Ice that has melted into chunks breaks under its weight. Tightly sealed jars exhale. Garlic peels fly. Meat (in resealable bags) is gently massaged to a uniform thinness. What is this wondrous kitchen tool, you ask? One that may surprise you — and hopefully delight you. I’m talking about this specific rubber mallet which just got 17% off on Amazon Prime Day and is now less than $9.
This story is part of Amazon Prime DayCNET’s guide to everything you need to know and how to find the best deals.
Wait, what? You read that right. I keep this hammer on my windowsill above the sink, within easy reach to open stubborn, stuck-on jar lids with ease and to gently tap (or smack) almost anything that requires the delicate touch of a blunt object.
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This past weekend I used the rubber mallet to tap the vertical sides of six Costco-sized jars of Rao’s Marinara Sauce (the best!) to create a dish that I can make ahead of time for a big birthday party I’m having this Saturday.
It all started on a particularly grueling and soul-crushing night when I was alone in my kitchen, losing the battle against a tight lid. I had tried every safe method I could think of, including this tool to open jars I haven’t been able to grab the lid with a towel, hold the jar under running hot water, tap the sides and bottom to open the seal, or even insert the point of a butter knife between the lid and the rim of the jar.
(My colleague, editor in chief David Watsky, uses the spikes of a quality pair of kitchen shears to open jars — I love it my scissors(but I know I would hurt myself in the process.)
Then I texted a dear friend who has a lot of physical adjustments in his life and lives alone: “How can I you open jars?” I trusted his recommendation completely and five minutes later my purchase was confirmed. Now, when friends laugh at my kitchen hammer, I laugh back. They have no idea what they’re missing.
I don’t worry about hurting myself with this rubber mallet, and I’ve never come close to hitting my thumb. A light tap of the mallet along the edges of a lid helps the lid open more easily and releases the vacuum. (You’ll still want to have dry hands for grip or use a towel.) This hammering method is dead simple, takes seconds, and works every time — no goggles required. I have to admit, swinging a mallet around the kitchen is a lot of fun.
The head of the mallet can easily be covered with a clean bag or cloth when using it with meat. I usually cover the food where the meat comes into contact, rather than the mallet itself.
Occasionally I even use the rubber mallet for non-culinary utilitarian tasks, like, you know, hitting those pesky dowel ends when assembling furniture. But the next time a friend teases me with a “why do you have a hammer in your kitchen?”, I’ll grab the jar with the tightest lid I can find for a demonstration. Then I’ll send them the link above.
For even more smart Amazon Prime Day purchases, check out my Braun all-in-one handheld hand blender Now 20% discountThis Made In cookware that I swear by is up to 25% discount and here are even more select Prime Day deals under $100.
