A bottle opener is the smallest tool on a bar and one of the most used. At a taco night it pops Mexican lagers, glass-bottle colas and mineral water; behind a bar it opens a case of beer in a minute. Most work, after a fashion. The good ones open a crown cap on the first try, do not slip off the edge and do not leave you hunting through a drawer.
This bottle opener review looks at the four main kinds, handheld openers, wall-mounted openers, flat speed openers and push-down openers, and reviews nine from identifiable makers, from OXO and Westmark to the STARR “X” wall opener that has been around since the 1920s. Wine openers and full cocktail kits are covered elsewhere; this page is only about caps.
Julia’s earns a commission on purchases made through links on this page, at no cost to you. Recommendations are based on what a restaurant kitchen looks for, product specifications and verified buyer reports.
Quick verdict: which bottle opener to buy
For most kitchens, the OXO Steel bottle opener is the one to buy: it is die-cast, has a non-slip underside and opens both pop-off and twist-off caps, according to OXO. If you want an opener that never goes missing, screw a STARR “X” stainless wall-mounted opener to a wall or the side of the bar. If you open many bottles at a time, a flat A Bar Above bar blade is the fastest tool here.
The rest of this review explains what each type does well, where each falls short and which suits the way you serve.
Five bottle openers compared
Our five standout openers side by side, one for each kind of home bar, with the specifications each maker or listing states. All nine are reviewed in full below.
| Opener | Best for | Type | Material | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
OXO Steel Bottle OpenerBest overall
|
Everyday kitchen drawer | Handheld, two-sided | Die-cast, satin chrome | View on Amazon |
STARR “X” Stainless Steel Wall-Mounted Bottle OpenerBest wall-mounted
|
Patios, bars, garage fridges | Wall-mounted | Stainless steel | View on Amazon |
A Bar Above Bar Blade Speed Opener, 3-PackBest speed opener
|
Opening many bottles fast | Flat bar blade | Stainless steel | View on Amazon |
Westmark Hermetus 3-in-1 Bottle Opener and ResealerBest opener and resealer
|
Bottles you do not finish | Handheld, cap and twist-off, reseal | Steel with rubber seal | View on Amazon |
| Wet or cold hands | Handheld, cushioned handle | Stainless steel, made in USA | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Specifications are as stated by each maker or listing.
Our bottle opener review, one by one
The nine openers below cover every common style. Our cocktail tool set guide reviews full bar kits, several with an opener included; none of those kits appears here. If you also need to open cans and tins, see our best can opener guide.
1. OXO Steel Bottle Opener – Pop-Off and Twist-Off in One
OXO’s Steel bottle opener is a compact handheld opener with two jobs. One side lifts ordinary pop-off crown caps; the other grips metal twist-off tops, the kind that can be hard on fingers when the bottle is cold and wet. OXO says it is die-cast for strength, with a satin chrome finish that looks at home on a table.
The underside is soft and non-slip, so it sits comfortably in the palm and does not skid across the counter. That small detail is what separates a pleasant opener from a cheap stamped one. It comes in a gift box, which makes it an easy host present for anyone stocking a home bar.
It is a simple tool that does the two cap jobs most kitchens meet, without moving parts to wear out, and OXO’s broad retail presence means a replacement is easy to find if it ever goes missing.
Why we like it
- Opens pop-off caps and metal twist-offs
- Die-cast construction, per OXO
- Soft, non-slip underside
- Gift box for presents
Key specifications
| Model | 3112700 |
|---|---|
| Type | Handheld, two-sided |
| Material | Die-cast, satin chrome finish |
| Size | Not stated |
| Opens | Pop-off crown caps, metal twist-offs |
| Extras | Non-slip underside; gift box |
| Care | Not stated |
| Warranty | Not stated on the listing |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want one solid opener in the kitchen drawer that handles both kinds of metal cap.
