
It is hugely frustrating to be in the middle of preparing a meal only to find that you cannot get a lid off a jar. This is when you will be so pleased that you invested in an easy jar opener. They are fantastic devices that are highly useful for the elderly, people suffering from arthritis and anyone else who has ever struggled with a jar lid which is most of the population!
You can get jar openers for arthritis and jar openers for elderly people which give you a lot of help. All you have to do is press a button and they are powered by batteries. You can also get simple models such as a rubber jar opener that gives you a bit of help to grip. There are plenty of models to choose from. Before you buy, check out our guide to selecting the best easy jar opener for your needs.
The Best Jar Opener
1
EZ Off Jar Opener
For effortless opening of even the toughest lid, this is the US-made device that you need in your kitchen. It can tackle any type of lid including the factory sealed variety and those that are designed to be child proof. It will work on lids of all sizes ranging from a small water bottle lid right up to a jar of pickles and peanuts.
This jar opener takes up no space in your kitchen, no one but you will know that it is there. It fits discreetly under a cupboard or counter and can be installed in seconds using the pre-attached, peel-and-stick adhesive. There are also three screws included to secure it.
Can be used on any type of lid
Works on jars of all sizes
Takes up no space in the kitchen
Comes with everything you need to install it
- BrandEZ Off
- Model259
- Weight 5 ounces
2
Dr.fasting Automatic Jar Opener
This electric jar opener takes two AA batteries but consumes so little power that the batteries will last for ages. It is a compact device that safely opens jars with no painful twisting and pulling. In fact, it is completely effortless – you simply press a button.
It is fully adjustable and has a non-slip grip so it can even open wet and slippery jars. The electric jar opener will open any lid ranging from 30 mm to 88 mm and is powerful enough for even factory-sealed jars.
Takes two AA batteries
No painful twisting and pulling
Non-slip grip
For jars between 30 mm to 88 mm
- BrandDr.fasting
- Weight 14.4 ounces
3
Kichwit Arthritis Jar Opener
Here we have a handy stainless jar opener that feels solid and heavy in your hand thanks to the heavy plastic handle. It is durable and resistant to corrosion. You can use it on any jar that has a lid with a diameter between one inch and 3.7 inches and can be used on plastic and metal lids.
It is extremely easy to use – the strong steel teeth clamp onto the edge of the lid to hold it tightly as you twist. It comes with a bottle opener key chain and makes an ideal gift.
Strong plastic handles
Grips lid whilst you twist
Can be used on metal and plastic lids
Suitable for lids from one inch to 3.7 inches diameter
- BrandKichwit
- Model KW-JO01
- Weight 5 ounces
4
Progressive International Jar Grips
Such a simple device yet so effective! These durable jar grips allow you to securely grip a jar lid so that you can twist it off. You get three types of rubber jar opener in a pack and they can be used on containers of all sizes because each grip has a different shape indicated by a different color.
There is a teal-colored square grip and a green round grip for larger jars but smaller bottles suit the red cone shaped ribbed grip better. All of the grips are made of rubber and can be hand washed.
Set of three grip cloths
Securely grip jar lids of all sizes
Different cloths suit different jars
Can be hand washed
- Brand Progressive International
- Model GT-3236
- Weight 0.8 ounces
5
Hamilton Beach Ease Jar Opener
You activate this powerful electric jar opener by simply pressing a button. It tightens around the lid and loosens it with a powerful twist. To release the lid, you just press the button again. It is powered by two AA batteries but just one set of batteries has enough power to open over 250 jars.
This automatic jar opener is made from durable materials and is built to last. Thanks to the compact design, it takes up little space in your kitchen cabinet. It can be used on lids ranging from one inch to four inches in diameter and on short and tall jars.
Activated and deactivated by simply pressing a button
No pulling or twisting required
Made from durable materials
Suitable for lids with diameters of one inch to four inches
- BrandHamilton Beach
- Model76800
- Weight 1 pounds
6
Kuhn Rikon Jar Gripper
This sturdy plastic jar opener will open both smooth-sided and grooved caps that have a diameter between one inch and 3.5 inches. It is exceptionally easy to use, you just place it over the jar and turn the knob clockwise. This tightens the jaws around the lid and locks it in place. Then you hold the jar, grasp the handle and push counter-clockwise. Once the lid is off, you loosen the knob to release the lid.
It has a hole in the handle so that you can hang it up and it can be placed in the dishwasher for cleaning.
Sturdy plastic construction
For jars with diameter from one inch to 3.5 inches
Simple to operate
Dishwasher safe
- BrandKuhn Rikon
- Model2560
- Weight 5 ounces
7
Black & Decker Jar Opener
This electric jar opener will sit neatly on your counter top and will remove even the most stubborn lids. It is easy to use and does the job quickly. All you have to do is touch a button. The device has a turntable on which you place the jar. Then you lower down the top of the appliance, press it and hold the on/off button. Within seconds, the jar will be open.
