How to use a can opener?

Canned foods can be found in almost every family. But not everyone can cope with their discovery. Most often, you need to use a can opener, which can both simplify this process and create additional difficulties. To work with the can opener as convenient as possible, you need to choose it correctly, and also study all the operating features.

The development of technology has affected all areas, including kitchen appliances. Currently, you can find many models of can openers. Some people prefer time-tested, while others prefer novelties that simplify the cooking process. But each such device has its own advantages and disadvantages.

The first group of openers can be attributed to all those whose use you need to make your own efforts. As an example, there are several options.

• A classic can opener consisting of a working part and a handle. In the working part there is an emphasis in the form of a loop and two wedges: a large one for opening cans, a smaller one for lids from glassware. The handle can be plastic, wooden or metal. This is one of the first models tested by time. Its positive aspects include simplicity of design and reliability. But working with her is not always easy.

• Mechanical can openers with a wheel, a handle for rotation and locking handles. Opening in this case requires even less effort. However, success depends on the correct observance of a certain algorithm of actions. The evenness of the cut depends on the same. There are many models of such openers, but it is better to choose all-metal ones, since plastic handles are less durable.

• Semi-automatic. Here the working part is enclosed in a plastic case. Work with them is much easier than the previous ones. The can is easily fixed, it is not necessary to control the operation of the knife mechanism. But moving by turning the handle is manual. That is, the principle of their work is almost the same as that of the previous varieties with a twist. In cost, they are not much different from the more familiar mechanical options.

More simple varieties can be contrasted with advanced electric can openers. They can work both from batteries, and from a network. In the first case, the model will be more compact and mobile (can be used in any conditions, even in nature). In the second case, we will see a full-fledged electric device that can cope with a large number of canned food in a few minutes on its own. To do this, you just need to put the jar in the right place and press the button.

Besides ease of use, their advantage is safety. All sharp parts are hidden inside the case, and the person himself is not involved in the process, which means that the possibility of injury is almost zero. In addition, such devices are suitable for cans of any size and have a nice modern design. Claims may appear only at a price, but if a person often has to deal with this problem, then in combination with other pluses, the device pays for itself.

At first glance it seems that opening cans is quite simple. But if there is little or no experience in this business, then the results can be disastrous. As a result, the jar can be opened only partially, get injured or spoil the contents. To avoid this, it is necessary to consider the algorithm of actions when working with the most popular openers.

If there is the simplest can opener available, you need to proceed in stages.

• In any place along the edge of the can lid with the sharp part, it is necessary to make a hole and widen so that the wedge enters into it. For punching the cover, a simple pressure will most likely not be enough, so you can gently hit the top of the handle.
• Resting against the rim with the middle part, it is necessary to make movements up and down with uniform pressure until a slit of the desired length is obtained (around the entire circumference to remove the cover completely or to half to bend it off).

In the case of a mechanical can opener, everything is a little simpler.

• Install the cutting part near the inner edge of the rim, the handles should be apart (after fixing, they must be connected).
• The device moves in a circle due to the rotation of the handle. Continue rotation until necessary.

For electric models of can openers, there is usually a detailed instruction manual. The battery-powered model can be installed directly on the can and run by pressing the button. In an electric opener that works from the network, the jar must be kept.

During the opening of canned food, several not very pleasant situations may arise. The smallest of them is damage to the can and products inside it. Moreover, in addition to trade dress violations, germs and even metal filings can get into the contents. In addition, a person can get injured, both during opening and after (you need to take into account the sharpness of the slices). To avoid this, you must adhere to a certain sequence of actions.

• Set the jar on a flat non-slip surface (you can lay a kitchen towel under it). This will help to avoid slipping and tipping over. In no case can you open canned food on your weight or on your knees - the tool can slip and injure a person nearby.
• The opening tin can must be fixed with your free hand.
• Using all tools, even modern ones, must be extremely careful. Keep your fingers away from the sharp parts of the wedge, wheel, or other cutting element. If you doubt your own abilities or have never had such an experience, it is better to seek help.
• To avoid microbes, all instruments must be washed or treated with a disinfectant. The bank also needs to be washed and dried.
• Beware of old rust on tools. Before use, any can opener must be inspected for defects, otherwise it may break during opening.
• Beware of sharp cuts and jagged edges. As a rule, most manual openers give just such consequences. More modern models have less such errors, but not all. For disposal, the jar and the cut lid should be held in the middle

Choosing a good can opener several very important factors should be noted.

• If the knife is designed to be opened manually, it is better to opt for a solid metal base. But the handles and the valve may have a plastic coating. Steel should be of fairly high quality so as not to succumb to corrosion over time.
• When buying, you need to focus on previous experience and choose either something similar, or something completely simple. For beginners who are faced with the purchase of kitchen accessories for the first time, simplicity and ease of operation are important.
• When choosing, it is important to consider the reviews and recommendations of those who have already tried one or another can opener. Manufacturers with a long reputation are preferable to unfamiliar, but cheap fakes, because a really high-quality opener will serve for more than a dozen years.
• At the first inspection of the product, it is important to evaluate how easily all of its parts function. Smooth, non-slip handles and body are an added plus.
• Be sure to find out how to care for the device.
• In many ways, the choice depends on the lifestyle and habits of the owner. For example, if canned food makes up the bulk of the diet of a person or a family, then obviously it is not worth saving on a knife to open it. If outings are planned, it is important to have a compact model that does not depend on electrical power.
• Often these devices are multifunctional. For example, bottle openers are added, etc. Most often this leads to a rise in price.

See the video for an overview of the electric knife for cans.