Sweet and sour canned goods are a favorite for most people, but opening them can be a hassle. What do you do when the glass lid won't budge? Over time, people have developed their own tricks for opening cans—some say prying the lid with a screwdriver works, others recommend inverting the can and slapping the bottom with your palm... So which method is both time-saving and safe?Through experimentation, we reveal the most efficient and effortless technique for opening canned goods.
Experimental Purpose: To identify the fastest and safest method among five can-opening approaches via comparative testing.
Materials: 5 jars of canned candied oranges, 1 screwdriver, 1 lighter, 1 bowl of hot water, 1 towel.
Preparation: Five 256g net weight fruit cans. To ensure accuracy, each can was thoroughly tested by hand-twisting the lid during purchase to confirm proper sealing. All six cans were stored in a cool, dry location at room temperature (22°C).
Five Experiments to Open Glass Jar Lids
Canning Experiment 1: Using a Screwdriver Nearly Pierced My Hand
First, I attempted the prying method. Holding the screwdriver, I pried at the can lid.After several forceful attempts, a "hissing" sound of glass cracking was heard near the jar opening. The screwdriver slipped, nearly pricking my finger. I stopped prying and then tried twisting the lid forcefully, but it wouldn't open.
Proceeded to a second attempt, switching to three different leverage points until a "pop" sounded—the can seemed to breathe a sigh of relief.
Twisting the lid again required little effort this time. The entire process took 50 seconds.
Experimental observations: During prying, the screwdriver had minimal leverage at the jar's rim, making it difficult to apply force effectively. Additionally, the screwdriver slipped easily, posing a risk of accidental injury.With the can inverted, I struck the bottom three times with my entire palm, then vigorously twisted the cap. It failed to open after several attempts. After repeating the process of striking the bottom and twisting the cap three times, I finally managed to open the lid. The entire process took 1 minute and 20 seconds.
Experimental Notes: Striking the bottom caused significant pain in my palm. This method is not suitable for women with generally weaker grip strength.
Canning Experiment 3: Soak in Hot Water for 20 Seconds for Effortless Opening
The principles behind "prying the rim" and "patting the bottom" involve releasing air pressure from the can. Next, we'll attempt to open the lid using the principle of thermal expansion and contraction. Place the can upside down in a bowl of hot water, ensuring the water fully submerges the lid.
Start the timer. After 20 seconds, remove the can, wipe the lid dry, and apply slight pressure to easily pop the lid off.
Experiment Notes: This method is effortless and highly effective. It saves time and is suitable for home use since it requires only a bowl and hot water.
Canning Experiment 4: Heating the Lid with an Open Flame is Dangerous
Also utilizing the principle of thermal expansion and contraction, if hot water and a container aren't available, some might consider using a lighter to heat the lid. As soon as the lit lighter approaches the jar, it emits a hissing, scorching sound.After evenly heating the lid with the lighter for about ten seconds, a towel was placed underneath to twist the lid, but several attempts failed. Repeating the process with over 30 seconds of even heating succeeded. The entire procedure took 1 minute and 12 seconds.
Experimental Notes: Heating the lid with fire risks severe burns and poses significant danger.Additionally, the need to place a towel underneath while twisting is cumbersome and inconvenient.
Canning Experiment Five: Knocking the Cap Against the Floor Can Cause the Neck to Break
Without any tools, besides tapping the bottom with your palm, another method is to knock the cap against a hard surface several times to release pressure from the bottle.
The reporter gently tapped the can lid against floor tiles in a circular motion. Afterward, attempting to twist the lid by hand failed. The reporter then applied more force, tapping the lid several more times in a circle. After repeating this process three times, the lid finally opened, taking one minute.
Experimental observation: Carefully control the force when tapping, as excessive force may shatter the glass near the rim.
Conclusion of the can-opening experiment
Among the five can-opening techniques tested, the hot water soak method proved safest, easiest, and most time-efficient. While prying with a screwdriver is relatively quick, it carries significant risk and is not recommended for opening cans.