Why Am I So Crazy About My New Hide 'N Sleek?
Written: Mar 16 '01 (Updated Mar 18 '01)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: stylish design, versatile, time/clock feature- a real plus, easy installation, frees up counter space
Cons: Pricey! Blades must be detached for cleaning. Clock/Timer is battery operated
The Bottom Line: If you need a new modern-styled electric can opener, consider this trendy, versatile unit. It is always handy and frees up counter space. I think it's a great value.
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| glomarrone's Full Review: Presto Hide'nSleek Electric Can Opener 5650 |
After renovating the kitchen in our apartment in Florida, I decided that several small electric appliances needed to be upgraded as well. The appliances were still serviceable, but with the newly painted white walls and cabinets, they looked dated and dingy. While shopping in stores, I found a deluxe-space age-looking can opener that I knew I had to buy. It just looked so cool.
The HIDE 'N SLEEK by Presto is an electric under the cabinet can opener with a clock/ timer. It is made by Presto (National Presto Industries, Inc.). It comes only in a white. What impresses me the most is its innovative design. Unlike most under-the-cabinet can openers that are boxy looking, this model is more egg-shaped and sleek-looking. It has a designer cover that hides the opener when it is not being used. You see just the clock/timer. Since I find I am often timing several items cooking at the same time, having another timer in my kitchen is great. A touch of a button releases and slides back the cover to expose the opener. I bought my Hide 'N Sleek for $32. I almost ordered the unit from a trendy electronic catalog for $44 reduced from $72. I'm glad I waited.
Features
The Hide 'N Sleek Electric Can Opener is more than just a can opener. It serves as a complete opening center. It accepts all sizes of cans, twist top bottles, milk jugs and even jars. The unit will not, however, open rimless or rectangular cans. One nice feature is that you don't have to support most cans while opening them. They lock automatically. Also, the cutting action stops once the can is opened. I like this feature. Cans weighing over 36 ounces will have to be lightly supported. The unit is not designed to open can heavier than 48 ounces. If a can is dented, I have found that it is best to begin the opening process just after the dent. If an odd shaped can or one with a heavy rim stalls, just turn the can slightly by hand to help the cutting process.
The jar opener is recessed on the underside of the unit. Just slide the item forward until the lid engages with the gripper. Hold tightly and twist while pulling it toward you. Turn clockwise until lid is loosened. It opens jars, twist-top bottles and milk jugs as well. I use this feature even more than the cutting blade. It opens the tightest closed jars of all sizes. I highly recommend this feature.
Still another feature is the Bag Opener. It is located on the left side of the unit. It is ideal for opening plastic bags of all sizes quickly and easily. Simply slide the top edge of the bag into the bag opener and pull the bag toward you. Wipe off the blade if any bag or food particle cling to it to keep the blade sharp. Even thick bags like heavy foil-lined chip bags open cleanly and swiftly.
The unit also houses a knife sharpener. It is located on the right side of the unit. Just place the knife blade in the sharpener and slowly draw it toward you keeping the blade at an angle parallel to the sharpener. It sharpens most non-serrated knives. You can also sharpen scissors that fit freely in the knife sharpener.
The unit comes with short but complete instructions for setting and using the clock and timer features. A battery operates the clock. Replace it when necessary with an Eveready 377, Maxwell LR-44 or any equivalent watch battery. The battery lasts a long time. I have had my appliance for many months and have not had to replace the battery yet.
Cleaning the Unit
The unit is fairly easy to clean. A simple wipe down with a damp cloth of the designer cover will keep it clean looking. Wiping off stains quickly reduces the possible of staining the color. I have not found mine to stain even when speckled with tomato juice.
To thoroughly clean the blades they must be removed. Unplug the unit before cleaning. The cutting blade detaches easily for cleaning in soapy water. Just turn it clockwise to a vertical position until it unlocks.
The Bag Opener blade can also be removed for cleaning. Use a standard injector razor blade when it needs to be replaced or purchase a bag opener assembly from the company. Use caution when handling the blades.
Installation
Chose a location away from a sink, range or other heating appliance. Keep it close to your work area so it is convenient. I recommend install it toward the front of the cabinet for easy accessibility. Place it where there is enough room on either side to permit use of the Bag Opener and Knife sharpener. Make sure it is close enough that the cord reaches an outlet. The appliance has a polarized plug. This means that one blade is wider than the other is. Make sure your outlet accepts this kind of plug. The hardest part of the installation was emptying out the cabinet. The can opener can be installed on wood or metal cabinets.
Wipe the under cabinet area where the appliance is being installed to remove any grease. Hold the machine where you wish it to be placed and pencil around the outline of the cabinet along the back and sides of the machine. Cut out the template that comes with the opener & position the template so it aligns with your markings. Mark the hole openings and drill two ¼" holes. I used a small nail to start the holes. If you have a countersink attachment for your drill, countersink the drilled holes from inside the cabinet. This will eliminate the need to use the plastic washers. It will permit the screw heads to be flush with the floor of the cabinet. If you don't countersink the holes, you must use the plastic washers that are provided. They protect you dishes from the sharp edges of the screw tops. Hand-tighten the screws to attach the opener. Be sure not to over-tighten. That's it. Mine was up in less than 15 minutes including the time needed to empty the bottom shelf of the cabinet. Attach the cord clip directly over the outlet you will be using. It's self-adhesive and sticks to ant clean surface. Any excess cord can be pushed through the center hole in the back of the opener.
Tools Required
Drill and ¼" bit
Flat blade screwdriver
Pencil
Countersink bit (optional)
My impressions
I just love my new can opener. If you have a modern décor in your kitchen, consider this appliance. It frees up counter space, gives you more working space and is always handy to use. It has a space-age design that grabs people's attention when they come into the room. It is a very versatile piece of equipment and does all the jobs well. It has worked perfectly for my family since I purchased it over 6 months ago. The white color blends in well with my cabinets and walls. It is pretty easy to clean and maintain.
The Presto CO. (National Presto Industries, Inc.) has been in the business of making electrical kitchen appliances or over ninety years. The Presto Company is a leader in the kitchen small appliance field. It is a very innovated company that reacts swiftly to changing lifestyles of consumers. I own several of their products and have been very pleased with their operation. Consumer service is great with the company. The company has a web site www.GoPresto.com that you can go on to view their product line. The Hide 'N Sleek Can Opener 5650 comes with a two year limited warranty. Other products currently made by Presto include the SaladShooter, a hand-held electric slicer/shredder, PowerPop, a microwave multi-popper which guarantees virtually every kernel will pop, FryBaby, an electric deep fryer and their latest innovated product the Presto Pizzazz pizza oven. They produce 23 different types of small kitchen appliances.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
glomarrone
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Location: Cocoa Beach, FL
Reviews written: 167
Trusted by: 287 members
About Me:
It's been fun for 2-1/2yrs. Now it's time to say goodbye. I'll miss you all!
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