How to use a corkscrew
Corkscrew is an essential tool in every kitchen. If you are a wine lover, knowing how to use a corkscrew is a fundamental skill to be able to enjoy your favorite wine without any problems.
There are many types of corkscrews available on the market, each with its own features and functionalities. In this article, we will guide you through the different types of corkscrews available and how to use them properly.
The Different Types of Corkscrews
- Spiral Corkscrew: This type of corkscrew is the most common and is composed of a spiral that is inserted into the cork of the wine. Once the spiral is inserted, simply pull upwards to remove the cork.
- Winged Corkscrew: This type of corkscrew has two wings that open when the handle is turned. The wings are then pushed against the neck of the bottle to remove the cork.
- Air Pressure Corkscrew: This type of corkscrew uses compressed air to remove the cork. It is inserted into the bottle and then a hand pump is used to create pressure in the air inside the bottle. This pressure pushes the cork outwards.
- Electric Corkscrew: This type of corkscrew uses a motor to remove the cork. Simply place the corkscrew on top of the bottle and press a button to spin the spiral and remove the cork.
Each type of corkscrew has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to choose the right one based on personal preferences and specific needs.
Now that you have an overview of the different types of corkscrews available, let's see how to use them properly to open a bottle of wine without any problems.
Corkscrew Types: Which One to Choose?
There are several types of corkscrews, each with their own characteristics and advantages. Here is an overview of the main ones:
Lever Corkscrew
Lever corkscrews are among the most common and widely used. They are composed of a metal spiral that is inserted into the cork and two levers that allow easy extraction. This type is particularly suitable for those who have difficulty using force to extract the cork.
Winged Corkscrew
Winged corkscrews are very similar to lever corkscrews, but instead of levers they have two lateral wings that open when the spiral is rotated into the cork. Also in this case, extracting the cork requires less effort compared to other types of corkscrews.
Screw Corkscrew
Screw corkscrews are composed of a long and thin metal spiral that is screwed into the cork. This type requires a bit more force than the previous ones, but it is very precise and does not damage the cork.
Air Pressure Corkscrew
Air pressure corkscrews work through a mechanism that sprays air under the cork, causing it to lift. They are very easy to use and do not require physical effort, but can be more expensive than other types of corkscrews.
Electric corkscrews
Electric corkscrews are among the most convenient and fastest to use. They work through a motor that screws the spiral into the cork and extracts it automatically. They are particularly suitable for those who need to open many bottles in a short time or for those who have hand strength problems.
- For greater precision in opening bottles, we recommend using screw or compressed air corkscrews;
- For those who have difficulty using force, we recommend lever or wing corkscrews;
- For those looking for maximum convenience, electric corkscrews are the best choice.
In any case, choosing the right corkscrew depends on your personal needs and the type of bottle you want to open. With this overview of the different types, it will be easier to make the right choice!
How to use a lever corkscrew
The lever corkscrew is a very useful tool for easily opening a bottle of wine without too much effort. Here's how to use it:
- Insert the corkscrew spiral into the center of the bottle cork.
- Press down slightly and rotate the corkscrew handle clockwise until the spiral is completely immersed in the cork.
- Pull back the corkscrew handle until the upper lever is fully lifted.
- Press down on the upper lever to extract the cork from the bottle.
- Remove the cork from the corkscrew and enjoy your wine!
Remember to always keep the corkscrew in a vertical position during use to avoid breaking the cork or spilling wine from the bottle.
With a little practice, you'll be able to use a lever corkscrew with ease and safety, without risking ruining your favorite bottle of wine.
How to use a screw corkscrew
The screw corkscrew is a very common tool for opening bottles of wine. Here's how to use it:
Step 1: Remove the film from the bottle
Before using the corkscrew, make sure to remove the film from the neck of the bottle. Most wine bottles have a film that covers the cork and protects the wine.
Step 2: Position the corkscrew on the bottle
Position the corkscrew on top of the bottle cork, with the spiral facing downwards.
Step 3: Screw in the spiral into the cork
Start screwing in the corkscrew spiral into the cork slowly and gently. Continue screwing until the spiral is fully inserted into the cork.
Step 4: Lift up the corkscrew handle
Lift up the corkscrew handle until it reaches the right angle to pull out the cork from the bottle. Make sure to hold onto the bottle firmly with one hand while lifting up on the corkscrew handle with your other hand.
Step 5: Pull out the cork
Gently pull the cork out of the bottle. If you have done everything correctly, the cork should come out easily.
Step 6: Pour the wine
After removing the cork, pour the wine into your glass and enjoy your favorite drink!
- Remember to always be careful when using a screw corkscrew, in order to avoid breaking the cork or damaging the bottle.
- Practice makes perfect! Don't worry if you can't use the corkscrew perfectly on your first try. Keep trying until you feel confident in using the tool.
Tips for maintaining your corkscrew
The corkscrew is an essential tool for wine lovers, but like any other kitchen utensil, it requires proper maintenance to ensure its longevity. Here are some tips on how to best care for your corkscrew.
Regular cleaning
Regular cleaning of your corkscrew is crucial to keep it in good condition. After each use, make sure to remove any cork or wine residue from the spiral and blade. You can use a damp cloth or soft-bristled brush to remove stubborn residues. Avoid soaking the corkscrew in water as it may damage the metal parts.
Lubricating oil
To keep your corkscrew's mechanism fluid and functioning properly, you can apply lubricating oil to the moving parts. Just pour a few drops onto the moving parts and operate the corkscrew a few times to evenly distribute the oil.
Safely store your corkscrew
After cleaning your corkscrew, store it in a dry and safe place where it cannot fall or be accidentally bumped. If you have a protective case, use it to protect the corkscrew from any damage.
Replace damaged parts
If you notice that some parts of your corkscrew are damaged or not functioning properly, it is important to replace them as soon as possible. This way, you can avoid causing further damage to the corkscrew and ensure safety during use.
- Remember to regularly clean your corkscrew after each use;
- Use lubricating oil to keep the mechanism fluid;
- Safely store your corkscrew in a dry and secure place;
- Replace damaged parts to ensure safety during use.
Maintaining your corkscrew in good condition is essential to ensure its longevity and proper functionality. By following these simple tips, you can best preserve your corkscrew and ensure that you always have a reliable tool for opening your favorite wine bottles.

Michael Anderson - Software Engineer
My name is Michael Anderson, and I work as a computer engineer in Midland, Texas.
My passion is sharing my knowledge in various areas, and my purpose is to make education accessible to everyone. I believe it is essential to explain complex concepts in a simple and interesting way.
With GlobalHowTo, I aim to motivate and enrich the minds of those who want to learn.





