secura Stainless Steel Electric Wine Opener

Amazon

What We Like
  • Sleek design

  • One-touch functionality

  • Includes foil cutter

  • Transparent corkscrew mechanism  

What We Don't Like
  • Wobbles on charger base

  • Foil cutter can be knocked off easily

Electric models can be pricier than manual models, but this is an incredibly easy tool to operate—and our tester agrees. To use this set, remove the foil with the included cutter, and then place the opener on the bottleneck, making sure that the worm is centered on the cork. (The tool generally keeps things pretty centered, but it’s always good to double-check through the transparent window.) From there, push the down button, and your cork will be removed in approximately six seconds. The opener will stop automatically once the cork has been removed from the bottle. To remove the cork from the opener, press down on the upper part of the switch. The corkscrew will turn counterclockwise and release it.

While it doesn't require much muscle strength, our tester did mention that the Secura Stainless Steel Electric Wine Opener requires a small amount of pressure to work properly. If you don't press down firmly, the worm will just spin around and not make contact with the cork. With that guidance in mind, cork removal is a breeze with this tool.

Our tester really appreciated the addition of a sharp foil cutter. She found that while it is large (it takes up quite a bit of space in a cupboard or drawer), it makes quick work of a cork. She appreciated that it removed the cork for her, rather than requiring her to pull it out. That means it’s great if you’re struggling with a tough cork!

Price at time of publish: $30

Dimensions: 12 x 2.7 x 7.5 inches | Weight: 1.2 pounds | Material: Stainless steel

Secura Electric Wine Bottle Opener

The Spruce Eats / Sage McHugh

Testing Takeaway

"I really enjoyed using this. The foil cutter was sharp and effective, and the worm removed the cork with absolutely no effort on my end. It does exactly what you want."

Best Lever

Brookstone Compact Wine Opener

4.4
Brookstone Wine Opener

Courtesy of Amazon

What We Like
  • Elegant, sleek design

  • Ergonomic grip

  • Removes cork smoothly

What We Don't Like
  • On the large side

If a lever opener is more your style, consider this elegant tool by Brookstone. With its ergonomic grip, streamlined metal construction, and new design defined by its extra-long lever for optimal leverage, you can pull any cork (natural or synthetic) with little to no effort in three seconds flat. 

This may be the quickest opener on the market; our home tester was able to open a bottle in just a few seconds. The pressure pushes the cork out with ease. Our tester liked the single-armed design—you can open the bottle with just one hand.

To open your bottle, align the opener so that the worm is positioned at the center of the cork, then push the lever down to insert. Then, lift the handle with one hand while securely gripping the opener around the bottle with the other, and your cork will pop out in one smooth motion. A separate included foil cutter with two sharp blades helps tackle the casing pre-opening. It takes the legwork out of opening a bottle; simply use the unit to hug the bottle, and it takes out the cork without worrying about entering the worm straight or using steps on the rim of the bottle.

While it’s a bit too large a unit to throw in your pocket at a party to whip open bottles with ease, our tester found that it was smooth to use and did the job quickly and efficiently.

Keep in mind it does require a good bit of upper body strength to use, particularly with trickier corks.

Price of time at publish: $38

Dimensions: 7.25 x 3.75 x 7.3 inches | Weight: 2 pounds | Material: Metal

Brookstone Wine Opener

The Spruce Eats / Kate Dingwall

Testing Takeaway

"This opener is heavy and sturdy, with a super-sharp worm that easily removes corks. For someone who wants to open bottles quickly, the single-handle design is straightforward to use. For the price, it's a great option."

Final Verdict

The Oster Cordless Electric Wine Bottle Opener with Foil Cutter takes the top spot, because it makes bottle-opening practically effortless. It boasts a sleek, compact design. If you're looking for a more affordable option, we recommend the TableCraft Chrome Wing Corkscrew.

How We Tested

All of the wine openers in this article have been carefully chosen by our editors and writers. Sommelier and spirits writer Kate Dingwall spent weeks home-testing all of the products featured here (as well as some we didn't feature!). After rating each item based on a comprehensive list of methodologies, and ranking them on key attributes, she provided personal feedback to update this roundup.

Some of the attributes we looked for and rated each item on were the design, size, durability, and overall value of the wine opener, as well as ease of use. Because we know that these wine openers need to help pop open bottle after bottle, each was tested by our home tester in a number of circumstances—at a party, in the hands of a working sommelier, with troublesome corks, and with weeknight bottles.

For a standard wine opener, we looked for openers that cut seamlessly through foil and made quick work of a cork, without crumbling or cracking it. For more specific openers, like a Coravin or an ah-so, we ensured that they did their task with precision, be it carefully extracting old corks or a single sample of wine. Finally, she tested each product to see how easy it was to clean.

Bottle Openers Review

The Spruce Eats / Kate Dingwall

What to Look for When Buying a Wine Opener

Electric or manual

Manual wine openers are generally inexpensive, but they do require some physical effort, which may or may not be OK with you, depending on your desire for convenience or possible ailments, like arthritis. Electric openers are certainly useful for those who open or serve wine frequently. They can be pricey, but they take the hassle out of popping bottles—and some get the job done in mere seconds.

Learning curve

Some wine openers are simpler to use than others, but once you learn how to operate a harder-to-maneuver tool, you could end up loving it. It all depends on whether you want to add a new skill to your repertoire (or whether you even need to).

Bottle Opener Reviews

The Spruce Eats / Kate Dingwall

Durability

If you drink wine often, you want something that will last through many bottles for years to come. It's also wise to think about extraneous parts that you may have to replace from time to time, including batteries.

Flexibility

Are you drinking old wine? If so, the cork may be decayed and fragile, so you don't want an opener that will completely destroy it. On the contrary, other openers may be more suitable for newer corks and even synthetic ones.

Bottle Openers Review

The Spruce Eats / Kate Dingwall

FAQs

How do you use a wine opener?

Your standard wine opener works by inserting a metal worm into the cork to pull out the cork smoothly, giving you full access to your favorite wine. Wine openers come in many forms, though. A waiter’s key stabilizes the cork to help you remove it, while a more automated wine opener will pop the cork without any effort from you.

How long does wine last after you open it?

That depends on the type of wine. Sparkling wines will go flat within a few hours of being exposed to air, while wines with more acidity will last up to five days in the refrigerator. A rule of thumb: The higher the acid, the longer the wine will last. That said, wines made in natural styles will have shorter lives once open, because they generally do not contain preservatives.

Bottle opener reviews

The Spruce Eats / Kate Dingwall

Do you have to refrigerate wine after opening?

Yes. The cold temperature will delay oxidation, keeping your wine fresh for longer. While your mind may immediately go to refrigerating whites, you can also pop your a red in the fridge to extend the life of the bottle.

Should you clean your wine opener?

Yes. Like any kitchen utensil, give your corkscrew a good wipe with a damp cloth after use. Units like a Coravin require more rigorous cleaning procedures, so read up on your particular unit before use.

Why Trust The Spruce Eats?

Céline Bossart, the original author of this roundup, is a wine and spirits writer and sommelier-in-training. She interviewed Linda Trotta, director of North Coast Winemaking at WX Brands, and D.C.-based blogger and wine pro Alicia Chew for expert opinions and recommendations.

The wine openers featured in this piece were all tested by Kate Dingwall, a wine and spirits writer and working sommelier at one of Bon Appetit’s most highly-recommended wine bars.

Originally written by
Céline Bossart
Celine Bossart
Celine Bossart is a New York-based freelance journalist and photographer specializing in wine and spirits.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Continue to 5 of 7 below.