OXO Jar Opener

 (4 customer reviews)

I've read through reviews of this and a similarly-designed Oxo jar opener, but have not been able to find one which tells how to operate this device. Sure, it would seem obvious: hold the jar upright with one hand; bring the opener, teeth downward, over the jar lid; twist. But when used in this fashion the tool failed me almost every time. It took too much force to get the teeth to engage properly, and the device would slip off the lid, with the teeth cutting my hand which was holding the jar.

Common sense would seem to dictate that I throw it away, but bull-headedness prevented me from doing so. I kept thinking that I was the problem. After all, would a company design a product that not only failed to function as advertised, but injured the user? Answer: yes.

But one day I tried using it in a different way, and since then it has worked every time and without injury. Here's how: Lay the jar opener on the counter with the flat side down and teeth facing upwards;...Read more

I'm surprised to see such poor reviews for this product (and also surprised to see that Amazon has it priced so high). I like to think that I can open jars on my own, but I often find myself resorting to this jar opener. Yes, it does have a tendency to slip, but if you take care to position it (and it certainly does fit a wide range of jars--that's the purpose of the triangular shape), you can get a tight, secure fit that will make it easy to twist the lid right off. If you could find this at a cheaper price, I would definitely recommend it.

Generally I like OXO products - well designed and well made for the money. But this one is put together with spit...as my father would say. Had about a dozen jar openings with my unit until the pickle jar gave this opener a run for its money. Pressing on the handle firmly against the lid, the opener gave way and broke into three pieces - the handle went in one direction, the blade in another a a very thin and insufficiently strong plastic retainer went in yet another direction. The pickle jar sat there unmoved by all this wasted energy. All now residing the the circular file.