The 7 Best Wine Keys and Corkscrews for Bartenders to Open Bottles

Best Wine Key for Bartenders

Want to find the best wine key or corkscrew to open bottles like a pro? As bartenders, having a reliable wine opener on hand is a must for providing quick and efficient wine service. This article reviews the 7 best wine keys and corkscrews that make opening wine bottles easy for bartenders and servers.

Opening bottle after bottle night after night can wear down cheaper corkscrews. Investing in a high-quality, durable wine key ensures flawless wine service every time. The best bartenders corkscrews stand up to heavy use and remove corks smoothly without breaking them.

We tested the most popular styles and brands to find the top wine corkscrews for busy bars and restaurants. Whether you need an affordable workhorse or a stylish showpiece, these wine key picks deliver fast, easy opening with minimal effort. Read on for the best corkscrews for bartenders and servers!

What Should Bartenders Look for in a Wine Opener?

As bartenders, we need wine keys that make opening bottles a breeze during busy shifts. Here are the key features to look for:

Durability: Must withstand regular use and occasional drops without bending or wearing out. Stainless steel offers maximum durability.

Powerful leverage: Removes corks smoothly in just 2-3 twists without sticking or crumbling the cork. Lever-assisted options provide the most leverage.

Integrated foil cutter: Cutting the foil capsule cleanly in one step saves time and prevents little tears.

Comfortable handle: A textured grip prevents slipping and reduces hand strain during repeated use.

Compact size: Fits nicely in a bartender’s apron and stores easily in a drawer.

Keeping these factors in mind, here are the best corkscrews and wine keys for serving wine quickly and professionally behind the bar.

Houdini Lever Corkscrew by Metrokane – The Best Overall

The Houdini corkscrew by Metrokane is a favorite of bartenders and servers for its exceptional durability and smooth lever-assisted opening. Its all-metal construction stands up to intensive commercial use without failing. This wine key extracts corks effortlessly with just a few pumps of the lever. The double-hinged fulcrum provides serious leverage for easy cork removal. A built-in foil cutter under the handle grips capsules for clean cuts.

Weighing just 4 ounces, the Houdini has a slender profile that fits comfortably in your hand. Textured accents on the handle create a non-slip grip. It comes in a variety of colors like black, red, and chrome.

For flawless wine service at high speeds, Houdini is the best corkscrew for bartenders who want a workhorse wine key. The smooth lever action removes corks in seconds without sticking or crumbling.

Overall, the Houdini lever corkscrew offers smooth, fast cork removal thanks to its double-hinged lever design. While pricier than basic models, its durable metal construction and integrated foil cutter make it a workhorse wine opener suited for high-volume bars and restaurants. The potential for the lever or foil cutter to wear out over time may be drawbacks for commercial use. But for most bartenders, the Houdini’s smooth lever-assisted opening motion outweighs any minor flaws.

 Laguiole Double-Hinged Waiters Corkscrew – Most Stylish

French Laguiole corkscrews stand out for their ornate bee emblem and superior craftsmanship. The Laguiole Double-Hinged model offers the same elegance in a slimmer bartenders corkscrew.

Each wine key is quality-controlled and hand assembled in France. While pricier than most, the materials like stainless steel and natural wood handle make this wine opener highly durable.

This corkscrew utilizes a double-hinged fulcrum design that provides incredible leverage. The long, serrated foil cutter is housed under the handle for smooth cuts.

For fancy wine programs, the Laguiole Double-Hinged corkscrew adds sophistication. Presenting this stylish wine key enhances guest experiences. It also makes a meaningful gift for aspiring bartenders.

 Rabbit Lever Corkscrew by Metrokane – Top Electric Option

Metrokane’s Rabbit Lever model upgrades classic lever technology with an electric corkscrew. With a press of a button, the corkscrew spins into the cork and releases it with a smooth lever lift. The integrated foil cutter slices capsules cleanly in one motion. Then, the corkscrew automatically turns into the cork when pressed against the bottle. Press the lever to lift the cork out quickly.

Powered by 4 AA batteries, the electric mechanism makes opening bottles nearly effortless. The motor does the insertion work so you simply provide leverage to extract corks. This electric wine key is ideal for opening many bottles quickly.

While pricier than manual versions, Rabbit Lever uses more durable materials that hold up well. The smooth finish resists corrosion and fading. The rubber handle ensures a comfortable, non-slip grip.

The electric Rabbit corkscrew speeds up wine service thanks to its motor-powered cork pulling. However, the potential for plastic pieces to break and higher price make it less ideal for commercial use. For a bartender seeking fast bottle opening with minimal effort, the electric Rabbit is a top convenience choice.

 HiCoup Kitchen Corkscrew – Best Value Wine Opener

For an affordable workhorse under $10, HiCoup’s Kitchen Corkscrew is a bartender favorite. The durable stainless steel construction withstands heavy commercial use.A grooved plastic handle provides a comfortable grip when pulling corks. The double-hinged lever design multiplies your leverage for easy cork removal.

This wine tool utilizes a standard worm with a foil cutting blade. Simply twist the screw into the cork, cut the foil, then lift out the cork smoothly. It extracts longer corks without them sticking.

