With an Oxo Safety Can Opener, You Won't Believe You've Actually Opened the Can!
Written: Dec 06 '03 (Updated Dec 06 '03)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Effortless, comfortable, lid removal pliers built in, rubber handles, satisfaction guarantee
Cons: Expensive- but worth it, you actually have to read the directions first
The Bottom Line: This is the best can opener I have ever used. It is amazing that it is actually working, because it performs so well.
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| Javelina's Full Review: OXO Safety Can Opener |
Who knew how important it was to have a can opener? I found this out just after moving, when we were halfway through a recipe and couldn’t get a can open! We were half way through making a dish, and unable to open a can of chickpeas, we certainly couldn’t finish making Aloo Choley.
Since I love Oxo products, I decided to use a coupon I had for a good Oxo Safety Can Opener. This is not your typical can opener, and after owning some pretty cheap can openers, I wanted one that was good.
Appearance
Like most/all Oxo products, the can opener has black, rubbery handles. When I bought it, it was in clear plastic, wrapped with a sample metal lid, complete with safe, rounded edges. This is the major selling point of this can opener, so it was nice to see the sample.
Design & Functionality
I actually had to take a quick look at the instructions before using this for the first time. It runs a little differently from the can openers that I’m used to. In fact, the first time around, I missed the part that mentioned the lid pliers, so I suggest just reading through the simple and short instructions before using.
This is a little different from your traditional can opener. It has a knob on the top, which is what you turn to cut the lid. Instead of your usual small or unwieldy turning device, the knob is large enough to comfortably hold and turn. It feels like less of a struggle, especially when you have a comfortable grip. The rubber on the handle is non-slip, so it is also easy to grip.
Honestly, I was shocked at how simple it was to turn the handle. In fact, I wasn’t sure if I was actually cutting the can open, and kept double-checking to see if it had truly latched on correctly. I couldn’t believe it was actually working- amazing! I had probably gone around the can and extra revolution to make sure I was getting the top open. (The instructions say that there is some resistance, and that you can tell when the opener is done cutting. I couldn’t tell!)
In fact, you also won’t see the lid being cut, either. When I was done, I had to look closely to see the fine line around the outer edge of the can. I still wasn’t sure if I had successfully cut the top of the can, so I picked carefully at the edge with my fingernail. Sure enough, the top came up. However, there’s no need to pick at the edge of the can- there are lid pliers built into the Oxo Can Opener! You simply grip the edge of the can with the mini pliers and pull.
Why I Really Like This Can Opener
There are so many things about this can opener that I love, so I’ll bullet-point them….
* I cannot believe how easy it is turn the handle. It honestly doesn’t feel like I’m actually opening the can! It is truly effortless.
* The large, rubber handles mean a better grip and better leverage. I can’t even begin to count the times I’ve used can openers that dig into my hand.
* Additionally, the large turning handle is comfortable and easy to turn!
* The lids are not left sharp or as a hazard. And even though I’m not normally concerned about having a sharp lid around, it helps to not have to worry about a loose sharp lid in the garbage can or recycle, which can easily cut through a trash bag (causing a broken bag or hurting someone).
* There is no lid to fall into a can. There is nothing I despise more about can opening than a dirty lid (or one that I have to wash) falling into a can of food. I hate having to dig a lid out of a can of soup, or trying to swivel it so I can grab it. With the Oxo can opener, all of these issues are resolved.
* The lid pliers mean an even easier removal of the top of a can. This means it is absolutely safe and well-designed.
Safety & Durability
The Oxo Smooth Edge Can Opener cuts right into the side of the can, rather than on top. It doesn’t leave a sharp edge. I’ve never had a problem cutting myself on a lid, but there are some other advantages to a smooth edge. For example, when you put it in the garbage, you don’t have to worry about it cutting through the garbage bag. You can also replace the lid on top of the can, for purposes of storage. (However, it’s not safe to store some foods in a can after opening, such as tomato-based products).
I think this is a great item to have around the house especially if you have kids. They could probably even use this Oxo can opener on their own, and at the least, there are no concerns about sharp edges.
Dishwasher Safe?
All the Oxo products I have are dishwasher safe. I never think that they are, but it is indeed safe to put them in the dishwasher. I don’t think I’ve ever washed a can opener any other way than giving it a quick rinse under the faucet, but it’s good to know that it’s durable enough to go through the dishwasher. Personally, I prefer to wash off the food before letting it dry on.
Price, Purchasing Tips, Guarantee
I bought this can opener at Linen’s N Things. It cost $19.99. But Linen’s N Things and Bed Bath & Beyond put out two coupons: $5 of $15, and 20% off one item. The coupons can be used at either store, and really come in handy. You can use these coupons strategically for a really good deal, and it makes a great incentive for purchasing items. Oxo items are more expensive than some other brands, but it is worth the investment. Years ago, I’m sure I would have balked at the price, but at this point, I have so much trust in these products, and I know how to use coupons to purchases worthwhile.
All of Oxo’s products have a satisfaction guarantee. I have never had to use it, nor do I expect to. But it is nice to know that the company has faith in their products- enough to back their products with a guarantee.
Overall
I love this Oxo Smooth Edge Can Opener. It is unbelievably simple to use, and makes life so much easier. It is definitely worth the investment, and I would recommend it to anyone. After owning one, I am going to buy one for other people, especially for my grandmother.
Websites
Oxo: www.oxo.com
My other related reviews:
Oxo Beak-Shaped Ice Cream Scoop: http://www.epinions.com/content_119717924484
Oxo Citrus Zester: http://www.epinions.com/content_109737315972
Oxo 14 Nylon Slotted Spoon: http://www.epinions.com/content_107803086468
Oxo 14” Nylon Spoon: http://www.epinions.com/content_107556474500
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Oxo Swivel Peeler: http://www.epinions.com/content_95346200196
Zyliss Ice Cream Scoop: http://www.epinions.com/content_99935948420
Zyliss Zester: http://www.epinions.com/content_117410139780
Zyliss Swivel Peeler: http://www.epinions.com/content_103169691268
Zyliss Slotted Turner: http://www.epinions.com/content_101971234436
Zyliss Ladle: http://www.epinions.com/content_107091431044
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Recommended:
Yes
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