by Milly on August 8, 2011
If you’re the kind of people who are having difficulties with their hands, then opt for the Oxo Good Grips Smooth Edge can opener as it has an ergonomic, simple-to-use feature. This can opener will cleanly split the soldered seam joining the lid to the body of the can.
Oxo Good Grips
What I like best about the can opener is that it totally lives up to my expectation and as well as it claims of no sharp edges. When I tried to open a can using the can opener, all it took was a little bit of a nudge to remove the top sans the harmful sharp edges which could hurt me by accident if I let my guard down.
The hand-held can opener also glides effortlessly and smoothly around the lid when I’m trying to open a can. Plus, after I’d managed to open the can, I’m able to lift the lid off and throw it away without ever having to touch it. Since ‘no mess in the kitchen’ is what I have been aiming for, using the can opener really works like a charm.
Aside from that, the Oxo Good Grips also has a good heft which makes it easy for me to lift it as it isn’t as heavy as any other can openers available in the market.
As great as it may have been, the can opener does have its own disadvantageous aspects of being a little bit bulky which took up so much room in my gadget drawer, and on top of that, the main reason the can opener is so easy to crank is because the gear ratio of the crank to the cutting head is so high, which means that I’ll have to turn the crank handle a lot to go all the way around the lid.
Also, it seems like the Oxo Good Grips 1049953 was especially designed in such a way that the rotating cutter head is not easily replaceable. This can opener may work best in a single household, but not so much for the rest.
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by Milly on August 6, 2011
When it comes to using a can opener, I always prefer to use the electric can opener ones rather than the manual ones, as the manual can openers are usually hard-as-rock to be used and my fragile little fingers are easily bruised by them. The Hamilton Beach 76606Z Smooth Touch electric can opener really comes in handy since it cuts the lid along the side of the can under the beaded lip, does not leave any metal shavings, and works perfectly and quietly especially when it is cutting the lids that have pull ring tabs which saves your fingers from getting hurt.
Hamilton Beach 76606Z
Unlike many can openers, the blade of this electric can opener doesn’t even touch the food. When you’re using a can opener, the can opener is most likely to cut into the top of the can and the blade will touch the food inside the can, and having part of the syrup or juice of the food left to dry out and collect germs on the blade is very unsanitary. So when the Hamilton Beach 76606Z came into rescue, I’m really glad as I don’t need to wash the blade of the can opener every time I’m trying to open a can.
Unfortunately for me, this electric can opener doesn’t do me justice as much as I’d expected it to. Though the Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch was designed with good intentions, it has an obvious inability to open all types of cans. Some of the cans which I’m trying to open using the electric can opener, such as soup cans, tab-top cans, single-serve food cans, and coffee cans, they all end up not being opened after several excruciating attempts.
To completely cut the lid off when you’re trying to open a can with the Hamilton Beach 76606Z, you’d have to hold down the handle of the opener for two or three times around the top of the can. This seems like too much of an effort that I’d rather not have. Still, it’s kinda recommendable for housewives.
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by Milly on April 4, 2011
As a weak person who only has a minimum amount of effort and energy to open any hard dented cans, I’m wholly relying on the Swing Away Wall Can Opener to do the hard work for me by securing the can with its pull-down lever and along with its crank handle which operates really easily, hence making my entire process of opening the hard can less problematic, plus, the content of the can won’t slop which makes the situation less messy and I don’t have to clean the kitchen up. It is like killing two birds with one stone, only much better.
Swing Away Wall Can Opener
But what I adore most about the wall mounted can opener is that, since I’m naturally addicted to instant and fuss-free cooking, I’m able to make ten cans of the Campbell Tomato Soup all in one go with the aid of the can opener without feeling as if my bony little fingers have been broken. Now everyone thinks I’m a great cook!
What is also great about the Swing Away Wall Can Opener is the fact that the product is able to work well with any size can and that its hardened-steel cutter doesn’t skip too easily even with dented cans.
The wall mounted can opener is also amazing as it did not take up a ridiculous amount of space, and its robust in built feature is able to stand the test of time, with the ability to be hung for decades long and still manage to maintain its strength and durability.
Although the Swing Away Wall Can Opener mounts on the wall with screws and bracket included all together in the package, they do need a sturdy mounting point such as a wall stud or a solid wood cabinet, and as suggested by a patronizing customer, you may have to substitute a much longer screws that are longer than the screws provided in the package.
The Swing Away Wall Can Opener is especially perfect for those who didn’t want to invest too much time and energy in opening cans and for those who are looking for a housewarming gift.
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by Milly on March 16, 2011
If your can opener is looking a wee bit disgusting and rusty, it is the best time for you to start cleaning and disinfecting it up on your own by using an old and unused toothbrush, a dental floss, and some white vinegar.
