20 Best Jar Openers For Seniors (2023 Updated)

Product description: Since 1938, Swing-A-Way has created the highest quality, most dependable can openers on the market. When you reach for a Swing-A-Way, you reach for a classic. Soon to become one of your go-to kitchen gadgets, this Comfort Grip Jar Opener is a must have! Easily open stubborn jars lids and caps with leveraged twisting and spring-loaded power for smooth, easy operation.

This opener adjusts to fit most food lids, jar lids and more. Extremely durable with an all-steel construction. Features an ergonomic, soft cushion-grip for comfortable handling; will fit any size hands.

This jar opener is perfect for anyone but ideal for arthritis and seniors. Hand wash when needed with warm water and a mild detergent, rinse and dry immediately. Measures 7. 5-inches. (Cited from Swing-A-way).

Does a good job of adjusting to the cap and opened the cap easily. Care must be given to not crush the cap and/or break the glass bottle if glass is present and excessive pressure is applied. I felt that the pliers-type gripper could produce enough pressure to damage the top of a glass bottle if excessive grip force was applied.

There’s no feedback as to proper pressure being applied. Just go easy and slow. I also felt that the chromed metal pincers that contact the metal cap could have been rubber coated to get a better grip and safely open the cap with less chance of crushing the cap under excessive pincer pressure.

Also, I wish the tool had a ‘keep closed” latch when the unit is stored. The swing arm stays all the way out away from the opener when stored in the kitchen tool drawer. When not in use, I use a small ladies hairband wrapped twice around the tool to hold the swing lever closed inward against the main body of the unit.

Other than these suggested modifications, the tool performed well when careful pressure was applied.

I have used one of these openers for many years, and when a friend with arthritic hands complained about being unable to open screw-top bottles and metal-lid glass jars from the supermarket, I knew this kind of opener would be ideal for him.

You just place the clamp over the lid and slip the clamp to its closest position to the lid diameter as you can get. Then you simply squeeze the handle to keep the clamp from slipping off (this may dent a metal lid slightly), and turn CCW with the long handle for very good leverage.

The clamping action across the lid diameter is much better than using the “V” shaped openers, which for me tend to slip when used with metal lids on glass jars. I cannot remember ever having trouble using this opener for screw top and metal lid jars.

I wasn’t sure this type of opener was still being made by Swing-A-Way, the brand I bought long ago, and I was delighted to find new ones on eBay. You can’t beat a tried-and-true design, and I highly recommend this type of opener.

Thought was ok. Not sure when I bought. I redid my kitchen in June ’21 so probably then. It broke yesterday and I was reminded when I looked for a new one that I would be replacing the one that broke & no it did not open the jar! Not going to repurchase going to look 👀 elsewhere.

I have arthritis in my hands and thought I would give this a try. Honestly, it is a god send for me. It opens up every jar so easily without hurting my hands. I am buying all my family one for Christmas.

I purchased this for my mother, who has severe arthritis in her hands. She has had a difficult time opening bottles and jars for months. I ordered this for her and she is so happy. She now can open her water bottles and jars easily.

Thank you for the great product!.

This tool is absolutely wonderful. I was skeptical at first since it is so inexpensive but the first time I used it I was a believer. Have used it numerous times and it is nice when you hear the pop of the deal breaking.

Then it is so easy to open the lids. I pnly had 1 jar where the lid was too big for this tool to hold onto. We struggled with opening it but I wrapped a thick rubber band around the lid and that gave it enough traction for me to open it.

I bought one for my daughter and daughter in law for this Christmas as stocking stuffers.

I have several jars which I could not open by hand or with any of the conventional jar opening aids I had. It’s a breeze with the JarKey. It works by gently popping the vacuum (without damaging the lid) so the lid can be unscrewed easily.

It doesn’t require much hand strength or agility so may be suitable for people with hand mobility issues. I’ve used the JarKey on unopened jars with metal lids with no failures yet. I don’t know if it would work so well on plastic lids or on metal lids that have been opened previously and have become gummed up with food between the lid and the thread part of the jar.

Very easy to use. I first purchased 2 items by chance in NZ two years ago. Gave one to my brother whose health conditions meant his strength was failing. My older sister visited recently …. she suffers from arthritis ……she hadn’t come across this particular Jarkey previously….

tried it…. loved it…. I gave her ours as a small gift then my husband suddenly exclaimed that he didn’t realise we even had this device …and he also then tried it…loved it…. wanted us to have one…. hence why I went online to look for the genuine article….

and have now bought spares in case other visitors try ours. love it…want one for themselves !! :-D.

