Customer Reviews

Metrokane Houdini Lever-Style Corkscrew, Black

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(16)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(8)

 

 

Product represents a good value for this type of corkscrew. We've had it for about a month now, and used it to open more bottles of vino than I care to admit! Never had any problem with a bottle of red (served at room temp), but have had some difficulty with chilled whites (cold corks harder to pull), and it simply refuses to pull artificial corks (perhaps on principle!!) overall, a good gizmo. motivates you to stick with good quality reds. with the reds it's been a 5-star performer.

I bought this as a gold box offer because I was tired of the old cork screws (the ones with the arms that you use to pull a cork). I've had to many cork failures with all the other types I've used.
This unit makes it easier to hit the middle of the cork every time. All you do is grab the top of the bottle is grip of the opener, and lift the arm. This drives the screw into the cork for you. Then you just push down on the same lever and the cork comes out---intact (every time for me). It sometimes requires a slight pull, but this is minor.
It also comes with a foil cutter, which works well also.

I was really surprised at all the negative or lukewarm reviews until I looked at the dates: these are mostly from 2002-2003, and the most recent one I saw was 2004. Half a decade later, the Houdini is MUCH improved. Mine is a champ, and opens every bottle flawlessly and quickly. I drink wine EVERY DAY, so it has to work continuously, and it does. While some five-year old reviews talk of wobblies or weak joints, this is no longer true. The 2008 Houdini is solid! It also now comes with it's own case (rubber handle retainer included), so you don't have to worry about storage issues. I'm a hard-core wine aficionado, and this is a superb opener. I can't think of any way they could improve it.

I am 76 years young, but have had a 6 by-pass open-heart surgery. My cardiologist has insisted that I drink red wine everyday, so you can imagine how many corks I have popped over 9 years.

I had massacred the corks until I tried "Corkpops" opener. You may or may not know that this opener has a long sharp needle on it that you hand insert into the center of the cork, push all the way down, then press the button that inserts gas into the bottle which then forces the cork out. This actually works fairly well, but I (we) feel that it is dangerous because of the sharp needle, and the 'not so good' eyesight at our age.

Tried to get our daughter and her son to use it and they said NO, that the gas ruined the taste of the wine, and also they might stick their finger with the needle.

Needless to say that when I got an unsolicited offer from Amazon.com to try (buy) the Metrokane Houdini Corkscrew I bought it immediately.

Couldn't be happier. Do not have to ever buy gas refills again.

Works better than the Rabbit but still requires a little stength on some corks. Very good on most bottles.

I was reluctant to buy the original rabbit, just b/c it was too expensive. I bought this new version, and I have to say that my wife and I are thrilled! It's very easy to use, comes with a backup corkscrew if the other ever breaks, and we love it.

I am 76 years young, but have had a 6 by-pass open-heart surgery. My cardiologist has insisted that I drink red wine everyday, so you can imagine how many corks I have popped over 9 years.

I had massacred the corks until I tried "Corkpops" opener. You may or may not know that this opener has a long sharp needle on it that you hand insert into the center of the cork, push all the way down, then press the button that inserts gas into the bottle which then forces the cork out. This actually works fairly well, but I (we) feel that it is dangerous because of the sharp needle, and the 'not so good' eyesight at our age.

Tried to get our daughter and her son to use it and they said NO, that the gas ruined the taste of the wine, and also they might stick their finger with the needle.

Needless to say that when I got an unsolicited offer from Amazon.com to try (buy) the Metrokane Houdini Corkscrew at an unbelievable price ...with free shipping, I bought it immediately.

Couldn't be happier. Do not have to ever buy gas refills again.

The corkscrew works just fine, but it's HUGE. We haven't figured out where we'll store it - it doesn't fit in any of our kitchen drawers!

Elegant, fuctional and excellent price. I Bought two, black for me and a red one for my girlfriend, which I sent her with flowers and a bottle of red wine. She loved it!!

This magical contraption worked its wonders for about four years before it bit the dust. Up until then we loved it. It was quite big, and wound up demanding its own designated storage solution after a few weeks of trying to fit it into various drawers. Once it stopped working wonderfully its downfall was rapid. It got stuck first, then the screw bent, and then within a few bottles it just began pushing the cork down into the bottle with great ease, so it would happen before even realizing it. I'm not sure if it's worth getting another, or if we'll try another brand. I'd definitely recommend it if you've got the space to store it, and if you're willing to buy a new one every few years.