A "Can"undrum

[cuffs054]

For the last year or so I've had trouble getting cans open with my electric can opener. Finally lost patience and tossed it. Started using an old manual and it was having the same issues. It would skip and/or not finish the cut. Went out and bought a new manual, same problem. Bought a cheapie manual same issue. Bought a new electric same issue.
Have cans changed? All of the openers struggled to grip the lip around the top of the can and then would jam. Thinking about it now, I wonder if the cans are made of aluminum instead of steel. Anyone else having issues?

 

[rp2813]

I've noticed this occasionally, and more recently than not.  I've been using manual can openers exclusively for 30+ years.  I don't know anyone who owns an electric one.

 

I have two types.  One is the standard design that's positioned with crank parallel to the side of the can, the other is the un-bladed kind that un-seams the can lid (leaving no sharp edges) and is positioned flat on top with crank parallel to the lid of the can (see pictures).  I've never had trouble with the latter type and have come to prefer it since the opening process is cleaner, and have had issues with the former, which is a lot newer name brand (although it escapes me now) and has seen relatively little use.

 

I can't recall having any trouble with dented lids using the de-seamer type, but I buy cans without dents whenever possible.

 

My dad worked for American Can Company and later National Can (they have since merged), so I have some basic knowledge about the can making process.  Many of today's cans have changed in design so only the tops are seamed, similar to a soda or beer can.  This manufacturing process is different from that which resulted in a can that could be opened from either end.  I would not be surprised if this change has something to do with traditionally designed openers acting fussy.

 

 

 

 

 

[wayupnorth]

I have the same problem opening any can now with any opener, even my mothers old hand crank hard one. At least the rip off top cans are easier. And those pull tabs are worth money to Shriners Childrens Hospitals, so save them and donate them if you can.

 

[yogitunes]

I just got one of these battery operated ones......works like a charm.....just set on top of can, push button and walk away....

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Home-Garen-...639139?hash=item4d3a7b45e3:g:an0AAOSw9mFWMNUL

 

[tomturbomatic]

Any can opener, electric or manual can be made to function like new with the application of food grade silicon oil. It is a product sold in appliance parts stores and is used to coat ice makers so the cubes won't stick. It is applied to the gears driving the cutter. My mom had two manual openers that almost could not be turned and I got them working so that they opened cans almost effortlessly.

 

[washman]

Want something that acutally works

is made in USA?
Sustains jobs here instead of China?
Don't have to worry about being poisoned by shoddy manufacturing?

I have one. They took over swingaway after those snaggers sold out and moved the the world's sweatshop.

http://madeinusaforever.com/canopezmainu.html

 

[cuffs054]

Tom, it's not that the openers won't turn freely. They just won't turn on a can.

 

[xraytech]

I've also been having similar issues with opening cans lately.
A few weeks back I ordered a new can opener from Cutco. It was a pricey $56 but it has their lifetime guarantee. Its made in the USA and so far I have had no issues with any cans I've opened.

 

[vacerator]

Swing Away, etc.

I almost bought a Toucan from as seen on TV brands sells.
How good can it be for $20?
I have my old Swing Away which works great after 20 years.
QVC sells a Kuhn Ricon from Switzerland.
They say it's excellent.
Anyone have either?

 

[cadman]

Same problem here...

Nice, clean, manual opener here and it's a chore to get these cans open. I find I have to side-load the lower blade which can lead to other "problems" if you don't have three hands.

Interestingly, I find the store-brand cans open right up, no problem.

 

[kb0nes]

I do sense that something has changed in the way the bead of the cans are rolled. They seem to be lower profile now leaving less purchase for the opener driver roller to engage.

Interesting observation from Cory that the private label cans seem different.

Since cans are drawn today there is no ability to flip the can over and try the bottom like one used to do. Of course many cans are pull tops today which have their own problems, especially for people with reduced hand strength.

 

[circlew]

If money is no object-

these are heavy-duty, and should last more than a lifetime in home use. Excellent if you open a lot of #10 cans. They are pretty pricy, starting out at a little over $100 at Wasserstrom.

http://www.edlundco.com/products/s-11-manual-can-openers/

 

[fan-of-fans]

I have an electric and find it jams also. Usually I can get it to work, the secret is to get the lip of the can to fit in the right spot between the magnet and blade. I had a Black and Decker cordless for a while but had the same trouble with it.

Don't recall this issue with older openers/cans.

 

[perc-o-prince]

We use the Ronson Can-Do electric hand-held. It also has a small whip attachment, knife sharpener, and a couple others. Has a nifty little hanging hook on it, so we hang it on the side of the cabinet near the outlets! Opens both round and dented cans with ease!

Chuck

 

[vacerator]

Tom,

Those Edlunds are for restaurants and supermarkets, to mount on a stainless steel table, not nice granite or quartz, or laminate. You could mount one on a heavy wood island if one has the space I suppose.

 

[norgeway]

Also a Ronson CanDo user

It will open anything and the whip make the smoothest gravy and pudding you ever saw, also mashes potatoes great!

 

[circlew]

Mike, the reason I thought of Edlund was that I remembered them from when I worked at Steak 'n Shake.

I think a stainless steel table or countertop would be nice to have in a kitchen.