Opening a bottle of wine at dinner to share with friends or in the evening to unwind is enjoyable and relaxing—or at least it should be. However, it can quickly become frustrating. If you drive the corkscrew through the cork lid, it pushes cork pieces into the wine, which is less than appetizing. Or if you have to fight to pull the cork out of the bottle, you’re likely to send wine flying all over the room and possibly your guests.
To help you enjoy wine, instead of fighting with it, consider using an electric wine opener, and let it open the bottle while you get the glasses. The best electric wine opener is designed to make it easier to open wine bottles, with some products even going so far as to have a single-button function that screws into the cork, pulls out the cork, and then releases it in one movement.
This guide will wade into the factors to consider as you shop for this convenient and time-saving tool and then explore some of the top-rated products on the market for increasing the functionality of your home bar.
- BEST OVERALL: Rabbit Automatic Electric Corkscrew Wine Bottle
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Ozeri Nouveaux II Electric Wine Opener
- BEST WITH FOIL CUTTER: EZBASICS Electric Wine Bottle Opener kit
- BEST WITH VACUUM SEALER: Cuisinart Vacuum Sealer Cordless Wine Opener
- BEST RECHARGEABLE BATTERY: Oster Rechargeable and Cordless Wine Opener
- BEST DISPOSABLE BATTERY: Toyuugo Electric Wine Opener, Automatic Corkscrew set
- BEST FOR AESTHETICS: Secura Electric Wine Opener
- HONORABLE MENTION: Ivation Wine Gift Set
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Electric Wine Opener
The best electric wine opener for your home bar will depend on a variety of factors, including preferred size, durability, aesthetic, portability, battery type and resulting runtime, as well as extra features that can increase its convenience. Read on to learn more.
Size
Chances are, you’ll probably store an electric wine opener in a drawer or on the countertop, depending on its size and charging source.
Smaller electric wine openers that don’t use a charging base typically measure from 7 to 11 inches in height and about 2 inches in diameter, so it’s easy to tuck them into a drawer when not in use. This small size also makes them very portable for travel; simply pack one into a purse or bag to take on vacation or just to a neighbor’s house for dinner.
Countertop electric wine openers are generally larger, ranging from 12 to 16 inches in height, while the size of the base varies from 2 by 2 inches to 6 by 6 inches.
Material
Since the focus is usually on functionality, the material of an electric wine opener is often an overlooked feature. These openers can be made with ABS plastic, stainless steel, or a combination of both materials.
- ABS plastic is a lightweight option that won’t rust, which is ideal for any kitchen tool. However, plastic isn’t as durable as stainless steel, and it can become stained after repeated use.
- Stainless steel can rust, but it’s still designed to be resistant to water and corrosion. As long as the wine opener is properly cared for and kept relatively dry, rust shouldn’t be a concern. These electric models are durable, easy to clean, and look sleek and stylish in the kitchen, though they may cost more than plastic openers.
- Combined ABS plastic and stainless steel electric wine openers are common because manufacturers and users alike prefer the rustproof quality of plastic and the durability of stainless steel, often resulting in a plastic casing with stainless steel internal mechanisms.
Battery and Runtime
The runtime of an electric wine opener is measured in the number of bottles it can open with a single charge. Many electric wine openers operate via either disposable or rechargeable batteries. Disposable AA and AAA batteries usually allow an electric wine opener to open between 30 to 50 bottles on average before the batteries need to be replaced.
Openers that use rechargeable batteries can usually open 30 bottles on a single charge without issue. Some products may even be able to open over 80 bottles before needing a recharge. When the battery power runs down, either plug the wine opener into a power adapter or place it on a charging dock for a full recharge within about 8 hours.
Some electric wine chargers power up via a USB charging cable.
Features
Electric wine openers can provide a variety of innovative features, including foil cutters, vacuum pumps, bottle stoppers, aerators, and LED battery level indicators.
- Foil cutters are common on an electric wine opener. This small blade slices through the protective foil seal on the wine bottle so the opener can access the cork.
- Vacuum pumps remove excess air from the wine bottle before sealing it to create a strong seal that slows down the oxidation of the wine.