If you don’t start cleaning up on your manual or electric can opener, the rust on the can opener might contaminate your canned foods when you are trying to open the can with the rusty can opener, and this is really unhealthy. You don’t have to trouble yourself by wasting more money to get a new can opener, just simply clean it up by doing it yourself with the aid of some household items mentioned before.
1. When you have gathered everything that you need to clean your can opener, you can start cleaning the can opener by taking a string of the dental floss. Use the dental floss string to wipe out any debris along the blade of the can opener and other areas that are hard to be reached.
2. Next, what you need to do is to dampen the old and unused toothbrush and use it to scrub any other areas of the can opener.
3. Wipe everything until you are sure that the can opener is hundred percent clean by using a piece of damp cloth.
4. The next thing that you should do to finish cleaning the can opener off is to gently dampen any soft rag that you could get with the white vinegar in order to help deodorize the can opener and make it much shinier.
5. Apart from using the white vinegar, you could also use the other alternative to clean the can opener if you don’t have any white vinegar, which is by making a paste using water and baking soda. Once you are done with the paste, apply the paste to the surface of the can opener and scrub it hard with the old toothbrush.
6. If you are cleaning an electric can opener, never submerge it in water since most electric can openers are not waterproof, and your electric can opener will be easily damaged if you put it in water for a long time. Instead, try placing only a minimum amount of water on the rag or the toothbrush and scrub it off. At the same time, make sure that the electric can opener is not plugged in before you start cleaning it.
Since a dirty can opener may hold a lot of bacteria, it is really important that you clean it often. The most important aspect of cleaning your can opener, whether it is a manual or an electric can opener, is to check the can opener thoroughly before you clean it as there might have been some cockroaches or any other tiny insects contaminating the blade of your can opener.
To ensure the cleanliness of your can opener, always bear it in mind to store it at some clean, high, and dry place.
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by Milly on March 15, 2011
Can openers consisted of many different types, and although their main purpose is to open cans, some of the can openers can be much better and suitable in accordance with the user’s personal preferences compared to any other can openers available.
Among the most popular can openers available in the market for you to choose from include manual can openers, battery-powered can openers, electric can openers, ‘under the cabinet’ can openers, table top can openers, bladeless can openers, and hand held can openers. These can openers may be different from each other in terms of design, features, functions, and styles.
The manual can opener usually operates with elbow or wrist grease by turning a small hand crank. It is also quite dependable especially during emergencies as it doesn’t require any electricity or batteries to function. The manual can opener has an open and close feature which will safely lock the cutting blade of the can opener onto the lid of the can. However, the manual can opener might not be suitable for those who are not strong enough in cranking the can opener, especially if the blade is no longer as sharp as it used to be, as the handling of the manual can opener can be rather difficult.
Meanwhile, the battery-powered can opener is the perfect alternative for anyone who doesn’t have any electrical outlet. This type of can opener is also great for anyone with specific conditions or disabilities which hinder them from using the conventional manual can opener. Since some of the battery-powered can opener offer hands-free operation, starting and handling the can opener is really a breeze by pushing a button.
On the other hand, the electric can opener solely runs on an electric motor and is usually comes in both corded and cordless or rechargeable varieties. This type of can opener may be a bit problematic especially when the electrical power is out as the can opener needs to be plugged into an electrical outlet.
For the ‘under the cabinet’ can opener, you will need to attach it under the kitchen cabinet or the kitchen counter, but it is also the greatest way to save some space in a crowded kitchen. This type of can opener is slightly special as it can either be manual or electric and is the most practical ones in the market. You will also find it trouble-free as you won’t misplace it somewhere since it is already being fixed to the cabinet.
The table top can opener is a stand-alone model and is also the most effective ones when it is tall enough to handle a variety of cans.
For the bladeless can opener, instead of having to cut the lid with a serrated blade, this can opener will cover the metal edge of the can which makes it less messy and safer.
The hand held can opener is a small and portable manual or electric can opener with cordless features being equipped.
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by Milly on August 26, 2010
As someone who works around and loves food, I can never imagine not having food around to spare in any situation. Weather you’re stocking up for unsuspected guest, camping trips or unpredictable emergencies (hurricanes, snow storms etc.), it’s always good to have canned food stored in your pantry among the vacuum sealed grains and lentils. This is because they’re easy to store and with the best can opener in your emergency kit, you can have a complete meal in no time.
Why canned food?
If you’re thinking of storing food for any situation I mentioned before, consider buying canned food rather than dehydrated food. Here’s why:
- They’re affordable
Although canned food take more space than dehydrated ones, buy them in bulks and they cost 25% of what it costs to buy dehydrated food.
