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Some of the products featured in this list of wine openers have been carefully chosen by our editors and writers and sent home for testing. After applying several methodologies, our testers rated the items based on ease of use, comfort, performance, and value. They also tested the openers' capabilities when using the foil cutters and when uncorking...

Ease of Use

If you are a seasoned wine professional who opens bottles all the time, you may want to choose a simple style like the waiter’s friend or a winged corkscrew. However, if you find these manual options difficult to use, choose an electric model or a lever-style corkscrew that automates most of the work.

Features

Think about whether you need any special features with your wine opener, like a built-in or removable foil cutter or an extra screw for long-term use. If you choose an electric wine opener, you’ll want to consider whether you prefer a battery-operated model or one with a charger that plugs into the wall.

Durability

If you are choosing a wine opener for frequent use, choose one that can withstand plenty of wear and tear over time. If you are an occasional wine drinker, this may be a lower priority than other considerations, such as ease of use.

Are electric wine openers easier to use?

For those with dexterity or strength issues, electric wine openers are an ideal choice because they require minimal or no effort. They're also useful if you need to open many bottles in a short period of time (during a party, for instance). If you are not experienced with manual corkscrews, electric wine openers can be a great choice, but some oenophiles prefer manual styles—especially the classic waiter’s friend—because they are simple, portable, inexpensive, and quick and easy to use once y...

How do you clean and care for wine openers?

Each wine opener will have a set of care instructions unique to its individual specifications. In general, electric corkscrews should be wiped clean with a damp cloth and should never be submerged in water! Manual corkscrews can be cleaned in the dishwasher if they are more durable or washed by hand and immediately dried if they are made from more delicate, fine materials. If your corkscrew includes a foil cutter, the dishwasher may dull the blade over time.

How long do wine openers last?

Simple waiter’s friends and winged corkscrews tend to be the most durable because they have a simple design and are typically made from sturdy materials. Electric wine openers are more susceptible to wear and tear and often lose their ability to fully charge over time. Most electric models will need to be replaced within one to three years. Of course, this all depends on how frequently you're using your wine opener.

As a half-French person and longtime beverage writer, wine is basically second nature to Céline Bossart. Throughout her adult life, she has opened (and sabered) too many wine bottles to count, and not just for the sport of it. Nikki Goddard, who updated this piece, is a wine writer with 14 years of industry experience, as well as CSW and WSET Diplo...