Opening cans may seem like an easy task, but for some people, this can be difficult. This is especially the case for people with dexterity or limited hand strength. To resolve this problem, there is one thing that can prove to be promising – an electric can opener. The latter will make things a lot easier and more convenient for you.
What is the best electric can opener that is available in the market today? If you have no idea, this guide has got you covered. We will let you know some of the most important things to consider, and best of all, five of the products that you should take into consideration. After reading this post, it will be a lot easier for you to make the right decision.
Benefits of Electric Can Opener
For many people, they think that a can opener is an expensive tool in the kitchen. Yes, it may be costly, but this does not matter if you consider the many benefits that it can deliver. With this, the following are some of the good reasons to have an electric opener in the kitchen:
- Opens Can Easily: This is the main function of an electric can opener, and hence, this is also its main benefit. It allows you to open cans in a manner that is almost effortless on your end. You do not have to wait long before it is able to complete such task.
- Prevents Injuries: Without an electric can opener, you will most probably use a knife and open a can manually. While this can be cheap, it can also be a drawback since you are prone to injuring yourself.
- Does not Strain the Wrist: For seniors, people with dexterity, or those with weak wrist, this can also be a good choice. There is no need to exert too much effort on your end, making sure of your highest level of comfort.
- Speed: Opening cans manually will surely take time. This is true if you have to open a lot of cans, such as in commercial or restaurant setting. With an electric can opener, this is a task that can be quickly accomplished.
Choosing the Best Electric Can Opener
As you try to narrow down the possibilities, below are some of the most important factors that you need to take into consideration:
- Reviews: First and foremost, start your search by going online and reading reviews from other users. Through their experiences, you can learn more about a specific product, such as its user-friendliness and its performance. This will help you to weigh the pros and cons of the choices that are available.
- Versatility: Are you looking for value for money? In this case, you should look for a product that can deliver multiple functionalities. Choose one that can also be used as a bottle opener, knife sharpener, or jar opener, among others.
- Style: Most of the electric can openers are placed on the countertop, and hence, they will be exposed. With this, choose a style that will perfectly blend with the design of your kitchen, making it complement its overall look.
- Material: There are different materials that are used in electric can openers. Some of the most popular are aluminum, stainless steel, plastic, and die-cast metal. Choose one that is strong enough, making it able to deliver superior and long-term functionality.
- Maintenance: Choose a product that will not require too much effort when it comes to cleaning and maintenance. This means that it will be a breeze for you to make sure that the unit will remain in its tip-top condition even after a long time of use.
- Cutting Mechanism: While there are many ways by which an electric can opener works, the best choice is one that cuts on the side. This is a good thing because it minimizes the likelihood of suffering from injury, which can result from the jagged edges of the can. This also helps in minimizing the mess that is created.
Cleaning and Maintenance of Electric Can Openers
To make sure that your electric can opener will retain its peak condition, the following are some of the most important things to keep in mind:
- Regular cleaning is a must. Be sure to wipe it with a clean cloth right after every use. Dirt will be more difficult to remove once it has already hardened. You can also use toothbrush for cleaning the unit, especially in places that will be hard to reach for a piece of cloth.
- Follow the instructions from the manufacturer. Steps in cleaning will vary from one product to another. Also, do not forget to remove the plug when cleaning. Do not immerse the entire unit in water.
- Do not use abrasive materials in cleaning the electric can opener. This can cause scratches on the surface and hence, will have a negative impact on its aesthetics.
- Be sure to replace the blade and gears as needed, which will depend on the requirements from the manufacturer. Replacing them will make sure that the unit will deliver superior functionality every time the unit is used.
The short video below will provide you with a quick visual guide on cleaning an electric can opener:
Top Picks for the Best Electric Can Opener
In this section, we will have a quick look at five of the best products that you might want to take into consideration.
Hamilton Beach 76390Z Can Opener
Among others, one of the notable features that you will find to be impressive in this product is the SureCut technology. The latter is a patented and innovative feature, which will make sure that it will work smoothly, especially if you limit its use to small cans.
It is also an excellent choice because it offers versatility. While this is made specifically for opening cans, it also comes with a knife sharpener. This makes it a multifunctional product, which is made even more impressive by the fact that it comes with an economical price.
The extra-tall design is also a good feature because it allows it to open even taller cans. However, the problem is that it might not work for larger cans.
