Xiaomiโs electric corkscrew is not just a bottle-opening gadget, but a full-fledged kitchen assistant that combines brand technology with the practicality of a home appliance. Mijia Electric Corkscrew and Viomi Smart Corkscrew have become popular thanks to its compact design, wireless charging and integration into the Mi Home ecosystem. But even such a simple device requires the right handling, from first turn on to blade maintenance.
In this article, we will look at all the steps of working with the Xiaomi corkscrew, from unpacking and charging to opening different wines and caring for the device, focusing on the typical errors that lead to breakdowns (for example, trying to open champagne or bottles with a damaged cork), and compare the functionality of the Mijia and Viomi models. If you are just planning to buy, at the end of the article there is a comparison table with analogues from other brands.
Spoiler: Xiaomi's electric corkscrew handles not only classic wine corks, but synthetic corks (when the rotational force is properly adjusted) and the automatic reverse function removes the cork effortlessly - most importantly, remember to prepare the bottle.
1.Preparation and preparation for the first use
In the box with the corkscrew Xiaomi you will find:
- ๐ The electric corkscrew itself (the model depends on the Mijia or Viomi series).
- ๐ Charging cable (usually USB Type-C or wireless stand)
- ๐ Instructions in Chinese (Russian versions may have translations).
- ๐ ๏ธ Interchangeable helix (in premium kits, for example, Viomi V3).
- ๐งด Spiral lubricant (sometimes included in the kit).
Before starting, be sure to charge the device to 100%. Full charge time is 1.5 to 3 hours (depending on the model). The Mijia Electric Corkscrew has a charging indicator on the bottom panel (burns red while charging and green when fully charged), and the Viomi on the side button.
โ ๏ธ Warning: Do not use a corkscrew immediately after purchase if it is discharged to 0%.This can cause battery calibration failure and shorten battery life.
After charging, check the mobility of the spiral: it should rotate freely in both directions without jamming. If you notice foreign sounds (squeaking, crackling), lubricate the spiral with a special oil (comes with a kit or sold separately).
Charge to 100%|Check the mobility of the spiral|Lubricate the spiral (if necessary)|Install the Mi Home app (for Bluetooth models)|Clean the body from the factory lubricant-->
2. How to open the bottle correctly: step-by-step instructions
Xiaomiโs corkscrew algorithm is simple, but there are nuances that affect the result. Consider the process using a bottle with a natural cork (for example, red wine):
- Remove the foil from the bottle neck, which can be done with a knife or a cutter (included in some models, such as the Viomi V2 Pro).
- Set the corkscrew strictly in the center of the cork. The spiral should enter the cork perpendicularly - the slope can damage the cork or break the thread.
- Press the start button (usually marked with โถ) Hold the corkscrew vertically without pressing the bottle on top, and the coil will screw itself into the traffic jam.
- Wait for automatic extraction. When the cork is almost completely removed, the corkscrew will start rotating in the opposite direction (Auto-Reverse function).
- Remove the cork and wipe the coil with a dry napkin to remove remnants of bark or wine.
For bottles with synthetic corks (for example, young wines or cocktails), the algorithm is the same, but the speed of the spiral can be reduced. In Viomi models, this is regulated in the Mi Home application (recovery rate).
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If the cork is stuck in a spiral, do not try to pull it out with your hands - use the reverse function (hold the โถ button for 3 seconds).
3. Features of working with different types of traffic jams
Not all corks are the same, and this affects the corkscrew settings. The table below contains recommendations for different types:
| Type of cork | Suitable Xiaomi models | Rotation speed | Additional advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural woody | All models. | Medium/high | Before opening, slightly twist the cork with your hands - this will facilitate the entry of the spiral. |
| Synthetic (plastic) | Mijia, Viomi V2/V3 | Low/medium | Use a fine- threaded spiral (combined with Viomi V3). |
| Agglomerated (compressed crumb) | Viomi Pro | Tall. | The cork may crumble - after removing, clean the coil with a brush. |
| Glass (for champagne) | Not good! | โ | Use a special champagne knife or a hand-wrenching corkscrew. |
Note: Xiaomi corkscrews are not designed for muselet bottles (for champagne and sparkling wines) and trying to open such a bottle with an electric corkscrew can cause the coil to break or even break the bottle due to high pressure.
