Modern kitchen gadgets are no longer just toys and have become indispensable assistants that save time and add (ritualities) to the process of serving the table. The electric tailspin from Xiaomi and its ecosystem (Deerma, Pinlo brands) is a vivid example of how engineering makes everyday tasks easier. Many users buy this device without fully understanding the specifics of its work, which leads to ridiculous mistakes, such as trying to charge a device with a foil-cutting nozzle or installing a screw incorrectly.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how to properly prepare the device for first use, how to avoid breaking the mechanism when working with different types of traffic jams and how to extend the battery life. You will learn why it is important to remove the lower transparent part before charging and what sound signals the readiness of the mechanism. We will also look at the nuances of the interaction of the corkscrew with various types of bottles, from standard Bordeaux to the narrow throats of dessert wines.
The use of automated tools requires compliance with certain safety rules so as not to damage either the gadget itself or the contents of the bottle. ABS-It's plastic or aluminum, but the inner gears are sensitive to distortion, and the right sequence of actions ensures that the party is not marred by shards of glass or a sparkling motor.
Preparing an electric corkscrew for the first use
The first thing you should do after unpacking is to inspect the kit carefully. The standard kit usually includes the corkscrew itself, the charging base, a USB cable, a foil removal knife and, often, an aerator. The battery inside the device can be discharged after prolonged storage in stock, so the first priority is to charge it. Don't try to turn the device on right away if the indicators don't burn - this can lead to a deep discharge of the lithium cell.
The charging process has its own features that many beginners forget: The bottom transparent part of the case, which is worn on the neck of the bottle, is removable and should not prevent contact of charging contacts. You need to remove this nozzle to access the Micro-USB or Type-C port (depending on the model) and contact areas at the bottom.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave the corkscrew on charging for longer 4-5 hours and do not use power supplies with a current strength higher 1 Ampere, as this can lead to overheating and bloating of the battery.
The battery status is indicated through LEDs located on the front panel. Usually blue or green indicates the charging process, and red indicates a low energy level or malfunction. After full charging, the indicator should go out or change color, which means that the motorized mechanism is ready to work. It is better to store the device in a vertical position or on a special stand to avoid dust entering the mechanism.
💡
Before the first use, make 2-3 blank scrolls of the corkscrew without a bottle so that the lubricant inside the gearbox is evenly distributed across the gears.
Construction and basic controls
To operate a device effectively, you need to understand its anatomy. Xiaomi’s electric corkscrew is a cylinder that houses an electric motor, gearbox and spiral (Archimedes’ screw), the top is equipped with a control button, and the bottom is equipped with a removable support ring. Understanding the function of each element is critical for safe operation.
The control button often has two press zones or works depending on the duration of the hold. Short press can activate the lowering mode, and long press can activate the lifting mode, or vice versa. Some models, such as the Deerma DEM-WB01, use a single button that starts the cycle down and up automatically. Other models, such as the Pinlo, can have separate buttons for lowering and lifting the screw.
An important element is a transparent cap that is placed on the neck of the bottle, which acts as a stop, transferring the force of lifting the corkscrew to the shoulders of the bottle. Inside this cap are often knives to cut the foil. The mechanism of capturing the cork must be installed strictly perpendicular to the neck, so that the screw enters the center without damaging the structure of the cortical material.
What's inside the corkscrew?
Below is a table describing the main components and their purpose:
| Element | Function | Features of operation |
|---|---|---|
| Corps | Protection of electronics | Do not wet, wipe with a wet cloth |
| Spiral (Spin) | Driving into traffic | Made from food-grade stainless steel |
| Removable ring | Foil emphasis and cut | Remove before charging the device |
| Button | Motor control | Do not push with effort, work with a light touch |
Step-by-step: how to open the bottle
The process of opening a wine with an electric corkscrew takes seconds, but requires a clear sequence of actions. First, you need to prepare the bottle: remove the top of the capsule (foil), you can use a knife built into a removable corkscrew ring, or a separate sawknife from the kit, make a circular incision just below the protruding neck rim and remove the cut foil.
