Why the Waiter's Corkscrew is the Only Wine Opener You'll Ever Need

The Best Wine Opener: The Waiter's Friend

Recommended: Zulay Kitchen Corkscrew Wine Opener

If you have one of those giant, winged "rabbit" corkscrews or a battery-powered one, we're not here to judge. But we are here to tell you there's a better, cheaper, and more reliable way. The simple waiter's corkscrew (also called a "wine key" or "sommelier's knife") is the single greatest wine tool ever invented.

What It Is: It’s that classic, slim, fold-out tool you see servers and sommeliers use. It consists of a small fold-out knife (foil cutter), a "worm" (the corkscrew part), and a "boot" (a metal lever).

Why You Actually Need It (The "Proof"): This isn't just about looking like a pro. Those winged contraptions are notorious for breaking corks, especially on older bottles. The waiter's friend is all about simple physics. The double-hinged or two-step boot gives you two leverage points, allowing you to pull the cork out vertically, straight and clean, with minimal effort. It won’t shred the cork, it’s virtually indestructible, it has a built-in foil cutter, and it costs less than $20. It's the definition of "drink smarter."

How It Makes Your Wine Experience Better: It eliminates the panic of a broken cork. It’s compact, portable (picnics, anyone?), and reliable. It’s the simple, $15 tool that lasts a lifetime and just works, every single time.

What to Look For: Don't overspend. Just make sure it has a "double-hinged" or "two-step" lever. That's the secret.