Opening a bottle of good wine is always an event, but what if you can't drink it all at once? Conventional blockage methods often fail to preserve flavor, allowing oxygen to oxidize the drink in a matter of hours. This is where Xiaomi's vacuum cork, designed for those who value quality and modern technology in the home, comes to the rescue.
This compact gadget from the Mijia ecosystem creates ideal storage conditions by pumping excess air out of the bottle and slowing down the process of product spoilage. Unlike mechanical counterparts, the smart device controls the degree of vacuum, ensuring leakage for up to several weeks.
In this article, we will discuss how to use the device in detail, consider the nuances of charging and care, and answer questions that arise from new owners. Understanding the principles of operation will help you to maximize the potential of the accessory.
The principle of operation and the advantages of a smart corkscrew
The main purpose of the device is to create negative pressure inside the bottle neck. Inside the cork case, Xiaomi has a miniature microcompressor that, when activated, starts pumping air out, which stops oxidation, which is the main enemy of open wine.
An important element of the design is a silicone cuff that fits tightly into the glass, which ensures that the system is sealed after air is pumped out, and without high-quality insulation, even the most powerful pump will not be able to hold the vacuum for a long time.
The smart part of the gadget is that it automatically controls pressure, and it determines when it's going to reach the optimum level of thinning, and it stops working, saving battery power, and it eliminates the need to guess how long it takes to hold the button.
⚠️ Warning: Do not try to use a cork for soda bottles. Excess gas pressure can damage the mechanism or cause the cork to break out.
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Automatic vacuum control is the main advantage over mechanical analogues, eliminating the human factor and errors in calculating the pumping time.
Compare the possibilities of smart cork with traditional methods of wine conservation:
| Parameter | Just a traffic jam. | Xiaomi's Vacuum Traffic Jam |
|---|---|---|
| Storage period | 1-2 days | Up to 15-20 days |
| Oxidation protection | Minimum | Maximum (vacuum) |
| Type of food | Not required | Charging battery |
| Status indication | Absent. | LED |
First incorporation and preparation
Before the plug can function, it needs to be properly prepared, and immediately after unpacking, you may find that the device is not responsive to pressing, which is normal, because the battery may have run out during storage in the warehouse.
To activate, connect the plug to the power supply via the Type-C port located on the side of the case. The kit usually comes with a cable, but any quality wire with the appropriate connector will fit. The indicator on the case will flash, signaling the charging process.
It takes about two hours to fully charge, and then you can start using it for the first time, and make sure that the bottle neck is clean and dry to ensure that the silicone part is as fit as possible.
☑️ Preparing the Xiaomi traffic jam
Step-by-step instructions: how to properly pump air
The process of using the gadget is as simple as possible for developers, but following the sequence of actions is critical to the result. First, insert the bottom of the cork into the neck of the bottle. The movement must be confident, but without undue pressure, so as not to damage the glass or the accessory itself.
After installation, press the top of the device tightly against the bottle. Press the power button located on the end or side (depending on the modification of the Xiaomi Pinji or DearCork), You will hear the characteristic sound of the motor, which will last about 10-15 seconds.
When the process is complete, the light will signal, and the device will automatically shut down. Now the wine is securely protected. To extract the cork, just pull the special notches or use the ring holder, if it is designed.
⚠️ Warning: If the indicator flashes red while running, it may mean that the cork is leaky or the bottle has a defect in the neck.
Let’s look at the basic steps again in the form of a short algorithm:
- 🍷 Put the cork in the bottle to the end, ensuring a tight fit.
- 🔘 Press the activation button and hold the device vertically.
- 🔇 Wait for the pump to automatically shut down (silence).
- 📅 Remember the date of pumping to know the expiration date of the drink.
Status indication and device management
The smart plug is equipped with a light display system that allows the user to understand the status of the device without connecting to a smartphone. Usually, the LED is located on the top panel and changes color depending on the situation.
The green glow most often means normal operation and sufficient battery power. If you see blue light while the pump is running, it indicates a process of creating a vacuum. The red flashing indicator is an alarm that requires your attention.
Some models support connecting to the Mijia or mihome app via Bluetooth, in which case you can see the exact time the vacuum was created on your smartphone screen and receive a notification if the cork has started to lose its tightness.
What to do if the plug does not hold the vacuum?
Charging the battery and caring for the gadget
Inside the case, there's a lithium polymer battery that doesn't need to be replaced for the entire life of the case, and it takes about 30-40 pump cycles to charge a full charge, making it very economical.
Use a standard adapter with a current of no more than 1 Ampere to charge. The use of powerful fast charging units from flagship smartphones is theoretically possible thanks to the controller, but can lead to heating of the case, which is undesirable for electronics.
Care for the cork is to regularly clean the silicone part. wipe it with a wet cloth after each use, removing the residue of wine. It is better not to wet the body itself, so that water does not get inside through the vents.
⚠️ Warning: It is strictly forbidden to wash a cork under a stream of water or put it in a dishwasher, and this is guaranteed to disable the electronics.
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For long-term service of the silicone cuff, periodically lubricate it with a thin layer of edible oil so that the material does not dry out and crack.
Compatibility with different types of bottles
The versatility of Xiaomi’s cork is one of its key advantages: the standard diameter of the silin insert is tailored to fit most 750ml wine bottles, which include both the classic Bordeaux neck and the Burgundy neck.
There are exceptions, however: bottles with a custom neck, such as some types of champagne or dessert wines with a sealed top, may not be suitable, and the device is not intended for use with plastic containers or bottles with a wide throat.
If you use bottles with decorative paraffin on the neck, it must be completely removed before installing the cork, otherwise the sealability will be broken, and the vacuum will not create.
- 🍾 Standard wine bottles (750 ml) – full compatibility.
- 🥂 Champagne bottles – compatibility is limited (silent wines only).
- 🧴 Bottles with a wide throat are not compatible.
- 🥃 Bottles of whiskey/cognac depending on the diameter of the neck.