Nothing goes better with a good meal and great friends than a glass of quality wine. You do, however, need to make sure that your wine will taste its best. To do this, you need to give it time to breathe. Some experts claim that you should let your wine decant for two hours, but who has time for that? Thankfully, if you get the best wine aerator possible, you can unlock your wine’s best flavor almost instantly, which is a huge time saver.
Of course, there are lots of things to consider when you are looking for the best wine aerator. When we put together our list, we first looked at the capacity, since bottles come in many different sizes. Next, we looked at the weight and dimensions, as they will determine how the new aerator operates. We also looked at different types, so that you would be able to find the best electric wine aerator or aerator spout, depending on your needs.
Top 5 Wine Aerators Review 2020
We have spent tens of hours reading through hundreds of user reviews so that we could put together our comprehensive list. This research also allowed us to complete in-depth reviews of each of these aerators so that you can find the right one for your needs. We have also compiled a highly detailed buying guide that will tell you everything you need to know.
This unit combines both an aerator and a dispenser in a handy device and is so easy to use even if you’ve never aerated before –simply push the button This unit is ideal for not only aerating wine but also storing it rich-flavored for a long time; works with 750ml bottles This aerator is not only effective but also aesthetically pleasing; made from hand-blown borosilicate glass This in-bottle model looks somewhat classical, is easy to use, and attaches to any wine bottle tightly This is a whole set of devices for making your aerating process a mere art performance
More features: requires 4 AAA batteries Years ago, the only way to properly aerate wine was to stick it in a decanter and wait for two hours until it had reached its full ripeness for drinking. While this still holds true today, sometimes you simply don’t have that much time. This time crunch can be especially problematic if someone drops by unexpectedly and wants a glass of wine. Thankfully, modern technological advances can make this uncomfortable situation a thing of the past. This aerator is a shining example of how technology can help to make our lives a whole lot easier. To start with, all you have to do to use this aerator is put in four AAA batteries, which will need to be changed often to ensure that it works properly and push it down on the top of your opened bottle of wine. From there, a deliciously oxidized glass of wine is just a push of a button away. The entire process only takes as long as filling up a glass of wine, which is a huge time saver. Something that helps to make this model even more convenient is that it can be used on any size bottle of wine. Even if you purchase a larger bottle, you should have no problem whatsoever installing this device. The wine dispenser feature on this aerator is especially helpful. It makes getting a perfect pour every time an easy process. All you need to do is make sure that you have the glass positioned correctly so that it doesn’t splash or spill, and you are good to go.
BOUARTS Wine Aerator – Editor's Choice
More features: presses onto the top of an opened bottle When it comes to finding the best aerator for wines, you want something that makes the process easy on you. You certainly don’t want to have to worry about any spills, which is exactly what you get with this model. It fits easily over an opened bottle of wine, and the thick rubber stopper is top-notch. This model also gives you a high degree of flexibility. It can be used as a quick aerator or a long-term decanter. To use it, simply place it over the bottle until it is attached securely, and turn it over. The wine will flow into the decanter, all while putting plenty of oxygen into the mix. If you want to, you can keep the wine in the decanter to oxidize more or pour it back into the bottle to serve it immediately. This high level of flexibility is why this is, quite possibly, the best wine aerator on the market today. The simple, yet elegant design of this aerator makes it a great showpiece that works perfectly for dinner parties. It is also very easy to clean since the assembly at the top simply pops out. While it could probably be run through the dishwasher, it might be a better idea to wash it by hand. The glass, while relatively durable, could still be broken if you drop it, however, so you will want to be careful when you are pouring and cleaning with this aerator.
Menu Winebreather Carafe – Best Wine Aerator Decanter
More features: dishwasher safe; 5X thicker than a wine glass Part of the fun of having friends over for a glass of wine is, let’s be honest, getting to show off a bit. If you are someone that has a flair for elegant glassware and wants their aerator to be as beautiful as possible, then this just might be the right model for you. It is made out of hand-blown, borosilicate glass, which, while thicker than a wine glass, is still a bit delicate. Thankfully as long as you don’t drop this aerator, you should be good to go. The glass design is a showpiece in of itself, which is a huge plus. This aerator is also one of the best in-bottle designs that you will find today. It fits easily and securely into an opened bottle of wine. From there, it is exquisitely easy to use. All you have to do is, simply pour the wine into the glass through the aerator. As you are pouring, the wine will get stopped for a moment in the chamber of the aerator, which will cause it to acquire all of the oxygen in the chamber before it flows into your glass. Unlike many other models on the market, this aerator can be washed in the dishwasher. This makes cleaning its smaller chamber size very easy. You just need to be sure that you keep in on the top shelf. You also might want to run your dishwasher on a gentle setting, so as not to damage the aerator. From there, you can easily store this device in a cabinet or drawer until the next time you want a delicious glass of wine.
