Have you ever found yourself constantly struggling with opening your favorite jars of pasta sauce? If that is the case, you will definitely appreciate the help of a high-quality jar opener – one that is capable of popping open jars of various sizes with little effort. While there are other viable alternatives (e.g: using a pair of rubber gloves or a dish towel), a jar opener is still the best solution in terms of versatility and convenience. For older people (seniors) as well as those who suffer from arthritis or similar health issues, this little kitchenware is even more useful.

Nowadays, there are numerous models from different providers – so those who are new to the market may find it confusing to choose one. Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. Check out the list below – where 7 of the best jar openers Americas Test Kitchen are listed and analyzed in detail.

Best Jar & Bottles Openers Reviews by Americas Test Kitchen

Here are top rated Jar Openers on the market today

1. EZ Off Jar Opener for Seniors & Arthritic Hands

Two major problems that most people face when trying to open a jar is the required grip and leverage – which are all ez addressed by this EZ Off Jar Opener! This is how you do it – first, hold the jar using either one or both of your hands. After that, lift the jar up and slide it into the EZ Off’s jaws. As soon as the teeth grab onto the jar lid, turn the jar until the lid gets opened. Thanks to the sticky teeth, this should not be too much of a hassle at all.

Ez Off jar opener is capable of dealing with jars of various sizes – up to 6 inches in width. Some customers have reported to be even able to use it to open their nail polish bottle. Once you are done with it, simply store it under the kitchen cabinet – or wherever you find most convenient.

Pros:

• Suitable for jars of different sizes.
• Dual V-grip system that makes opening jars a complete piece of cake.
• Can be operated using one or both hands.
• Mountable design for space saving.
• Affordable price.

Cons:

• The jar has to be put in the correct position for the opener to work.
• Some have reported that it may damage the lids if you are not careful enough.

2. Kichwit Stainless Steel Jar Opener

Kitchwit Stainless Steel jar opener does not require any clunky batteries to operate – it’s essentially an adjustable clamp that is very easy to use. First, you put the whole thing on top of the jar’s lid, and then roll the plastic handle to tighten it. Twist the handle until the lid is unscrewed. It will take a little bit grip strength in order to keep the jar and twist the handle – but you will find this one much easier to handle than many other options. In fact, we believe even arthritic people may find good use of this.

The opener is crafted from stainless steel, which grants it great resistance against corrosion. It is capable of opening jars up to 3.7 inches wide – which should be enough to handle most jars. If you find it not serving your purpose, don’t worry – Kitchwit offers a full refund for those not happy with their product.

Pros:

• Suitable for jars up to 3.7 inches wide.
• No need for battery.
• Little hand strain.
• Can be used by those suffering from arthritis.
• Great customer service from Kitchtwit.

Cons:

• Require two hands to operate.
• Take some strength to use.
• Somehow difficult to clean.

3. Fani 6-in-1 Multi-Purpose Jar Opener

True to the name, this jar opener from Fani is a multipurpose kitchenware that can be used to open a lids and caps of a variety of sizes. As one of the best jar openers, it is capable of unscrewing a total of 6 types of seals – including jar lids, bags, bottle tops, bottle caps, safety seals, and pull tabs. Among these, opening bags is perhaps the most unusual – yet welcomed – use, and it is viable thanks to the blade integrated within the device.

Fani jar opener is constructed from sturdy plastic, which grants it desirable resilience. On top of that, it is fairly easy to operate – mostly due to its good grip strength. Just a little bit of strength, and you are ready to go. Once you are done with it, cleaning is extremely simple – as the device is dishwasher safe, you do not have to put too much effort into cleanup. Last but not least, the jar opener’s simple, yet elegant design makes it a great addition to any kitchen.

Pros:

• Great versatility in terms of the number of lid types it can open.
• Sturdy plastic material.
• Dishwasher safe.
• Good grip for more user friendliness.

Cons:

• Not very suitable for large jars.
• Be careful of the pretty sharp integrated blade.

