Can Openers
This section discusses both manual and electric can openers. If you are nervous about pinching your fingers or inadvertently touching the sharp parts of a can opener or can, find someone to help you. Review the information below to find the can opener that works best for you.
If you are using a can opener for the first time, begin by exploring its parts. You can minimize spills by starting with contents that have a more solid consistency—mushroom soup, for example, instead of chicken noodle. Use a tray to make clean-up easier.
“Squeeze” Can Openers
Exploring the can opener
- Explore a squeeze can opener with the handles wide open. This avoids getting your fingers pinched if the two wheels or gears come too close together.
- Begin by holding the can opener in your hand and locating the handle(s). It should feel comfortable to hold.
- A squeeze can opener slides up the side of the can and over the rim. When the gripping wheel goes over and down the inside of the top rim, the handles are squeezed tightly together to allow the sharp cutting wheel to pierce the lid. Continue squeezing the handles together as you turn the rotating “key.”
- The gripping wheel and the sharp cutting wheel open the can as they turn. This type of can opener requires strength to use, but the rim of the can is not left sharp. The lid, however, will have a sharp edge.
Using the squeeze can opener
- With your dominant hand, grip the handles of the can opener in a handshake hold. The wheels should be facing the can.
- Let the bottom handle fall open.
- With the wheels against the can, slide the can opener up the side of the can and over the rim until you feel the wheel go over and down onto the lid.
- Squeeze the lower handle towards the upper one using your non-dominant hand until you hear a click as the wheels pierce the lid and connect.
- Continue squeezing to keep the can opener in place and the wheels connected as you move your dominant hand to the turning “key”.
- Begin rotating the key by turning the top side away from you with your thumb while pulling the lower part toward you with your index finger. This moves the wheels (gears).
- With each half turn of the key, you must let go of it to reposition your thumb closer to your body. Continue to squeeze the handles tightly while doing this.
- Continue turning until you hear another click and suddenly feel less resistance as you turn the key. This indicates that you have cut all the way around the can and it is open.
- Remember that the lid will be sharp. If necessary, use a spoon to bring the lid up out of the can. Hold a paper towel in your other hand to remove it without being cut by the sharp edge.
- Carefully wash the can opener wheels with a damp cloth.
“Lift-off” Can Openers
This style of can opener fits on top of a can. Though it requires less strength to operate than a squeeze-style opener, it removes the top rim of the can along with the lid. This leaves a sharp, jagged edge around the top of the can.
Using the lift-off can opener
Using a lift-off can opener is similar to using a squeeze opener.
- Explore the parts of the can opener before trying it.
- Open the handles and place the can opener on top of the can, centered near the rim.
- Gently move the can opener toward and away from you until you feel it drop down a bit and the wheels are in position on either side of the rim.
- Squeeze the handles closed and hold them firmly in place.
- Rotate the “key” on top by pushing your thumb away from you and drawing your index finger towards your body. You'll hear a click as you suddenly feel less resistance in the turning key. This lets you know the opener has cut all the way around the can.
- Lift the opener straight up and away from the can. Be very careful because the lid comes off with the opener. Remember that the edges of the lid and the can will be very sharp.
- Move to the garbage or recycling container and open the handles of the can opener to release the lid. This means your fingers won’t go near the sharp edge.
- Be extremely careful when removing the contents of the can. Use a long-handled spoon or spatula.
- Carefully wash the can opener wheels with a damp cloth.
Electric Can Openers
Safety Considerations
Explore the can opener before plugging it in or using it. Hold the handle up with one hand to avoid being pinched by the wheels (gears).
Using an electric can opener
- Plug the can opener into an outlet.
- Lift its handle all the way up with one hand.
- Use your other hand to lift the can up and wiggle it into position with the cutting wheel over the rim. You will feel it slide and lock into position.
- With your hand well below the top edge of the can, press the handle all the way down. You will hear the motor and feel the can begin to rotate in your hand. A clicking sound will indicate that the opener has cut around the entire lid. Be sure not to let go of the can when you hear the click.
- Lift the handle and remove the can.
- Carefully use a paper towel to remove the lid from the can opener’s magnet and dispose of it.
- Unplug the can opener before washing the wheels with a damp cloth.