A Mexican kitchen runs on jars. Salsa macha, a can’s worth of chipotles moved into glass, pickled jalapeños, cajeta, mole paste, a new jar of Mexican oregano: most of them arrive vacuum-sealed, and some of them refuse to open. For many cooks a rubber pad or a hand-held gripper is enough. If twisting a tight lid is hard for you, whether because of arthritis, a hand injury or simply grip strength, an electric jar opener does the gripping and turning so your hands do not have to.
This guide is the electric branch of our jar opener guide, which covers manual openers as well. Here every pick has a motor: one-button automatic openers that sit on the lid, and one semi-automatic rechargeable model that grips electrically while you turn. For each we give the lid sizes, power source and limits the maker states, and what each one cannot open. We make no medical claims; if hand pain is the reason you are shopping, an occupational therapist can advise on the right tools for you.
Julia’s earns a commission on purchases made through links on this page, at no cost to you. Recommendations are based on what a restaurant kitchen looks for, product specifications and verified buyer reports.
Quick verdict: which electric jar opener to buy
For most kitchens, the pick is the Robotwist Deluxe Electric Jar Opener: you set it on the lid and press one button, its arms self-adjust to lids from 1.2 to 3.5 inches, and Emson says the Deluxe has more torque than the original. The INSTACAN KC16 is rechargeable and lists a wider range, lids and jars from 1 to 3.9 inches. For the steadiest grip on a heavy jar, the Chef Craft Three-Armed Electric Jar Opener adds a third arm.
Below, five standouts side by side, then all seven openers reviewed in full.
Five electric jar openers compared
One pick for each kind of user, with the lid range and power source each maker or listing states. All seven openers are reviewed below.
| Opener | How it works | Lid range (per listing) | Power | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Robotwist Deluxe Electric Jar OpenerBest overall
|
Automatic, one button, two arms | 1.2 to 3.5 in | Batteries (type not stated) | View on Amazon |
INSTACAN KC16 Rechargeable Electric Jar OpenerWidest lid range
|
Automatic, one touch, adjustable arms | 1 to 3.9 in | Rechargeable | View on Amazon |
Chef Craft Three-Armed Electric Jar OpenerMost stable grip
|
Automatic, three self-centering arms | Not stated | Batteries (not included) | View on Amazon |
KITCHENMUH Electric Jar OpenerBest for tall jars
|
Automatic, grips lid and jar body | 1.2 to 3.5 in | 2 AA (not included) | View on Amazon |
AMOSA Rechargeable Electric Jar OpenerBest semi-automatic
|
Semi-automatic: grips electrically, you turn | Not stated (large lids) | USB-C rechargeable | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Lid ranges and power sources are as stated by each maker or listing; check the listing before you buy.
Our picks for the best jar opener electric models
The market for electric jar openers is small, and most sellers are not household names. One of these openers, the Robotwist, also appears on our main jar opener page, where it competes with manual tools; here it is compared only with other electric models, and six more are added. Black+Decker’s Lids Off and Hamilton Beach’s Open Ease were both listed only in limited stock when we checked, so they are not included. Every opener below works on screw-top lids only; none is for cans.
1. Robotwist Deluxe Electric Jar Opener – One Button, Self-Sizing Arms
Robotwist is the best-known electric jar opener, sold by Emson, a US consumer-products company. The Deluxe works the way most automatic openers do: center it on top of the lid, press the button, and two textured gripping arms clamp onto the lid and twist it loose. Emson says you only need to steady the jar while it works. When it finishes, pressing the button again resets the arms to their smallest position for storage.
The arms self-adjust to lids from 1.2 to 3.5 inches across, according to Emson, which covers a small spice jar up to a wide jar of pickled jalapeños or a jar of salsa. Emson says the Deluxe model has more torque than the original Robotwist, to break the vacuum seal on new or over-tightened jars, and lists pickles, pasta sauce, jam, salsa and baby food among the jars it handles.