4. Jar Opener by OXO Good Grips

Oxo jar opener is comprised of 2 parts: one base pad to keep the jar in place, and an opening tool to unscrew the lid. The former is a particularly innovative feature that many other openers do not have – and it truly provides users with a lot of convenience – while the latter comes with an ergonomic, easy-to-grab handle. All you need to do is placing the teeth over the lid, and then twisting the handle until the lid is opened. With larger lids, you may find it a little bit more difficult though – but most of the time, there should be little to no disappointment.

Some reviewers have remarked that this OXO jar opener is essentially a portable version of the EZ Off jar opener we discussed above – and we think it is a pretty interesting comparison. Unlike the EZ off one, this requires you to operate using two hands. That being said, being portable means you don’t need to attach it to anything beforehand – which is not only convenient, but also makes it a great gear to bring along on a trip.

Pros:

• Can open lids up to 4 inches in diameter.
• Base pad featured to keeps the jar in place.
• Easy to grip – which makes it a great choice for arthritic people.
• Space saving.

Cons:

• Not very great for larger lids.
• Some have reported that it may strip off a few lids.

5. Kuhn Rikon Gripper Opener for Jars and Bottles

As one of the best jar openers, Kun Rikon opener is pretty effective in terms of dealing with the three common challenges of opening jars (grip, leverage, the use of two hands). The way it works is like this – you put it over the jar’s lid, and then tighten the clamps until the teeth hold on to the lid firmly. Once it is done, use either one or two hands to twist the handle – and the lid will be opened.

One minor drawback of this jar opener, though, is the fact that it’s somehow large and bulky. Overall, if you don’t really care about sizing, this should work perfectly for you. Try using it in combination with a gripper pad to further increase the grip strength.

Pros:

• Open lids well in most cases.
• Solid construction.

Cons:

• Somehow bulky.
• Requires a bit of strength to unscrew more stubborn lids.

6. Hamilton Beach Electric Jar Opener

For jar lids that range from 1-4 inches in diameter, this opener should handle most of them quite well. Thanks to its automatic design, there is no need to input a lot of strength into using it – which makes it a great choice for people with arthritis issues.

As a portable battery-based gadget, Hamilton Beach 76800 jar opener is designed to grip onto the jar with its lower arms, and to grip the lid with its upper ones. In order to make sure that it grips to the jar tightly enough, press the Release button until you find it appropriate. Once you press the Open button, just let the device do the whole work for you.

Pros:

• Solid plastic construction.
• 2 built-in buttons for more versatility.
• Automatic opener.
• Can open most kinds of jars from 1-4 inches in diamter easily.
• 1-year warranty.

Cons:

• Requires batteries to operate.
• Not a good fit for plastic jars.

7. Swing-A-Way Comfort Jar Opener 7.5-Inch

Well, the name “Swing-A-Way” should definitely give you some kind of first impression – and what’s more, it is true! Thanks to the long handle, you don’t need to use too much strength in order to “swing away” jar lids. In fact, arthritic people should have no problem opening jars with this little device. For jar lids that range from 0.5-4.5 inches, there’s nothing that can stop this Swing-A-Way one.

Not only limited to jar lids, the opener’s use may also cover twist caps of stuffs such as soda bottles – in other words, it should work well as a bottle opener for seniors. One little reminder: make sure to use both hands while operating with this.

Pros:

• Adjustable grip that ranges from 0.5-4.5 inches.
• Spring-load design allows for quick and effortless opening.
• Space saving.

Cons:

• Requires the use of both hands.
• A little bit narrow.

Buying guide The Best Jar Openers

Before it’s time to settle on purchasing one of the best jar openers mentioned above, let’s have a quick look at a few important considerations first:

Type of jar opener

-Classic openers: These are normally designed with an adjustable lever arm, which allows them to fasten to the jar’s lid. The pros of this type of opener include space saving, and the ability to open jars of different sizes.