- Bottle stoppers allow the bottle to be closed up after pouring a glass or two without trying to reuse the cork.
- Aerators are designed to rapidly aerate the wine as it passes through the device. Depending on the design, you may either hold the aerator over the glass or decanter and pour through it, or the aerator may sit in the spout of the bottle, which makes for an easier method of aeration.
- LED battery level indicators reveal when the battery needs a recharge. Beyond this simple function, they are purely aesthetic, as they often emit a soft blue glow.
Aesthetic
When a kitchen tool is displayed in a prominent area of the house, like a kitchen counter or an island, it should add to the overall attractiveness of the space. To achieve this aesthetic with an electric wine opener, consider investing in a stainless steel model to match modern kitchen appliances, or look for a product with a unique shape that will stand out as a potential conversation piece with guests.
If the goal is to have a simple electric wine opener that mostly goes unnoticed, then black plastic openers are one of the better options. The neutral shade doesn’t stand out, and it’s more difficult to see stains on black plastic. If you have no interest in aesthetic appeal, then consider an electric wine opener that is small enough to be stored in a drawer, completely out of sight.
Portability
Some electric wine openers include charging docks, indicating that they are intended to be a stationary kitchen appliance. These openers are larger, heavier, and generally bulkier than models that use disposable batteries or charge via a power cable, so they aren’t the best option for travel.
Lightweight, compact electric wine openers that don’t exceed 11 inches in length are a better choice for portability. These models are easy to pack into a backpack, bag, or purse while retaining the same bottle-opening functionality as larger openers. However, they may lack some of the more advanced features.
Our Top Picks
These top picks are among the best electric wine opener options on the market for a home bar. The top-rated products on this list take into consideration the abovementioned features in addition to overall quality, efficacy, and price.
Photo: amazon.com
This electric wine opener from Rabbit is a solid option for the kitchen, the patio, or to take on vacation. It’s constructed of durable plastic with a silver finish. Measuring 9.5 inches in height, this opener is relatively compact. It is designed for simplicity, so users don’t have to put any real effort into opening a bottle of wine. Just place the electric wine opener over the end of the bottle and let the opener automatically take care of the rest.
This innovative opener features a built-in foil cutter to first remove the foil seal and then allow it to remove the cork on contact, whether it is made of actual cork, synthetic material, or even plastic. Finally, the opener automatically ejects the cork. The opener charges with the included micro USB wall charger and can open up to 30 bottles on a single charge.
Photo: amazon.com
This Ozeri Nouveaux II electric wine opener operates on three AAA batteries, allowing it to open up to 60 bottles before the batteries need to be replaced. At just 9 inches, this inexpensive option is small enough to store in a drawer but also attractive enough to prominently display on the countertop. The design of the clear plastic base is both aesthetically appealing and functional; it allows for lining up the corkscrew with the cork by sight, instead of having to feel out the proper placement.
The opener also features a two-button system with an “Up” arrow to indicate cork removal and a “Down” button to indicate cork release. However, before removing the cork, use the included foil cutter to take off the foil, then top the bottle with the combined pourer and stopper. This simple device keeps the wine fresh and allows it to be neatly poured through the spout.
Photo: amazon.com
A wine kit, like this EZBASICS electric wine opener kit, is a great option for a new home or to simply replace old and used wine tools. This four-piece set features a foil cutter to cleanly slice through the foil seal. It also includes a bottle stopper to seal the bottle after opening and a combination wine aerator/pourer, enabling users to quickly pour a fresh glass of wine that has been rapidly oxidized for a smoother taste.
This stainless steel electric wine opener measures 10 inches in height, allowing for portability. It has a transparent plastic base, allowing users to properly line up the corkscrew with the cork. The base provides a built-in light that will activate when the opener is removing a cork or when it’s charging with the included USB charging cable. The opener can open 30 to 40 bottles before needing a recharge.
Photo: amazon.com
This plastic and stainless steel electric wine opener from Cuisinart is an excellent choice for users who like to enjoy just a single glass of wine in one sitting; it includes a vacuum sealer to remove oxygen from the bottle prior to resealing. Preventing this ongoing oxidation retains the taste and quality of the wine over time.