You can use this automatic jar opener on any lid on any jar up to 4.5 inches in diameter and eight inches high. When it is not in use, it collapses for easy storage.
Electric jar opener
Push button operation
Opens jars in seconds
Collapses down for easy storage
- BrandBlack & Decker
- ModelJW200
- Weight 3.51 pounds
8
Swing A Way Comfort Grip Jar Opener
Here we have a wonderfully simple device that takes up very little room in your kitchen drawer but will help you to open difficult jar caps and lids. It is very versatile and will work on most sizes of jar. It works by providing leverage as it twists and is spring-loaded so you get a smooth but powerful operation.
It’s made from strong stainless steel but has soft cushion covers on the ergonomic handles so that they are comfortable to grip however small your hands are. This jar opener is easy to clean with warm water and a mild detergent.
Simple and compact device
Made from strong stainless steel
Handles have soft covers
Ergonomically designed
- BrandSwing A Way
- Model 711BK
- Weight 1.6 ounces
9
OXO Good Grips Jar Opener
This oxo jar opener set comprises of a device for twisting the lid and a base pad. It will keep your jar in place so that you do not have to exert as much force to open up the lid. The jar opener has sharp, stainless steel teeth which grip the lid so that you can twist it efficiently in a counter-clockwise direction.
The handle gives you better leverage than using your hands alone and stops you from hurting your palm. It is contoured and non-slip so that you can grip it firmly. The jar opener itself is dishwasher safe but the base pad needs to be hand washed.
Jar opening tool and base pad
Lever so you apply less force
Sharp teeth to grip the jar lid
Dishwasher safe
- BrandOXO
- Model1173600
- Weight 5.9 ounces
10
The Pampered Chef Opener for Jar
A very simple but effective device for removing stubborn lids from jars that can be so frustrating. It has a long plastic handle so you get more leverage and it is not so painful on your hands. The handle has comfortable, non-slip grips.
The jar opener grips the jar lid using stainless steel teeth to get a better grip whilst you twist. This is a compact device that can be stored in your kitchen drawers when you are not using it.
Simple but effective device
Strong plastic handle for leverage
Comfort grip
Metal teeth to grip the lid
- BrandThe Pampered Chef
- Model2677
- Weight 4.5 ounces
11
Robo Twist Handsfree Easy Jar Opener
You have to put in zero effort when you use this clever device to remove stiff jar lids. The power is provided by two AA batteries so all you have to do is place it on the lid and press a button. It rotates and removes the cap in a few seconds.
It’s a very compact and lightweight device that takes up little room in your kitchen. There are no cables and no blades to worry about so you can be sure that it is safe.
Requires no effort
Opens a jar with just a press of a button
Very compact and lightweight
No trailing cables
- BrandRobo Twist
- Model1014
- Weight 1 pounds
12
BRIX Opener for Jar
This kitchen utensil can be used for opening stubborn jars, tubes and bottles. It’s made from tough stainless steel and has wide set long handles to give you plenty of leverage.
It has a strong hinge and the oval-shaped handles are comfortable even for people who have arthritis or joint conditions. The studded steel teeth grip firmly to the lid and it will fit any sized jar.
Useful for stubborn jars
Wide set handles
Long handles give you leverage
Studded steel grips
- BrandBRIX
- ModelJARKEY
- Weight 0.8 ounces
13
Leifheit Lid Opener
Thanks to the lever principle employed by this jar opener, even when you apply just a little effort it is enough to force off the most stubborn lid. It makes your life easier and stops your hands from getting hurt.
It clamps around the jar lid with sharp teeth which are made from tough metal. This jar opener can grip lids of all types including stainless steel, plastic and tinplate so it will work on bottles of water and on jars of maraschino cherries. It will even work on factory sealed lids and those with film on them without any slipping. The handle has been designed to be very comfortable on your hand. It is small enough and lightweight enough for you to take with you when you are traveling.
Uses the lever principle
Clamps around the jar lid
Will work on all types of lid
Comfortable handle
- BrandLeifheit
- Model03131
- Weight 5.6 ounces
14
Rtreek Jar Opener for Arthritis
This award-winning jar opener will fit most traditional preserving jars. You simply place it against the jar lid and give a slight lift, it works using the three-point principle. This releases the vacuum (you will hear a ‘pop’) and makes the lid easier to unscrew.
There are no sharp edges or moveable parts that could cause injury. It is made of high-density ABS plastic and is safe for you to put in the dishwasher when you are finished. It’s available in several fun colors.
Uses three-point principle
Breaks the vacuum to release the lid
Suitable for most preserving jars
Dishwasher safe
- BrandRtreek
- Model RK-1
- Weight 2.4 ounces
15
Brix JarKey Opener for Jar
A simple but highly effective device that opens up stubborn jars with just one easy lift. You will hear the vacuum pop and the lid will spin freely.
It is perfectly safe to use and small and lightweight enough for you to take with you when you are away from home. There are several colors to choose from.
