Best Wine Openers
Waiter's corkscrews vs. easy-pull openers: which one is right for you.
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Our picks at a glance
Best overall and best value: Pulltaps double-hinged waiter's corkscrew. Easiest to use: Rabbit corkscrew with foil cutter.
Best overall · Best value
Pulltaps Classic Double-Hinged Corkscrew
The sommelier's favorite. A two-step hinge pulls corks smoothly with little effort, it has a built-in foil cutter, and it fits in a pocket or drawer. Read more.
Easiest to use
Rabbit Wine Corkscrew with Foil Cutter
A great choice if you open bottles often or find a waiter's corkscrew fiddly. Bulkier to store, but very easy for beginners and a popular gift. Read more.
Types of wine openers
- Waiter's corkscrew: compact, cheap and reliable. Double-hinged models are the easiest to use.
- Lever and rabbit-style openers: pull corks in one smooth motion with almost no effort.
- Winged corkscrews: common and inexpensive, but they can tear corks.
- Electric openers: push-button convenience; need charging.
- Two-prong (Ah-So) openers: best for fragile old corks.
What to look for
- A sharp, spiral (not solid) worm that grips without shredding corks
- A double-hinged lever for easier pulling
- A built-in foil cutter
- Comfortable grip and solid build
How to use a waiter's corkscrew
- Cut the foil below the lip of the bottle.
- Center the worm and twist it in, leaving one turn showing.
- Rest the first hinge on the lip and lever the cork partway.
- Move to the second hinge and pull the cork out the rest of the way.
Wine Opener FAQ
What corkscrew do sommeliers use?
Most use a double-hinged waiter's corkscrew because it's compact, fast and reliable.
What's the easiest wine opener for beginners?
Lever or rabbit-style openers require the least skill and strength.
How do I open wine with a broken cork?
Reinsert the corkscrew at an angle and pull gently, or push the cork in and strain the wine into a decanter.