Skip it if you need a can punch as well; OXO’s listing does not mention one for this model.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Two cap types in one tool
- Comfortable grip
- Good-looking on a table
Cons
- Size and care not stated
- No can punch
- Easy to misplace, like any handheld
2. STARR “X” Stainless Steel Wall-Mounted Bottle Opener – The Classic That Stays Put
The STARR “X” is the wall opener most Americans have seen on an old soda cooler or a gas-station wall. Collectors date the design to a 1925 patent, and trademark records tie the STARR name to the Brown Manufacturing Company. This listing is the stainless steel version, about 3.25 by 2.75 inches, with the classic cap-catching hook.
A wall opener solves the main problem with handhelds: it never wanders off. Mount it by the patio door, beside an outdoor fridge, on a bar’s back wall or near the grill, and every bottle gets opened in the same place. You hold the bottle at an angle, hook the cap under the lip and pull down.
The listing gives few details beyond the material and size. STARR also sells the same shape in powder-coated cast iron, in black and other colours, if you prefer the vintage look; the stainless version suits a damp patio or a modern bar. Mount it into a stud or with proper anchors, and put a cap catcher or small bin underneath.
Why we like it
- Classic design dating to the 1920s
- Stainless steel for damp spots
- Always in the same place
- Compact at about 3.25 by 2.75 inches
Key specifications
| Model | SXP-SS |
|---|---|
| Type | Wall-mounted |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Size | 3.25 x 2.75 inches |
| Opens | Pop-off crown caps |
| Extras | Not stated (screws not listed) |
| Care | Not stated |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you have a bar, patio or garage fridge and want the opener fixed where the drinks are.
Skip it if you rent and cannot drill, or need to open twist-offs.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Never goes missing
- Proven, simple design
- Stainless for outdoor spots
Cons
- Needs drilling and mounting
- No cap catcher included
- Sparse listing details
3. A Bar Above Bar Blade Speed Opener, 3-Pack – One Motion per Cap
The flat speed opener, or bar blade, is what bartenders carry in an apron pocket. A Bar Above, a bar-tools brand, sells this stainless steel blade in packs of three. The maker says the flat shape gives one-hand leverage to pry a cap off in a single motion, and the thumb hole adds control, makes it easy to pull from a pocket and doubles as a pour-spout remover.
The blade is rigid stainless steel that the maker says resists bending, with smooth edges and no moving parts. It is dishwasher safe and stores flat. For a party where someone will open bottle after bottle from a cooler of beer and Mexican soda, a speed opener is faster than any handheld.
Three in a pack means one for the kitchen, one for the cooler and one for the grill. A Bar Above also sells the same blade in copper, gold and mixed colours.
Why we like it
- Single-motion opening, per the maker
- Thumb hole for control and pour-spout removal
- Rigid stainless steel, no moving parts
- Dishwasher safe; three in a pack
Key specifications
| Model | BLADE-SS_3PK |
|---|---|
| Type | Flat bar blade (speed opener) |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Size | Not stated |
| Opens | Pop-off crown caps; removes pour spouts |
| Extras | Thumb hole; pack of 3 |
| Care | Dishwasher safe |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you host parties, run a home bar or simply want the quickest way to open a lot of bottles.
Skip it if you want something that opens twist-offs or sits nicely in the hand; a flat blade is all business.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Fastest style for many bottles
- Goes in the dishwasher
- Three openers in one pack
Cons
- Takes a little practice
- No grip padding
- Length not stated on the listing
4. Westmark Hermetus 3-in-1 Bottle Opener and Resealer – Opens, Twists and Seals
Westmark is a German kitchen-tool maker, and its Hermetus is a small steel opener with a clever extra. Westmark describes it as a cap lifter, screw-cap opener and bottle sealer in one. The steel end lifts crown caps; a serrated, funnel-shaped section grips twist-off caps; and a rubberised pad presses over the mouth of an opened bottle to reseal it.
That reseal is the reason to buy it. Mineral water, a large bottle of soda or a beer you meant to use in a michelada can sit in the fridge with the seal in place instead of going flat under a loose cap. Westmark says it is made in Germany and backs it with a five-year guarantee. Westmark’s page lists it at 86 by 37 by 15 mm.