Compact and lightweight, this wine key fits nicely in your apron. It’s budget-friendly price makes it easy to have multiples on hand. For an inexpensive yet durable manual corkscrew, HiCoup delivers professional results without the premium price.

With its integrated tools and charming wood accents, the Hicoup wine corkscrew offers an affordable option for restaurants and bars seeking a professional-grade manual opener. Its versatility and ease of use make up for any potential issues with components wearing out over constant use. For the price, it’s a great standard corkscrew that gets the job done.

 Wing Corkscrew by Corkey – Top Winged Option

Winged corkscrews like the Corkey Wing model excel at removing natural corks intact with a corkscrew spiral. The winged design provides superior leverage.Two large stainless steel wings fold out to brace against the lip of the bottle. As you turn the handle, the helix corkscrew enters the cork and lifts it out effortlessly.

Natural corks stay completely intact thanks to the spiral design that hugs the sides evenly. The serrated corkscrew foil cutter slices capsules cleanly for crumb-free edges.

For restaurants with extensive wine lists, the Corkey Wing preserves corks so sommeliers can examine them. It even tackles old, dry corks without breaking thanks to the secure helical coil.

The winged corkscrew design gives bartenders extra leverage for removing corks with less effort. Yet the potential for the steel wings to bend and the lack of a coating make this style less than ideal for constant commercial use. For a budget-friendly winged opener, HiCoup delivers sufficient performance to justify the low price point.

 Pulltap’s Double-Hinged Corkscrew – Easy Switching Hands

Pulltap’s ergonomic Double-Hinged design allows switching hands mid-opening for ultimate comfort and control.The Pulltap shifts smoothly between left and right hands when pulling up the lever. This makes it easy to turn the corkscrew into the cork from any angle.

Constructed entirely of chrome-plated zinc, this wine foil cutter withstands heavy use without corrosion. The serrated blade cuts foil cleanly while the corkscrew opener extracts corks seamlessly.

Weighing just 3.5 ounces, the slim profile fits comfortably in your hand. It’s easy to stash in an apron and great for travel. Pulltap’s innovative shifting handle makes this a top pick for left and right-handed bartenders.

With its innovative shifting handle and punchy orange hue, the Pulltap double-hinged corkscrew adds functional flair behind the bar. While not as heavy-duty as pricier options, it extracts corks smoothly thanks to an assisted lever. For an affordable and eye-catching wine opener, Pulltap delivers solid performance and versatility.

Screwpull Lever Model by Metrokane – Easiest to Use

Metrokane’s Screwpull Lever Model is the ultimate beginner-friendly wine key. A built-in corkscrew spiral requires no wrist turning to insert the worm – just press the opener against the cork then lift.Once inserted, simply pump the lever to elevate the cork out of the bottle easily. Cutting the foil is also super simple with the ergonomic flip-out blade.

The Screwpull’s smooth lever motion multiplies force to remove corks effortlessly. The Teflon-coated spiral glides smoothly into natural and synthetic corks without sticking. A non-stick coating prevents shreds from clinging to the worm.

From servers learning the ropes to experienced bartenders, Screwpull’s effortless lever lifting makes it one of the easiest wine openers to operate. The durable metals and plastic withstand regular commercial use.

The Screwpull lever model offers smooth, simple opening thanks to its fast corkscrew insertion and assisted lift. While pricier, itstrigger handle and automatic screw make it the easiest electric opener for beginners. The plastic pieces compromise durability though, making it less than ideal for constant commercial use. For elegant tableside service, the Screwpull provides fuss-free cork removal.

How Should Bartenders Use a Wine Key? Expert Tips

Using proper technique ensures fast, efficient wine service using these corkscrew tools. Here are some pro tips:

• Hold the bottle securely on a flat surface at a slight angle to keep the cork flush to one side.
• Cut the foil cleanly below the first metal band to expose the cork completely.
• Insert the corkscrew 2/3 into the center of the cork, then twist clockwise to drive it completely in.
• Keep the bottle steady as you lift upward slowly and steadily to draw the cork straight out.
• For winged and lever options, apply even pressure on both sides when lifting the levers upward.
• Twist corks gently side-to-side rather than up and down to prevent crumbling if stuck.
• Wipe clean the corkscrew after each use to prevent sticking and maintain the coil.

Choosing a quality wine corkscrew ensures opening bottles is fast and seamless during busy shifts. With the best wine key in hand, servers and bartenders can deliver smooth wine service every time.

FAQs

The Takeaway: Invest in a Durable, Reliable Wine Opener

As bartenders, having the right tools on hand is essential for providing good service. A proper wine key makes opening bottles simple and efficient.

The best corkscrews withstand repeated use without wearing out. Lever-assisted options provide extra leverage for easy cork removal. Integrated foil cutters slice capsules cleanly in one motion.

For the busy bartender, the Houdini Lever Corkscrew is our top pick for its commercial-grade durability and ultra-smooth lever action. Classic Laguiole corkscrews make an elegant addition for upscale bars.

No matter your budget or style, choosing a quality wine corkscrew is worth the investment. With the right opener, you can open bottles smoothly all shift long and give guests a great wine experience.