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Re-activateI've broken more than my share of corks when opening my favorite wines over the holidays. And it seems to happen as we sit down for dinner, a most Scrooge-like occurrence on the part of the host and the corkscrew.
One rookie mistake I used to make was storing my wine standing up in too warm a space since I didn't have a wine cellar. Proper storage would have kept the corks on older bottles from becoming dry and more likely to crumble.
I've used waiter's, T-shaped, and wing-style corkscrews, some of which require a modicum of skill and/or a bit of strength to use. I'd have upgraded to a better-engineered manual or electric corkscrew, but some of them were even pricier than the wines I coveted.
But for our recent report on electric corkscrews, we found $20 electric models from Emerson and Oster that removed both natural and synthetic corks quickly, easily, and relatively quietly (watch the video here to see them in action). "These models are especially useful for anyone with limited hand strength, or anyone who has trouble using a traditional corkscrew," says Adam Kaplan, a Consumer Reports project leader who oversaw the tests.
Both top-rated electric corkscrews come with a rechargeable battery, charging base, and foil cutter. We also tested some advanced manual openers that might be worth considering. And if you're on a budget, read the report mentioned above to learn about the pros and cons and costs of classic corkscrews.—Gian Trotta
Essential information: Find out which Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Shiraz, and sparkling wines are good buys (ratings are available to subscribers). Then tap into our tips on proper temperatures for serving wine, saving it for later, and mastering wine lingo.
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