Clean it by hand in warm, soapy water, the listing says, and keep it with the other bar tools so the seal is there when you need it.
Why we like it
- Opens crown caps and twist-offs
- Rubber pad reseals opened bottles
- Made in Germany, per Westmark
- Five-year guarantee from the maker
Key specifications
| Model | 61832270 |
|---|---|
| Type | Handheld opener and resealer |
| Material | Steel with rubberised sealing pad |
| Size | 86 x 37 x 15 mm (Westmark) |
| Opens | Crown caps, screw caps |
| Extras | Reseals crown-cap bottles |
| Care | Warm water and mild soap |
| Warranty | 5 years (Westmark) |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you often open a bottle and do not finish it, or want one small tool for caps, twist-offs and sealing.
Skip it if speed matters most; a flat bar blade is quicker for opening many bottles in a row.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Three jobs in one tool
- Long maker guarantee
- Small and light
Cons
- Hand wash only, per the listing
- Seal material varies by retailer description
- Small to hold for big hands
5. Klein Tools Cushion-Grip Bottle Opener – A Tool-Maker’s Grip
Klein Tools makes hand tools for electricians, and its bottle opener is built like one. Klein says it is made in the USA from stainless steel, with the brand’s Cushion-Grip handle, which resists slipping and is comfortable for frequent use. A bottle-cap Tip-Ident marker on the end helps you spot it in a crowded drawer or a tool pouch.
The cushioned handle is the point. With a cold, wet bottle straight from an ice chest, a slick metal opener can slip; a padded handle gives your hand something to hold. Klein lists it at about 4 ounces, heavier than a flat blade, which helps leverage.
It is a single-purpose opener for crown caps, and the yellow-and-black handle is easy to find. Amazon’s listing states a one-year manufacturer warranty.
Why we like it
- Cushion-Grip handle resists slipping
- Stainless steel, made in the USA
- Easy to spot in a drawer
- One-year warranty on the listing
Key specifications
| Model | 98002BT |
|---|---|
| Type | Handheld with cushioned handle |
| Material | Stainless steel; cushion-grip handle |
| Size | About 4 oz (Klein) |
| Opens | Pop-off crown caps |
| Extras | Bottle-cap Tip-Ident marker |
| Care | Not stated |
| Warranty | 1 year (listing) |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want a sturdy, easy-to-hold opener for the cooler, the garage or anyone who finds thin openers hard to grip.
Skip it if you want something decorative for the table; it looks like a hand tool because it is one.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Secure grip with wet hands
- Made in the USA
- Durable stainless build
Cons
- Crown caps only
- Bulkier than a key-ring opener
- Care instructions not stated
6. American Metalcraft BBC39 Bottle and Can Opener – The Restaurant Church Key With a Handle
American Metalcraft supplies restaurants and bars, and this is its deluxe take on the “church key”: a heavy-gauge tempered stainless steel opener with a hardwood handle, for bottles and cans. It is useful for a can of juice, evaporated milk or tomato juice for a michelada mix as well as for crown caps.
The listing gives the length as 4.5 inches and describes a slim, low-profile steel design that slips into a pocket for fast service. The handle gives you more to hold than a bare metal church key, and the listing says it opens without slipping and gives plenty of leverage.
The hardwood is the one thing to look after. The listing does not give care instructions, so wash it by hand and dry it straight away.
Why we like it
- Opens bottles and cans
- Foodservice maker
- Slim enough for a pocket
- Hardwood handle
Key specifications
| Model | BBC39 |
|---|---|
| Type | Church key (bottle and can opener) |
| Material | Tempered stainless steel, hardwood handle |
| Size | 4.5 inches |
| Opens | Crown caps and cans |
| Extras | None |
| Care | Not stated; hand wash and dry |
| Warranty | Not stated on Amazon |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want a restaurant-style tool that also opens cans and has something to grip.