-Wall-mounted openers: These often come with V-shaped teeth that act to unscrew lids. Most of the time, users need to operate using two hands.

-Grip bands: As the name might have suggested, these openers are meant to improve the grip strength. Normally made from rubber/ silicone, they are generally affordable and do not take up too much space.

-Jar keys: These are great for dealing with vacuum-sealed jar lids. On the other hand, they also work fine as a bottle opener.

-Twist-handle openers: These are the perfect choice for arthritic people. Just remember, you still have to use two hands – one to hold the jar – in order to use them.

-Clam-and-lock openers: These are designed with extended handles, which solve the leverage issue well.

-Automatic openers: These are battery-based ones that allow for effortless operation. For those who wish to do manual work as little as possible, automation is the way to go.

Dimension

Space saving is often a worthy consideration when it comes to choosing a jar opener. Some models come with a compact design that allows them to be put in a drawer without taking too much space. Some require users to install them under a cabinet. And finally, some need to be placed on the counter, as they take up too much space in a drawer. Depending on your available space, choose wisely.

Features

-Lid compatibility

Read the instructions first and see if the opener works for different types of lids – specifically, whether it works for the jars you currently have in your kitchen.

-Portability

For those who are often on the run or enjoy traveling, handheld models are the preferable choice.

FAQs about Jar Openers

1. What is the best jar opener for seniors?

Answer: it depends. From our own experience, the EZ Off model above should be a worthy consideration. Overall, you should try different models yourself and see which one works best for you.

2. Are jar openers effective for children?

Just like seniors and arthritic people, kids generally don’t have the strength required to open stubborn jar lids. One piece of advice: you may prefer rubber/ plastic openers – just as a safety measure for your children to protect them from the risk of cuts.

3. Can a jar opener open a soda or beer bottle?

Many jar openers can remove twist-off caps from beverage bottles. If the bottle features a non-twist-off cap, you’ll need a bottle opener instead.

As stated above, some models are capable of removing twist-off caps of bottles. However, if the cap is non-twist-off, a bottle opener is still required.

Conclusion

If you love jarred foods, a high-quality jar opener is an essential kitchenware. For those who suffer from arthritis or hand dexterity issues, this little device is even more critical. We hope that our analysis above should give you a full picture of the best jar openers available.

Whether you have a family or are living on your own, the convenience of having an electric kettle is hard to deny. No need for a clunky stove – just a small area is enough, and now you are able to boil water swiftly. Nowadays, many electric kettles even come with additional features – such as the ability to set temperature, so that your cup of tea/ coffee is at its finest.

When it comes to choosing the best electric kettle BY Americas Test Kitchen, there are quite a few factors to consider – including speed, control, accuracy, etc. To make things easier for you, we have compiled the list below – where 7 of the top picks are analyzed in detail. On top of that, a small buying guide and FAQ section are also available to shed some “lights” into your decision-making process.

Best Electric Kettle Reviews by Americas Test Kitchen

Here are top rated best electric kettle consumer reports

1. Amazon Basics Stainless Steel Electric Kettle

For those who value speed and value over ordinary stuffs like bells and whistles, Amazon Basics Electric Kettle is meant for you. Although it’s a little bit smaller than similar options – with only a 4-cup capacity, the kettle is capable of boiling water very quickly – within less than 4 minutes. This alone should be enough to make up for the minor drawback mentioned before.

Once the boiling process has completed, the kettle will immediately shut it off – thereby avoiding the risk of dry boiling, as well as saving users a lot of time and allowing them to focus on other important stuffs.

Pros:

• 1500W power output.
• Cordless design for simple filling.
• Cord wrap available for space saving.
• Food-grade, long-lasting stainless steel material.
• Removable filter for simple cleanup.
• Automatic off for complete protection from boil-dry.
• Transparent window to prevent over/underfilling.

Cons:

• A little bit small – with only a 4-cup capacity.
• The body gets pretty hot during/after boiling.