Soireehome In-Bottle Wine Aerator – Best In-Bottle Wine Aerator
More features: leak-proof Let’s face it, buying wine can get quite expensive. Even if you only buy budget priced bottles, it can very rapidly add up. As such, you might not want to spend a ton of money on an aerator. Of course, you want to make sure that you get a quality device. Otherwise, you are basically throwing your money away. This aerator will fit the bill nicely in this regard. It is very budget-friendly but also works quite well. To start off with, it can fit into any size bottle you buy, even if you get the jumbo value sized bottles of wine. It does this thanks to a rubber O-ring that makes the aerator completely leak-proof. You will, of course, have to replace these rings every once in a while, as they tend to break down over time. Thankfully, they are not very expensive and can be purchased at any home goods store. The spout on this device also makes it easier to get the perfect pour every time. A lot of wine spouts will make the flow much too fast, which increases the likelihood of a spill. This model, however, slows the flow considerably so that the wine can be properly oxidized, making the pouring process, and the flavor, all the more enjoyable. This aerator is made out of tough plastic acrylic. Unlike glass models that can be easily broken, this aerator should withstand any accidental drops, even if it falls all the way to the floor. It is also easy to clean and is nice and compact, making it easy to stash away in a drawer when you are not using it.
VINABON Wine Aerator – Budget Pick
More features: includes the Vinturi red wine aerator, tower arm, tower base, no-splash grate, and sediment filter If you have ever had the privilege and good fortune to pop the cork on an older vintage of wine, then you know just how much better wine can taste with age. Of course, this can also mean that there are some issues that you need to work through. Obviously, since it is an older vintage, you can decant it for a long time, since it will start to go flat quickly. You also need to have some way to filter out any sediment, since this could take away from the experience. In this case, this model is by far the best option out there. The aerator is very easy to use. All you have to do is place your glass under the spout, and pour through the funnel at the top. While you do need to be sure to continuously rate to avoid spills, this is pretty easy to do once you get the hang of it. This quick process is perfect for older wines since it allows them to breathe without giving them the time to go flat on you. This aerator also has a built-in sediment filter, which is very easy to clean out. The filter catches any unwanted sediments from flowing into your galls. This, of course, makes the wine that much more enjoyable, since you will be able to focus on the aroma, texture, and flavor without having to worry about any sediment finding its way into your glass.
Vinturi V1071 – Best Aerator for Older Wines
What is aerator for
A wine aerator is one of the most essential tools you can own if you want to make your wine live up to its fullest potential. It would be such a shame to spend so much money on a bottle of wine and only get a hint of what its maker intended by drinking it right out of the bottle without aerating it first.
By using an aerator with your wine, you are accomplishing two things. You are adding oxygen, which causes oxidation, into the wine, which will then lead to evaporation. Now, this won’t cause your wine to evaporate, but will rather help to remove unwanted flavors that might make the wine taste stronger, such as sulfites, which are added to wine to prevent microbial activity.
Basically, an aerator will help to remove any undesirable flavors and aromas from your wine, while bringing out and increasing the desirable, aromatic, and flavorful ones. If you want to get the best from your wine (in addition to storing it in a right place, for example, a wine cooler), an aerator is a great way to do it, even if you just get the best cheap wine aerator, like the VINABON Wine Aerator, you will be doing yourself a huge favor.
Features to consider while choosing a wine aerator
There are several different kinds of aerators on the market today, so it is a good idea to have an understanding of the features you need to look for to find the best model for your needs. In this section, we will go through everything you need to know to find the best wine aerator for you.
Type
The very first thing that you will want to decide upon is the type of aerator you want to use. There are several different types to choose from, which include the following:
- Decanter – Wine decanters are one of the more popular options for aerating because they can be used to put air into wine quickly or for longer periods of time. A decanter like the Menu Winebreather Carafe is a great option because it allows you to pour the wine into the decanter to aerate it. You can then put it back in the bottle and serve the wine, or you can keep it in the decanter and let it sit for a bit.
- Instant Decanter – As the name would suggest, an instant decanter will work instantly. Unlike a standard decanter where you have the option of putting the wine back into the bottle, and instant decanter is used to pour each glass of wine. Some models, like the Vinturi V1071, can also be used to filter out any sediments that might be lingering at the bottom of the bottle, making it a great option for older wines.
- Spout – A spout aerator fits over or into the bottle of wine you are drinking. They usually have an air chamber built-in so that the wine gets plenty of oxygen before moving into the glass you are pouring it into. These aerators are simple to use and make the process go extremely quickly, making them a great option for any occasion where you need a bottle of wine right away.
- Electric Pressure – Electric pressure aerators, like the BOUARTS Wine Aerator, utilize battery power to both dispense and aerate a bottle of wine. They seal onto the top of the bottle and pressurize the air to pull the wine through.
Capacity/which bottles it works with
Depending on the aerator that you select, you might be limited in the size of the bottle that you can use it with. If you get a decanter, for instance, you might be limited by the volume of liquid that the decanter can hold at any one time. The last thing that you want to do is purchase a bottle of wine and start pouring it into your decanter, only for it to overflow and waste your delicious drink.
