Right?!? Lololol!! I'm just thinking about the 7 jars of pickles.. Which we do have 4-5 open in our fridge but they're all different, I didn't pay too much attention but all his pickle jars seemed to be the same flavor
mattymatt2323 I grew up with one (kinda) installed in my house. I say kinda because it was the ezoff but it worked the same way. I think it was basically two pieces of wood in the v shape. Possibly had a lip it could grip the jars better.
@@CIubDuck My grandma also had one. Can't say I know she got it in the 60's but I know she had it in the 70's. Thinking back on it I can't help but think it looked like it was something made by Melitta. I'm reasonably certain they didn't have anything to do with this lid opener but it was the same kind of plastic and the color for some reason screams Melitta to me, but it's been more than 20 years since I saw it, so who knows how accurate that memory is. It was mounted under a kitchen cupboard just beside the wall mounted hand cranked can opener. My grandmother had severe arthritis for as long as I can remember, and on top of that a nosocomial infection contracted during an operation on her knee. They were never able to cure that infection only keep it somewhat under control. As a result she spent her last 15 years confined to a wheel chair. So she really needed all the help she could get with anything that took some strength.
Our house came with it under the cabinet. Was a 40 year old woman who put in 5 cords of wood each year, yet I did not have the arm strength to hold the jar tight enough in the jaws up under the counter. Instead. I hold the jar upside down I a towel for safety and bump the edge of the lid on a board. Then use a gripping rubber 4x10 strip. Working every time without a single broken jar
I've helped people with disabilities for 25 yrs. Usually, people without disability don't need a jar opener. The type of disability will have a lot to do with which device is best, i.e. weakness vs arthritis vs one functional hand (as with stroke or amputation), vs incoordination/tremors. So, recommendations are best based on individual needs. I understand you can't do that and you were good to consider disabilities and I also agree with your conclusions. However, from my perspective, OXO would be #1 because it: a. doesn't require installation, b. doesn't require fighting gravity, and c. has the sticky pad that means you don't have to stabilize the jar while twisting the top off. By the way, you can just use a piece of cheap rubber shelf lining as sticky pad under the jar/bottle, and/or a piece of it in your "twisting the lid" hand as a super inexpensive solution that works for a very many people.
Agreed. So true about not fighting gravity! I'm disabled and recently gained my independence back so gadgets like these are key! Lol The little robotics are cool, but for me they are #1 noisy #2 require hard button pushing #3 require battery changes (at the most inopportune moments and I need help for it!) So the stationary EasyOff had my stamp of approval. It's hands free so you can use both hands to twist if necessary.
I don't know about that first statement. I'm a 25 year old male in his prime and I constantly have trouble with jars. If I put anything back warm and it gets refrigerated, good luck ever getting it open again without hot water and a knife to break the seal.
Daniel Perkins except perhaps for numbers 1 and 2. They work pretty much the same way, the only difference is that one is meant to be fixed below a cabinet and the other is meant to be hand-used.
@@brunoglopes There's not much that could've been done to improve it other than making it bigger, but I don't believe there's many jars too big for it.
I’m a 71+ year old woman and I have to tell you that I have your lowest rated opener (mine is two-tone lime green) and I can open really, really tight soda bottle caps with mine. I just move my hand up to where the lid fits and it works. Also, I have a small hand and some openers are just too wide. Only once did I have to ask my hubby to open a pop bottle - and even he couldn’t - so he went for the channel locks - worked like a charm. I need to remember that when he’s not around. And since I’ve become so wordy I will also say that I can open almost anything if I just give the top a couple whacks in the floor or counter - breaks the seal and all is well. I just discovered your reviews and I love them - you do a super job! Thanks.
I have the same opener (except mine is the same color as his) and use it for the same purpose. Opening 2 liters that I tightened way too much. Works like a charm.
Hey Sandy, there's a trick I learned from my grandmother, if you take a spoon/butter knife/juice can opener (that works best) you can wedge that between the lid and the jar and pry slightly, it'll release that air tight seal and usually the lid will just fall right off after that. I remember the first time my wife asked me to open a jar, she had the biggest grin on her face when I took a butter knife out of the drawer, she said, "you're gonna need something more than a butter knife that lid is on there", when I got the pressure to release and the lid came right off the look on her face was priceless.
my mother has extremely bad arthritis and can't open even the simplest jars, let alone the hard ones. we have tried more than 30 openers through the years. when I saw this video I smiled, because the first two openers featured in this video, are the two we have settled on to use long term. between these two, there are very few jars that she can't open herself anymore. she asks for my help maybe once a month now, compared to twice a day for 25 years. they are both life savers for someone with weak hands. thanks for reviewing them. everyone has a right to their own opinion, but from a family that absolutely needs these items, the robo-twist and the second one (blue)(ours was a different brand, but identical) both get our endorsement. ** let me clarify the ones we endorse are the Amiaus and the Robo Twist. The others may be as good or even better, but I know for sure these two have been amazing in helping my mother.