It is cordless and battery-powered, so it works anywhere in the kitchen; the listing does not say which batteries it takes, so check the box. It is small enough for a drawer. Emson markets it for people with limited grip, arthritis or weak hands; we pass that on as the maker’s description, not a medical recommendation. Warranty is not stated on the listing.
Why we like it
- One-button automatic operation
- Self-adjusting arms for 1.2 to 3.5-inch lids
- More torque than the original, per Emson
- Cordless, fits in a drawer
Key specifications
| Model | Robotwist Deluxe, item 2522 (Emson) |
|---|---|
| Type | Automatic, two gripping arms |
| Lid range | 1.2 to 3.5 in |
| Power | Batteries; type not stated on listing |
| Size | Not stated (listed as small) |
| Works on | Metal and glass screw-top jar lids |
| Not for | Not stated |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits anyone who wants the simplest possible routine: set it down, press, lift the lid. The wide lid range means one tool for most jars in the fridge door.
Skip it if your jars are mostly plastic or wider than 3.5 inches; check the lid first.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Truly one-button
- Wide lid range
- No cord or outlet needed
Cons
- Battery type not stated on the listing
- Warranty not stated
2. INSTACAN KC16 Rechargeable Electric Jar Opener – One Touch, Wider Lids, No Batteries to Buy
INSTACAN, a brand that sells only jar and can openers, makes this one-touch automatic opener with the same basic design as the Robotwist and two useful differences. You place it on the lid and press the button, and adjustable gripping arms close on the lid and twist it loose, while non-slip rubber feet help hold it steady, according to the listing.
The lid range is the first difference: the listing gives 1 to 3.9 inches for both the lid and the jar body, the widest stated figure here. It is written for metal screw-on lids on straight-sided glass jars, so plastic lids and curved jars are outside what it claims.
The second is power. It is rechargeable, so there are no disposable batteries to replace, and unlike the AMOSA below it does the turning as well as the gripping. The listing gives its size as 7.48 by 2.95 by 4.33 inches. It does not state the charging time or a warranty, and this is the newer of the two INSTACAN models here.
Why we like it
- One-touch automatic operation
- Lids and jars from 1 to 3.9 inches, per the listing
- Rechargeable, no disposable batteries
- Non-slip rubber feet
Key specifications
| Model | INSTACAN KC16 |
|---|---|
| Type | Automatic, adjustable gripping arms |
| Lid range | 1 to 3.9 in |
| Power | Rechargeable battery |
| Size | 7.48 x 2.95 x 4.33 in |
| Works on | Metal screw-on lids on straight-sided glass jars |
| Not for | Not stated |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits someone who opens wide jars and would rather recharge than buy batteries.
Skip it if you need to open plastic lids; the listing describes metal lids on glass jars only.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Stops you buying batteries
- Widest stated lid range here
- Does the turning for you
Cons
- Charging time not stated
- No stated warranty
3. Chef Craft Three-Armed Electric Jar Opener – A Third Arm for a Steadier Grip
Most automatic openers hold the lid with two arms. Chef Craft, a kitchen-gadget brand, adds a third, and says the extra arm gives more stability than other electric jar openers. The design is self-centering and, per Chef Craft, 100 percent automatic and hands-free: set it on the jar, push the power button and it adapts to the size of the lid and opens it.
Chef Craft is unusually direct about the limits: the listing says in capital letters that it does not work with plastic lids or home canning jars. That rules out two-piece canning lids from a batch of homemade salsa, so if you put up your own preserves, this is not the tool for those jars. For store-bought jars with one-piece metal lids, such as a jar of salsa, pickled jalapeños or cajeta, it is a good fit.
It is battery-operated with batteries not included; the listing does not state the type or number. It weighs 1.4 pounds, per the listing, heavier than most, which helps it sit firmly on the lid. The lid range and warranty are not stated.