Simple and lightweight
Great for traveling
No moving parts
Several colors available
- BrandBrix
- ModelB00167Z2UO
- Weight 0.8 ounces
Best Jar Openers Buying Guide & FAQ
Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Jar Opener
Before you order a jar opener for yourself, check out this list of the things that you should consider when you are making your purchase.
- How much room have you got? Some jar openers are bulkier and heavier than others. Are you looking for a countertop device that will be on show all the time or something that you can discreetly store away in a kitchen drawer? Think about how much space you have available in your kitchen and where you will put the jar opener when you are not using it.
- Can you put any manual effort in? Think carefully about your needs and how much assistance you require to open up a jar. If you are an amputee, if you have severe arthritis or any other health condition that you cannot exert and effort when opening a jar, then you need the battery-operated model. Jar openers for arthritis sufferers can help a lot with your independent living. On the other hand, if you simply want a device that you can use every now and again when you have a very stubborn lid, then a silicone jar opener may be all that you need.
- Size of jars it can handle: This is another important consideration because it would be very frustrating to find that the device cannot handle the lid on your favorite brand of peanut butter!
- Types of lid it can handle: Check that it can handle all sizes and factory-fitted lids made of different materials. The more versatile the device is the better.
- Battery operation: You may not like the idea of a battery-operated device or this may be what you are looking for. The jar openers that require batteries are more powerful and require no effort from you. However, you will have to remember to replace the batteries and they do tend to be larger.
- Easy to clean: Some devices are simply wiped down with a damp cloth but others can be placed in the dishwasher. Always read the manufacturer’s instructions on cleaning.
Types of Jar Openers
Jar openers are very useful devices for opening jars but they work in different ways. They can be categorized into two groups.
- Manual jar openers
These require you to put some effort in when opening the jar. Therefore, they are more suited to people who have some strength in their hands and wrists and would not be so suitable for someone who was missing a limb or who had a condition that caused a loss of strength in the hands or wrists.
This type of jar opener can work in two ways. The very simple ones, such as a grip cloth, simply provide a way of gripping the jar lid tightly so that you can twist it off. The second way is to use the lever effect. These have a handle of some sort that amplifies the effort that you put in. They enable you to open very stubborn lids without hurting your hands. These devices are usually very compact and simple and can be stored away in a kitchen drawer. They are also suitable to take with you when you are away from home.
- Automatic jar openers
These are more complicated devices that are powered by batteries. However, they use little power and you will not have to change the batteries very often. With this type of jar opener, you do not have to put in any effort at all – the machine does it for you. They are highly suitable for arthritis sufferers or people with other conditions that mean that they cannot use their hands.
These are larger devices and are usually designed to sit on the kitchen counter. They would not be suitable for traveling.
How Jar Openers Work
Jar openers work in a number of ways, some are very simple and others are more sophisticated. At the very simple end of the scale, a jar opener can simply be a cloth the provides friction against the lid of the jar. It allows you to have a better grip as you provide a rotating force. There are also plastic versions of the jar openers that use this principle and they fit under work tops and grip the jar lid with metal teeth.
Other jar openers use a lever principle. They take your own effort and multiply it by having a long lever. This produces enough force to get the jar open. Then there are the more sophisticated jar openers. These grip both the jar and the lid and twist it off without you having to exert any effort at all. These are battery operated and all you have to do is press a button.
Best Jar Openers FAQ:
Q: Can a child use a jar opener?
A: You need to exercise caution whenever a child is in the kitchen. Younger children need to be supervised at all times and should not be allowed to use any devices.
Older children, however, could use some types of jar opener. There are several models that have no moving parts and have no sharp teeth. These could be used by children provided they are closely supervised. However, the jar openers that have moving parts and sharp teeth are not suitable for use by children. Always read the manufacturer’s instructions and follow them carefully.
Q: What’s the difference between a jar opener and a bottle opener?
A: Jar openers and bottle openers work in slightly different ways. A jar opener is generally considered as suitable for containers that have a twist lid. Therefore, they need to be rotated counter-clockwise to remove them. Most jar openers work by providing a grip or by providing a strong rotating force. A few also provide some lift to break the vacuum. They can be used on some bottles if the bottle lid is a screw cap and is within the limits of the size that the jar opener can cope with.
Bottle openers are generally designed to be a lever to break the seal and lift off a cap. They are not designed to twist. In general, they are smaller and simpler devices than jar openers.
Our Top Pick
Our top pick of the best jar openers for arthritic hands provides effortless opening. It can tackle any type of lid including the factory sealed variety. You can use it for lids of all sizes ranging from a small water bottle lids right up to a jar of pickles and peanuts.
This jar opener takes up no space in your kitchen and fits discreetly under a cupboard or counter and can be installed in seconds using the pre-attached, peel-and-stick adhesive. There are also three screws included to secure it.
Sources:
- How to Open a Difficult Jar - WikiHow