Reddit mentions: The best waiter corkscrews

First off, you should add me on Steam (I'm wigriff everywhere, but it might show J.C.Wigriff on Steam).

Questions:

• What is your favorite Nintendo series? What about your favorite Nintendo character? And your all time favorite Nintendo game?
  
  
• What are your favorite non-Nintendo titles on PC or other platforms?
  
  
• I walk into your tavern and lean up against the bar. You walk over to me and ask "What can I get for you." I look at you intently, and doing my best cool guy impersonation, say "Impress me." What drink do you make?
  
  
• What's your favorite subreddit?
  
  Stocking Stuffer Ideas:
  
  Since this is totally subjective, and you haven't provided criteria for who we're buying stocking stuffers for (Mom, Kids, Geeky Cousin Ted, etc.), I'm going to make my list very general so that it would fit anyone.
  
  
• Cool Refrigerator Magnet Poetry Set
  
  
• A USB Charging Station
  
  
• A couple nice, colored, braided USB charging cables, because who couldn't always use an extra charger?
  
  
• A scented candle, because everybody loves scented candles.
  
  
• Premium All-in-one Wine Opener, Bottle Opener and Foil Cutter. Hell, it even comes with a lifetime money back guarantee.
  
  It was very nice to meet you. :)

I know there have already been some replies to this, but I haven't seen anyone one specifically. The best corkscrews are this kind. They're cheap, easy, and work every time. They're the kind most good waiters use. I highly recommend nabbing one like this and then watching a YouTube video about how to use them. You'll never be frustrated with corks again.

Honestly, though, the feelings on screw tops on wine are finally starting to change. They're really the best way for wine to be bottled - the only reason more wine isn't bottled with screw tops is due to the perception that it's less fancy. More and more people are realizing that that's a silly perception, though, and better and better wine makers are opting for the screw top.

I generally recommend getting great accessories, instead of wine itself. I've often been gifted wine by people who aren't into it; of course, I completely appreciate the gifts, but often they're just not to my taste.

Here are a few accessories that I love, that I think would be a great gift for someone who doesn't have them:

• Decanter
  
• High-quality double-hinged corkscrew (doesn't have to be expensive; I use this one at work and it's awesome
  
• An Ah So opener, if he's into older wine.
  
• Ice buckets or marble wine chillers
  
• Nice stemware
  
  If you must get wine, I will say that the only wine I'm always happy to receive as a gift is Champagne.

A lot of my friends have the waiter Corckscrews, and by amazon reviews, this one seems to be the most loved and most durable:
http://www.amazon.com/Creuset-WT-110-Screwpull-Waiters-Corkscrew/dp/B000GA311Y/ref=pd_sim_k_14

But I find this to be more for waiters and not for people at home. Not the easiest to handle.

I myself have a full steel wing corkscrew that I got from my parents. They don't make things like this anymore. It's all metal alloy and easy to handle, there is no way it will break.

The best I can find on amazon with some heft and weight and most likely not to break is this one:

http://www.amazon.com/Zyliss-Wing-Corkscrew-Made-Alloy/dp/B002O3Y7H8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1324790499&sr=8-1

EDIT for LEVER and Rabbit corkscrews:
If you want something really classy to impress your friends, you could also try "rabbit corkscrews" or lever corkscrews. They both cost about the same, and at this point in the price range, (20$ for cheap to 50+ for nice) you may as well go for the full stand lever cork screw. This is basically one of those magic machines where you put in the wine and use the cool lever and pop you're done.

http://www.amazon.com/Trudeau-Trulever-Corkscrew-Set-Tin/dp/B0026RH6A2/ref=sr_1_10?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1324790693&sr=1-10

But really, I would suggest you go to the nearest second hand store and look around in their kitchen section and pick out a wing and a waiter's. They are both very cheap and if you find that full metal alloy one, you will not need anything else for a very long time. I have all three at home and I find myself using my wing the most, since my rabbit doesn't come in a stand, so I have to take it out of it's box, and then yada yada yada...

i'm pretty much with the crowd of get a decent 2-step one like this: https://www.amazon.com/Prestige-Rosewood-Coutale-Sommelier-Spring-Loaded/dp/B00659W9UE

great call on the durand, but that's really for old bottles where the cork is going to cause problems. you can approximate that, however, with just about any ah-so. https://www.amazon.com/DeVine-Wine-Opener-Vintage-Bottles/dp/B00TNSV4DC/ref=sr_1_7?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1537730169&sr=1-7&keywords=ah+so+wine+opener

but as for actual best, it's gotta be the Code 38. Absolutely a stunning piece and great engineering. if you're opening a ton of bottles all night, this is what you'd want. https://www.code38.com/

Yes, that is the proper way to do it. You only need to make sure the tip is poking through, not a lot of the screw needs to pierce the end.