Remember, for someone with limited hand strength, or who cannot use their hands well, a battery-powered opener could mean the difference between opening a jar or -not- opening it. With that, the few extra seconds means nothing.
Just a thought, but maybe you could have had your daughter test them out too? She presumably would have both smaller hands and not as strong a grip. That Leifheit device in particular would be poorly suited for those with smaller hands. Probably said in the Robo Twist video comments, but that self-same device is probably best for those with very weak grips (elderly/sick/arthritic/etc) or disabilities related to grabbing and/or twisting things (missing a hand or a number of fingers/thumbs, etc.). It may not work with everything, it may be the most expensive, and it may be slow and a bit noisy, but it doesn't require the user to do more than place it and press a button in order to use it.
ive been using that leifheit design openers since i was a kid like when i was 6 years old i could use that thing and open every jar i ever got my hands on and the fact that its constructed out of metal instead of plastic makes it waaaaay more resitance against breaking and has a huge fking life time
I have problems with my hands, so I would put the robo jar opener at number 1,and name me a time were you would need to open a jar in a hurry, the robo one is good if you suffer from arthritis or MS👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼🇭🇲🇭🇲
At 75, I have amassed many plus more of what you tried-your #3 is what is used most often. Frankly, part of its use you just weren't used to doing & once accustomed to its use, you'd 'get it', imo. A couple others have similar copies, such as the 'easy-free' I think that's its name-that's an easy #2. I haven't tried the one under cabinet but since I have under-cabinet lighting, it might not fit but was efficient. You do these tests in a very Interesting manner-loving it. I discovered you today!
Ranking was the same except Easyoff was bumped down to number two because it isn't mobile. The rest can be used when you travel. Hmm, but then again, the fact that it's mounted means I can never lose it.
After thumb surgery I find myself using a jar opener now. I think another advantage of the EZ off is storage. I'd never have to open a drawer and look for it. Thanks for the review, James!
James, I'm 36 and my mom has had the Kichwit jar opener ever since I was a kid. The only difference being it has a wooden handle. It was always my go-to opener for jars of pickles and pop bottles. The advantage is that it gripped extremely well, but the leverage is placed directly over the top of the lid, so the most torque you get out of it is the closer you hold it to your body and not further away. I guess the concept isn't much different than using a piece of that black anti-slip tool drawer liner you find at the hardware and home centers. I definitely like your first pick as well, but I think my number 1 choice would have to be the OXO Good Grips because the only con I see with the EZ Off is people who have difficulty lifting. My wife has Fibromyalgia and has a difficult time lifting heavier jars as it puts strain on her wrists, so the advantage to the OXO is that she can still keep jars on the counter. The OXO might also be better for those with Arthritis too. The OXO also has an advantage as it is mobile and could go with you camping or on trips. But since I don't have health issues, the EZ Off would work good for me. After watching your video, I may just go get both. Great video, James!
I agree with your rankings except I give a slight advantage for the OXO Good Grips over the EZ Off. The method at which they both open jars is very similar, but the OXO is cheaper and portable.
Hey James I looked for the Ez off. I could not find it in my area so I found something similar at bed bath and beyond! I ordered it. I used my 20% coupon and still still saved money!. I cant wait to install on in a few days! I have I have arthritis in my hands so this will help my hands quite a bit! Thanks for the reviews!!!!! You help so very much!!!!
You have the "not scientific" disclaimer, but honestly you do a very good job with fair tests! (The haters would have you buy 7 jars of everything, and then still complain.)
I give you totally right with the Leifheit. My mother got one back in the 70s (classic Orange Brown design) and uses it up til today. Perfekt for all the standard european sizes. But when it gets bigger, a pain to use.
Nice review. I've never purchased a jar opener. I usually just use a rubber glove that I use to wash the dishes. If all else fails, I call the hubby. 😊
Great review. After buying several different jar openers. We finally got one that works. The black n decker stand up model. Regular $149 . Got ours off eBay used for $25 . Works great . Since I have arthritis I can't grip the jars at all to open. So an automatic was best for me.