โ ๏ธ Warning: If a cork has started to crumble or is stuck in the neck, do not continue to extract by force. Use a hand-screw or special forceps to remove the debris.
What to do if the cork breaks inside the bottle?
4. Care and maintenance: how to prolong the life of a corkscrew
Xiaomiโs electric tailspin requires regular maintenance, especially if you use it frequently.
- ๐งผ Clean after each use: Rub the coil and body with a wet wipe, then dry. Use a brush (combined with Viomi V3 to remove the residues of the cork.
- ๐ข๏ธ Spiral lubrication: Every 10 to 15 open bottles, apply a special oil (or edible mineral oil) to the helical thread, which prevents corrosion and jamming.
- ๐ Storage: Keep the corkscrew in a dry place, away from direct sunlight. The optimal storage temperature is 10โ25ยฐC.
- ๐ Battery calibration: Once every 3 months, fully discharge and charge the battery to maintain its capacity.
If the spiral is blunted or bent, it can be replaced. In Viomi models, this is done by unscrewing the fixing ring (the tool comes with the kit), and in Mijia you will need to contact a service center. The average life of the spiral is 2-3 years with heavy use.
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Using non-original spirals can cause the corkscrew engine to break. Buy parts only from official Xiaomi dealers.
5. Model comparison: Mijia vs Viomi
Xiaomi produces corkscrews under two brands: Mijia (budget line) and Viomi (premium segment).
| Characteristics | Mijia Electric Corkscrew | Viomi Smart Corkscrew V3 |
|---|---|---|
| Type of charging | USB Type-C | Wireless + USB Type-C |
| Time to work. | Up to 30 bottles. | Up to 80 bottles. |
| Speed adjustment | 1 regime | 3 modes (in annex) |
| The interchangeable spiral | No. | Yes (2 pieces in the set) |
| Integration with Mi Home | No. | Yes (tracking the number of open bottles) |
The Viomi V3 is suitable for those who open bottles regularly (for example, in restaurants or at tastings), and the Mijia is the best option for home use. Note that Viomi supports voice control through Alice or Google Assistant (team: Open a bottle of wine), but this feature only works when connected to Mi Home.
6. Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that lead to breakdowns.
- ๐ Use while charging: This can cause the battery to overheat. Always turn off the cable before work.
- ๐พ Attempting to open champagne: Pressure in the bottle can damage the corkscrew mechanism. Use special keys for sparkling wines.
- ๐ Forced cork extraction: If the cork doesn't come out, don't pull it with your hands - turn on the reverse or check if the coil is installed correctly.
- ๐ฆ Liquid entering the case: If the wine spills on a corkscrew, wipe it immediately and dry it 24 hours before the next use.
If the corkscrew stops working, first check:
- Battery charge (the indicator should be green).
- The purity of the spiral (clogged thread blocks rotation).
- Integrity of the cork (sometimes the reason is a defect in the bottle, not the appliance).
โ ๏ธ Warning: If the corkscrew motor makes an uncharacteristic noise (such as grinding), immediately stop using and contact the service. This may indicate a gearbox failure that cannot be repaired on your own.
7.Alternatives to Xiaomi corkscrews: comparison with analogues
If you havenโt decided which model to choose, compare Xiaomiโs corkscrews with popular analogues:
| Brand/Model | Price (โ) | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mijia | 2 500โ3 000 โฝ | Compact, fast charging. | No interchangeable spiral, 1 speed mode |
| Viomi V3 | 4 500โ5 500 โฝ | 3 modes, interchangeable spirals, integration with Mi Home | High price, larger and heavier |
| Secura Electric | 3 800โ4 200 โฝ | Waterproof housing, lighting | No wireless charging, noisy motor |
| Oster Cordless | 5 000โ6 000 โฝ | Powerful motor (up to 100 bottles on charge) | Heavy weight, long charge. |
Xiaomiโs corkscrews are better for price/quality, especially if youโre already using other Mi Home gadgets, but for professional use (such as bars), itโs best to consider metal-body models like the Secura or Oster.