The Best Waiter’s Corkscrew

Part of being an excellent server in a restaurant is being proactive, quick and discreet when needed. If you work in an establishment that offers wine, you’ll want to be equipped with the best waiter’s corkscrew. Uncorking a fresh bottle can either be victorious or defeating, but practice makes perfect. Having the right corkscrew can be the key to success.

First, let’s look at the two types of corkscrews. One is a handheld wine “key” that is used with one hand and best for waiters. The other type has wings and it is ideal for home use. The wine ‘key’ features a lever that creates force against the lip of the bottle as you pull the cork out. Alternatively, the wine opener with wings projects the screw through a circular opening that holds against the top of the wine bottle as the gears pull the screw and cork out. The latter needs a table to rest the wine bottle on as you pull the cork out with both hands.

Wine bottles also come in all shapes and sizes as do their corks. Some corks are made with synthetic materials, composite cork or organic cork. In addition to a cork, many are covered by a metal or plastic wrap. You always want to remove this covering either but cutting with the tip of the corkscrew or by pulling it off.  This is why it’s important to have a strong metal point or even a small knife on the back of your wine key. The Barvivo Professional Waiter’s Corkscrew and the HiCoup Kitchenware All-In-One Waiters Corkscrew both feature little knives for this purpose.

To prevent the cork from falling apart or pushing it into the bottle, it’s important to find a corkscrew that is made from a sturdy material. Stainless steel is a common metal used to make corkscrews. The Coutale Sommelier Double Lever Waiter’s Corkscrew is built to last with stainless steel construction. For additional support, a corkscrew with a spring-loaded lever will help with pulling the cork out in one try. The Chef Craft Waiter’s Corkscrew offers an excellent jointed lever for an easy pop of the cork.

• Choose a corkscrew with both a foil cutter and bottle opener.
• Stainless steel is the best kind of corkscrew for its durability and strength.
• A spring-loaded lever is a great feature to look for in a corkscrew.
• Look for a groove along the edge of the screw for better grip on the cork as it pulls it out.
• Always read reviews to see how other consumers liked the product.