This is a really good thing to test! 17:55 It's a very good point, imo, they're made for people who can't open jars and and people with certain disabilities could probably have as much trouble with those kind of things.
I really like the Ez off jar opener myself! I find it the most efficient and convenient, it doesn't take up any drawer space, and it easily mounts to your cupboards!
I would pick the one that goes under the cupboard. As with auther in my hands it would work the best. The least would be the blue one or the one where you have to stretch out your hand not good for arthur
ive had the under cabinet since before i was born it was from the 80s and its great you can get extra force because you can use both hands to bear on it sometimes if you get a really band on i have a rubber textured opener mat i use to grip the glass jar and help twist but i have never found a jar i cant open with it
I have a version of the Kichwit that was my great-grandmothers so it's at least from the 50s if not earlier & I still use it & love it! I could also see how the Robo Twist would be useful for those with hand mobility issues. I'd be interested to see these tested by someone with smaller hands or someone with some grip strength issues.
I realy like your reviews my friend. I see you from cyprus and i dont lose any of your videos. Keep it up. Make more videos like this and kitchen staff!!
I use the Safety Jar, it's an As Seen On TV jar opener from the 90's (a companion to the Safety Can). They're really hard to find now but it works great!
I’m a 71+ year old woman and I have to tell you that I have your lowest rated opener (mine is two-tone lime green) and I can open really, really tight soda bottle caps with mine. I just move my hand up to where the lid fits and it works. Also, I have a small hand and some openers are just too wide. Only once did I have to ask my hubby to open a pop bottle - and even he couldn’t - so he went for the channel locks - worked like a charm. I need to remember that when he’s not around. And since I’ve become so wordy I will also say that I can open almost anything if I just give the top a couple whacks in the floor or counter - breaks the seal and all is well. I just discovered your reviews and I love them - you do a super job! Thanks.
I have one like the leifheit or whatever it's name is. I use that flat piece on the end of it to break the seal on the jars. You wedge it under the edge of the lid and lift. You hear the hiss or pop and the jar opens right up w/ a simple twist. Work smarter; not harder.
I have the OXO and it's total garbage. It literally slips off the jar lid 99% of the time whilst I try to turn the lid with it, without opening it. Using it is a *very horrendous* experience for precisely that reason.
My mom has severe RA, so her grip strength is very limited. I got her a Robotwist off of Wish a year or two ago, and she loves it. I think it was about $12, shipping included.
Just what I was looking for! I am going for the OXO, mostly because I really like their products and I don't want to mount a can opener under my cabinet.
1st iam surprised you didn't have one made/marketed by the ball Corp, Mason jar company. 2nd several of the older farm houses we have lived had a home version of the under counter one made with pieces of shim wood with cut pieces of a hand saw blade to grip the lid. I am sure at least 2 had been there 75+ years. 3rd the "germany" one is a more complex design of one I had that was just solid steal no grips of any kind for opening g Mason jars and it was 50+ years old. this was a very cool video thank you.
The ommy outst. the one you ranked at the very bottom. if you flip it over and has three other sizes to it. I don't know if you noticed but the rings are all off set..also that robotic one used at the end I've seen the tear itself apart trying to open certain jars. Nothing has some Kahuna's LOL thanks for your time
Even better, place the tip of a butterknife in between the lid and the jar, and give it a gentle twist to release the vacuum. Then the jar will open easily. No need for fancy jar-opening gadgets.
saw one of these things in a store today, had no idea it had to be invented XD It's so easy to just push with a spoll or knife on the botton of the lid to open it without force o.o
In terms of raw power, the swing away is the best. It turns your hand squeezing power into the most torque compared to the other squeezing models. And it really cuts into the cap compared to the other models that rely on friction. Since I don’t have any hand problems, the only use I have for a bottle opener is to open something truly stuck. Meaning that I’m going for power over convenience.
I have one like the Oxo. It's made by Pampered Chef and it's very similar except no mat and you can either use it by hand or mount it under the counter. I've had it for over 15 years now and it's the best thing I have. It actually came with a little bottle opener. It opens pop bottles like the 22 ozers or 2 liters and it's got a magnet so it stays on the fridge. I just acquired arthritis in my hands thus past year and they have both been beneficial. I cannot open pop bottles at all now without it. I highly recommend if you are invited to a party. P.S. I know people who have gotten the auto can opener and they don't last long. They seem to stop working after a few years, just in my experience.
