Wow, A Useful Kitchen Device: OXO Can Opener
Written: Jul 06 '04 (Updated Sep 27 '05)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Rubberized handles, easy to use, opens jars easily.
Cons: Handle is falling off, bottle opener does not work.
The Bottom Line: The is a good product that works. But with better products out there, this is not my first choice.
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| yakkowarner's Full Review: Oxo Good Grips Can Opener 28081 |
What is it
This is a simple can opener. It has both wide rubber handles and a wide rubber knob for the turning of the blade/gear. It allows the user to open cans more easily and with more leverage.
What is OXO
First, I have several OXO products and I am very happy with the company. They produce a good product that was really needed. I will always look at their products
OXO is a company the produces good quality products for the average consumer. The products are reasonable prices and practical. Their products are functional products, not display products.
This company has been featured on a couple of shows including one on food network. They take a great deal of pride on their products and how they are manufactured. They realized there was a large gap missing in quality kitchen products. They choose to fill the gap by making products consumers really wanted.
According to their webside “OXO's founder, Sam Farber, picked the name OXO because it was the same forwards or backwards, vertical or horizontal, even backwards.
Pronunciation
According to their website, the official pronunciation is “Ox-Oh.”
The handle
The handle is the big selling point of most OXO products. The handle is a typical OXO handle. It is wide and easy to grasp. While using it I have not experienced any uncomfortable feelings. I have a great deal more control with this can open than with my old one. The handles are easy to grasp and do not slip from my hands. Also the handle to the blade is also easy to turn. That handle is fairly large and also coated in the same type of polymer.
The handle is made out of a semi-hard rubber. The rubber gives a little, but not much. The rubber also adds enough friction to keep the product from slipping out of your hands, even when your hands are wet.
The size is fine for my needs, although I would like it 20 percent larger.
The blade
The blade cuts into the cans adequately. I wish it would cut into them more easily. Occasionally I do need to apply a good deal of pressure.
The circular blade is made out of stainless steel.
The bottle opener
The bottle opener is just like any other bottle opener I have seen on a can opener. It works, but it is not easy to use. The key to using it is getting it into position, then applying force to remove the cap. My other bottle openers work much better because you do not have to be so precise. Needless to say I do not use this unless I have nothing else around. It is pain to use.
Is it really easier?
Yes it is. You have greater leverage on cans. And if you get the can wet, you still have a good grip on the tool. I remember my old can opener slipped and occasionally would come off the top of the can. I have never had that problem with this machine. But it still requires effort and is harder to use than an electric.
But can it open a jar?
Yes it can. This is a trick from Alton Brown. If you open the handle and press both arms against the lid of a jar then twist, then you can open a jar more easily. It is not as easy as a real “Jar opener”, but it does work. And multitasking ROCKS!
Cleaning and dishwasher usage
Most of their can openers are not listed as dishwasher safe. This is one of them. The Steel model is the only one I saw that was dishwasher safe. With that said, I have used it in a dishwasher and had no problems with it, other than the loose handle.
Why I do not recommend this product
I recommend buying this product if you can find it cheap, but I personally will not buy this model again. I would only buy a higher quality model. The reason is the materials it is made out of, not the engineering. I feel that it is well designed and useful, but not the best out there. 10 years ago I would be singing a different toon. But now there are much better can openers out there, some that are made by OXO.
Problems with this product
The only real problem I have is the outside of the handle can come off. This is a typical problem with this generation of handles. The handle does not fit as well as the ice cream scoop model I own, but it is secure enough that I do not feel I need to return it. Besides I have had it so long that I would just but one of the newer/improved models they have.
Satisfaction guarantee
They claim to have a satisfaction guarantee. I got an e-mail response and they said I could exchange the product or get the product refunded. I may send my ice cream scoop to them but this product works well enough that I do not feel right exchanging it. I will update accordingly.
Dimensions
Weight: 9 5/8 ounces.
Length: 7.25 inches
Width: 2 inches
Handle width: 1.25 inches
Handle length: 4 inches
Blade handle length: 3 inches
Blade handle width: 1.12 inches
Blade diameter: .75 inch
Should you go for electric or manual?
First, electric are more expensive and they will go bad. They take up counter space. They harbor harmful bacteria and are nearly impossible to properly clean. And in my opinion, they are evil. I will never own another one again. If you are considering getting an electric, consider a can opener like this style, it is so much easier than can openers of old. But if all you use it for is can food, maybe an electric is for you. But be prepared for it to break down.
Summary:
This is a very well designed tool that I am very glad I bought. But with an older design and better products out there, it fails to compete. Do yourself a favor, spend a few more bucks and buy the best you can. But if 10 bucks is all you want to spend, give this a go.
Other OXO products.
OXO stainless steel spatula
OXO stainless steel tongs
OXO vegetable peeler
OXO ice cream scoop
OXO pizza cutter
Recommended:
No
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