Jar Opener Style Comparison

Jar openers are not made equal

Rubber jar openers

A rubber jar opener is a doily-sized piece of rubber that you can buy in most super markets for under a dollar, but many businesses such as banks and realty offices give them out for free as promotional devices. The principle of a rubber jar opener is that it gives you extra grip when opening the jar, allowing you to remove the lid faster. This is the perfect jar opener for the person who just needs a little help to get tough lids off.

Gripping jar openers

A step up from the rubber jar opener is the gripping jar opener. These openers grip the lid for you, allowing all your energy to go into turning the jar. One popular example is the Unskru Jar Opener ($8). This jar opener mounts on the bottom of a cabinet, allowing for the jar lid to be inserted into its metal gripping teeth. Once the lid is in place, the jar is turned and loosened from the gripped lid. This is a great device for those frenzied cooking moments when only one hand is available, or for those with limited mobility in one hand.

A second variety of gripping jar openers is the OXO Good Grips Jar Opener ($9). This jar opener looks like an upside down funnel, with a large opening on one side. This graduated opening fits any sized lid. Stainless steel teeth grip the lid firmly, and the oversized rubber handle provides comfortable, non-slip leverage for twisting off tough lids. This jar opener is also dishwasher safe, allowing for easy clean-up in the case of a spill.

Electric jar openers

Electric jar openers are by far the top of the line when it comes to jar opening. These jar openers are full-blown kitchen appliances, designed for counter-top use (although many can be folded up for easy storage). One very popular variety is the Black & Decker Jar Opener. This sleek model opens lids up to 4 inches in diameter and jars up to 8 inches tall, including baby food jars, jars with plastic lids and narrow jars. It requires one hand for operation, and works at the touch of a button. This jar opener is the ultimate in jar opening convenience.

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