Skip it if you want one to throw in the dishwasher; the wood handle makes that a poor idea.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Two jobs, bottle and can
- Stainless steel
- Comfortable handle
Cons
- Wood needs drying
- Care not stated
- Easy to lose
7. TaZa Pop-the-Top Push-Down Bottle Opener – Press Down, Cap Off
Push-down openers work without any wrist movement. You set the bottle on a table, press the Pop-the-Top down over the cap, and a spring-loaded mechanism lifts the cap off. TaZa says the body is aluminum with a stainless steel mechanism.
The maker is specific about how to use it: set the bottle on a smooth, flat surface, avoid crooked surfaces and do not hold the bottle in your hand while you push. Follow that, and it is an easy, no-twist way to open crown caps, which some guests find fun and some people with stiff wrists find easier than levering.
It opens standard crown caps only. TaZa is a small brand that sells mainly on Amazon, and the listing does not state a warranty, so keep the packaging until you have used it a few times.
Why we like it
- No wrist twist needed
- Aluminum body, stainless mechanism
- Clear use instructions from the maker
- Fun party gadget
Key specifications
| Model | PTT (stainless finish) |
|---|---|
| Type | Push-down, spring-loaded |
| Material | Aluminum body, stainless steel mechanism |
| Size | Not stated |
| Opens | Crown caps |
| Extras | None |
| Care | Not stated |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want a no-twist opener for a party table, or find levering a cap awkward.
Skip it if you open bottles at a cooler or on uneven ground; the maker says it needs a smooth, flat surface.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Simple press-down motion
- Metal construction
- Good conversation piece
Cons
- Needs a flat table, not a hand-held bottle
- Moving parts can wear
- Small Amazon-focused brand; no stated warranty
8. Alessi Bulla Bottle Opener – A Designer Piece for the Table
Alessi, the Italian design house, makes the Bulla as a small sculpture that happens to open bottles. Designer Valerio Sommella shaped it after the bulla, a sea snail, as part of Alessi’s “Objet Bijoux” jewellery-inspired collection. It is mirror-polished 18/10 stainless steel, about 3 by 1.25 by 0.75 inches according to the listing.
Retailers say it comes with a black leather cord, so it can hang on a hook by the bar or be worn as a pendant at a party. It is dishwasher safe, per the listing, and Alessi backs it with a one-year warranty.
It is a small opener, and the leverage is shorter than a long blade’s. Buy it because you want something good-looking on the bar cart, not because you open cases of beer.
Why we like it
- Designed by Valerio Sommella for Alessi
- Mirror-polished 18/10 stainless steel
- Dishwasher safe
- Comes with a cord for hanging, per retailers
Key specifications
| Model | VS01 |
|---|---|
| Type | Handheld, decorative |
| Material | 18/10 stainless steel, mirror polished |
| Size | 3 x 1.25 x 0.75 inches |
| Opens | Crown caps |
| Extras | Leather cord (retailers) |
| Care | Dishwasher safe |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want a gift or a bar-cart piece that looks as good as it works.
Skip it if you want the most leverage or the lowest cost per opener; a plain blade does more for less.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Distinctive design
- Quality stainless steel
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Small, short leverage
- Crown caps only
- Pricier than plain openers
9. Gear Infusion Brew Soldier Titanium Key-Ring Opener – Always on Your Keys
The best opener is the one you have with you. Gear Infusion’s Brew Soldier is a thin opener the size of a house key, made from Grade 5 (6Al-4V) titanium, which the listing describes as rustproof. It measures about 0.10 by 0.40 by 2.25 inches and comes with a 32 mm stainless steel key ring.
The listing says it is designed, produced and packaged in the USA by a family business; we could not confirm that beyond the seller’s own description. Being so thin and short, it gives less leverage than a full-size opener, but on a key ring it is there at a tailgate, a picnic or a friend’s carne asada when nobody can find the opener.
Titanium does not rust, so a rinse is all the care it needs.
