My Easy Trick for Opening Stubborn Jar Lids

I’m no spring chicken, and years of kitchen labor have gifted me with knuckles that get a little spicy when I really lean into a stuck jar. These still-vital hands have let me know that I need to have some tricks up my sleeve when that jar of roasted peppers just won’t cooperate. 

The first thing to consider is the vacuum seal that was created when the lid was screwed on the hot jar at the factory. The seal is important because it keeps the food inside safe and prevents leaks, but it starts to be a problem when it won’t let go. The first step in opening your jar is breaking the grip of that factory seal.

Start With Hot Water

Metal expands when hot, so running hot water over a metal lid will make it a teensy bit bigger than the jar. You can also pour hot water in a bowl and place the jar in, lid-side down, with the water just covering the lid. Then, when the lid is good and hot, use a wooden spoon or other tool to tap firmly on the rim at four evenly spaced points, listening for a faint pop.

Hold the hot lid with a dry towel, and give it a try. If it’s still stuck, try turning the jar over and giving the lid a few taps on an unbreakable surface. Try again. You can also use the hook-shaped “key” on your manual can opener to pry the lid in a few places, to break the seal. 

Use a Rubber Band

Stretchy rubber creates traction. Take a fat rubber band (like the ones holding broccoli bunches together), and wrap it around the lid, or don rubber gloves and give the lid a twist. If you have a silicone glove or hot pad, that works, too. You can also buy round rubber discs just for this purpose. 

If All Else Fails

When all else fails, I do have backup. Because, as a private chef who cooks in people’s homes, the last thing I want is to have to scramble to find a substitute for an ingredient with a stuck lid. So I pack along a battery-operated jar opener. You just position it on the lid, push the button, and then watch it twist the lid off. I found it online, and it is good to have in a pinch.

Save your hands from all that torque, and make sure you have these strategies ready to go. We all love food in jars, but stuck lids are inevitable. With some hot water and a few tools, you’ll be ready!