Cooking a hearty meal is my favorite way to unwind after a long day, but nothing dampens my mood more than battling to open a jar of olives or a bottle of salad dressing while I'm making dinner... let along thinking of all those festive jars of chutney, sauces, and antipasti I'll be opening over the festive period.
It might sound like a minor inconvenience, but when I have to risk straining my wrist (or damaging my countertops) just to crack open a jar, it becomes a major sticking point (excuse the pun). That's when a saving grace, usually in the form of a small novelty kitchen tool, comes it so handy. It doesn't feel like an exaggeration to say that my newest kitchen gadget – the Kuhn Rikon 3-in-1 compact jar opener from QVC – feels like a life-changing (well, meal-time saving) discovery.
Swiss brand Kuhn Rikon's ingenious design allows you to unscrew everything from large jars to slim bottles, simply by adjusting the handle, fitting it neatly to the size of the lid, and twisting slowly to release with ease. It isn't just made for the kitchen, either: the Kuhn Rikon 3-in-1 jar opener even features a bottler opener and a built-in cap lifter designed for smaller bottles like nail polish and superglue.
Plus, while it's certainly a household essential, I love that this gadget doesn't sacrifice on style. The sage and sand colorways are my favorite – they're a must-have for fans of a sleek, neutral color palette – but brighter shades like red and blue bring a cheerful pop of color. And they're sure to stand out in your drawer, making it much easier to organize your kitchen utensils.
'Any time multiple kitchen tools can be squeezed down smartly into one chic and sleek gadget – without losing vital functionality – is a big win,' says Punteha van Terheyden, Head of Solved. 'It's easy to misplace a bottle opener you use occasionally, but if it's built into the item that's opening jars for you daily, that's unlikely to go missing.'
Punteha adds that the Kuhn Rikon 3-in-1 jar openers improves accessibility for those with wrist or hand pain. Lydia Hayman, our Kitchen Appliances Editor, agrees.
'I love cooking, but I have slightly arthritic hands, and a product like this could really help me in the kitchen,' says Lydia. 'I cook a lot of Mediterranean recipes with jarred beans, olives, and capers, so I’d certainly get a lot of use from it.'
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This nifty gadget can easily unscrew the lids on cans, jars and bottles without cutting into them, avoiding mess and sharp edges. A built-in hook even lifts pull tabs for you – another crucial detail for any arthritic cooks.
Keen cooks will be grateful for this luxe tool, which uses an advanced motor system to open any can at the touch of a button. It features a sturdy base and a magnetic lid holder to prevent slips and spillages.
Make food prep a breeze with these slicing guides, which will help you cut through everything from fruit and vegetables to eggs and potatoes. No more second guessing: you can expect seamless precision every time.
Far more than just a humble spatula, this particular tool is designed to scrape jars and cans. It's ideal for reducing food waste, helping you to make the most of your pantry staples – and it takes up minimal space in your drawer.
This might look like another can opener, but it can slice through tightly sealed bags and pouches as well as removing lids and unscrewing bottles. It seems plenty of pesky kitchen tasks can be simplified using just one gadget.
No matter how much you love to cook, chopping fruit and vegetables can feel like a chore – which is why a handy tool like this one can transform your kitchen setup. Effortlessly slice up your fresh produce, then simply pop it in the dishwasher for easy clean-up.
Whether you're an avid cook or you're just keen to upgrade your kitchen setup, picking up a set of Kuhn Rikon 3-in-1 jar openers is the perfect way to treat yourself while tackling your Christmas shopping list – I'm picking up a few extra sets to use as stocking stuffers. It's a simple purchase, but anything that makes life easier in the kitchen is always a valuable investment.