Despite its height, it is a good thing that it comes with a slim body. This makes it unobtrusive and space-efficient in the countertop. It is also impressive because there is a cord storage at the back. This keeps it neat when it is not being used.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Works smoothly and effortlessly
- Durable construction
Cons
- Can be unstable on the surface
- May not work for big cans
Black+Decker CO100B Can Opener
The mere fact that this is made by Black & Decker can already provide you with a good reason to have it considered above all others. Compared to most options that are placed in the countertop, this is a product that is mounted in the cabinet.
From its features, one that is worth noting is the fact that it is multifunctional. It can perform a variety of functions in one space-saving product. Aside from being a can opener, you can also use it as a knife sharpener and a bottle opener, making it an excellent investment for the kitchen.
Another thing that is impressive in this product is the swing open door, which allows it to have a sleek appearance. It will be concealed at the back of the cabinet door, and hence, you never have to worry about being a disruption in the countertop.
Lastly, the manufacturer is offering warranty that lasts for two years, which can provide you with peace of mind. When it becomes defective within the warranty period, the manufacturer can have it repaired for free, including replacement of the broken parts.
Pros
- Made by a trusted brand
- Delivers versatile functionality
- Frees space from the countertop
Cons
- Installation can be quite tricky
- A bit flimsy
Hamilton Beach 76607 Can Opener
More than the fact that this is made from Hamilton Beach, this is a top pick within the product category because it is exceptional in terms of its aesthetics. It has a contemporary look that will surely be perfect if you want to achieve a modern appeal for the kitchen.
The opening lever, which has an easy-touch feature, is one of the best features that you can expect in this product. This makes it a good choice if you are looking for a product that is user-friendly. With its straightforward operation, opening cans will surely be a snap for you to accomplish. The lever is also large enough, which makes it easy to push.
At the back of the can opener, there is a scissor made from stainless steel. While it is a good thing that it is included in the product, there are some who noted that its quality is quite inferior. You might be better off using standard scissors.
Lastly, it should be also noted that it is designed in such a way that the blade will cut from the side and not the top of the can. It results to minimizing mess.
Pros
- Comes with an elegant design
- Delivers powerful performance
- Has a long cord
Cons
- A bit expensive
- Scissors included has inferior quality
Cuisinart CCO-50BKN Can Opener
The Power Cut blade is perhaps one of the best features of this product. The latter is the one that is responsible for making sure that it cuts with a high level of precision. With this, you can expect that it will open cans in a manner that is as effortless as possible.
To be user-friendly, this comes with single-touch operation. The latter allows you to operate it without having to suffer from complications. Even if you have not used a similar product in the past, there is no need for you to worry.
If you are looking for a product that can be excellent in terms of versatility, this can also prove to be an exceptional pick. One thing that makes this possible is its ability to open any can with standard size.
Lastly, the manufacturer is also offering warranty that lasts for three years. This goes to show how confident the manufacturer is about the quality of their product.
Pros
- Effortless to clean
- Economical price
- Has an excellent grip
Cons
- May not last long
- Can be a bit clunky
Proctor Silex Plus 76370P Can Opener
One feature that is worth highlighting about this product is the design of the blade, which can be exceptional in terms of its sharpness. It grabs the edges of the can and opens it smoothly. Nonetheless, the same cannot be told when it is opening larger cans as it may struggle a bit.
Value for money – this is another thing that makes this an excellent pick within the product category. You will love the fact that it comes with an economical price, which is even made better by the fact that it is already inclusive of a knife sharpener.
Lastly, cleaning the unit will also be an easy task for you. One thing that makes this possible is the detachable lever. Maintaining the peak performance of this electric can opener is sure to be effortless on your end.
Pros
- Also comes with a knife sharpener
- Easy to clean
- Sharp blade
Cons
- Lacks durability
- May be difficult to open large cans
Conclusion
In sum, the best electric can opener is indeed a must-have in the kitchen. It makes your life a lot easier, allowing you to open cans without having to put strain on your wrist. Depending on the product that will be chosen, it can also be multifunctional. To enjoy its many benefits, however, you have to take your time to make the right decision.
If I have to pick only one from the products that we have briefly reviewed above, it would be Hamilton Beach 76607 Can Opener. It may be quite expensive, but it will surely be worth your money. It comes with an elegant design, which is perfect for a contemporary kitchen. Best of all, its performance is hard to rival.
