Silver Lux Electric Crockscrew

The Silver Lux Electric Crockscrew from Esplanda is a motorized wine bottle opener. It does the work of a manual corkscrew with the push of a button, and the "Silver Lux" name points to a metallic silver finish. The listing doesn't give a battery type, charging method, foil cutter or other accessories, so check the packaging for those before buying. Electric openers in this style typically have a slim handheld body that fits over the bottle neck. The user holds it steady while the worm turns into the cork and then reverses to draw it out. An electric opener helps most with long, snug natural corks, or when someone opens several bottles in a row. It also suits anyone who finds the twisting and pulling of a waiter's friend or lever-style opener awkward. Before using it, cut the foil below the bottle's lip and wipe the top. Hold the bottle on a stable surface and keep the opener centered over the cork. Let the motor do the pulling, because tilting it can cause the worm to drift off-center. A very old, dry or crumbling cork is better handled with a manual two-prong opener, since a motorized worm can break it. The opener is a good pairing with the bottle itself. A red often benefits from being opened 15 to 30 minutes before pouring, or decanted if it is young and tight. Whites and sparkling wines are best opened straight from the fridge. Use a tulip-shaped glass for reds and whites. Sparkling wine belongs in a flute or narrow tulip, and its cork is better removed by hand than with a corkscrew.