So as long as you’re relatively gentle when you’re towards the end you shouldn’t have too much of an issue with cork in the wine, especially with so many vineyards switching to synthetic cork. Plus I’d much rather have a little bit of cork in my wine from that than have to completely strain the bottle after the cork gets ripped.

I do strongly recommend using a waiter’s corkscrew (also known as a wine key, at least in the States) over the winged style.


If you’re buying expensive vintages that have been aged for a while I would recommend getting an Ah So opener . They are definitely harder to use, so practice on cheap wine first. But, once you get the hang of it you’ll never have an issue with breaking corks. They’re great for removing a broken cork and for wines that have really really been aged and have a delicate cork.

Edit: I suppose I should clarify “proper”. That was the way that I was taught when the restaurant I work for sent me to have professional training from a teaching sommelier.

Send me $50, buy a nice bottle (or a 6 pack of value wines) and get this:
https://www.amazon.com/Innovation-Coutale-Sommelier-Spring-Loaded-Corkscrew/dp/B005LB9PD6

Does the $200 one do something special? Play music? Does it double as a pasta fork? Can it be used as a dowsing rod for divining precious metals or oil?

I would go with a Pulltaps. They invented the two-step waiter's opener and are very reliable even at the low end. I have a bunch of different openers including Laguiole (Chateau and Forge) but I would trust a Pulltaps any day over them when opening an old expensive bottle. My favorite is a Pulltaps X-tens. I've had it for nearly 10 years and have opened over 10,000 bottles with it. It just keeps going on and still looks great. https://www.amazon.com/Pulltex-COMINHKR042011-Pulltaps-X-Tens-Corkscrew/dp/B004CZ43SY

I was skeptical, so I bought one. I've now purchased ten of them. The first one I bought opens more that two hundred bottles a week and never missed a beat. I especially like that the worm has a groove in it. This keeps it from squeaking like some others do.


For the price, check it out. Of you have any problems, the company or Amazon will handle it immediately. I had one with a loose handle wood piece, the sent me another for free and told me to keep the other.


Cheers!


[Note: This is NOT an affiliate link. I just sincerely recommend the corkscrew.]


Waiters Corkscrew by HiCoup - Professional Stainless Steel with Sapphire Resin Inlay All-in-one Corkscrew, Bottle Opener and Foil Cutter, the Favoured Wine Opener of Sommeliers, Waiters and Bartenders

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06WLJM914/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_MywTCbHSF8HX1

I bought wooden waiter's corkscrews. I haven't asked if they use them or not, but I bought one for myself too and I love it. It's simple and elegant. shows some class when opening a bottle of wine. I would say it's well made and a bifl item.

This has some good ideas. Otherwise here are things you might need (copy/pasted from one of my other posts):

• Toilet Brush
  
• Bin
  
• Chopping board
  
• Kettle
  
• Can Opener
  
• Measuring Jug
  
• Oven gloves
  
• Bottle opener (Very important for drinks and wine ;] )
  
• Smoke Alarm, Fire Extinguisher & Fire Blanket So you don't die.
  
• Torch When the lights go out.
  
• Clothesline
  
  Good luck!

This one may work:

Waiters Corkscrew HiCoup

I have that one but I also use this one quite a bit and regularly give them to other new bartenders. The foil cutter is amazing for when you work super large events and have to power open mass bottles of wine within minutes:

Boomerang Waiters Corkscrew

Waiters Corkscrew by HiCoup - Premium Rosewood All-in-one Corkscrew, Bottle Opener and Foil Cutter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MSXW15E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_x5f7xbGFR4HHE

When I decided to do the same thing for myself I picked this one up. It's a fantastic key, it's a little heavy so if it's always going to be in your pocket keep that in mind and you can't pop the knife with just one hand, not a big deal, but you know how often that comes in handy. Other than that I love this key, feels very premium, I've had quite a few coworkers check it out and ask about it. It's been about 6 months using it 10 times a day minimum and it feels brand new. I'd be surprised if it doesn't last as long as I will.

https://www.amazon.com/Professional-Wine-Opener-HiCoup-All/dp/B00MSXW15E/ref=sr_1_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1519222505&sr=1-1&keywords=hicoup

These ones are 10 buck and super SUPER durable. Good wooden handles and very tight hinges. THe foil knife is also serrated and reasonably sharp too.

