I liked the idea of this product before it even arrived. As much as I can open jars with jammed lids it can be an unnecessary pain, in every sense, sometimes. Not only that but what about those whom a life lived is taking a toll - fragility, arthritis - these and many other fates of life can ensure that which I take for granted become difficulties, sometimes impossibilities for others.

The product looks good - safe but mean, like it means business. The first hurdle, as so often seems to be the way, is finding out where to pop the batteries (incl in purchase). If you're thinking of giving this to someone with arthritis, do it for them. It's a fidgety pest and I wasn't reassured by the quality of the battery casing at all. I rather fear a few changes of battery and the cover is going to fall off, permanently. Such a shame!

However I persevered and a jar of soured cream caught my eye. Gotcha. I popped the Culinare Jar Opener atop, pressed and held down the button and with a satisfying slowness and faultless humming that reeked of determination, the 'grippers' closed in on both jar and lid. A steady slow spin and voila, a pop as the lid was freed. Next Mayonnaise as I noticed the jar had slanting sides and a far wider lid. Again the Culinare performed faultlessly. As I left the room after opening mustard, salsa sauce and everything else I could find in fridge and cupboard, I paused. There, up on a shelf stood one of the annoyances of my life.

A long time ago I had washed out a jar of sauce and converted it into a 'money jar', piercing a slit in the lid to drop the coins through. I had tried to open it on many occasions but the damn thing had sealed shut. Hurrah, you git-ish thing. I had you now and indeed I did. Twenty-three pence richer.

Aside from the cheap battery casing which does worry me, I can't fault this device. It does what it promises to do. If you know someone who would benefit from one of these I think I'd get it for them. Just remember to set it up because if their hands are weak, opening the packaging and inserting the batteries might be enough to stop them before they even start.

Tech details: -
(Men need not apply - I can open my own jam jars in the morning now, thank you.)

25lbs of pressure to open jars from 32mm - 101mm diameter lids and 21mm-95mm diameter jars.

RRP £20 and available online at Amazon, and from Debenhams, House of Fraser, John Lewis, Robert Dyas and the list goes on!

www.culinare.com