Culinare One Touch Jar Opener

I have trouble opening tins and jars. For the tin problem I have an electric can opener which I have previously reviewed. This is kept out in my kitchen as it is in almost constant use. Of course, this could be another space wasting gadget for many, but a kitchen essential for me. I also have a jar opener but I find it difficult to use. It's manual and requires that one grabs the two handles to prise open the jar. If one has a muscle/nerve problem then this isn't ideal.

I first saw the Culinare One Touch Jar Opener over a year ago, but felt it was expensive and decided to look around for a bargain price. Unfortunately, although I've looked around for this gadget I haven't seen much variation in the price. I bet now I'll get fellow reviewers telling me I paid far too much for this. Oh well, at least It's now in my kitchen; another helper!

There have been many times when I have decided to cook something involving the use of a jar or two, and become so cross when I've struggled to open the jar that, although often managing in the end, I've found this both time wasting and annoying.

In the weeks leading up to Christmas I began to gradually stock up on a few jars of foodstuffs for Christmas tea, when I would be hostess to some family members. As the supply increased, and looked appetising, I felt a bit peeved that many of these jars would be too difficult for me too open. I thought of the olives which I love, and the mayonnaise, and thought that I might not be able to eat any of these delicious items if I didn't have someone here who could help. Anyway I might have wanted to feast privately!

I purchased the Culinare One Touch Jar Opener form T.J.Hughes department store for the price of £14.99. Please note that this purchase DID NOT include the batteries required to work the gadget.

I think if you have full strength in your hands this could well be a space wasting gadget. It doesn't open jars as quickly as most people could do unaided, which I think may make it not worthwhile for many. However, for me it is a great idea. There is no effort involved at all, unlike with my manual opener. It's a case of once the two AA batteries are installed simply placing the opener onto the jar and pressing the large button on the top. The device makes a slight whirring noise as the arms close in, wrapping themselves around the jar lid. Once they are tightly on it the lid is opened and the opener can be removed. One thing that I particularly like is the fact that the lid remains in place on the jar and there is no spillage. It is ready to be removed without any effort needed. All one needs to do is to place the jar on a flat surface and the Culinare does the job for you. It is a one touch operation as to work it you only have to press the on button. You don't need to use hands to actually open the lid.

I have used this opener on many different shaped jars and it has always performed well. It's great for opening those jars not often used which have become difficult to open even for those with muscles. I have yet to find a jar that it couldn't open.

It does take a few seconds but in my case it still saves time.

It doesn't turn straight off as the arms (or clamps) need to retract, so it doesn't turn off until that operation is finished. Because of this the battery power seems a little wasted. Still, the batteries are lasting well, although how long depends on the brand, I find. I have Duracell in at the moment and haven't changed them. I do use the opener frequently.

The Culinare opener does take a little space. I find it will fit into a kitchen drawer but I prefer to keep other things stored in the drawer space so fit this into a cupboard instead. It is about the size of a standard electric carving knife in a bladeless state.

One thing that does concern me is that it doesn't look as if it wouldn't stand up to being dropped. Perhaps it's stronger than it looks but I hope not to test this aspect of the opener. Not for a good while, anyway.

For me this is a good buy. I think for those without difficulties it will come in handy but probably not very often. It could remain forgotten in a cupboard. For myself, the elderly or perhaps those suffering with conditions such as arthritis, then this is a great little gadget which can help in the kitchen considerably.

Here are some details taken from the website, www.culinaire.com:

* The easy way to open jars, even stubborn ones

* Just place on jar and it does the hard work

* Clamps grip jar and apply 25lb of pressure to release lid

* Designed to open virtually all jar shapes and sizes*

* A "must-have" kitchen gadget ideal for those with limited hand mobility

* Battery operated
(2 x AA batteries included) ** My pack DID NOT contain batteries and the pack clearly states that they are NOT included.

*The One Touch Jar Opener will open regular and vacuum-style screw top jars with lid diameters of 32mm (1.3inch) 101mm (4inch) inclusive and jar diameters of 21mm (0.8") to 95mm (3.7inch) inclusive.

In summary I would say that this is a great gadget for many people but mostly useful to those needing some help with opening jars.