This type of Jar Opener releases the vacuum thereby making the lid very easy to turn. I have bought several of these, not only for ourselves but for family and friends. It levers up the edge of the lid slightly to allow ingress of air.

The centre of the lid will pop up as the vacuum is released. The lid then unscrews easily. So simple. I think that every home should have one as an essential kitchen accessory, particularly for the elderly or those with weak wrists.

I can therefore highly recommend it.

For us, this is the best jar opener we have ever used. Our broke because we were trying to open something with that we probably should not have. I ordered two this time so that I would have an on hand replacement.

I used to be able to use a silicone disc over lids to open jars. Now I use this device exclusively. I’ve even opened jars that my husband couldn’t budge with his bare hands. I do think it helps to thump the bottom of the jar with the heel of your hand first, but this opener provides the grip I’ve lost as I get older.

I love this gadget. If you live alone and especially if you have arthritis in your hands, this is a must have. It has never failed to open a jar yet. I have given many of these as gifts and everyone loves them.

I just wish they would carry it in the store as it is a pain to keep on ordering.

Just received this jar opener yesterday and used it today. Absolutely loved it and it worked beautifully. I do food demos and had been struggling trying to open jar lids. I’ve had carpal tunnel surgery in the past but have little strength for gripping in one hand.

I had no trouble at all using this opener. I’m ordering one for home use. Several coworkers liked mine so much they want to order one for themselves. Worth every penny and would definitely recommend.

This device does what it is intended to do. The variety of sizes of lids it can remove is pretty good. Unless you have a very large jar of something with a huge mouth to it, well, either way, I found this to be extremely useful.

My only complaint is that in my opinion, it’s unattractive. I have NO idea as to how that could really realistically, functionally be rectified. I to leave it hanging with other kitchen utensils, in plain sight, so that when I need it I won’t forget I have it.

IF there was a way to make it more aesthetically appealing and I found one that functions exactly the same as this one, for this price, I would toss this and buy the more attractive one. This otherwise serves it’s purpose very effectively.

VERY easy to use. I didn’t have this a full day when a lid had to be removed from a bottle that caused me a bit of a struggle. To the rescue, this thing. Cap came right off REAL easy.

Complete junk. Absolutely worthless! Owned it for about 2 months, haven’t been able to open one thing. Nothing. Would give it negative stars if possible. Complete waste of money. Doesn’t grip lid, just slides around.

I am not a weak person. Tried it on several type jars and it just does not work.

I had my doubts that this little piece of rubber would do much to help me open a bottle or jug lid, but IT WORKS. Occasionally my right hand/wrist go weak. When that happens, I can’t open a water bottle or remove any other small caps.

The first day I reached for this Jar Opener it was quick as a wink. Bottle top opened right away with very little help from me. I’m coming back to buy a few more.

I use this for opening bottles and jars as my hands are not strong and this is a wonderful little addition to my kitchen. Had this same jar opener many years ago and was so happy to find it once again.

Thank you!!!!.

My arthritis can sometimes prevent me from removing lids from jars. I’ve had my original rubber jar opener for many years and thought it was time to get a new one. The old one still works just a little stained.

Thanks so much.

A very sturdy opener. The grippers seem to get a very good “bite” on the lids, and the leverage is just right. I will order more for Xmas stocking stuffers. This Opener is very well named for those of us with arthritis in the hands.

It can be hopeless trying to “get a grip” on the smaller lids, and that’s just where this tool really shines!.

A handy easy to use opener that is very good for older persons with a touch of arthritis in their hands. It does seem a little clunky & rattly to use, but is well built, has an adjustable ratchet grip for large or small jar lids & a good sturdy handle.

It does the job it is designed for with stubborn lids. & for the price it is a good buy. Thanks.

Well constructed from suitable materials. Design is appropriate for use by people with weakened hands. Takes lids off with ease if bottle is held. How about a design of something to hold the bottle to stop it from rotating?.

I have not seen anything like this on any other “care gadget” site. I have severely arthritic hands and have an electric jar/bottle opener but I can grip the slim handle of this gadget and wrap and tighten the strap round something like a can of soup so I can pick it up and pout out the contents.

I highly recommend it.

open up the grip band by turning the handle clockwise slip onto lid and return the handle tightly anticlockwise presto! but odd lids like Aldi beetroot and pickled onions jars have a bevelled lid which prove a bit more challenging! otherwise brilliant saves my old hands!.

I have a Strongboy 1, the old one with the red metal handle and steel band. It is wonderful. I Googled “Strongboy” and came across this new model 2. I liked the reinforced “rubber” belt that I thought would do well with more delicate tasks, like removing stuck filters from camera lenses.

