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The Best Jar Openers for Unlocking Jars With Ease

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By Old House Journal Review Team
Last updated: 14 Apr 2023

Do you ever find yourself struggling to open a pesky jar of pickles, only for your fingers to slip and slide off the lid as you grip the container? No one likes the feeling of helplessness that comes when you try to open jars, so why not invest in a quality jar opener? It may seem like an unnecessary purchase, but it can make your life a whole lot easier in the kitchen.

In this post, we’ll discuss the different types of jar openers and provide our top picks for the finest jar openers of 2023. From electric models to manual openers and even wall-mounted jar openers, we’ve included something for everyone who’s ever had to fight with a jar lid. So, if you’re ready to make your kitchen life easier, let’s get started!

Best Overall
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The Grip Jar Opener
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Most Efficient
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EZ Off Jar Opener
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Most Versatile
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MEYUEWAL Jar Opener
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Easy to Store
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OXO Jar Opener
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Easiest to Use
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INSTACAN Jar Opener
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Jar Openers: Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the right jar opener for you there are many factors to consider. Below is a buyer’s guide to help you determine which jar opener best fits your needs. 

Things to Consider Before Buying a Jar Opener

Design

A jar opener should fit comfortably in your hand and be easy to use. Look for an ergonomically designed product with a handle or grip that is easy to hold and operate. Consider jar openers with built-in grips or handles that are padded or textured. That way, the jar opener won’t slip out of your hand while in use. 

Versatility

Different types of lids require different types of tools, so choose a jar opener that can handle all types of lids and seals. For instance, look for products that come with adapter rings. These can usually make the opening process easier, though it depends on the size and the shape of the lid. 

Ease of cleaning

Some jar openers require more time and effort to clean than others. So, look for a jar opener that requires minimal maintenance and that is easy to clean. If you don’t plan on washing your jar opener often, choose one with removable parts so that it can be wiped down quickly without requiring you to disassemble the entire unit. 

Safety

Safety is key when using any kitchen tool. Search for a jar opener that has been tested for durability. It’s also smart to look for one that is designed to open lids safely without causing injury to yourself or others. Make sure the option you are considering has non-slip rubberized pads or a sturdy handle so that it won’t slip out of your hands as easily or at all. 

Adaptability

Choose a jar opener that can be adjusted easily and that works well with various sizes or shapes of lids, including ring-top lids, safety caps, and twist-off tops. The more adjustable the product is, the better off you’ll be in the long run because it will save you from having to purchase multiple types of openers for different sizes and shapes of lids. 

Storage

Most jar openers are relatively small in size, so storage usually isn’t an issue. However, if you want something that’s even easier to store in drawers or cabinets, look for a jar opener that comes with folding handles or stands so that you can collapse them and store them away when not in use. 

The Types of Jar Openers

  • Manual Jar Openers: Manual jar openers are the most basic type of jar opener. They typically consist of a rubber or plastic grip that is placed over the lid to provide additional traction. Some manual jar openers have adjustable teeth that can accommodate different jar sizes. These jar openers are ideal for people who have sufficient hand strength and dexterity.
  • Electric Jar Openers: Electric jar openers are powered by electricity. They can quickly and easily open jars with the touch of a button. Electric jar openers usually have adjustable jaws that can accommodate different jar sizes, and they are ideal for people with limited hand strength or dexterity, including seniors or people with arthritis.
  • Wall-Mounted Jar Openers: Wall-mounted jar openers are mounted on a wall or under a cabinet. Like other jar openers, they can accommodate jars of different sizes. They typically come with a clamp or a gripping mechanism that will hold the jar in place while you twist off the lid. These jar openers are ideal for people who have limited countertop space and want to free up some space in their kitchen.

Detailing the Top Jar Opener of 2023

1

The Grip Jar Opener

– Best Overall
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Buy on Amazon

Looking for a game-changing kitchen gadget that will make your life easier? Look no further than the Grip Jar Opener! This handy tool features a V-shaped design with dual carbon steel teeth that make opening jars and bottles a breeze. But that’s not all! This amazing gadget is a must-have for anyone with weak hands or arthritis, meaning it’s especially helpful for seniors or those with disabilities. 

And the best part? This compact jar opener is easy to install under your cabinet, so you can keep it out of sight yet still within reach. Say goodbye to struggling with stubborn jars and hello to a safe, reliable solution to common kitchen problems. You can throw away your ineffective jar openers that take up precious counter space. Instead, choose this versatile jar opener that has the ability to easily open jars and cans of any size, making it our top pick.

Pros
  • No effort required to use
  • Easy to mount and install
  • Can open a wide range of jars
Cons
  • Caution required due to sharp teeth 
2

EZ Off Jar Opener

– Most Efficient
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Buy on Amazon

The EZ Off Jar Opener is designed to make life easier in the kitchen. It helps open jars, bottles, and other containers with tight lids. This product does away with the need to manually twist or grip the lid, providing a much-needed assistant for seniors, children, and those with certain physical disabilities.