This reminds me of one time when I was shopping at Costco (years back) and they where setting up something on the taste-testing stand but the lady that was setting it up was having A hard time opening a jar of whatever they where handing out. ' Among the crowd of people I rise up and speak "Hey ma'am do you need a hand opening that jar?" She reply with a "Yes" So I, some skinny white kid steps up. I grip the jar and fake open it acting like it was something super hard. I then turn to the people and say "Wow this one is tough BUT ladies and gentlemen I have a trick" I then smash the top of the jar on to the table they had set up for the display and with my iron grip I ripped that jar open so fast and then said "Ha, No jar will best me" I was a hero of the people that day, they cheered as they sample the food. I walked away never to be seen again by them I never even tasted the sample I just wanted to show off.
Sounds very cringey and stupid, im glad you dont feel that way though or itd be a hard memory to supress. Sadly everyone else probably thought it was cringey as hell too
@@jonathansolomon8576 Yeah man it was a long time ago! I was the hero of all the fat people that wanted free snacks! The poor lady trying to open the jar just could not do it and I saw that so I had to step up cuz I open jars at home all the time for my mom back then.
Five bucks at Harbor Freight gets you a set of two strap wrenches, a big one and a little one, which will work tenfold better than anything you just showed.
James, I love your reviews but I have used your lowest rated "Amiaus" for many years and never encountered any of the problems you had. My wife and I both use it and it has lasted us at least 10 years! I have bought them for family and would buy one again!
Should of tried on water and soda bottles , or do a separate review of some of those, lots of people have trouble getting them open , and love your reviews keep them coming, have already made decisions after watching, lol one being the little cooler cube ac thing was like a 35$ item saved me getting and taking back, great stuff you do man .
My grandparents have had an easy off type thing for a long time, but I’m not completely sure if they bought it or he made it. It works really good because the way it’s mounted lets you use less effort imo.
I think the sticky pad on the EasyOff is not a permanent mounting option, as it wouldn't resist the torques applied for long. More likely it's there to hold it in place under your cupboard while you are mounting it with the screws.
You know what, I don't know why I clicked this video. I am young and have good grip, so I don't really need these things, and never had. But you know what? I couldn't really click away, there's just something so captivating about the way you present your video, even through mundane things. That's just a long way of saying that I love your videos. I'd rank them similarly, but switch #2 and #1 since the handheld one is more "mobile" of sorts.
That' funny you mentioned the kitwich was probably invented a hundred years ago. Yes my Grandma had one just like it eventually inherited by my Mom. We used it all the time in the 1970s. Only difference was that it wasn't made from stainless steel and was always a bit rusty.
I bought a RoboTwist for the wife when it came out to help her with her carpal tunnel. It's loud and slow. She used it a few times. It was neat watching it squeeze the life out of a plastic bottle of juice. It was KIA after hopping of the top of a tall bottle after popping the top. It fell to the counter, not the floor, THE COUNTER and broke. After that, the two sets of jaws would only move in opposite directions. The little jaws would close on the lid but when the big jaws would start moving in to grip the jar, the fckn little jaws would open! Cool idea and cool to see in action. But was a waste.
James, I really dig your videos man. Real down to earth and doing something that people always want to try and not be out the money or hassle of returning things. Thanks. P.S. What do you spend on ASOTV items a month? LOL
FWIW, I think I would place the Kichwit number two, after the Easy-Off. Why? It's small. I already have several drawers of various kitchen tools. The Easy-Off, I agree is better - but it mounts in an out of the way spot rarely used. Brilliant. One final comment, is that I own a vintage "Top-Off Jar and Bottle Screw Top Opener" by Edlund Co., of Burlington, VT. Pat. No. 1894556. It is identical in form and function to the KichWit, save for the fact that it has a red wooden handle, and is nickel plated steel, rather than stainless. I've had it at least 25 years, and use it daily. I bought it at a yard sale being held by the daughter of one of my elderly neighbours after she had passed away, and I know for a fact that she used it regularly as well, because I had seen her do so. I'm not sure how long she had it, but they were patented in 1933. I think it's safe to assume it dates back to at least 1950. I believe it to have been in daily use for almost 70 years, and it still works flawlessly. In fact, it can even handle a top as small as a screw top beer cap. Although I do like the Easy-Off better (never had one - basing my opinion from your vid), I can but wonder - will it's teeth still be sharp enough to grip, and its plastic still sturdy after 70 years? Food for thought.
Oh! And it has the exact same issue with having to fidget with it a bit to get it to properly grip some of the smaller sizes - but it's also never failed. 100% success rate with what must be thousands of usages just since I've had it.
