How to open a stuck jar or a can effortlessly: tips and tools

To open a jar effortlessly, first break the vacuum that holds the lid down, then improve your grip: a spoon slipped under the edge, a quick rinse under hot water or a jar opener that multiplies your strength. Here is why lids get stuck, 6 tips that work and the tools that open jars and cans even when your hands lack strength.

Why a jar lid gets stuck

There are three main reasons. The vacuum: as the jar cools after sealing (especially home-made preserves and jams), the air contracts and the lid is sucked inwards. Sticky residue: a little dried sugar or sauce in the thread acts like glue. Grip: a smooth lid and damp or tired hands simply cannot turn hard enough.

6 tips to open a jar by hand

1. Break the vacuum. Slide the tip of a spoon under the edge of the lid and gently lever it: a small hiss means air is getting in. The lid then unscrews almost by itself.
2. Hot water. Hold the lid under very hot water for 30 seconds with the jar upside down: the metal expands more than the glass and sticky residue softens. Dry it well before turning.
3. Improve your grip. A rubber glove, a wide rubber band around the lid or a dry tea towel greatly increase traction.
4. Tap the edge. A few light taps of the lid’s edge on the worktop, all the way round, loosen the seal. Gently, so as not to crack the glass.
5. Turn with your palm. Place your palm flat on the lid and turn with your whole arm rather than your fingers: the power comes from your shoulder.
6. Use a jar opener. The lever of a jar opener multiplies the strength of your wrist: the safest solution when the tips are not enough.

Jar openers and can openers: which one to choose?

Tool	Used for	Effort required	Strengths
4-in-1 jar opener	Jars 5 to 9 cm, caps, film	Low	Lever, adjustable grip, bottle opener, film cutter
5-in-1 can opener	Cans, jars, drink cans, bottles	Low to medium	One tool for every kind of packaging
Electric can opener	All tin cans	None	Hands-free, smooth edge with no sharp rim

For stubborn jars, the 4-in-1 jar opener fits lids from 5 to 9 cm in diameter and its non-slip handle multiplies your strength, even with a weak grip. The 5-in-1 multi-function can opener opens tins, jars, drink cans and capped bottles with a single tool. And to stop straining over tins altogether, the hands-free electric can opener travels round the lid on its own and stops once the can is open, leaving a smooth edge (it runs on 2 AA batteries, not included).

Arthritis, tendinitis, tired hands: the right habits

When your hands lose strength, opening a jar becomes a real everyday problem. Rather than forcing it, and risking pain or a cut, let a tool do the work: a lever jar opener for jars, an electric can opener for tins. Choose wide, non-slip handles and keep these tools within easy reach. Our guide to ergonomic kitchen gadgets presents other tools that are kind to your joints.

Opening a can safely

• Check the can: a bulging, rusty or leaking can must not be eaten.
• Watch the edges: a classic can opener leaves a sharp rim; a side-cutting model leaves a smooth edge.
• Clean the tool after use to avoid food residue on the blade.
• Home-made jars: if the lid opens without a hiss or the contents smell unusual, do not eat them.

Recommended products

FAQ — Opening a jar or a can

How do I open a very tight jar?

First break the vacuum by sliding a spoon under the edge of the lid, run it under hot water, then turn it with a rubber glove. If it still resists, a lever jar opener will deal with the tightest lids.

Why run the lid under hot water?

The metal lid expands slightly more than the glass and any sugar stuck in the thread softens: the lid turns more easily.

Which can opener is best for an elderly person or someone with arthritis?

A hands-free electric can opener is the most comfortable: you just press a button, with no wrist strength needed. For jars, choose a lever jar opener with a non-slip handle.

Does an electric can opener leave sharp edges?

Models that cut along the side of the lid, like ours, leave a smooth, safe edge, unlike classic manual can openers.

Find our jar openers and can openers in Can Openers & Bottle Openers and our Smart Kitchen Tools range. Read also: cooking without pain with ergonomic gadgets and the zero-waste cooking guide.