Why we like it
- Grade 5 titanium, per the listing
- Key-sized, adds little bulk
- Stainless key ring included
- Will not rust
Key specifications
| Model | 46004000 (sandblasted) |
|---|---|
| Type | Key-ring opener |
| Material | Grade 5 titanium |
| Size | 0.10 x 0.40 x 2.25 inches |
| Opens | Crown caps |
| Extras | 32 mm stainless key ring |
| Care | Not stated |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want an opener that lives on your keys and goes wherever the cooler goes.
Skip it if you open many bottles at home; a longer opener is easier on the hand.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Always with you
- Rustproof titanium
- Very light
Cons
- Short leverage
- Origin claims are seller-stated only
- Crown caps only
Handheld, wall, blade or push-down: what each type does best
Handheld openers, like the OXO, Westmark and Klein, are the most versatile. They can add twist-off grips, resealers or cushioned handles. Their weakness is that they wander off.
Wall-mounted openers, like the STARR “X”, never move. They are best where drinks are always served in the same place: a bar, a patio, a garage fridge. They need drilling and only open crown caps.
Flat speed openers, like the A Bar Above blade, are the fastest for opening many bottles and the easiest to clean. They are thin, so they offer little padding for the hand.
Push-down openers, like the TaZa, need no twist or lever, but they need a flat table and a bottle standing on it. They have moving parts, which the other styles do not.
What reviewers and makers report
Bottle openers get far less attention from independent reviewers than wine openers. Most bottle opener lists we found were affiliate pages without a clear method, and the few retailer guides we found could not be opened to check, so we did not rely on any of them. What follows comes from the makers themselves.
Makers’ own instructions reveal the common complaints. TaZa’s warning to use its push-down opener only on a flat surface, with the bottle not held in the hand, tells you how push-down openers fail. Westmark’s hand-wash advice and the thin profile of key-ring openers point to the usual trade-offs: extra features need care, and small openers give less leverage. Wall openers need solid mounting; a STARR fixed into drywall without an anchor will work loose.
No recall involving these openers appears on the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s site; the only opener recall we found there concerned a wine opener from another brand.
How we put this bottle opener review together
We started with the kinds of opener people search for and grouped them into handheld, wall-mounted, speed and push-down styles. We kept only openers from identifiable makers, checked each on Amazon US with the Creators API to confirm it was in stock, and took specifications from the Amazon listing and the maker’s site (OXO, Westmark, Klein Tools, Alessi), or from named retailers, writing “not stated” where nothing was published. We left out wine openers, corkscrews and openers that come only inside bar kits, which our cocktail tool set guide covers. We have not used every opener listed here.
Bottle opener questions, answered
What is the best bottle opener brand?
There is no single best brand, because the right opener depends on the type. OXO makes a well-built handheld, STARR makes the classic wall opener, Westmark makes a long-guaranteed German opener and A Bar Above makes a solid speed blade.
What is the best bottle opener ever made?
For staying power, the STARR “X” wall opener is hard to beat: collectors date its design to a 1925 patent, and the same shape is still sold today.
Which bottle opener is fastest?
A flat speed opener, or bar blade. It opens a cap in one motion and comes out of a pocket quickly, which is why bartenders use them.
Can one opener handle twist-off caps too?
Yes. The OXO Steel opener and the Westmark Hermetus both have a twist-off grip, according to their makers.
How do I keep a bottle opener from rusting?
Choose stainless steel or titanium, dry plated openers after washing, and follow each maker’s care advice. Stainless blades like A Bar Above’s can go in the dishwasher.
Our verdict after this bottle opener review
Buy the OXO Steel opener for the kitchen drawer, add a STARR “X” by the patio or bar, and keep a speed blade in the cooler if you entertain. Choose the Westmark Hermetus if you often reseal bottles. For the rest of your bar, see our best cocktail tool set guide, our best can opener picks and our guide to beer glasses, and for what to open, our guide to Mexican bottled drinks. Please drink responsibly.
Or let us do the pouring: see our drinks and menu, or call to order.