Collection: Can Openers

What Are the Best Can Openers?

A can opener or tinned opener is a modern mechanical device, usually powered by electricity, that is used to open tin cans without having to use a metal stick. Tin cans were first manufactured commercially in the mid-19th century, and their popularity rose along with the advancements in manufacturing. Prior to that, tinned food was stored in wooden boxes or baskets, among other things. Tin cans were, and still are, popular for storing food. Although tinned preservation of food with cans was practiced since at least 17 72 in the Netherlands, the actual first can openers weren't introduced until 18 55 in England and finally 18 58 in the United States. The first type that was actually patented was called a T-izen, which stands for "tips key".

These first can openers required the use of a large needle, and they tended to jam frequently as a result. Another problem was that, because these devices were run by hand, the person who was opening the large cans was in obvious control of the device, and could be in a position of authority over the can opener itself! This, of course, presented a number of problems. jams, and the issues that go along with them, tended to get progressively worse, so manufacturers quickly realized that they needed to improve on their design.

Early Can Openers: An Improved Can Opener With Can Lids The final type of modern can opener that was actually patented in the US, although it wasn't released in the UK, was this ex-duz-it type opener. This device was a lot like the old fashioned can opener, except instead of having the lid falls off when it was closed, it had an electric motor that, when turned, would rotate a handle, and then close the lid. It required no electricity, and it worked smoothly. This is the type of opener that my grandfather used, and his was a simple device - a lever on the side, pulled back, and then the lid would come off. In fact, it was so simple that he would just reach down and pluck the can out, if it would come off without spinning the drum.

Electronic Can Openers: An Advancement There have been many other improvements to this type of opener. Electric openers now generally have a handle that rotates a blade, and some will even incorporate an electric cord, electronically operated. These blades are very smooth, and they are almost invisible to others, being so small they can easily be concealed. Many will have a locking mechanism that keeps the blade secure when not in use.

An improvement on the electric opener was this "balloon" type opener. It had an arm with a bucket that retracted into a sleeve, and as it spun around, it would scoop up the can of soda in a bucketful. Again, this was an improvement on the manual crank-style opener. Although not as efficient as the electric-powered versions, the manual openers still had their uses.

Can Openers With a Twist... A Plasma Cutter? I'm not sure if this invention is really a can opener, but it is close. The plasma cutter is basically a hand held tool that has a flat blade and a wire cutter that allow it to do a straight cut in almost any surface. The invention of this kitchen helper came about because many people wanted a way to cut decorative items such as pictures and patterns without having to use a knife.

Can Openers With a Twist... This device has a built in motor to power the blade, and a clamp to hold the can partially open so that you can hold it with your finger and turn the handle to regulate its flow. Although it is basically a screwdriver in a bottle, it is surprisingly maneuverable, although it may not be as smooth edges as the Hamilton Beach can opener.

Can Openers With a Twist... The final product is the Hamilton Beach Can Opener. Unlike the previous models, the new Can Opener does not need a blade to open cans; rather it uses a dial to determine the appropriate pressure and flow. Because it is powered by the same motor used in plasma cutters, the ability to use the blade from either end is an option. The blade itself is much sharper than the blade on the old Can Opener and the pressurized air opening is smoother and easier to control, especially when the lid is closed.