Recommend me a can opener.

[archipirata]

I’ve had a couple manual can openers crap out lately. First was a traditional puncture the lid type and the gears just wore out. Then I tried a side cutter version and it worked great for the first few cans but over the course of 20 cans it got worse and eventually just stopped cutting. And when my arthritis is acting up the manual ones are painful.

I wouldn’t mind an electric version of the side cutting type but I’ve seen reviews that mention the potential for metal shavings. I don’t mind spending a bit for something of proven quality. Any opinions or recommendations?

[MrNoBody]

I've been using a safety can opener for over 10 years.
btw, it can't make 'metal shavings' because it does not cut the can.
$10 @ bezosville

[Sarcany]

What brand side-cutter?

Mine's lasted for over a decade and is only just now struggling on a few cans. "Good Grips."

[Thrift Store Scott]

Swing-Away Large Handle can opener:



https://www.amazon.com/Swing-Way-Easy-Crank-Opener-Folding/dp/B0053F7YNS/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&hvadid=78408978630470&hvbmt=bp&hvdev=c&hvqmt=p&keywords=swing+away+crank+can+opener&qid=1613446894&sr=8-2&tag=mh0b-20

I've had one of the regular handle models since 1988 and no problems, plus it is still reasonably sharp. The cutting wheel on (most? all? all the ones I've seen, anyway) Swing-Away can openers is easily removable for sharpening or replacement.

[PeterB]

I have one like the one MrNoBody posted, but it wore out after not that many uses. Here is my current fave: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B087NLNP7T/ ... a little pricey but works completely on its own, and can probably find it for cheaper on eBay if you're not picky about color.

[JoeH]

I bought one of these manual can openers 6 years ago - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007DK6SG0/ Has not given me any problems so far. It is supposedly made by the former American manufacturer of the Swing-Away opener before production was moved to China.

Pros - the gears, knurled drive wheels, and cutter are hardened enough that I have seen no problems with wear, the handles are rigid enough to keep the gears aligned properly. The last Swing-Away I purchased just stripped out those within a year.

Cons - the carbon steel used will rust. The can opener will need to be thoroughly dried after washing, a light coat of vegetable oil or food grade mineral oil will keep them from rusting. A few spot on the chromed metal handles are left rough, a bit of burnishing cleaned that up.

[N-OS X-tasy!]

I've been a fan of Swing-A-Way can openers since I was a little kid. Still the best, in my opinion.

[Ombligo]

Most manual can openers can be turned sideways to become side cutters.

I use a one-handed manual, but that would not be kind to arthritis

[RAMd®d]

I've got a Good Cook can opener nearly identical to MNB's.

It's worked well for maybe eight years now, and continues to do so.

However, there are some cans it won't open.

They have a slightly deeper lid and the cutter is positioned too high on the rim to cut through it.

These cans usually have a pull tab to open so an opener isn't needed, though there is an exception or two.

On those cans, it will make metal shavings if one continues onto a second rotation trying to open the can.

If the first rotation doesn't open the can, I stop and use an conventional top opener.

Growing up, we had what was probably a Swing-Away opener than had a magnet on a spring that grabbed the top of the can and held the lid after it was opened.

My top cutting can opener looks like it might work as a side cutter, so I'll get that a go.

[Fritz]

we have 2 swing aways. Both at least 30 yo.