Thankfully, most aerators will fit pretty much any bottle that you can find. This is especially true for in-bottle systems, like the Soireehome In-Bottle Wine Aerator. Since this model and others like it fit into the bottle of wine, there is no limit to the capacity they can handle. You simply install them and pour into your glasses of choice.
Materials used
When it comes to the materials being used to make an aerator, you want to make sure that you get something that is, obviously, food safe. You don’t want to use anything that is going to leave a nasty aftertaste in your wine. After all, the whole point of using an aerator is to make your wine taste better, not worse, so be careful of the materials you choose.
There are three main types of materials that manufacturers like to use when making an aerator. The most elegant and easiest to clean is glass. Glass, of course, is also the easiest to break as well, so you need to be careful with it.
Another fine option is plastic. While plastics are not quite as easy to clean as glass is, they are much more durable, and also cheaper to replace should one break.
The final option is food-grade silicone. Aerators that use this material are durable, easy to clean, and very effective. They might not have the elegant look you are going for, however, so keep this in mind before you make your final purchase.
Dimensions
The overall dimensions of the aerator you select should be based on two different criteria. The first of these is, where you plan to store your aerator. If you want to keep your aerator on the kitchen counter as an accent piece, that you can go for one that has larger dimensions. If, on the other hand, you want to keep it tucked away and out of sight, you should go for a smaller model, like the VINABON Wine Aerator.
The second effect the dimensions of your aerator, or more specifically, the air chamber, are going to have on your wine is just how much oxygen can be introduced to help remove unwanted flavors and aromas while promoting the desirable ones.
Extra features
One of the first features that you should look for with any aerator, whether it be the best aerator for red wine, old wines, or new wines, is how securely it fits a bottle. As we mentioned before, you don’t want to spill any wine, no matter if it is a cheaper vintage or a more prestigious and expensive one, so be sure to find an aerator that fits well to avoid unnecessary waste.
Something else to keep a lookout for, especially if you are drinking older wines that tend to have a lot of sediment, is an aerator with a filter. That way, you can be sure that you are only drinking wine, and not anything left behind from the fermentation process.
Finally, the last key feature to keep on the lookout for is an aerator that is easy to clean. By keeping your new aerator clean, you will be able to ensure that your wine will taste its very best. Some models, like the Soireehome In-Bottle Wine Aerator, are completely dishwasher safe, which makes it a lot easier to make sure your aerator is nice and clean and ready for the next bottle.
How to pour wine right
Learning the proper techniques for pouring a bottle of wine will not only ensure that the wine tastes its best but will also impress your dinner guests. Depending on the wine and aerator that you have selected, you might need to follow a different process. Pouring a glass of red wine will be a bit different than a glass of white wine, so be sure to follow the steps below to get the best flavors possible from your bottle.
- Open the bottle of wine. Use a cloth napkin to wipe away any residue left behind by the cork at the top of the bottle.
- Attach your aerator if it is a model that fits into your bottle. If not, prepare your glass underneath the aerator so there won’t be any spills.
- If you are pouring white wine, wrap the bottle in a cloth napkin to make sure the warmth from your hand doesn’t dampen its chill.
- Bring the mouth of the bottle just above the rim of the glass or aerator and pour. Pour slowly to avoid spills, splashes, or too much oxidation from occurring.
- Only fill the glass about a third of the way up, so that it has even more room to aerate.
- When you finish pouring, twist the bottle away from the glass to avoid any spills. Use a cloth napkin to wipe away any wine on the outside of the bottle.
- If you are finished with the bottle, for now, remove the aerator and close the bottle.
- Enjoy your wine!
FAQ
Simply put, yes, smaller aerators are effective at providing enough oxygen to properly aerate wine. Of course, larger air compartments work better on bolder wines, so if you have an especially heavy red wine that you are going to be drinking, a larger, decanter style aerator might work better.
If you are going to be serving from the same type of wine at a party, you don’t need to wash the aerator in between bottles. Otherwise, however, it is a good idea to wash your new aerator after every use. This cleansing process will help to make sure that there is no bacterial growth and that you don’t mix wine flavors.
While red wines are the type of wine that people think of first when it comes to using an aerator, you are not limited to using one with just reds. White wines can be improved upon through the use of an aerator, so don’t be afraid to use one with them.
Our Verdict
Plain and simple, if you are looking for the best overall wine aerator, then you have got to check out the BOUARTS Wine Aerator. It makes the aeration process quick and simple. In fact, all you need to do is put it on your bottle and push a button. From there, it will deliver a perfectly aerated and easily poured glass of wine.
This aerator is also quite elegant, making it a welcome addition to anyone’s home.
If you are in the market for an easy to use wine aerator, then the Menu Winebreather Carafe. With this amazing device, you can choose to quickly aerate a whole bottle of wine or to decant it slowly. This flexibility makes it a great option for dinner parties and quiet evenings at home.
Sometimes, the best wine aerator can also be the best looking. The Soireehome In-bottle Wine Aerator is definitely an example of this. The hand-blown glass chamber is beautiful to behold and works very well at putting plenty of air into the wine to allow it to put forth its best possible aroma and flavor.