Why we like it
- Three arms instead of two
- Self-centering, one-button operation
- Clear about what it cannot open
- Heavier body, 1.4 pounds
Key specifications
| Model | Chef Craft 22150 |
|---|---|
| Type | Automatic, three self-centering arms |
| Lid range | Not stated |
| Power | Batteries, not included (type not stated) |
| Size | Not stated (1.4 lb) |
| Works on | Jar lids other than plastic |
| Not for | Plastic lids, home canning jars |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits someone who has had a two-arm opener slip on a heavy jar and wants a firmer hold.
Skip it if you mostly open home-canned jars or plastic lids; Chef Craft says it will not.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Extra arm for stability
- Fully automatic
- Honest limits on the listing
Cons
- No canning jars or plastic lids
- Lid range not stated
4. KITCHENMUH Electric Jar Opener – Inner and Outer Jaws for Tall Jars
KITCHENMUH’s opener grips twice: inner jaws catch the lid and outer jaws catch the body of the jar, according to the listing’s instructions, so the opener holds the jar itself instead of relying on your hand to stop it spinning. The description says no bottle or jar is too tall, which suits a tall jar of olives or a bottle-shaped jar of salsa that a two-arm opener can tip.
The listing gives a lid range of 1.2 to 3.5 inches (30 to 88 mm) and says it is designed for round glass jars with screw-top or twist-off lids, naming jam, pickle, salsa, pasta sauce, honey, olive and condiment jars. It is equally clear about what it is not for: cans, plastic containers, irregular or conical jars and lids without a secure gripping surface. The maker advises keeping the lid, jar and rubber feet clean and dry, since condensation from a cold jar can make it slip, and keeping one hand lightly on top while it works.
It runs on two AA batteries, not included, and the listing gives the size as 7.28 by 4.33 by 2.75 inches. After it opens a jar, wait for the jaws to reset before lifting it off, per the instructions. One note: an INSTACAN-branded opener on Amazon lists the same KC12 model number, so the two appear to be the same unit under different names. Warranty is not stated.
Why we like it
- Grips both the lid and the jar body
- 1.2 to 3.5-inch lid range
- Clear list of what it will not open
- Two AA batteries, no cord
Key specifications
| Model | KITCHENMUH KC12 |
|---|---|
| Type | Automatic, inner and outer jaws |
| Lid range | 1.2 to 3.5 in (30 to 88 mm) |
| Power | 2 AA batteries (not included) |
| Size | 7.28 x 4.33 x 2.75 in |
| Works on | Round glass jars with screw-top lids |
| Not for | Cans, plastic, irregular or conical jars |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits tall, narrow jars and anyone who finds it hard to hold the jar still while an opener turns.
Skip it if you need to open plastic jars; the maker says it is not designed for them.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Holds the jar as well as the lid
- Detailed use instructions
- Compact
Cons
- Glass jars only
- Can slip on a wet, cold jar
5. INSTACAN EJ101 Effortless Electric Jar Opener – A Slim One-Button Opener
INSTACAN sells several electric openers; the EJ101 Effortless is its own model rather than the KC12 design above. It is a one-touch automatic opener: place it on the lid and press the button, and it grips and turns the lid for you. The listing gives its size as 7.87 by 2.56 by 4.13 inches, the slimmest automatic opener here, which makes it easy to keep in a utensil drawer.
INSTACAN says it opens pickle, pasta sauce, mason, jam and peanut butter jars and other vacuum-sealed twist-lid containers, and works with most twist-lid glass jars. Its instructions are practical: keep jars and lids dry, rest a hand on top of the opener for larger jars, and hold both the jar and the opener for taller jars so everything stays steady.
It is battery-operated; the listing does not state the battery type or the lid range, so check those on the package. INSTACAN markets it for seniors, people with arthritis and anyone with weak hands, which we pass on as the maker’s description. A warranty is not stated, though the listing says its support team will help with problems.