- They have a good shelf life
Canned high acidic food such as tomatoes and fruits can generally last for about 18 months while canned low acidic food such as vegetables can last between two to five years. However, manufacturers generally recommends the food to be consumed within a year for guaranteed freshness.
- They have more calories
Published food values state that canned food in general have higher calories count. Of course, this would be meaningless in normal situations, especially if you’re on strict, low calorie diet. When in an emergency, however, having more calories will not only supply you with energy but also to keep you warm in cold weather.
- They have water in them
As its name implied, dehydrated food have no water content. In limited resources situations, water is a precious commodity. You wouldn’t want to scrape for drinking water just to prepare your dehydrated food would you? Canned food on the other hand have water in the can for preparation conveniences. All you need to do is get your best can opener and heat the food.
Tips on storing canned food
To ensure that the canned food that you store stay health safe, follow these tips:
When stocking your pantry, practice the first in, first out rule. I usually buy my canned food in bulk every 3 months and when I get back, I’ll date them before putting them in storage. I’ll bring the older ones in front and store the new ones at the back. That way, when I use them in my daily food preparation, I would be ensured that I took the ones that are meant to be eaten first.
- Store canned food in cool and dry locations – away from pipes, stoves or any sources of heat and dampness. This is to keep the cans from rusting that would cause leakage and food spoiling.
- Always do a check on your canned supplies. Make sure that they aren’t dented, bulging, rusty, leaky or have broken seals. Large dents are never good as they break the seal and cause air to get into the can and this will cause bacteria to grow. It is also not good if the can have even the slightest bulge. Throw them out immediately. Even if the food looks good, it doesn’t mean that there is no bacteria manifestation going on. Always practice caution to ensure your family’s safety.
- If the food gives out a strange smell, in a strange color, or flavor, do not it eat. If it spurts when it’s opened, it is a bad sign.
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by Milly on August 24, 2010
Cordless can openers combine the best of the electric can opener’s dexterity and the flexibility of a manual can opener. The Hamilton Beach Walk ‘n Cut Compact has been reported to be the best cordless can opener in the market.
Hamilton Beach 76500 Walk 'N Cut Cordless Can Opener
“It’s small, cordless you can keep it on the counter or stored in a drawer. It opens big and small cans. It can also amuse people watching this little can opener, going round, cutting the can open.We gave it an initial charge, with the supplied charger and it worked for three months before having to recharge.” – A. Garneau, Amazon.com
Able to open any sized cans
Unlike the conventional electric can opener, it is not limited to any size of cans. It is smaller than your conventional electric can opener but slightly bigger than the manual can opener. Because of its open design, the Hamilton Beach Walk ‘n Cut Compact just go around the outside rim of the can. You can also be assured that a heavy can won’t fall off the opener. Because of its size, it is able to be stored in one of your kitchen drawers and will not clutter precious countertop.
Lefty friendly
For left handed people, this is a great alternative to the manual can opener, that is hard to used by left-handed people. It is also cheaper than most specially made can openers for lefties.
It has been reported that a single charge of the can opener can last up to 3 months of usage. Of course, this depends on how frequent you use it. Also, many find this can opener amusing as it goes around the can before automatically shutting itself off when it is done.
The Hamilton Beach Walk ‘n Cut Compact is a great product if you’re looking for something that is easy to use and able to open any type of cans. Get it from Amazon where it is one of the bestsellers in the Home & Garden category.
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by Milly on August 23, 2010
Now that you have chosen the best can opener for yourself, it is important to keep them clean and well maintained. A manual can opener is easier to clean than the electric can opener. And despite the convenience it brings, electric can openers in general (yes, this does mean that even the best ones) are more prone to defaults than its manual counterpart.
However, the best electric can openers should be easy to maintain. Just follow these steps to ensure that your electric can opener will serve you well for a long time:
Servicing the gears
1. Unplug the can opener and remove the feed gear. Clean and/ or replace it if it’s worn out or broken.
2. Remove the housing from the black plate by unscrewing the housing screws.
3. Lift the motor out of the housing after removing the motor screws.
4. Remove the internal gears. Most of the time, they only need lubrication. If the teeth of the gears are worn or broken, replace them with matching gears.
5. If the teeth is broken and if you found the broken piece, a temporary solution is to glue it on with plastic or metal glue.
6. Reassemble the everything as you had disassembled them and test the machine.
Servicing the switch
1. Unplug the electric can opener and remove its housing.
2. If there’s a switch cover, unscrew and remove it. To clean the switch contacts, use an emery board or fine sandpaper. Remove the residue with an electrical contact cleaner.
3. If you need to realign the switch contacts to ensure firm contact between leaves when the switch is pressed. Use pliers for this.