It works great! I have had the original Strongboy for 30+ years and it has not failed. I see no reason way this model 2 would be any different, as long as you take proper care. It seems well made and durable.

These jar openers are excellent to have handy around the house. I like that this is a 2 pack so that I can place them in multiple rooms. They are handy for multiple things; not just opening jars! They work great at getting lint off clothing and dog hair off couches.

When used as jar openers, they don’t slip from my grip and work perfectly every time. I don’t have to call my husband to open tight jars anymore! They are fun, bright colors and I love that they are even different shapes for different sized items.

I grew up with some non-slip jar openers and never really knew what all the hype was until now! Often times I have trouble opening spaghetti jars and it takes me forever to find a way to get it open.

Most times, using a paper towel to grip it doesn’t even work. These non-slip jar openers have a nice grip to them which makes it easier to loosen the jar lids. They’re big enough to fit most jars and they have truly helped me tremendously.

I didn’t know how much these help until using them. Everybody should have this in their kitchen. No joke! I feel like superman using it on stubborn jars. It’s so easy to open now! Seriously this is a must have.

I gave one to my elderly mom and she loves using it. She says even with arthritis it’s easy.

This is a great product. It slightly lifts the lid of a vacuum sealed jar to let the air in so you can easily remove the lid. My only issue was that this is the second one I’ve owned. I picked up the first one in an op-shop so I don’t know how it had been treated but the plastic bit that goes under the lid crumbled.

Still I liked it enough to buy a new one.

I have needed this product for ages! Works GREAT on pickle, pickled peppers, beets, red cabbage, artichoke jars. Possibly the most important tool in my kitchen, now that I’m a senior. I got one for Christmas, from a friend, and the minute I saw how easy it was to use,(you just hook it onto the side of the jar, & lift, and it pops the vacuum seal) I ordered one for each of my grown children & a senior friend.

Everyone should have at least one of these in their kitchen drawer.

BEST THING EVER. I BOUGHT ONE YEARS AGO FROM QVC. LIFE SAVER. MY SISTER HAS ARTHRITIS REALLY REALLY BAD. SHE COULD NEVER OPEN UP A JAR. WHEN I GAVE HER THIS SHE TRIED IT RITE THEN AND THERE. SHE WAS REALLY SHOCKED WHEN SHE OPENED IT WITHOUT ANY HELP.

I RECOMMEND THIS FOR EVERYONE. YOU WILL ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT. YOU WONT REGRET IT.

I’ve used these for years, a must have for every kitchen, and work shop. And get 2. Crippled hands? Weak grip? Your grip is better for tools too. Hang one from the doorknob. huge help. And the red color makes them easier to spot.

I have small hands, so opening jars can be a challenge. Wait, not anymore, this simple piece of silicone has made me a jar opening guru! It worked like a charm. Ha, you pesky, plastic, screwed on too tight lid, you have finally met your match.

This really works & it also worked great for peeling garlic cloves – a surprising bonus.

I bought these for my husband. For many years (56) he’s been my best jar opener. However as we have gotten up in years, I have found that I would have to replace him if I couldn’t find something that works as good as he did when he was younger.

I found it. These little grippers are the best I have found. No contest. But I’m keeping my husband in any case. Thanks for such a useful product.

So far so good. Looking forward to see how it preforms. I am 82 and it is difficult to grip the lids. This should help.

very good product but its missing a non slip tape or something on the left side , to smooth. the hand bottle opener works great worth it

Excellent service. Arrived quickly and are as described. Bought Gripper Jar Opener as jar of marmalade defeated me. I have several pepper grinders that don’t work so I bought the Spice Ratchet Grinder.

Both products are very good quality and work brilliantly.

It looks well made and so should last, but the first jar I tried it on it failed to work. It would not grip the metal lid and just slipped around so I was forced to run hot water over the lid before trying again.

I exerted as much pressure on handles as possible and after more slipping around lid eventually opened it. If you have weak painful hands and wrists gripping the handles tight enough to grip the lid is as bad as trying to open without it.

The problem with all of these things is whilst they may or not grip the lid and apply leverage you still have to hold the jar itself in the other hand so only half a solution ! Disappointing and no better than a cheap rubber one I have.

I bought two of these, one for an elderly friend with very weak hands and one for myself (because at 56, I’m getting up there in age myself). I ordered them both at the same time and they both arrived together in the same box.

I opened one and tried to use it. I would have to say it was defective, and VERY loud. I didn’t mind the noise, which is like the sound of an automatic can opener but MUCH louder, and the gadget just seemed to have a mind of its own.

