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jar openers for canning jars
Canning jars are staples in most kitchens, providing a safe and convenient way to preserve fruits and vegetables for long-term storage. But one of the biggest challenges of canning is figuring out how to open the jars! That’s why jar openers are such an essential tool for anyone who is serious about canning and making sure their food stays safe and healthy. Jar openers are designed to make opening these tough-to-open canning jars a breeze. These tools come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be used to open both regular-size and wide-mouth jars.
They are made from strong, durable materials such as stainless steel, nylon, or plastic, and are designed to provide a secure grip and make opening any jar a snap. Jar openers are also great for anyone who experiences hand pain or weakness, as they take much of the force and effort out of the process.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the various types of jar openers available and the advantages they offer to make canning easier and more enjoyable. So if you’re looking for the best way to open those tough-to-open canning jars, read on!
How We Pick And Test:
Ease of use: We test each model’s one-handed usability, from opening jars to handling lids.
Practicality: We test each jar opener in our kitchen, keeping in mind the fact that most people don’t open jars every day.
Durability: We test each model’s reliability in real-world conditions, like when we dropped them on our tile floors.
Things To Consider Before Buying:
Material: Steel or silicone Jar openers are durable, but silicone is lighter and gentler on glass.
Size: Large or extra-long handles are good for reaching into deep or tall jars.
Latches: Some jar openers have a button that releases the latch. We prefer jar openers with magnetic latches, which are easier.
Extras: Jar openers that come with a lid lifter are especially handy.
JILINWEI Canning Jar Opener, Canning Tools for Releases Aluminum Vacuum Seal
This jar opener fits all-size canning jars. We improved the shape to fit most jars. The tension knob is bigger, bigger in diameter, and overall stronger than before. It is safe, easy to use, strong, and convenient, and it’s made in America. It’s water resistant, dishwasher safe, and easy to clean. If it does not open your lids correctly, we are happy to handle it.
JILINWEI Canning Jar Opener, Mason Jar Opener
- Pulls the lids off canned food jars with no marks or dents. Easy to storage with the hanging hole.
- This canning jar opener suitable for open wide mouth and regular mouth lids.
- Compact for easy storage in the kitchen gadget drawer; Keep a spare in the garage, boat, camper, and anywhere jars need to be opened easily without straining your hands.
If you’re into canning your own food or making preserves, you know the struggle of opening the jars can be real. So this jar opener fits all canning jars of varying sizes and is made with a stronger, bigger-diameter tension knob. It’s 100% safe and easy to use, plus super convenient.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Great for people with arthritis and kids
- Pulls the lids off canned food jars with no marks or dents
- Easy to store with the hanging hole
- Compact for easy storage in the kitchen gadget drawer
Cons
- Can take a bit of time to get used to
Ball Canning Jars Kit | 16 oz Regular Mouth Mason Jars and Lids (12 pack)
You don’t need a fancy canning kit to get started preserving. This version from Ball is simple and exactly what you’d need to start canning. It includes 12-pint jars and lids, plus a few additional accessories, including a funnel and jar opener.
Ball Canning Jars Kit | Regular Mouth Mason Jars and Lids
- A great kit for gifting or for the newcomer to canning. Our KanBandz kit includes 12 x Pint mason jar regular mouth for a variety of canning and preserving options, extra wide mouth plastic funnel transfers large quantities of liquids or dry ingredients with less spills and mess, and self stick labels for identifying and dating your canned goods.
- BALL REGULAR MOUTH 16 OZ MASON JAR: Ball canning jars are great for whole fruits and vegetables and are ideal too for canning salsas, syrups, sauces, fruits, vegetables, and juices.
The included lids are 2-piece lids and bands, which prevent any air from getting in once the canning process is done, and they include measurements so you can properly fill your jars. What makes these jars even more enticing is that they’re made of clear glass, so you can watch your food prepare and fill the jar before processing.
Pros
- Good value
- The jars are of decent quality
- Includes everything you need
- Jars are pretty durable
- Jars come in handy sizes
Cons
- The lids are a little tricky to open
- The bands cannot be removed from the jars
The jars are 16 ounces and are designed with 2-piece lids and bands to ensure an airtight seal. They are freezer, microwave, oven, and dishwasher safe. You can also use these jars for storing small, non-food items, such as art supplies, office supplies, and all sorts of other household items.
Kitchen Crop Home Canning, Jar Wrench, Red
The Kitchen Crop Jar Wrench was our favorite tool for torquing lids on a jar properly, thanks to its cushioned grip and wide, sturdy base, which makes it easy to get a good purchase on the jar’s lid. The flat surface on the wrench’s end makes it comfortable to hold the jar steady in your other hand while you turn the wrench to tighten.
