What's the Best Can Opener?

The other advantage of most manual can openers is that they can be cleaned under running water or even run through a dishwasher.

Try that with an electric... just please unplug it first.
 
Geode said:
We have a manual one by Kitchen Aid that was less than $20, IIRC, and has operated flawlessly. Heavy duty build with great ergonomics.
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I'd second that. My KitchenAid has worked very well for me.
 
I love my P-38's. I keep one on me all the time and there are a few scattered about the kitchen. It is easy and simple to work, is easy to clean, and the gadget factor is way up there. Plus it is always fun to hand one to someone who needs to get a can open and see them scratch their heads trying to use it. I had an electric can opener, but after it broke we never replaced it. P-38's have been working great. Have to get the real ones though, the coleman and no name brand ones bend and break.
 
Swing-A-Way (Sorry, but it bears repeating). Get the biggest burliest one you can. Works better than any electric I have ever tried.

The SAK is good in a pinch, but the swingaway is about 3 seconds per can and the SAK is about 15 seconds or more.
 
Dredging up this thread...

The Swing Away recommenders, what do you think about the older ones? There are lots of 'vintage' can openers on ebay and I was wondering if this is like lots of things where the older model is far better built than newer ones. When I think about it, the only update I can see would be a better magnet (neodynium magnet).

Comments?

Mark
 
I also think Swing Away is the way to go. I have both the large and small model and I think you may have the small model as I had the same problems until I went to the larger model.

Mike
 
Swing-a-way here. I've gone through 3 can openers in the past 4 years that literally self-destructed in my hand- the swing-a-way is built to last.
 
I had a 20% off coupon so I went to LNT yesterday to pick up some kitchen items (the low priced stuff that you can't really find cheaper). While there, I saw the SwingAway openers as well as the Oxo and one of the Zyliss model openers. Not a fan of the Oxo, the twist handle just seemed kind of cheesy. The Zyliss that they had wasn't the one talked about in this thread but it looked well built even if it was mostly plastic. LNT had boxes of these everywhere so I'm guessing that they are a high margin item or someone screwed up and ordered too many. Anyways, they had two different SA's, one with standard white plastic handle and another with a more cushioned black handle. I went with the cheap one for a measly $5.99. If this is the smaller one that you guys are talking about and I end up wanting a bigger (better?) model, I'm not out much cash...

I'd still like to try out that spiffy side cutting Zyliss opener though. I picked up several Zyliss items while I was there: a silicone spatula/spoon that will work great for mac&cheese, and an ice cream scoop that the reviewers on Amazon all love (and DOES feel great in the hand). So I'm guessing that the Zyliss piece is pretty decent (based on design and quality of their other products).

Oh, and a side note, the SwingAway specifically states on the package that you are not to hold it under the faucet. ;)

Mark
 
Minjin said:
I'd still like to try out that spiffy side cutting Zyliss opener though....So I'm guessing that the Zyliss piece is pretty decent (based on design and quality of their other products).
Mark
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I'm telling you Zyliss is the way to go. I've had mine awhile now, and have used it a lot. I also have two, maybe 3, Swing-A-Ways. Don't get me wrong, all my Swing-A-Ways still work fine. But, the Zyliss seems so much more refined. I mean a 1965 Ford Mustang is a great car. But compared to a 2005 Lexus it's noisier, rides worst, pollutes more, gets worse gas mileage, etc. They can both be reliable, and both can get you where you need to go. And, to a lot of us, that Mustang is gonna have a lot more character, and its gonna be made out of real American steel. There is definitely something to be said for that.

All I can say is the Zyliss has opened every can I used it on flawlessly. Because of its design, it doesn't get dirty. Both the cut lid and the can have no sharp edges. The lid never falls into the food, you use the tool to lift the lid away and into the garbage. I have never had to go around more than once to make sure the lid was cut properly.

To be honest, I haven't used my Swing-A-Ways since I got the Zyliss. Perhaps you guys should take it for a test drive. The only real disadvantage I can think of is the price is higher than the Swing-A-Way's: $14.99.

Bruise
 
Actually, I bought a Zyliss due to the posts here and I have to say: I love it! It's so wicked awesome in how well it works. My mom was quite skeptical, but even she's completely sold on it now.

Highly recommended!
 
My Zyliss broke after about a year. I'm hard on stuff. Really enjoyed it while it was working.
 
Me and my big mouth.

Looks like we are ready for swing-a-way #4. It stopped cutting all the way around unless I hold the can at a certain angle to maximize the cutter attack.
 
Swing-A-Way have been the best for years, but you can't find a good electric can opener anywhere. They just aren't made like they use to be. People with difficulties in their hands really need a good old fashioned can opener and I have no idea why manufactuers changed a good thing they use to make to the most aggrivateing can openers that are on the market now. :confused:
 
Rugger said:
My Zyliss broke after about a year. I'm hard on stuff. Really enjoyed it while it was working.
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How did you manage to break it? Using it as a hammer or trying to break into an Abrams tank? ;) Seriously, I've been using mine a lot and it seems like it should last as long as a Swing-Away unless you abused it.

Bruise
 
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