I'm almost apologetic about posting this first look on what is essentially a can opener, but sometimes a tool is so unbelievably bizarre that it warrants some attention. This is such a tool. Now, while opening jars is hardly exciting, how many times have you seen someone struggle with this common task that many of us take for granted. The Black & Decker Lids Off Jar Opener is designed, not for those who reach for the nearest hammer, knife, or screwdriver to ease stubborn lids, but for those that simply can’t perform this simple, everyday task. And it does it for less than $40!

So this time, instead of making fun and joking about an obviously overbuilt gadget that is so sharply zoomed in on one single job, I'm going to take a step back and really appreciate something I take for granted. In addition, I'm going to really praise this incredible contraption that takes a jar opening device and disguises it as a plunge router. Or is it more of a terminator-style exo-skeleton? That's certainly more entertaining to think about... Yes, this is a single-minded, jar-killing machine. (It's what it does... it's ALL it does!) 

Electrically powered, the Lids Off Jar Opener cradles a jar on its lower turntable then grips its lid when you lower the upper housing. Push the large power button, and the lid is magically twisted free (OK, it's not magic, but it's darn close!). Designed for use on metal or plastic lids, the opener makes a handy tool for anyone with weak hands, arthritis, or just those of us who are incredibly lazy. The opener can handle nearly any size jar, from baby food to spaghetti sauce - in fact, anything up to 4-1/2 inches in diameter and 8 inches high. Keep your beer out, however - it's not designed for that. The whole device isn't all that big either, measuring just 8-1/2" x 7-3/4" x 10" and it even comes with built-in power cord storage. While it's certainly bigger than a manual jar-opening solution, it also requires no effort - something that's worth its weight in gold for some.

Features

• No hand strength or strenuous twisting required!
• Innovative design adjusts to fit and open virtually any size jar
• Saves time and simplifies the often-dreaded task of jar opening

Check out the amazingly one-sided customer feedback at Amazon.com which shows off over 90% five-star ratings. Most of the reviews are from people with some form of arthritis or who are older and normally have difficulty with opening jars. For them, this tool is a god-send. The lone two-star review comes from a man who obviously shops at Sam's Club and only has jars that exceed the generous height and width limits... or he's trying to open up large cans. Either way he's got more people against him than Custer's Last Stand and ends up drowning in a sea of praise. Is this product for you? Maybe... maybe not. But for $35, it's definitely something you're going to want to pick up for your grandmother.