Kitchen Crop Home Canning, Jar Wrench, Red
- FOR ANY CANNING JAR Designed to open or tighten all sizes of canning jar lids with ease
- CUSHIONED GRIP Makes working with stubborn jar lids easy on your hands
- AN ESSENTIAL TOOL For every serious home canning enthusiast
- OPTION Also available as part of the VKP1041 Five-Piece Canning Kit
The wrench is a standard size, and it was comfortable to use and well-balanced, whether you were gripping it with your fingers or with the palm of your hand.
Pros
- Easy to open or tighten any size of the canning jar lid
- The cushioned grip makes working with stubborn jar lids easier on your hands
- Essential tool for serious home canning enthusiasts
Cons
- For serious home canning enthusiasts
The rubber-cushioned grip provides plenty of traction even when working with slippery lids, and it kept our hands from getting tired. To open lids, the wrench’s wide base makes it easy to grab the lid’s bottom. The wrench is made of stainless steel and is coated in plastic. It’s dishwasher-safe, and the wrench comes with a handy storage bag.
Mirro 4-Hole Silicone Folded Red Canning Jar and Bottle Opener MIR 11306
This canning jar opener has outstanding durability. Made of polypropylene and highly heat tolerant, it’s the perfect jar opener for canning. It opens up to 15 different jar grips, which makes it great for the kitchen, bar, and outdoors.
Mirro 4-Hole Silicone Folded Red Canning Jar Opener
- Made of Polypropylene
- High heat tolerant makes it ideal when canning
- use with 4 different jar grips. Multiple jaw size fits most jar/bottle lid or bottle cap
- Ergonomic handles fit for any size of hands
The non-slip grip and rubber inside grip help to open even the most stubborn jar and bottle lids. The ergonomic handles fit any size of hand.
Pros
- Makes opening jars a breeze
- Heavy duty, durable, and seems to be made to last
- Easy to clean
- The handles make it easy to hold and grip the opener
Cons
- If you’re left-handed, the handles stick out to the right, so it’s trickier to grip
- You have to twist the lid off, rather than pull the lid off
OXO Good Grips Jar Opener with Base Pad
The OXO Good Grips Jar Opener with Base Pad is easier to use than a standard jar opener, and the lid holder keeps the lid out of the way while you twist. It feels good to use, but it requires more effort than opening jars with a dedicated jar opener. For canning jars, the OXO Good Grips Jar Opener with Base Pad is a great solution.
OXO Good Grips Jar Opener with Base Pad
- Jar Opener base pad keeps jar in place, reducing force required to open jar
- Sharp, stainless steel teeth grip jar
- Place it under the jar, slide the Jar Opener over the lid and twist counter-clockwise to loosen.
- Contoured, non-slip grip for better leverage
This opener features a unique base pad that provides extra grip and stability. The base pad also helps to reduce slippage when you’re trying to open a tight lid. This jar opener also has a special lid holder that keeps the lid out of the way while you’re twisting the lid off.
This jar opener is easy to use and makes it easier to open jars with minimal effort. Plus, it’s designed to fit comfortably in your hand, so you don’t have to worry about it slipping or feeling uncomfortable.
Pros
- It works well
- It’s cheaper than buying a separate jar opener and jar
- Good grip
- Dishwasher safe
- Good quality
Cons
- Not enough leverage for larger jars
- Can’t be used on cans
- The handwash base pad gets dirty easily and has to be washed a lot
FAQ’s
What is a jar opener for canning jars?
A jar opener for canning jars is a tool designed to help you open jars that have been sealed for canning. It is typically used for jars that are difficult to open by hand, such as those with tight lids.
How do I use a jar opener for canning jars?
To use a jar opener for canning jars, place the tool around the lid of the jar and twist it to loosen the seal. Some jar openers may require you to adjust them to fit different sizes of jars, while others may be designed to work with a variety of jar sizes.
What are the benefits of using a jar opener for canning jars?
The main benefit of using a jar opener for canning jars is that it makes it easier to open jars that have been tightly sealed for canning. This can be especially helpful if you have arthritis or other conditions that make it difficult to open jars by hand.
What are some features to look for in a jar opener for canning jars?
When shopping for a jar opener for canning jars, look for a tool that is sturdy and durable, with a non-slip grip for easy use. Or you can read our instructions on how we pick and test and things to consider before buying it helps more
Can I use a jar opener for canning jars on other types of jars?
Yes, a jar opener for canning jars can typically be used on other types of jars as well, such as those with screw-top lids. However, it may not be suitable for jars with unusual shapes or sizes.
Conclusion:
Now, let’s get into the details. In this post, we will cover different types of jar openers for canning jars, as well as educate you on how to use them safely. So, are you ready to start picking jars? I hope this article has been helpful. If you have any questions or want more information about a specific product, please let me know in the comments below – I’d love to hear from you!
I’m Ian Welkins, a seasoned professional in the kitchen industry. My passion now drives me to provide invaluable insights into the world of top-notch kitchen products. With years of hands-on experience, I’m your go-to source for culinary excellence.