There are many types of corkscrews out there, from the basic worm (that's the screw of the corkscrew) that you twist in and out by hand, and those lever pulls that remove a cork in seconds, to automated press-of-a-button wine-bottle openers.
We picked four of the most popular corkscrews and put them to the test. Here are the results, in order of preference.
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
CRATE AND BARREL POCKET CORKSCREW IN BLACK CASE.
$13. Crate and Barrel.
Pro: The easiest to use of these four. Also known as the waiter's corkscrew. Just 5 inches long, slim and lightweight. Stylish blend of stainless steel and plastic; smart carrying case. Having two levers makes it easier to pull long corks from the bottle. Gets the job done quickly without fuss.
Con: Fast, yes, but may take a little time to learn how to use properly. You have to guide the worm into the cork and find the leverage, using the rim of the bottle, to remove the cork.
METROKANE VERTICAL RABBIT LEVER STYLE CORKSCREW
S60. Crate and Barrel and Amazon.com; black models at bedbathandbeyond.com.
Pro: Sleek and colored a zippy "Candy Apple Red," this Vertical Rabbit corkscrew is an armless version of the classic Rabbit model. Works smoothly, removes the cork fast. Sold with foil cutter, replacement worm and Lucite storage case.
Con: The plastic body feels a bit fragile. With only one lever, this model is easier to use than a traditional Rabbit but it still feels awkward. Foil cutter needs to be gripped really firmly to be effective.
WARING PROW050 WINE OPENER.
$40. Bed Bath & Beyond, Amazon.com.
Pro: Electric cordless corkscrew smoothly removes cork from the bottle. Non-cork corks pose a challenge; you need to keep one hand firmly on the bottle to let the worm really bite. Electric charger base holds the foil cutter that comes with the wine opener. Easy to use but a bit confusing at first; you really don't do anything but place it on the bottle. Waring boasts you can remove up to 80 corks on one charge.
Con: Noisy. Sounds like a dentist's drill. This cordless wine opener is about the size of a restaurant pepper mill. Imposing in its high-tech charger stand -- some folks may not want this sort of thing out on their counter or bar.
