A Guide to Selecting the Best Can Opener
How should you choose a can opener?
A can opener is probably the single most important item in your kitchen, which is simply indispensable. There are different models to choose from, and at times it becomes difficult to select the right one from the lot. To help you buy the best can opener, we have put together this guide, after going through thousands of can opener reviews.
FAQ
What is a can opener?
The cab opener is a mechanical device that opens metal cans and tin cans.
Types of Can Openers
What are the types of can opener?
Here are the different types of can openers:
- Manual can openers: These tools are inexpensive, efficient, and convenient for most people. However, those with weakness or discomfort in their hands, fingers, or wrists may find it difficult to use a manual can opener. To operate the device, you need hand strength as well as dexterity to hold the can in place while it rotates.
- Electric can openers: The can opener of this type is ideal for heavy work. The can is held in place by a magnet while the blade automatically pierces the metal and a gear rotates. This method requires no more squeezing or turning, so that even those with arthritis or weakness won't have any problems opening their cans.
- Safety Can Openers: This product can be found in both electric and manual forms, and reverses the gear and blade position from traditional devices. In safety can openers, the rotating gear is located on top of the can, and the blade is angled so that it cuts below the can's top rim rather than at the top. By eliminating the potentially dangerous inner sharp edge left after opening the can, this can opener is considered safer than traditional can openers.
Important Features
What should you consider before buying a can opener?
Always remember that a good can opener should be a simple and straightforward tool which will be easy to handle. There are different types of can openers in the market. It is best to do your own research in order to find the right one.
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Check the features: It is always good to opt for a can opener with a stainless steel blade--these are durable and anti-corrosive. Choose an opener with a sturdy rubber or non-slip grip. Make sure that it can be attached to the largest cans in your kitchen.
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Cabinet- or wall-mounting: Also, you can opt for a can opener which can be cabinet- or wall-mounted in case there is a space constraint.
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Check the safety aspects: If you have children and elderly people in the house, you need a can opener which is safe to use. A side-cut opener is extra-safe in this regard, as this leaves the edges smooth.
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Ensure ease of cleaning: A top-cut opener touches the inside of the can, so you need to wash it regularly. You can also choose a tool which is known to be dishwasher-safe. Side-cut openers rarely touch the inside of the food, so the blades remain comparatively clean.
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Keep your budget in mind: A side-cut opener costs more, but it lasts longer. A traditional top-cut opener will be less expensive. They are hand-held devices, which make them easy to use.
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Check the built-in features: Some can openers are multi-taskers and have extra built-in knives, knife sharpeners, and bottle openers. If you select a P-38 (which was issued by the U.S. Army for soldiers to open up their field rations during WW II, because of its compact size) you will find that these tools are simple, small, and easy to store.
How to maintain your can opener in good working condition?
Maintaining your can opener in good condition can be achieved in the following ways:
- Cleaning your can opener: You can clean the can opener by soaking it in white vinegar for 30 minutes to an hour. Scrub the dirty areas gently with a small brush, then rinse them with water. Thoroughly dry the opener before storing it to avoid rust formation.
- Not generally dishwasher-safe: Do not put your can opener in the dishwasher. Water and detergent will eventually cause the wheel in the opener to rust, resulting in further damage to the device.
- Using WD-40: Use waxpaper to remove anything that may be stuck between the blades. The wax coating will also act as a lubricant for the blades. WD-40 is always a good option for the lubrication of the device.