I've got a Monopol one my parents got me that's a very similar design to the one they've been using for at least 40 years. Super simple, great engineering, and feels very solid and well-made:

Westmark 62605580 Satin Bell Corkscrew, 5.8 x 1.5 x 2.7 inches, Silver https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B004E1RZY0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_BWYvCb8WSJ7DY

As I mentioned a few days ago.... Code-38 is the best. However, quite cost prohibitive for most (although they are hands down the best I've ever used).

http://www.amazon.com/Screwpull-Le-Creuset-Waiters-Corkscrew/dp/B000GA311Y

Was my go-to for years.

Looks like a vintage ekco wine opener, those things are hard to find. Nice score!

If you're shooting for a new trainer, this is as good as they come. Chrome!

Tried a balisong can opener, was pretty crap. 0/10 would flip again. Stick with the fancy chrome trainer I linked you to.

The 'Waiter's Friend' is pretty small as far as wine keys go. I have had a Chateau Laguiole rosewood key for about 6 years now and it's my favorite tool of the trade. They're expensive, but worth it in the same way that any tool of the trade is worth it... quality, longevity, design, history, etc... There are also some cheaper options, the most appealing to me is THIS one

I like the Rabbit, it's not particularly sexy but it's solidly made and cheap enough I wouldn't be sad losing it. Pulltaps are the classic, I like the over-hand bottle opener and curved blade but I've never used one for long enough to say if the construction is worth the money.

I'll be honest, those seem unnecessary. Why not get her a nice classic wine key, like this one - which is my go to (http://www.amazon.com/Waiters-Wine-Key-Chrome-Plated-boxed/dp/B004I4KOA0/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1370539824&sr=8-10&keywords=wine+key) and then spend that money on something more useful.

This one has been my favorite. Smooth, great feel, lower profile so no unnecessary bulk and it’s high quality for $25

https://www.amazon.com/Pocket-Coutale-Sommelier-Spring-Loaded-Corkscrew/dp/B00EP28TZ2?crid=YUD1LYSFZ8NW&keywords=black+wine+key&qid=1537722556&sprefix=black+wine+k&sr=8-22-spons&ref=mp_s_a_1_22_sspa&psc=1

This probably won't be the most popular one but I really like it. I use it at the winery every day:
http://www.amazon.com/Prestige-Coutale-Sommelier-Inlay-Handle/dp/B00659W9UE

>There is a bottle opener attached to all the coolers already.

So? Get them a nice bottle opener/cork-screw they can keep in the kitchen or carry with them maybe. Like this

I'm a fan of the Coutale Pocket. $25 bucks, well made, nice weight, double hinged, sturdy (I'm going on 18 months with my current key.) The downside: it has a serrated blade. I'm with you in preferring a sharp blade, so I took a file and sharpened it. Took less than 30 minutes and now I have exactly the wine key I want.

https://www.amazon.com/Pocket-Coutale-Sommelier-Spring-Loaded-Corkscrew/dp/B00EP28TZ2/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1519199949&sr=1-2-spons&keywords=wine%2Bkey&th=1

I personally use one with 4 little roller cutters at home, but those are not traditional, I know.

If the blade is not too big for your taste, Peugot has a very attractive looking one: https://www.amazon.com/Peugeot-200404-Ixon-Blade-Knife/dp/B004Z4PDCM/ref=sr_1_28?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1466781164&sr=1-28&keywords=wine+knife

And do yourself a favor and get a decent corkscrew like the Pulltap he was using in the video.

This is my favorite. You can get 'em for like $10 in other colors, but I like being fancy.

OK! I hope he works on his grip. I can recommend these http://www.amazon.ca/Trudeau-Trulever-Corkscrew-Opener-Cutter/dp/B0026RH6A2/ref=sr_1_3?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1371290719&sr=1-3&keywords=corkscrew

to help with his grip on the corks. I had the same problem with my flutes but I would just wet them with my mouth first.