Why we like it
- One-touch automatic
- Slim 2.56-inch profile
- Works with most twist-lid glass jars, per INSTACAN
- Clear advice for large and tall jars
Key specifications
| Model | INSTACAN EJ101 Effortless |
|---|---|
| Type | Automatic, one touch |
| Lid range | Not stated |
| Power | Batteries (type not stated) |
| Size | 7.87 x 2.56 x 4.13 in |
| Works on | Twist-lid glass jars |
| Not for | Not stated |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits a small kitchen where drawer space is tight and the opener has to tuck in with the utensils.
Skip it if you need a stated lid range before buying; the listing does not give one.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Slim and light to store
- Simple one-button use
- Practical instructions
Cons
- Lid range and battery type not stated
- No stated warranty
6. AMOSA Rechargeable Electric Jar Opener – Grips by Motor, Turns by Hand
AMOSA’s opener is a different kind of electric tool, and the maker says so plainly: it is semi-automatic, not fully automatic. You press a button and a motor tightens toothed jaws onto the lid; then you push a long handle to turn it, which AMOSA says takes about 15 seconds. The motor does the squeezing, which for many hands is the hard part, and the handle gives leverage for the twist.
AMOSA argues that this design grips large lids better than fully automatic openers, using metal gear teeth instead of silicone pads. It also lists the downsides honestly: it cannot open plastic bottles, it may dent the lid, and on big, smooth jars the maker suggests one person holds the jar with both hands while another turns the handle. A gripper pad comes in the box to help hold the jar, and a built-in bottle opener handles beer and soda caps.
It is rechargeable, like the INSTACAN KC16: a built-in 800 mAh battery charges by USB-C, with a cable included, and AMOSA says it shows the charging status. The listing gives the weight as 350 grams and offers up to 24 months of after-sales service. The lid range is not stated.
Why we like it
- USB-C rechargeable, no disposable batteries
- Motor-tightened metal teeth for large lids
- Gripper pad and bottle opener included
- Maker is upfront about its limits
Key specifications
| Model | AMOSA AO35 |
|---|---|
| Type | Semi-automatic: electric grip, manual turn |
| Lid range | Not stated |
| Power | Built-in 800 mAh battery, USB-C charging |
| Size | Not stated (350 g) |
| Works on | Jar lids, including large lids; bottle caps |
| Not for | Plastic bottles |
| Warranty | Up to 24 months after-sales service |
Why we recommend it
It suits someone who can still turn a handle but struggles to squeeze, and who would rather charge a tool than buy batteries.
Skip it if you need a fully hands-free opener; you still turn the lid yourself.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Rechargeable
- Toothed grip for big lids
- Extras in the box
Cons
- Not fully automatic
- May dent lids, per AMOSA
7. Besmon Electric Jar Opener – Plain One-Button Opener With a One-Year Warranty
Besmon’s opener is the plainest design here: a white automatic opener that you set on the lid and run by holding the button for three seconds, after which, per Besmon, it opens the cap without your hands on it. The listing gives a lid range of 1.2 to 3.5 inches, the same as the Robotwist, and says the internal parts are stainless steel.
The gripping edges are soft silicone, which Besmon says will not hurt your hands. The listing also gives a clear limit: it does not work on plastic lids, and Besmon uses a mayonnaise jar as the example. For the glass jars that fill a Mexican fridge door, like salsa, chipotles moved into a jar, pickled vegetables and jam, that is not a problem.
The listing does not state the power source or size, so check the package before buying batteries. Besmon is the only automatic opener here with a stated warranty: one year, per the listing. Besmon markets it for people who have trouble opening jars because of arthritis or other conditions, which we pass on as the maker’s description.
Why we like it
- 1.2 to 3.5-inch lid range
- Soft silicone gripping edges
- Stainless steel internal parts, per Besmon
- One-year warranty
Key specifications
| Model | Besmon Electric Jar Opener (white) |
|---|---|
| Type | Automatic, hold button 3 seconds |
| Lid range | 1.2 to 3.5 in |
| Power | Not stated |
| Size | Not stated |
| Works on | Jar lids other than plastic |
| Not for | Plastic lids |
| Warranty | One year |
Why we recommend it
It suits someone who wants a basic automatic opener with a stated warranty, or a second opener for another room.
