The Best Way To Open A Jar, According To Science

Struggling to open a jar is such a common kitchen annoyance that it's basically become a cliché. It's been the butt of countless jokes in TV shows and movies, and there are all kinds of infomercials out there for gadgets that the makers claim to guarantee will help you get the lid off of those seemingly impossible-to-open jars.

But it's a cliché for a reason. Sometimes it actually is really difficult to twist the top off of a jar of your favorite foodstuffs. As it turns out, though, you don't need any gimmicky novelties to make the process easier. You just need some know-how. This is the best way to open a jar, according to science.

#Pickles #Jelly #Strength

[MashedFood]

What tricks do you use with stubborn jars?

[markfischer]

I use the pointy end of a can opener stick it between the glass and the lid, apply a little force to break the vacuum seal and the lid unscrew easily. I'll also try the inversion method suggested here.

[Amadeus]

The tapping on the bottom end whist upside down worked quite well. Thank you :)

[ezura]

A few taps of the lid edge against the countertop works for me. If my hand is wet then I put on a dry washing up glove to grip better.

[braggarmybrat]

I was a professional chef and the answer is simple. Get a sharp knife, stab the lid, vacuum pressure is released, jar opens. Easy. Of course, you have to either get a new jar, use all the contents up, or put some kitchen tape over the hole, but hey, it's open. 😀

[baybiikiki]

Fighting with a jar of pickles right now… and I’m losing 😂😂😂😂

[keishasamoht]

Hot water and a dish rag worked, thanks 😊 now time for pickles

[Mr_Oggie]

I just use a spoon - slip the edge under the lid, usually near one of the tabs, and pop the air tight seal. The shape of the spoon makes it easy to get in there and works as a lever.

[kathyhaynes]

I have always tapped sides of lid all around and opens fine !

[Dallin]

There is an even easier way. Take a butter knife, push it up under the side of the lid next to one of the lid grips. Toggle it around, slight twisting and prying until you hear the vacuum release with a Now you can twist the lid off easily. Learned this recently, so far I am 3for 3 on difficult jar lids.

[chaddentandt]

I've encountered some tough lids, using the rubber circular gripper has helped.

[fernandobauler]

My plastic jar could not be wet so I warmed up on the top of the stove (keeping some distance) and it opened really easy...

[FredrikFazBjorn]

Thank you so much, been trying to open my fleshlight for days. But the gloves method actually helped.

[harveygaiter]

Smacking that bottom is my go to move for opening jars. I knew I was a low key scientist 👨‍🔬 🤓

[fadian]

I just use a knife (preferably a small one) & put it between the lid & the glass & apply some pressure & it opens easily!

[MrDevtun]

Not just about grip. You want to create a lever action that greatly increases torque to get the lid off. Jar removal gadgets do both. They create grip, and create leverage. If you go through lots of jars than shelling out $12-15 bucks for a tool is well worth it - especially the elderly.

[billynomates]

i've seen banging the jar on a table or counter top work well. i've also seen it work not so well. it works every it's just that sometimes, the pickles are more crunchy than usual :-) :-)

[michaellone]

Fill a saucer with hot water. Turn the jar over and immerse the lid in the water for a short while. The lid expands from the heat and is opened easily.

[purberri]

I bought the same mechanical opener that uses batteries-love it always works

[beckycondreay]

I have always inverted the jars, held onto the bottom of the jar and given them a quick couple raps on the counter. That will release some of the suction on the lid.