I followed the instructions, sometimes just pressing the button until it got going, and other times holding the button down the whole time. Just picking it up without getting near the button, it would start up.

When it’s done, it is supposed to return to its starting position, but mine never does that. So I would have to say that mine was defective. I didn’t want to give my friend a defective gift, so I opened her package and tried it.

Hers worked like a charm!!! It worked EXACTLY as it was advertised (you’re supposed to hold the button down until it gets going and then you can let go and let it do its thing). The noise level of her opener was not nearly as loud as mine either.

One other thing to mention is that even though it says that it can open most jars by itself without holding onto it, I would recommend that you gently hold the opener with one hand and the jar down with the other, because it does use a lot of force, and I could understand how a jar could possibly go flying.

So to summarize, I received two at the same time and one worked perfectly and the other one was defective. I had read all the reviews beforehand and found that the feedback was 50/50 and now I know why.

I didn’t return mine or submit a complaint to the company. I still need help opening my jars and although it takes a little time and finagling, I can get it to work. And as for my friend, she absolutely LOVES hers, and I’ve seen her use it so I know how much she likes it! So, for my rating, I gave her gadget FIVE STARS and mine only one, and split the difference.

The manufacturer needs better, consistent quality control. Thank you.

I was a bit skeptical about this gadget, but it really works. It takes a bit of getting used to in order to get it started properly (watch some videos). You have to hold the green button down until both sets of jaws start to move.

After that, it’s amazing. I’ve used it to open spaghetti sauce, coconut oil, pickle jars, etc. Best part is now I don’t need to ask my wife to open jars for me. The rubber “foot” on one of the jaws popped off, but I managed to get it back on OK.

Hoping it doesn’t happen again.

My Rep Nancy Campbell Kerylow – was raving about this jar opener. When I was invited to the next Pampered Chef party I ordered it. It is amazing. I use it upside down, because it is easy to carry around from kitchen work station to kitchen work station.

I have gotten rid of my other worthless openers. This opens all sizes!! My husband did not believe me. until he had a jar he could not open. I put it on the counter and within a second – I had his jar open.

not a word from his mouth did come! LOL 5 stars +.

This is a must have for anyone with arthritis! The only drawback is the price new: $145. But once the price barrier is eliminated I can find only one flaw: It does have a height limitation so I can’t use it to take the top off of my travel coffee mug.

This is easy enough for a young child to use and requires absolutely no physical force like some of the other products aimed at arthritis sufferers. In online reviews I have found a general consensus that this product is the best jar opener on the market for arthritis.

Great christmas gift. At least in my family it is.

I love this thing. I got it for my grandparents who are having trouble as arthritis sets in, and it was super easy to set up. Love that its so easy to use; they dont have to follow a bunch of confusing steps, they just have to hold one big button.

Great gift!.

The Black and Decker Lids Off Electric Jar opener is great for the elderly and handicapped who have trouble opening jars. It works best with glass jars as it needs to grip the bottle/jar firmly in the lower jaws to adjust to the diameter of the jar.

Large and small jars don’t seem to be a problem and diameter of the jars can be as small as about 2 inches up to 6-7 inches. at the bottom and lids can be about the same diameter range. You can easily handle a 5 inch bottle bottom and a 2-3 inch lid opening.

My friend had one for almost 15 years and finally wore it out where the bottom adjustment was hard to open and close; hence the search for a replacement. The unit is fairly quiet and easily used with one hand opening which can be important for stroke victims.

My hands and wrists are weak from carpal tunnel syndrome on the right hand and having had surgery on the left wrist. Opening jars for the first time is torture if not impossible without this incredibly helpful tool.

It’s SO EASY with the tool. It’s a “must” for folks like me. My husband loves it too!.

Appears to be a good product,…HOWEVER, the “Swiss” design seems to have been executed by China manufacturing. Failed on the first try. Broken and not usable. Junk.

Enjoy a return to function with Loop Scissors. The self-opening blade allows for a return to a neutral cutting position after closing the blade. Ideal for use for those with arthritic hands or weakness.

~Dr. Kirsten Davin, OTD, OTR/L, ATP, SMS.

No dislike here. So handy for older folks. The jars nowadays are very hard to open. This device WILL open any jar and other hard to open lids. Great gift for wedding Couples.

I had great hopes when I purchased this jar opener. However, it does not grip on to most jars. The lids must have a perfect 90% angle with no rounding for it to grasp. Even after it grasps it does not open the jars, it just drags across the lid raking into them leaving a jagged sharp slice in the lid.