Skip it if you want to know the power source before you buy; the listing does not say.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Stated warranty
- Wide lid range
- Soft gripping edges
Cons
- No plastic lids
- Power source and size not stated
How to choose an electric jar opener
Fully automatic or semi-automatic. An automatic opener (Robotwist, Chef Craft, KITCHENMUH, INSTACAN, Besmon) grips and twists with one button; you steady the jar. A semi-automatic opener like the AMOSA only grips by motor, and you turn a handle. If you cannot turn at all, choose automatic.
Lid size. Measure the lids you open most often. Several openers here state 1.2 to 3.5 inches, which covers most store jars. A very wide lid, like a big jar of pickled vegetables, may be beyond them.
What it cannot open. Read the limits before you buy. Chef Craft says no plastic lids or home canning jars; KITCHENMUH says no cans, plastic, irregular or conical jars; Besmon says no plastic lids; AMOSA says no plastic bottles. INSTACAN describes the KC16 for metal lids on straight-sided glass jars only. None of these opens cans; for those, see our electric can opener guide.
Power. Most run on AA batteries, often not included. The AMOSA charges by USB-C, and the INSTACAN KC16 is rechargeable too. Keep spare batteries with the opener; a slow motor is usually a sign they are low.
Steadiness. The makers agree on a few habits: dry the jar and lid first, set the jar on a flat surface, and rest a hand on top of the opener for big or tall jars. Openers that grip the jar body (KITCHENMUH) or use a third arm (Chef Craft) are designed to hold more steadily.
How we chose these seven electric openers
We looked at electric jar openers sold on Amazon in the United States, kept only those in stock when we wrote this, and set aside listings from generic sellers, near-identical units under different names and models available only in limited stock. Every specification comes from the maker’s listing, with “not stated” where a maker gives no figure. Before publishing, we searched the US Consumer Product Safety Commission’s recall database for jar openers and for each brand’s jar opener, and found no jar opener recalls. We have not read a Consumer Reports, America’s Test Kitchen or Wirecutter rating of these models, so we do not cite one. We have not used these products ourselves, and we make no medical claims.
Electric jar opener questions, answered
What is the best electric jar opener?
For most kitchens, the Robotwist Deluxe: one button, self-adjusting arms for lids from 1.2 to 3.5 inches, and more torque than the original, according to Emson. For wider lids, the INSTACAN KC16 lists 1 to 3.9 inches.
Do electric jar openers work on every jar?
No. Most are built for round glass jars with one-piece metal screw lids. Several makers here say their openers do not work on plastic lids, and Chef Craft says its opener does not work on home canning jars. Check the lid size and material against the listing.
Have electric jar openers been recalled?
When we searched the US Consumer Product Safety Commission’s recall database before publishing, we found no recalls of jar openers, and none for the jar openers of the brands on this page. Recalls change, so check cpsc.gov for the model you own.
Does Consumer Reports rate electric jar openers?
We have not read a Consumer Reports rating of electric jar openers, so we do not cite one. Our picks are based on the makers’ specifications, what each says the opener can and cannot do, and verified buyer reports.
Is an electric jar opener good for arthritis?
The makers here market their openers for people with arthritis, weak hands or limited grip, because the motor does the gripping and turning. We cannot make a medical recommendation; an occupational therapist can advise on tools that suit your hands.
Which electric opener to start with
Start with the Robotwist Deluxe for one-button simplicity, the INSTACAN KC16 for wider lids and rechargeable power, or the AMOSA if you can still turn a handle. For manual openers, grippers and under-cabinet models, see our main best jar opener guide; for cans, our can openers for arthritis and electric can openers. Once the lid is off, our jarred salsa guide covers what is worth opening, and Mexican pantry staples covers the rest of the shelf.
When you would rather someone else did the opening, see our menu and call to order.