The wine opener also features a foil cutter and a simple two-button operation that quickly removes the cork from a bottle and then releases the cork from the opener. With a full charge, it can open up to 80 bottles. When the battery runs low, just place the opener on the charging base. It measures 15.8 inches in height, making this opener more suitable for a permanent place on the countertop.
Photo: amazon.com
The rechargeable battery in this electric wine opener from Oster takes between 6 and 8 hours to fully charge and opens up to 30 bottles on a single charge. Once out of power, simply recharge it on the included charging base. The plastic and stainless steel wine opener measures 10.75 inches in height, so it’s portable enough to toss in a bag for a trip to the beach or the mountains.
A single convenient button controls the bottle-opening function, allowing the opener to quickly remove the cork from the bottle and release it from the corkscrew. The included foil cutter can be stored in the back of the charging base when not in use. As an added feature, this opener includes a stainless steel wine chiller with double-walled thermal insulation to keep wine cold while you enjoy dinner and conversation.
Photo: amazon.com
This electric wine opener from Toyuugo is a good choice for users who may enjoy a bottle of wine more infrequently, as it’s powered with four AA batteries. With new batteries, this model can open up to 80 bottles, so for users who consume a bottle per week, it will last for more than a year before it needs new batteries.
The opener comes with a combined aerator/pourer for convenient pouring and rapid oxidation that improves the texture of the wine. A bottle stopper and a foil cutter are also included. This opener features a transparent plastic base, allowing the user to properly align the corkscrew with the bottle for simple cork removal. An attractive pale blue light shines from between the two control buttons to indicate when the cork is in the process of being removed. Measuring 11.5 inches in height, it’s likely more suitable for a countertop but could still be placed in a tote bag for a day trip.
Photo: amazon.com
This electric wine opener from Secura offers a sleek appearance that complements modern appliances and stands out as an aesthetic element in the kitchen. It features a simple charging base with a smooth rectangular form that holds the opener and the foil cutter. Both the opener and the foil cutter boast a stylish stainless steel finish that reflects bright kitchen lighting and provides a stark contrast to the opaque black base.
Users can rely on the transparent bottom of the wine opener to properly line up the corkscrew with the bottle. A pale blue indicator light activates when the opener is removing a cork or when the device is charging. This electric opener can open 30 bottles before needing a recharge, though the manufacturer notes that users should charge the opener at least once every 3 months to extend the life of the battery. At 12 inches in height, it will make an attractive addition to the countertop.
Photo: amazon.com
This Ivation Wine Gift Set boasts several items for a night of seamless entertaining or a relaxing evening at home. The stainless steel electric wine opener can open 30 bottles on a single charge and offers a window at the bottom to line up the corkscrew and bottle. The stainless steel electric vacuum sealer uses an electric air pump to remove excess oxygen from the wine bottle, helping to preserve the flavor and quality. The set comes with two date-stamped bottle stoppers to indicate when a bottle was last opened.
This entire wine set looks great on display in the kitchen: A foil cutter and combination aerator/pourer sit in a central location on a black charging base, with the matching wine opener and vacuum sealer resting on either side. The opener measures 9.7 inches in height, so it’s portable enough for travel when used separately from the set.
FAQs About Electric Wine Openers
If you still have questions about electric wine openers for your home bar, then read on to find answers to some of the most frequently asked queries about these convenient devices.
Q. Can my electric wine opener get stuck with a cork?
Yes, a wine cork can theoretically get stuck inside the electric wine opener, but most products are designed with a reset button to release the cork.
Q. Can my electric wine opener remove all types of corks?
Most, but not all, electric wine openers remove all types of corks. If this is a desired feature, make sure to check the product information and manufacturer’s recommendations for use.
Q. How long does it take to fully charge my electric wine opener?
Charging time varies between products, but most wireless electric wine openers will fully charge within 6 to 8 hours.
Q. How do I change the battery in my electric wine opener?
Most electric wine openers use rechargeable batteries, so you may need to unscrew the battery compartment to access them. However, some products use disposable AA or AAA batteries, which can be easier to access.
