Bottle to Glass in 6 Seconds!
Written: Jul 24 '02 (Updated Jul 24 '02)
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Pros: easy to use, stylish, effortless cork removal
Cons: expensive, wax seals can ruin the worm
The Bottom Line: A heirloom quality corkscrew, if there is such a thing. A pleasure to use and fun to talk about. Well worth the cost!
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| fuse's Full Review: Screwpull Lever |
Well, maybe not that fast, but you get the idea. In the same vein as my review on the screwpull foil cutter, I wonder how I ever got along without my screwpull.
I used to use a sommelier/waiter style corkscrew. True, they are much cheaper, but are more reliant on a cork in good condition. I've yet to find a cork that the screwpull did not open much easier, quicker and better than a sommelier style corkscrew.
The only disadvantage the screwpull has (and this is a minor nitpick, to be sure) is that the wax seal popularized by Kendall Jackson for chardonnay can shorten the life of your screwpull. Why, do you ask? The worm ("screw") of the screwpull is coated with teflon, which makes the worm slick and makes it easier to penetrate the cork. Wax negates this, and shortens the life of the worm. Of course, you can get around this by popping the wax off with a knife prior to using the screwpull.
My screwpull gift set came with a foil cutter and two worms. I've had the screwpull for nine years, and I have yet to have to replace the worm, and I probably average opening 2 bottles of wine per week. That's 900 bottles and still going strong!
Unfortunately, this also means I cannot comment on the ease of replacing the worm. The screwpull itself is simple enough and the instructions to replace the worm appear straightforward- in short, I'm not worried about it.
I have given screwpulls as wedding gifts and anniversary gifts and it is always well received. If there is a wine lover in your life who does not own a screwpull, you owe it to yourself to at least introduce him or her to the screwpull, if you are not feeling up to buying one for him or her.
The screwpull has been enough of a success that it has spawned competition and cheap imitations. I have seen and used some of the competitive products, and in my opinion, there is a reason why the screwpull is more expensive as well as more desirable- it is simply a better tool. It is more solidly constructed and works better than the Rabbit and some of the other screwpull knockoffs. My advice would be to stick with the original.
For those who have never seen the screwpull, it is a great party conversation piece. Those who have seen a screwpull in action before will take some comfort in the fact that if you enjoy wine enough to spend the money on a screwpull, you are probably not serving ripple in a fancy glass.
I've seen the original screwpull on sale at the LeCreuset outlet for $80. There are newer models now than my basic black original. I've seen a Year 2000 edition, an aluminum finish version, and a couple different wood finished versions as well. They all work the same, but you have a chance to express your personality to a certain degree as well.
LeCreuset is known for quality products, and the screwpull is no exception. If you enjoy your wine, you owe it to yourself to get a screwpull.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 120
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Epinions.com ID: fuse
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Location: East Coast
Reviews written: 31
Trusted by: 3 members
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