In an attempt to make life more comfortable, scientists and inventors create new devices for domestic needs. In the middle of 19^th century, one of such wonders was the first can opener, that was a prototype of a modern model. It was flawed and uncomfortable to use, costed way too much and could be found in single quantities. Modern devices, on the contrary, have a wide range of models, so it’s good to know their types and characteristics.

Modern can openers are irreplaceable helpers of any housewife, designed for everyday domestic needs. Such instrument fundamentally differs from an ordinary kitchen analogue. First of all – by the form and size of a blade. Specialized openers with more complex construction, which are designed for easy and quick opening of containers, have a range of additional details: handles, wheels, motors, magnets. Peculiarity of modern devices is their special operating principle, providing absence of contact with contents of a can. You can be sure that microscopic particles won’t get into the food.

Types

Depending on priorities and abilities, every housewife can choose a suitable device for opening cans. Modern manufacture provides a wide choice. All types of devices can be divided into 4 groups.

Manual Can Opener

Manual can openers are known for their durability. It’s a classic of the genre and the simplest type of these devices. There are the most primitive constructions with a wooden handle, which even our grandmothers used. This product looks pretty simple: opening mechanism is attached to the loop-like rest. On one side there is a blade for opening cans, on the other – a small hook for taking metallic lids off the glass jars. Inner part is fixed in a wooden or rubber grip, sometimes – plastic or metallic.

There is a second construction as well – with a wheel, it is more safe and at first glance is not less simple. But that’s not quite true. Their working principle is based on the rotation of a cutting serration, which is provided by pushing on special levers.

Openers of mechanical type are more complicated. These devices are used in catering industry. Working principle — it pierces the surface from above, attaches to the edge, then slowly opens the lid with the help of a valve, rotated by a user. Professional opener with a load of 30 and more cans a day is usually made of high-quality steel, gets firmly fixed to the table with the help of a clasp or tommy screws. It is able to open any type of canned products at a speed of 5 pieces per minute.

Peculiarities of a mechanical opener:

• Firm melanite arbor that is not prone to corrosion
• High-carbon tampered steel of the blades, sharpened from both sides
• Plastic plug, with the help of which physical efforts are decreased on turn
• Comfortable and quick disassembly procedure without using additional instrument
• Can be washed in a washing machine

This variant is one of the most multi-functional, every home canning amateur should definitely have such a device at home.

Electric Can Opener

This can opener model has high operation speed and is easy to use. It works from simple batteries. All you have to do is attach the device to the lid and turn on mechanism. In comparison with its manual and mechanical “brothers”, such opener has a lot of advantages:

• Comfortable usage – no need to apply efforts to open can
• Safety – edges stay smooth, excluding the possibility of cutting oneself
• Compactness – doesn’t take a lot of place
• Has special magnet that doesn’t allow the opener to slide off and helps to easily remove lid without getting your hands dirty
• Durability – even with regular usage can serve for a long amount of time

Before using electric can opener, it is necessary to study the manual. You should be careful with the opener, if there are kids around. Opening cans with high pressure is prohibited (for example, aerosol container). It is also not recommended to open containers with inflammable liquids. When changing batteries, wait for the full stop of the motor. Before cleaning the device, power supply elements should be taken away to exclude the possibility of self-starting.

The first device of this type was designed on the basis of manual analogue with a cutting wheel. Electric can opener allows to open the container as quickly as possible. Electromotor, shear mechanism, can fixator are installed inside. Their design can be different, but working principle is the same:

• Special holder fixates the can
• User turns on mechanism that opens the container
• After opening the can, be sure to take it off of the fixator

Modern manufacture offers handheld and desktop electric devices. The first type works from batteries. It is handy for using at the summer cottage, in the countryside and when going camping. Desktop model works from mains. There are also specialized types (than are used to open tin cans or as a corkscrew for wine bottles) and multi-functional electrical openers.

Before starting working it is necessary to correctly fix cutting wheel in order not to traumatize your hands with the sharp detail.

What to Pay Attention to When Choosing

When choosing can opener, pay attention to:

• Material of construction
• Simplicity, comfortability of usage
• Functionality and working principle
• Size and weight

Plastic or rubber coating doesn’t allow the handle to slip in hands. It’s better if the wheel is made of stainless steel. Manual can opener should be firmly fixed in the grip, which should be well polished and smooth – without chips and wrinkles.

When buying electrical device, pay attention to knife system and material of the body – usually it is high test plastic or metal. It’s better to choose openers made of stainless steel. If it’s a desktop model, it should have rubberized legs to avoid sliding on the surface.

Usage and Care Instructions

Ways of can opener usage depend on the type of construction:

1. Manual opener should be positioned with blade pointed down. Hit the handle until a hole is formed in the metal. Hold a can with one hand, open it in circle with another hand, gradually moving up-down. Don’t make a full circle, when 2-3 cm are left, lift the lid up.
2. Before working with a mechanical opener, spread the handles all the way, then attach the device to the surface so that the wheel is located above the lid. Then squeeze handles until they click – here some efforts are required. Securing the holder with one hand, start rotating the lever, located on the right, with another hand. Now no efforts are needed: lid will open easily.
3. The cutting head of electric opener should be positioned on top of the tin can. Position should allow the wheel stay on one side, and cutting part – on the other side. After lowering the cutting element, the apparatus will begin to rotate the can, so it is recommended to hold it. When the circle will end and the lid is removed, you have to raise the opener. Usually, a small magnet is provided to hold the lid, which is removed with the cut part.

Can opener is a low maintenance device. But you should remember that it can’t be washed with hot water, and in case of some models – in a dishwasher as well. Modern can opener is compact, doesn’t take a lot of place, so it can be stored wherever it is comfortable for you: in a drawer with dishware, on the outer side of refrigerator door and so on. Taking care of can opener doesn’t require much effort, it can be cleaned with an ordinary dish wash detergent.