Then there's the step of putting the corkscrew in place. Put the device vertically on the neck of the bottle so that the transparent ring fits tightly on the shoulders of the glass. Make sure the corkscrew is flat, without skewing. Press the activation button (usually the top or single big button). You hear the characteristic sound of the motor working, and the spiral will start screwing into the cork. Hold the device firmly, but do not push too hard to let the mechanism work on its own.
☑️ The algorithm for the discovery of wine
When the spiral is fully plugged into the traffic jam, the motor will automatically stop or change (tone of sound). At this stage, you need to switch the mode or press the lift button (depending on the model), the corkscrew will start pulling the cork up. When the cork almost completely comes out of the neck, hold it with your hand or wait until it is completely free. Some models automatically change the direction of rotation after the screw is completed.
⚠️ Warning: If the cork is very dry and crumbles, don't try to open it with one jerk. Use the "pulsation" mode (short presses) to gently shake and remove the residues.
Working with different types of corks and bottles
Not all corks are the same, and Xiaomi's electric corkscrew has to adapt to different conditions. A standard cork cork of natural cork oak bark is easily spiralled. However, synthetic corks made of polymers may behave differently: they are more slippery and resilient, in which cases it is important that the cork cork enters deep enough to ensure a reliable grip.
Especially old wines, where the cork could dry out and become brittle, need to be minimal in electric traction. If you feel that the cork is crumbled, you better go manual if the corkscrew model allows, or use a special corkscrew-butterfly. However, modern Xiaomi models often have load sensors that prevent the cork from breaking.
The shape of the neck also matters. Standard Bordeaux and Burgundy bottles fit perfectly. But if you're dealing with narrow necks (like some liqueurs or dessert wines), make sure the diameter of the spiral allows it to enter without friction against the glass. If the spiral touches the neck walls, it can lead to glass crumb getting into the wine or damage to the coating of the spiral.
Bottles with a custom neck or a very long "pimp" (a glass ledge inside the neck, as some Spanish wines do) may require a longer spiral.The standard length of the screw in Xiaomi corkscrews is usually about 5-6 cm, which is enough for most cases, but not for extremely long corks.
Care, cleaning and maintenance of the device
To keep your gadget running for a long time, you need to take good care of it. The main problem with electric corkscrews is getting bits of cork and wine inside the mechanism. After each use, it is recommended to wipe the coil with a wet cloth. Don't immerse the main part of the device with the motor in water! This will short circuit and the electronics will fail.
A removable ring and a foil knife can be washed under running water, as they do not contain electrical components. However, after washing, they must be thoroughly dried before being re-installed, and the moist environment inside the ring can cause metal parts to corrosion or bacteria to develop.
Periodically check the condition of the spiral. If you notice rust on it (which is rare for stainless steel, but possible with poor care) or serrated, the spiral is better replaced. Dulled or damaged spiral will tear the cork, not remove it. Regular lubrication of the mechanism is not required, as it is usually closed and lubricated in the factory, but sometimes the outer moving parts can be wiped with dry soft cloth.
💡
The main rule of care is never to wash the main unit with the motor under the tap, only to wipe with a wet wipe and immediately wipe dry.
Typical errors and troubleshooting
Even with a smart device, there can be problems. One of the most common mistakes is trying to open the bottle without fully screwing the coil. If the motor is buzzing but the cork is not going up, maybe the coil turns didn't catch on the cork material, in which case you need to take the corkscrew, check the position of the coil and try again, making sure it entered the center.
Another common situation is that the battery is discharged at the most inopportune moment, if the corkscrew starts to work slower than usual or makes intermittent sounds, the battery is dead. You don't have to force the process, you better put the device on charge. Using a dead battery can damage it.
Sometimes users are faced with the fact that the corkscrew does not turn on at all. Check whether the protective ring is removed from the contacts when charging (if the problem is charging) or if there is no locking buttons. Some models have protection against children or accidental switching, which is activated by prolonged pressing. It is also worth checking whether the old plug that locks the mechanism is stuck inside.
⚠️ Warning: If the corkscrew emits a burning smell or gets very hot, immediately stop using and disconnect the device from the mains.
If the cork does crumble and fall into the wine, don't panic. Strain the wine carefully through gauze or coffee filter into a decanter. The electric corkscrew here won't help, but the evening can be saved. To avoid this in the future, use special double helix corkscrews or pneumatic openers for old wines.