2. Mueller Electric Kettle, Cordless with LED Light

Like the Amazon Basics electric kettle discussed above, this one also comes with an automatic shutoff function – which makes it a premium choice for busier people who are always on the run. No longer do you have to pause everything just to anticipate that little whistle sound – just go on doing your work. What’s more, it boils very quickly, so you can enjoy your favorite cup of coffee/tea without too much waiting.

Reliability and durability are other notable selling points of this Muller SpeedBoil electric kettle. In fact, hundreds of customers have reported that it is capable lasting for years – without any signs of degradation in terms of beauty and functionality.  Considering that it is also a budget-friendly pick, it’s definitely not a boast to say that this is one of the best electric kettles.

Pros:

• 1.8L capacity.
• Budget-friendly.
• Auto shutoff function for more convenience.
• Boiling quickly.
• Ergonomic handle.
• Transparent glass window for easy filling and tracking.
• Eye-catching blue color that adds a nice touch to any kitchen’s look.

Cons:

• A little bit heavy.
• The base is a little flimsy.

3. Stagg EKG Electric Pour-Over Kettle

Won’t you agree with us that this kettle’s beauty is truly magnificent? When we first unpacked it, we were extremely amazed by its sleek, polished matte gooseneck design. Although the price is pretty high (about 50% higher than other options), the trade-off is definitely worth it – especially if you would really love adding some aesthetics to your kitchen.

Stagg EKG pour-over kettle is not just among the best gooseneck kettles – but also among the best kettles too. With a wide heating range from 135-212 degrees, it is capable of making various types of tea – including those that require hotter water (black, herbal teas) as well as those that need cooler water (green, white tea). In addition, there’s also a function that allows you to keep water warm for 1 hour.

Pros:

• Great durability.
• Stylish design that is sure to liven up any kitchen.
• Unique functions for maximum versatility.
• Precise pouring.
• Easy to use.

Cons:

• On the smaller side.
• A little bit pricy.
• Sometimes there may be a few leakages from the lid.

4. COSORI 1.7L Glass Electric Kettle

COSORI electric kettle is constructed from high-quality borosilicate glass, which boasts superior resistance against external damage. On top of that, the borosilicate glass material also grants the product a highly aesthetic appearance, which massively complements any kitchen. These reasons should be enough to justify the initial investment.

Another feature that we are also fascinated with is the LED indicator light, which will turn on as the kettle heats up. For tea/coffee lovers, there’s no need to wait for long – because it should boil quickly enough for you to enjoy your favorite cup in time. If you find yourself fond of this electric kettle from COSORI, don’t be afraid to buy a few more as gifts for your loved ones!

Pros

• 1.7L capacity.
• Affordable pricing.
• Automatic shutoff function to prevent dry boiling.
• Sleek design that will blend in well with other kitchen accessories.
• Boil quickly.
• Glowing blue light while in use.
• Clearly labeled for more ease in terms of measuring.

Cons

• The lid is a little bit weak and does not fully open.
• Sometimes, there may be leakages from the base.
• It is a little bit noisy while boiling.

5. BELLA 1.2L Ceramic Electric Tea Kettle

It’s time for one of the best electric tea kettle! Durability is the first selling point when it comes to this model from BELLA – and for good reason. Its whole body is solidly constructed from ceramic, as well as patterned décor. This construction grants the whole thing much superior resistance – compared to glass kettles. In fact, we have been using one for up to 5 months – and it still functions as expected without displaying any major issues.

BELLA ceramic tea kettle boils water very fast – just within about a minute. Hence, you can easily prepare up to 4-5 cups when some guests come to your house. The blue color patterns are another feature worth mentioning – and it is sure to attract the attention of quite a few people out there. Who knows – you might want to purchase one as a décor for your office?

Pros:

• 1.5-L capacity.
• Stylish and sturdy.
• Heat water quickly.
• Auto-shutoff to avoid dry boiling.
• Gooseneck spout that grants much more control while pouring water.