4. If the contacts are broken, remove and replace it.
Servicing the motor
1. Unplug the can opener, remove the housing and find the motor’s fuse.
2. To check if the fuse need to be changed, use two continuity tester probe. Place a probe on each side of the fuse. If it doesn’t light up, the fuse needs to be replaced.
3. Across the two wires on the field coil winding, attach a continuity tester or a multi-tester. Replace the motor as a unit if the circuit is open. Make sure you get one that is the exact size and rating from the appliance-parts shop.
4. Worn out bearings will cause the shaft to wobble, so always check the bearings.
Servicing the grindstone
1. If your electric can opener has a grindstone, clean the area regularly. This is to avoid the debris from the grindstone to obstruct operation and cause the motor to burn out or the motor’s fuse blowing.
2. Replace the grindstone with one that is the same size once it is worn out or damaged.
3. If you don’t use the grindstone much, and if the electric can opener’s function allows it, you can remove it if you’re no use of the grindstone.
Easy isn’t it? However, if you’re not confident of doing it yourself, let someone who is more handy at these things do the job. I can do it, but asking my son to do it for me is so much easier.
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by Milly on August 22, 2010
With modern innovations, the simple and essential can opener has been incarnated into many different shape and sizes. Choosing the best can opener for your needs are easy despite the many variations of the can opener. It is really up to your needs (and sometimes wants), so read on to see some of the things that you have to consider in finding the best can opener for you.
Manual vs. Electric
Like so many other things in the world, both manual and electric can openers have its own advantages and disadvantages. The most obvious advantage of the electric can opener is that the machine will do all the work for you. People who has conditions that doesn’t allow them to have enough grip and strength, such as my grandmother who has arthritis, will prefer an electrical can opener. However, even the best electric can opener will be of no use when there is no electrical source available.
This is where the manual can opener has an advantage. Despite that it requires more energy to work with, the manual can opener is a great back up for an electrical one. If you’re the outdoorsy type and goes camping a lot, a manual can opener will be your best friend during meal times. It is also useful to keep it in your emergency kit. The downside of the manual one is that most model tend to leave sharper edges as compared to the electrical ones.
Safety
I know that opening cans hardly sounds like a dangerous affair. However, you need to be careful as sharp edges can cut your hands. Worse if shards of metal scraps falls into your food and you did not realize it until you find an ulcer in your digestive tract. The best can opener is suppose to help you open a can with minimal possibility of sharp edges. Find one that comes with this feature.
Practicality
When choosing the best can opener for yourself, it is always good to think of its practicality. As I’ve experienced in the past, cans can easily attached to some can openers as compared to others. Look for a can opener that are easier to attach cans to. Also, if you’re like me and don’t like to wash the dishes and utensils ‘manually’, find a can opener that is dishwasher friendly (many are not).
It is also important to know what are the sizes of the cans you’re used to buy. If you buy mostly large cans, get the best electric can opener you can afford. If you’re single and used to cook for one (two at most), you’re better off with a manual can opener which are mostly perfect for smaller cans.
Simple or Comprehensive
The best can openers can come from the cheapest, most simple manual opener to the more expensive, multi-purpose electric can opener. If you feel like you benefit more out of the later, why not invest in it? It all depends on how and how much will you use it.
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by Milly on August 21, 2010
A little over a year ago, while I was still a cook in one of the city’s busiest school cafeteria, the head cook brought in a new toy for the kitchen staff to play with: the Proctor Silex Plus 76370P Extra-Tall Can Opener. Having to prepare tonnes of food every day for hungry kids, we use tonnes of canned food to assist us.
Proctor Silex Plus 76370P Extra-Tall Can Opener
Value for Money
This is probably one of the best economically priced electric can opener in town. Priced in what is considered as a medium range for can openers, the can opener works great without the other frills that other high ranged can openers. The only extra function would be the knife sharpener placed at the back of the unit
Fit for all sizes
The design of the Proctor Silex Plus 76370P Extra-Tall Can Opener is great for all sizes of cans. We usually buy food in those extra tall, extra wide cans as we need loads of them. Unlike other countertop electric can openers that usually limits the ability to open certain cans of certain height, this electric can opener can open from the smallest food can to the tallest ones.
Everything needs to be easy in a busy kitchen; any distractions would make set us back with our work schedule. We did not get any hitches with this can opener as it cuts through the can smoothly and the magnet holds the can in place so no messes from toppled can to be cleaned. The Proctor Silex 76370P Extra Tall Can Opener is also easy to be cleaned thanks to the detachable cutting lever.
For $15.99 at Amazon, the Proctor Silex Plus 76370P Extra-Tall Can Opener is a good deal if you want an electric can opener that is low priced but works as great as the more expensive ones.
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