The best wine key sommeliers is meant to make their work easier and enjoyable. The last thing you would want as a wine waiter is to have a wine opener that cannot handle the different types of corks. So, the wine key that you get should be able to handle both the natural and synthetic corks.
It should not be hard to get the best wine key when you do a proper research. There are some models that can be cheap, but their functionality and durability are not the best. As such, we have taken the time to check out several models in the market and recommend the best to buy right now.
| Wine Key | Brand | Expert Rating | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | CORKAS Executive Corkscrew |  | Check Price |
 | RedNoel Wine Corkscrew Opener Set | | Check Price |
 | Prestige Waiters Corkscrew by Coutale Sommelier | | Check Price |
 | OXO Steel Vertical Lever Corkscrew |  | Check Price |
 | A di Alessi Parrot Sommelier-Style Corkscrew | | Check Price |
How to Choose the Best Wine Key for Sommeliers
The Size
The first thing you have to keep in mind is the size of the corkscrew. We will focus more on its screw. It needs to be at least 1.75 inches long. This will make it easier for it to hook into the cork so that you can have an easier time pulling it out.
If you end up with a shorter screw, then you are likely to tear the cork when opening the wine bottle. This can in turn affect the overall taste of the wine. That is not something you want.
The Ease of Extracting a Cork
When choosing the best wine key for sommeliers, you also need to look at its operation. No one wants to struggle with removing the cork from its position. Struggling with the cork can lead to breaking it or even a hand ache. That can all be avoided when you choose a wine key known for extracting the cork with ease.
The wine key needs to handle both the synthetic and natural corks with ease all the time.
Portability
Another thing you will have to consider as the best wine key for sommeliers would be its portability. As a wine waiter, you are likely to be called to host different parties in different locations. You then need to bring along the wine key with you. It is why portability is important.
Some of the things that affect portability include the size and weight of the wine key. You need a compact wine key, but it should not be too small that it makes it hard to extract the corks. If you can get one that is compact and lightweight, then it should be ideal for you to carry it around more often.
Build Quality
No one wants to spend their money on a product that will easily breakdown especially when you have to use it more often. It might be the reason you would want to take the time to understand the build quality of the different wine keys before picking the best one.
Consider the materials used. If it is stainless steel, you are sure that the wine key can last for longer. It can be other materials, but just make sure they are all durable.
It is possible to get some models having some wood accents on the handles. But they are mostly small pieces that would not the durability of the wine. So, consider looking at the material used to make the frame.
Additional Features
The additional features can sometimes determine if someone goes for a wine key or not. Some of the additional features will include having non-slip grips. This will help you open the wine bottles with ease compared to slippery wine keys.
Others are likely to have a knife as part of the design. A knife comes in hand to act as a foil cutter on the wine bottle where necessary.
Warranty
The warranty can further help you know if the wine key is great or not. If the model comes with the best warranty, then you are sure that it will give you the best performance even when you use it for years. There are those manufacturers who offer a full refund on some of their products. It is a bold statement that shows the model would last for longer.
Top 5 Best Wine Keys for Sommeliers
Our Top Pick
Runner’s Up
RedNoel Wine Corkscrew Opener Set
This is a great choice as the best wine key for sommeliers because of its stylish looks. The design makes it an ideal wine opener for any size of wine bottle. With just a single pull, you would be able to open the cork.
You will also like the accessories that come with the model. They include a rabbit opener, foil cutter, corkscrew, and a corkscrew stand. Well, even the box has a nice presentation to make you feel it was worth spending the money.
To help you understand that this is a high-performance model, it comes with a lifetime warranty. This gives you enough peace of mind that you are buying a high-quality tool. The manufacturer offers a full refund too to those who do not find it satisfying.
The model is made of high-quality materials which make it durable. You can be sure to keep on using it for years to come even if you are a wine waiter.
It might look simple, but the design on overall stands out. Many people will find this being a great option to get for themselves if they want a corkscrew with an attractive design.
Prestige Waiters Corkscrew by Coutale Sommelier
This model comes from a brand that is all about making the life of sommeliers easier. It is why it is made to have the latest operation mechanism to make your work easier. It stands out for having the patented spring-loaded double lever mechanism.
Another thing that stands out should be the construction. It comes with a strong frame made of stainless steel. This is the material that will not rust or get bent even with regular use. It also feels solid in the hand so that it can be great for handling any wine bottle cork.
There is also the stainless-steel grooved worm. You will like how the worm is gorgeous while at the same time remains practical. The work of the groove is to create the right friction between the cork and the worm. This ensures you end up with a smooth pulling action of the cork.
The serrated knife is a nice addition to this wine opener. You never know where you might find the knife coming in handy. It can also maintain its sharpness for longer even if it is used to cut foil.
OXO Steel Vertical Lever Corkscrew
If you are looking for the best wine key for sommeliers that also have a unique design, then this one should be a nice choice. The best part is that it is not expensive. It costs just around where you would expect a premium corkscrew to retail.
The design allows for fast removal of the cork compared to some other models. It comes with a lever that will remove the cork within seconds with just two easy motions. It might be the reason many feel it is the best to use when hosting events.
To make it better, it works with both the synthetic and natural corks. It should then appeal to many people who might have to handle different types of wine bottles.
The handle is made of die-cast zinc. This material feels soft in the hand. Also, the handle has a non-slip grip making it easier to open the different types of corks.
You will get it also having the non-stick screw glides that will smoothly get into the cork for removal. On overall, you should end up with an easy to use wine key right now.
A di Alessi Parrot Sommelier-Style Corkscrew
If you want something with a different design, then this is what you get for yourself today. It comes with a parrot-design that many people will enjoy looking at more often. They will know that it can be a conversation starter each time they take it out during events.
The manufacturer uses high quality materials so that the corkscrew can last for long even with regular use. With its fun choice of colors, you should find it being an interesting corkscrew to get for yourself right now.
Because of its many colors, it should be easy to spot in a drawer. It is also a long wine key to give the leverage of opening the long corks too.
Its design makes it an ideal choice for those who want something for gifting their wine-loving friends. Well, the next time you are looking for gift ideas that go together with wine, this is a nice consideration.
FAQs
Is it easy to use wine keys?
This will depend on the type of wine key that you get for yourself. There are some that would be generally easy to use. You can always check out a few reviews to see what other people say before making up your mind.
Are wine keys expensive?
The price largely varies from one model to another. You should then make sure that the model that you get comes with the best features for the money. The last thing you want is a model that cannot live up to your needs.
Are wine keys good for synthetic corks?
This is something that can vary depending on the model that you choose. We recommend that you get yourself a wine key that the manufacturer points out that it can handle both the natural and synthetic corks. This will make it a versatile wine key.
Conclusion
The best wine key for sommeliers will make your experience of opening the different wine bottles better. You can easily use the wine key to open even the long corks without struggling so much. It might be the reason more people are willing to spend more just to get the best wine key for their applications.
From the guide above, we have highlighted the top models in the market. You simply have to take time to understand what each wine key offers you so that you can pick the right one.
