• Tip: Opening Jars
• Tip: Opening Cans

Many of the meals and snacks we enjoy are held within containers that need to be opened. Years ago, Carol Burnett developed a comedy act around containers that were impossible to get into. It was hilarious to watch her struggle to get into 'easy-to-open' packages. We found it funny, because it was an exaggeration of our own efforts. But for most of us, our sense of humor is gone when we can't open a jar or some other package. We in turn look to kitchen gadgets to help us get the job done.

How do you tell the essential gadgets from those that don't work? Some of our customers swear by tools that others find just impossible to use. It's a matter of function and of course your personal style. Think about how you will be using a tool and what functionality is the most important for you.

For example, the most common kitchen gadget is a jar opener. With so many styles to choose from, how do you decide? If you are looking for a new way to open stubborn lids consider which function you need help with: breaking the vacuum seal, twisting the lid, or perhaps holding the jar?

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Tip: Opening Jars

Some people bang a new jar lid with a wooden spoon to release the pressure, making the jar easier to open. There is also a Jar Pop gadget that uses leverage, like an old-fashioned bottle cap opener, to break the seal.

If your hands are weak, you may need a tool to help you twist off the cap. These are tools we find helpful:

• Lids Off^TM Jar Opener - Place the jar on the platform lower the top and press a button to twist the cap off.

• Manual Mounted Jar Opener - Wedge the jar lid firmly and twist open.

• Twist 'n Pop - Place the metal gadget over a bottle cap. It helps you open liter bottles by letting you use more leverage and a wider grip.

Sometimes it is difficult to hold a jar while you open or close the lid:

• Wrap the bottle in a dishcloth and put it upright in a shallow drawer. Close the drawer and push it gently with your hip or your stomach to keep the bottle in place while you open or close the jar. Shorter jars may need to be boosted higher by placing a book in the drawer.

• Use a clamp or vise from your basement workbench to hold the jar firmly but gently.
  

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Tip: Opening Cans

Can openers are another kitchen necessity. If your old can opener has stopped working well, it's probably because the piece that pierces the lid is no longer sharp. If this is the case, or the old can opener has become too uncomfortable to use, you should be shopping for a new one.

• If you prefer a manual can opener, look for one with larger handles that are easier to hold and with a larger crank that is easier to turn. Swingline and Oxo are two kitchen brand name companies that have designed more ergonomically correct manual can openers. Or you can try a Safecut Can Opener. Instead of piercing the can on the top, it cuts it from the side eliminating dangerous sharp edges.
  
• Counter top can opener models require you to be able to hold the can while you line up the piercing mechanism. If you cannot hold the can and line it up at the same time, keep several sponges handy to use as a platform to hold the can in place. Since most can-openers are designed for right-handed people, this technique is particularly useful for lefties. The Ergo Can Opener from Black & Decker^® is rather unique as it will 'walk around' the can, so that you do not need to hold it once it has begun cutting.
  
• Pull-tabs are the most recent development in can packaging. These tabs are common on cat food cans and single serving cans of tuna and fruit as well as soup. The Can Pop is a unique device that has a hook to grab the tab and a handle that allows you to use leverage to pull the can tab up without any strain.

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