Cork Pops

Waiter's Corkscrews

The waiter's corkscrew is the one every restaurant keeps behind the bar: a folding worm, a lever and a foil blade in one flat body that lives in an apron pocket. It is still the most dependable way to pull a cork by hand.

Nicholas Collection Waiter's Double-Hinge Corkscrew

Nicholas Collection Waiter's Double-Hinge Corkscrew

$11.00
Waiter's Corkscrew-Blue

Waiter's Corkscrew-Blue

$5.90
Waiter's Corkscrew-Red

Waiter's Corkscrew-Red

$5.90
Giovanni Waiters Corkscrew

Giovanni Waiters Corkscrew

$5.90
Cheetah Waiters Corkscrew

Cheetah Waiters Corkscrew

$8.50
Zebra Waiters Corkscrew

Zebra Waiters Corkscrew

$8.50
Peacock Waiters Corkscrew

Peacock Waiters Corkscrew

$8.50

The detail that matters is the hinge. A double-lift corkscrew lifts the cork in two short movements instead of one long pull, so it comes out straight and breaks far less often. Ours start at $5.90, come in cheetah, zebra and peacock prints at $8.50 (easier to find in a drawer), and top out with the Nicholas Collection double-hinge at $11.

Would rather not pull at all? The Cork Pops Legacy lifts the cork out with a breath of food-safe gas instead. Choosing between styles? Read winged vs. waiter's corkscrew.

Questions

What is a waiter's corkscrew?

A folding corkscrew with a spiral worm, a lever that braces against the lip of the bottle and a small blade for the foil. It is also called a wine key or a waiter's friend.

What does double-lift mean?

The lever has two notches. Seat the first on the lip and lift, then seat the second and lift again, so the cork comes out straight in two easy movements instead of one long pull.

How do you use a waiter's corkscrew?

Cut the foil with the blade, set the tip of the worm in the center of the cork and turn it in until about one turn is left showing. Then brace the lever on the lip, lift, and finish with the second notch.