What sets this product apart is its ease of use and the way it can solve age-old problems in the kitchen. Plus, it won’t put any additional strain on muscles, joints, or hands. This jar opener is ideal for anyone in search of help opening tight containers. The jar opener is an essential kitchen gadget that will help make everyday tasks easier in the kitchen. It is both practical and discreet, and its simple installation process means that it can be set up in no time without any additional tools or assistance.

Pros
  • Grips lid firmly and evenly 
  • Easy installation and set-up process
  • Not visible when mounted under cabinets 
  • Opens a wide range of jar and can sizes
Cons
  • Not as easy to use for shorter people 
3

MEYUEWAL Jar Opener

– Most Versatile
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Buy on Amazon

Tired of struggling to open jars and bottles? The solution is here! This jar opener is the ultimate kitchen gadget for anyone who needs a little extra help. With its ergonomic design and non-slip silicone handle, this opener ensures a perfect grip on almost any type of lid. 

But that’s not all! This jar opener also comes with two types of bottle openers and a heavy-duty helper opener, making it a multi-functional tool. Say goodbye to the frustration of bulky jar openers and hello to the easy, labor-saving design of this must-have kitchen gadget. So, why wait? Upgrade your kitchen game today with this 5-in-1 jar opener!

Pros
  • Super versatile 
  • Ergonomic design with comfortable grip
  • Easy to use
  • Feels sturdy and well-made 
Cons
  • Does not work on 0.5L water bottles
4

OXO Jar Opener

– Easy to Store
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Buy on Amazon

The OXO Good Grips jar opener is a highly functional tool that can assist individuals who experience difficulty when opening tightly-sealed jars. The unique base pad design ensures that the jar remains stable during use. This feature can significantly reduce the amount of effort that is required to open it. The stainless steel teeth of the opener easily grip the lid, while the ergonomic, contoured, non-slip grip provides optimal leverage to facilitate effortless opening.

Using this jar opener is a straightforward process. Simply position the opener beneath the jar and slide it over the lid. Twist the tool counter-clockwise to loosen the seal. With the base pad in place, you won’t have to worry about the jar slipping out of your grip. As such, this tool is both safe and convenient. Furthermore, both components of the opener are dishwasher-safe, eliminating the need for a specialized cleaning process.

Pros
  • Great for people with arthritic hands
  • Easy to store in a cabinet
  • Pain-free bottle opening
Cons
  • Can cause messes if not used properly 
5

INSTACAN Jar Opener

– Easiest to Use
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Buy on Amazon

The INSTACAN Jar Opener is an exceptional and valuable addition to any kitchen. This innovative gadget is far superior to traditional jar opening methods because it is designed with a powerful, high-torque motor that quickly removes jar lids with ease. Its user-friendly design requires minimal effort thanks to its simple, one-touch button, which initiates a 360° automatic rotation. 

This pick caters to individuals who face a lot of difficulties opening jars. With this electric jar opener, it’s easy to avoid the strain that traditional jar opening methods may cause to their hands. The product is also compact, making it easy to store in a kitchen drawer while keeping the kitchen organized and tidy. It is important to note, however, that this product is not recommended for use on conical cans, irregular jars, or plastic jar lids.

Pros
  • Convenient for people with arthritic hands 
  • Easy to use once you get the hang of it 
  • Opens tight lids on jars
Cons
  • Will not fit on fairly small jars or larger tops

People Also Asked

Q: What types of jar openers are available?

A: There are several different types of jar openers, including manual crank-style openers, lever-style openers, and small handheld tools with grippers or tongs. There are also electric jar openers for those who have trouble gripping and turning manual jar openers. 

Q: What materials are jar openers typically made from?

A: Jar openers are typically made from durable plastic or rubber materials. Metal versions, which are usually coated with a non-slip grip material, are also available.

Q: What size jars can a particular jar opener open?

A: The jars that can be opened by a jar opener will be based on the type and the design of the opener in question. Some manual crank-style jar openers can open jars up to four inches in diameter while other lever-style openers can open larger jars up to eight inches in diameter. Electric models may be able to handle even larger jars. 

Q: Are jar openers dishwasher-safe?

A: Many jar openers can be washed in a top-rack dishwasher, but it is recommended to check with the manufacturer's instructions first since some models may require you to hand-wash them instead.

Q: How do I properly use a manual jar opener?

A: To use a manual jar opener, simply place the opener around the lid and turn it clockwise until you are met with resistance. Continue turning until the lid pops off or can be easily removed by hand. For lever-style openers, squeeze the opener tightly around the lid until the point of resistance, and then turn the jar counterclockwise until either the lid pops off or the lid can be easily removed. The process for using an electric model will vary, so follow the directions according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Q: Are jar openers easy to store?

A: Yes, most manual models are very easy to store because they are usually relatively small and lightweight. Electric models tend to take up more space due to their bulkier designs, but they might still fit inside of standard cupboards or drawers when not in use.  

Kitchen Kitchen Tools
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By Old House Journal Review Team
The Old House Journal Review Team’s product reviews and in-depth guides are here to help you restore, repair, update, and decorate your home. The content is created by The Old House Journal Review Team. The Old House Journal editorial staff is not involved. Old House Journal is reader-supported: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. All questions regarding articles or product testing can be sent to aimperiapt@gmail.com
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