Cons:

• A little bit difficult to clean – especially around the spout and drain holes.

6. Miroco 1.5L Electric Kettle

Miroco 1.5L electric kettle’s exterior is made from BPA-free plastic, which is completely food-safe. In addition, the material will stay cool during/after boiling – therefore, you may touch the kettle without worrying about getting burned. The lid is made from stainless steel, which boasts amazing durability, and can be opened easily with just a single button touch.

With such a large capacity, Miroco electric kettle is the perfect choice for you to prepare water for a large group of people. Not to mention, it boils very quickly – just wait for about 6 minutes, and you are ready to go. Once boiling is finished, the whole thing will automatically turn itself off.

Pros:

• 1.5L capacity.
• Luxurious stainless steel finish.
• Easy on/off lever.
• Easy-to-open lid.
• Food-grade materials.
• Safe to touch.
• Boil water quickly.
• Automatic shutoff function to prevent dry boiling.

Cons:

• No adjustable temperature and keep-warm setting.
• A little bit bottom heavy.
• The spout is too broad.

7. Electric Gooseneck Kettle by COSORI

Let’s move on to the last – but not least – pick in our best electric kettle review. As one of the best Gooseneck Kettle, this one boasts various selling points for you to consider – which are offered for a pretty affordable price. Many customers have reported that the product is the perfect choice to prepare pour-over coffee/tea. Thanks to the well-designed spout, pouring water without spilling would be a piece of cake.

Aside from the controlled pour ability, the kettle also comes with the temperature control function – you can easily preset the temperature to match the type of cup you are preparing. Once you have determined the perfect heat, it will do the job pretty quickly – so that you may enjoy your cup of coffee/tea without too much waiting.

Pros:

• Affordable.
• Great functionality.
• 5 heat preset settings.
• 1200W power output for quick boiling.
• Beeping feature.
• Keep-warm function that works for up to 1 hour.
• Leak-proof design for precise pouring.
• Sleek design.

Cons:

• The beeping is a little bit flimsy and easy to get broken.
• The metal band tends to get hot.

Buying guide the best electric kettle

Now that we’ve been through the best electric kettle part, let’s discuss some important criteria that need to be taken into account before making a purchase:

• -Size

Obviously, you should prioritize buying a smaller kettle if you are only making one cup of coffee/tea at a time – so as to save space and costs. On the other hand, those who drink regularly or need to prepare coffee/tea for many people should look for bigger (and perhaps heavier) kettles.

• -Material

When it comes to electric kettles, there are three major materials: steel, glass, and plastic. Each option comes with a different weight and adds a different look to your kitchen. Overall, plastic is the most lightweight pick – although you should make sure that the material is completely food-grade. That being said, there are many worthy glass and steel models out here that are still very lightweight.

• -Features

A normal electric kettle will work like this: you press the switch, and then wait until boiling is finished. However, many models are designed with special features – such as keep-warm function, preset heat settings, automatic shutoff, etc. It’s up to you to decide what features best work for you.

FAQs electric kettle

Are glass kettles better than stainless steel?

Glass kettles are meant for old-fashioned people who value simplicity above all. No need to plug it in – just put in on top of a stove, and you are ready to make your favorite cup of tea/coffee.  If you decide to go for glass, make sure that the material is capable of withstanding high heat.

One benefit of stainless steel kettles, though, is the fact that they do not discolor over time – nor do they retain odor. For this reason, not only will they last for long, but you can also prepare several cups spontaneously without fearing odor overlapping.

Conclusion

As little as it may seem, an electric kettle is an invaluable asset for any kitchen – without one, you will have a much harder time preparing your favorite cup of coffee/ tea. And not only that – the appliance can be used for a multitude of other purposes. For this reason, it is never a bad idea to be selective when choosing one for your kitchen.

To help you figure out the best electric kettle, we have compiled this list based on our extensive buying and testing experience.