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FAQ-Corkers

Question: What size corks should I use with my Plastic Plunger Corker?
Answer:

Midwest suggests using only #8 corks with the plastic plunger corker. Larger corks are just too difficult to load into the corker, and even more difficult to force into the bottle. The reason that the plastic plunger corker is the one we include in our starter kit is that most winemakers eventually upgrade to a floor corker (#8253, 8254, 8256, 8258). The plunger corker allows us to offer a winemaking equipment kit at a reasonable price. Two upgrades, the Double Lever Corker (#8201) and the Gilda Single Lever Corker (#8202) are available for only a few dollars more, respectively....Click to Read full Answer

Question: What are the differences between the corkers? Am I fine just using the plastic plunger corker that came with my kit?
Answer:

The plastic plunger corker does work fine, but it is more difficult to operate than the other corkers that we stock, and we recommend using only #8 corks with it. As for the other corkers, the basic rule of thumb is that the more you spend, the easier the corking chore becomes.

The Metal Double Lever Corker works on the same principle as the plastic plunger corker, but the levers give you leverage to make it easier to push into the bottle. However, we suggest having an assistant on hand to hold the bottle still.
The Gilda Compression Hand Corker is much easier for one person to operate, as it has a plastic iris that compresses the cork for you.
The Floor Corking Machine and the Italian Floor Corker are both very similar in construction, the main difference being that the Floor Corker has a plastic iris, and the Italian Corker is equipped with a brass iris.

...Click to Read full Answer