The corkscrew is the go-to tool for opening any bottle of wine. While it’s easy to think corkscrews are a one-size-fits-all product, many options exist for consumers, each offering unique benefits. And while they all tend to get the job done, the way they remove the cork is where they offer something different.
Depending on the user’s wine selection, offering different openers for various corks may be worth it. After all, corkscrews have consistently raked in an average of 201,000 monthly searches since 2023, so there’s high demand for different options.
This article will provide information on our selection of eight types of corkscrews and what businesses should consider before selling them in 2025.
Table of Contents
8 types of corkscrews to consider in 2025
3 things to consider when choosing corkscrews
Rounding up
8 types of corkscrews to consider in 2025
1. Wine key
Wine keys (or waiter’s corkscrew) are the go-to corkscrew for most restaurants and bars. They are affordable, compact, and highly functional, making them a favorite item for front-of-house staff who open wine at tables. Wine keys are also a popular choice among wine enthusiasts and professionals.
This traditional corkscrew often includes a small knife for cutting through foil and a bottle cap opener for convenience. Even better, it’s compact enough to easily fit in an apron pocket, so users will always have the corkscrew within reach when needed.
2. Winged corkscrew
Winged corkscrews have unique designs resembling birds. They have two levers that rise as users twist the corkscrew into the cork. Once the levers are up, consumers can push them down quickly to pull the cork out with zero hassle.
These corkscrews are great for removing synthetic corks and work with various cork sizes, making them incredibly versatile. However, they don’t perform well with older wines with brittle corks, as using them can leave cork pieces behind. Regardless, their compact and easy-to-use design makes them convenient tools for servers and at-home users.
3. Electric corkscrew
Electric corkscrews make opening wine bottles a breeze with just a button, making them perfect for anyone, regardless of skill level. They are especially handy in the kitchen or behind the bar, where consumers need all the speed they can get. The best part is that electric corkscrews are an excellent choice for beginners or those with limited hand strength (like people with carpal tunnel or arthritis).
However, their size makes electric corkscrews less ideal for tableside service, where uncorking is part of the wine experience. Consumers must also remember to keep the device charged so it doesn’t fail them when needed.
4. Wine cork extractor
Wine cork extractors use prongs that slide between the cork and the bottle to remove the cork gently. They require more manual effort than other corkscrews but are perfect for handling vintage natural corks.
Here’s why: Extractors are gentle enough to avoid cork damage, preventing crumbles from falling into the wine. They also allow users to reseal the bottle after pouring, giving them extra points in the eyes of many vintage wine lovers and enthusiasts. Their small size makes extractors easy to keep within reach for quick, convenient use.
5. Pocket corkscrew
Manufacturers design pocket corkscrews to be compact, making them easy to slip into aprons or pant pockets. Many come with a protective sheath to stop them from tearing through the fabric and create a handy “T” shape for better leverage when removing a cork.
Additionally, pocket corkscrews are incredibly portable, making them one of the best options for servers and bartenders. Since they are smaller than traditional corkscrews, using pocket variants requires a bit more muscle and usually doesn’t come with bottle openers. However, pocket corkscrews are the perfect tool for those who need convenience on the go.
6. Mounted wine opener
Mounted wine openers are different because they offer extra torque, allowing users to open bottles quicker and with less effort than others. Consumers can also attach these corkscrews to countertops, beams, or walls.
Buyers can even adjust them to get different penetration depths, which is handy for partially extracting corks at banquet events where servers set wines on tables before the event. While they are ideal for high-volume back-of-house use, some models focus more on aesthetics to help users upscale their hotel bar or wine room presentation.
7. Lever corkscrew
Lever corkscrews are becoming a favorite because they’re so easy to use. Consumers only need two simple actions: push the handle forward to insert the worm into the cork and pull the handle back to remove the cork. But that’s not all these corkscrews offer.
The real advantage is the control they offer. Lever corkscrews have handles that grip the neck of the bottle securely while consumers work, making them perfect for people with arthritis, limited hand strength, or carpal tunnel. While they work well with older corks from aged wines, consumers can’t use lever corkscrews for synthetic corks.
8. Continuous pull corkscrew
Continuous pull corkscrews usually have two parts and work by twisting the handle to drive the worm into the cork. The prongs or base rests on the bottle’s neck, and many models feature hinged handles that consumers can squeeze around the bottle for a firm grip. Their compact size and user-friendly designs make them perfect for most servers and bartenders.
3 things to consider when choosing corkscrews
1. Ease of use
The most crucial factor to consider when choosing a wine opener or corkscrew is its ease of use. A tricky corkscrew can lead to cork pieces in the wine, broken corks, or even trouble getting the cork out. That’s why many busy places (and some at-home wine lovers) now prefer mounted or electric corkscrews for better wine-opening conditions.
2. Cost
If the target consumers run smaller bars or prefer staying home, they won’t need more than a pocket or waiter’s corkscrew. Plus, replacement is usually easy and affordable to get. On the other hand, if business buyers target larger operations dealing with lots of bottles, they should consider offering mounted, lever, and electric corkscrews. These options make opening many bottles fast and simple, and they can quickly pay for themselves by saving on labor.
3. Size
Another question business buyers should ask is whether target consumers are always on the go or have permanent stations. If they are always on the go (like restaurant staff), they can’t go wrong with wine keys and pocket corkscrews. They are light and compact enough to fit in apron or pant pockets.
Conversely, if the target consumers have a single station for opening wine bottles, they will prefer larger options like electric, lever, and corkscrews. Although consumers can’t carry them around, these corkscrews are super effective at corks at permanent positions.
Rounding up
Wine enthusiasts and establishments (big or small) all need corkscrews to enjoy a thrilling wine experience. But remember that the type of cork determines the corkscrew businesses will offer. While synthetic corks have lower chances of breaking apart and ruining the drink, they require more effort to extract.
On the contrary, natural corks are weaker and more sensitive (depending on the condition), so they need gentle corkscrews to remove them from aged (or vintage) wines. Consider all these factors and types before adding corkscrews to their online store to ensure consumers get the best possible offer in 2025.
