Corkscrew: Open Wine Without the Fuss
With the right corkscrew, you can open any bottle of wine with ease – no crumbling cork in sight. Here's how it works and what to watch out for.
The Main Types
Whether it's a wing corkscrew, an automatic model or the elegant waiter's friend – there's a tool to suit every taste. The waiter's friend is the compact classic the professionals reach for, the wing corkscrew is especially easy to use, and the automatic model is the quickest of the lot. Take a look at our corkscrews.
Getting the Technique Right
Start by cutting the foil away cleanly, just below the lip of the bottle. Turn the spiral into the centre of the cork, keeping it straight, until nearly the whole length is in, then pull evenly and straight upwards – that way, the cork comes out in one piece.
Common Mistakes
Going in at an angle tends to snap the cork. And if you don't wind the spiral in far enough, you'll only pull out the top half. With a crumbly, older cork, take it especially slowly.
kjøk's Tip for Older Corks
If an old cork starts to crumble, don't wind the spiral all the way through – that way, nothing falls into the wine. If needed, carefully twist the remaining piece out, or pour the wine through a fine sieve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which corkscrew is easiest to use? Automatic and wing models are especially easy to use; the waiter's friend is the compact classic the professionals prefer.
How do I avoid crumbs of cork? Go in straight, wind the spiral in almost all the way, and pull evenly.
What if the cork breaks? Carefully start again, or pour the wine through a sieve.
What's the small blade on the waiter's friend for? For cutting the foil away cleanly.
Does it work on plastic corks too? Yes – a sturdy spiral makes this easier.
How do I look after my corkscrew? Keep it dry, and keep the spiral clean.
Which one suits home use best? A wing or automatic model is easy to use at home; the waiter's friend is handy for taking out and about.
Why does my cork keep breaking? Usually because it went in at too much of an angle, or the cork is very old. Find out more in our bar collection.