Agreed. I love my entirely stainless Pulltap that I got branded from a wine producer... 15 years ago. They want $30 for the stainless "premium" or chrome "classic" Pulltaps now. Damn. They're 32 Euro on the Pulltex website...

Pulltap's Corkscrew & Case - Pulltex

Pulltap's Premium Graphite Revolution - Amazon

Pulltap's Classic Corkscrew, Chrome - Amazon

Actually, a "wine key" is an actual thing that has a knife and corkscrew, as well as a lever to help you pull the cork (which almost always has a bottle-opener as well).

Dad worked in restaurants growing up (Like really a nice one that sold copious amounts of wine), I only heard them referred to as wine keys. Corkscrews were just the screw and cross bar thingy you pulled on. Wine Keys also have the little knife (for removing foil) a bottle opener and uses leverage rather than just pulling to open.

Corkscrews to me were- http://www.amazon.com/True-Utility-TU48-Functional-Stainless/dp/B003FAMQ2M/ref=sr_1_45?ie=UTF8&qid=1342460858&sr=8-45&keywords=corkscrew

Wine Keys were
http://www.amazon.com/Waiters-Wine-Key-Chrome-Plated-boxed/dp/B004I4KOA0/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1342460915&sr=8-6&keywords=wine+key

we had both in the house regularly so I think sapir whorf would say it made sense for use to discriminate between the two.

Many wine keys have some type of serration on the foil cutter. That might not be an option. These are my favorites, but these are cheap and will serve you well too.

I am pretty sure a "Wine Key" refers to one of these http://www.amazon.com/Waiters-Wine-Key-Chrome-Plated-boxed/dp/B004I4KOA0.

Cork screws are not "Wine Keys"

Buy one now, before you need it.

I have this one, the extra bend in the folding part makes every wine easy to open, and I have yet to break a cork, as it doesn't bend the cork.

https://www.amazon.com/Pulltex-5100-Corkscrew-Black/dp/B008F07S1Q

Use this style instead. The are way easier.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MSXW15E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_edMHybA07EM6R

I (full-time bartender at high volume wine bar) use this double-hinged wine key from Hi-Coup . The Pakka wood is pretty but they have lots of options!

Seriously, though, $450?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0016H9TC6/

https://www.amazon.com/Hamilton-Beach-Personal-Blender-51103/dp/B002V8ZEXW/

https://www.amazon.com/Cambridge-SoundWorks-OontZ-Angle-Generation/dp/B010OYASRG/

https://www.amazon.com/Portable-RAVPower-20100mAh-Universal-Smartphones/dp/B01LYONAT8/

https://www.amazon.com/Waiters-Corkscrew-HiCoup-All-one/dp/B00MSXW15E/

https://www.amazon.com/BoatMates-2150-Drink-Holder-White/dp/B001447V58/

I'm at $220, mostly for my nice portable battery, and I don't have to take the cooler everywhere.

Is there a trick for opening wine with that? Because when I have to use a T-handle corkscrew on a bottle I feel like I'm going to rupture something from the strain. That got me to start carrying this Peugeot Ixon.

A Wine Key refers to something specific, the swiss army type corkscrew like this. A wine key is a corckscrew but not all corcscrews are wine keys.

Since you'll likely be replacing it, pick up a pulltap, literally the last corkscrew you'll ever own

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000QXLPD2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_eLKPBbTQ04B10

ONLY spring loaded double hinged wine key by Coutale

find it here

https://www.amazon.com/Professional-Wine-Opener-HiCoup-All/dp/B00MSXW15E/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1535809096&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=hicoup+wine+opener&dpPl=1&dpID=41XUbEWWBGL&ref=plSrch

It's also called a wine key and a regular working one can be had for about $20.

https://www.amazon.com/Waiters-Wine-Key-Chrome-Plated-boxed/dp/B004I4KOA0

I use a Boomerang Wine opener so both motions are quick.

Coutale

False.

The tool that has a spiral metal thing that you put into a cork to remove it is called a "cork screw."

The tool that waiters at fancy restaurants carry with them that contains a cork screw, a small knife, and a can opener, is called a "wine key."

Edit Proof: A wine key contains a small knife which the waiter uses to cut the foil covering the cork. The can opener looking device is used to provide leverage to use the cork screw.