More than 54 million adults suffer from arthritis. This painful condition can cause people to experience swelling and stiffness in their joints, which leads to a decreased range of motion. When someone is suffering from an arthritic flare-up, it can be difficult or even impossible to carry out basic tasks, like opening a jar.
The risk of arthritis increases when someone is in their golden years. Many seniors suffer from arthritis, and it can have a negative impact on their quality of life. Thankfully, the right kitchen tools can make it easier to live with this condition. For example, any of these jar openers for people with arthritis will help seniors and the elderly to open jars as needed.
Jar Opener Reviews
Hamilton Beach Open Ease Automatic Jar Opener
This compact device is the best automatic jar opener for arthritis because it is able to open and close jars with a simple press of a button. The device is simple to use and even comes with an instructional video so that users can master it in no time. It’s a wonderful gift for seniors with arthritis or people suffering from a long-term disability.
The device is equipped with arms that are able to grip a jar’s lid in the same way that hands would. When a button is pressed, the arms grip the lid and twist open the jar. The same process can be completed when a jar needs to be closed. This is an incredibly handy tool that can remove the stress of jar opening.
Here’s a quick video from Hamilton beach showing this jar opener being used so you can decide if it’s too complicated or not.
Jar Opener for Weak Hands
This sturdy stainless steel jar opener allows even tightly sealed jars to easily be opened. The device, which can be used to open both jars and even water bottles, can be used by anyone with weak or arthritic hands. The tool is able to lock tightly onto lids so that they can be opened with one quick twist.
ALSO READ: Best Bottle Openers for Arthritic Hands
It can be used on jars of many different sizes and can also be used to twist lids back on. It has a compact design and can easily be stored in a kitchen drawer when not in use. It’s a well-made product that is clearly designed to last.
EZ Off Jar Opener For All Jar Sizes
Jars that have been factory sealed can be challenging to open even when you have tools in your kitchen. Thankfully, this device is able to open any jar. It’s able to tightly grip lids so that they can be opened with a simple sliding motion. Because it’s so easy to use, even people with arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome should be able to use it when opening jars.
It can be used to open any kind of bottle, even something that is small in size, like nail polish. The device is easy to put together, and it’s even easier to use. The small, flat device can easily be stored under a cupboard or a cabinet when it’s not in use. It’s not an automatic jar opener, but using this device is still a breeze.
Black & Decker JW200 Lids Off Jar Opener
This electric jar opener makes it easy for anyone to open factory-sealed lids. Users simply need to place a jar in the device, press the power button, and watch it work its magic. Because it’s powered by electricity, it doesn’t require any sort of twisting from users. It can easily be used with a single hand.
The device can be kept on a kitchen counter, but it can also be collapsed if it needs to be stored out of sight. It can be used to open a wide array of jars, including the small jars that contain baby food. It runs off an electric outlet and does not require batteries.
NOTE: This device is currently hard to find available for sale.
Finduat Jar Opener
This three-piece set provides users with everything that they need to open jars, cans, and bottles. (Learn more about can openers for seniors in this guide.) These simple kitchen gripping tools can easily be used to open a range of jars and bottles. They don’t require any sort of batteries or electricity. Instead, the tools allow people to grip tightly to jars even when their hands are weak.
The set comes in a variety of colors, which means that anyone can find tools that complement the colors of their kitchen. It’s an intuitively designed tool that is incredibly simple to use. Once someone has these tools in their kitchen, they’ll be reaching for it every time they need to open something.
Swing-A-Way Comfort Grip Jar Opener
This durable steel device assists when opening bottles or jars. The cushion grip and ergonomic design make it comfortable to hold, even for people that suffer from arthritis. The device is spring-loaded, which means it provides plenty of power when opening jars.
The opener can be adjusted so that it can fit most jar lids. It can open any jar lid up to 4.5 inches wide. Because it’s made of steel, it’s incredibly durable, and its sleek design means it looks terrific in the kitchen.
DIY Methods for Opening Jars
Here are a few ways to make lids easier to remove without buying special tools (courtesy of Tipnut)
- Loosen the seal by hitting the lid with a butter knife.
- Use gloves to improve your grip.
- Wet a dish towel for a tighter grip.
- Run the jar under hot water.
- Put a wide rubbed band around the lid before twisting.
- No slip shelf liners can give you a better grip too.
- Hit the bottom of the jar with the palm of your hand to try and break the seal.
Summary and Final Recommendations
Opening jars is essential when you’re preparing meals at home. Whether you’re opening a jar of tomato sauce or are preparing a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, it’s important to be able to open the jars in your kitchen. Although it can be difficult for seniors with arthritis, carpal tunnel, or weak hands to open jars, there are many excellent assistive tools on the market.
Anyone that struggles to open jars should take a closer look at these kinds of devices. Using a jar opener can eliminate the hassles associated with jar opening. From electric jar openers for arthritis to manual devices, there are plenty of great jar openers for people with arthritis.
Do you know other methods or tools to make jars easier to open for seniors with arthritis? Which do you think is the best jar opener for arthritic hands? Tell me in the comments below.
