How to Choose The Best Can Opener?

Answer 1

Who would have ever imagined that a utensil both so simple and yet so vital could come in so many different variations? Some kitchen tools are absolute necessities and a can opener is one of those basic kitchen tools that everyone should have. Thank goodness that we no longer have to use knives or hammers to open canned foods!

Let’s start by taking a look at manual can openers. These are the kind of tools that you control by hand using a knob and they work through rotating wheel blades that cut through the metal lid of the can. The varieties of manual can openers are just two: the type that opens the can from the top cutting the lid with serrated edges and the kind that opens the can from the side. The top-opening type requires the user to pull up the metal lid whereas the side-opening type uncrimps the metal edges of the lid, which many find to be safer.

Electric can openers require a cord and electricity and can be either hand-held or mounted on the wall or under a cabinet. They operate by using cutting blades to open the metal lid.

Should you choose a manual or an electric can opener? How is your hand strength? Many conditions, including Arthritis, make it more difficult for people to grip a manual can opener with enough strength, making an electric can opener a better choice.

Here are some other factors to consider in order to choose the right can opener for your needs:

• What size cans will you be opening? Make sure that the can opener you choose can handle the size requirements of the cans that you use.
• Do you need a soft grip or cushioned handle to reduce grip strain?
• How much space do you have for a can opener? Should it fit in a drawer or on the counter?
• Do you want to be able to sterilize your can opener by running it through a dishwasher?
• What are your cooking habits? How often do you use canned goods?

Can openers run from the low end simple manual opener to the high end multi-purpose electric can opener. You can purchase can openers at discount stores, department stores, and grocery stores.