Can opener

Can opener is a device used to open tin cans (metal cans). Although preservation of food using tin cans had been practiced since at least 1772 in the Netherlands, the first can openers were not patented until 1855 in England and 1858 in the United States. Those openers were basically variations of a knife, and the 1855 design continues to be produced. The first can opener consisting of the now familiar sharp rotating cutting wheel was invented in 1870 but was considered too difficult to operate for the ordinary consumer. A breakthrough design came in 1925 when a second, serrated wheel was added to hold the cutting wheel on the ring of the can. This easy to use design has become one of the most popular can opener models.

History

The tin can was invented in 1810 by the British merchant Peter Durand, but the first can openers were not patented until 1855 in England and 1858 in the United States. The initial can openers were simple variations of a knife, with the first rotating wheel can opener invented in 1870. However, this design was considered too difficult for the average consumer to operate.

In 1925, a breakthrough came when a second, serrated wheel was added to hold the cutting wheel on the ring of the can. This design, easy to use and reliable, has become one of the most popular can opener models.

Types of Can Openers

There are several types of can openers, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The most common types include:

• Manual Can Openers: These are the most traditional type of can opener. They require manual effort to operate but are reliable and durable.

• Electric Can Openers: These are powered by electricity and require less manual effort than manual can openers. They are typically larger and more expensive.

• Battery-Operated Can Openers: These are similar to electric can openers but are powered by batteries. They are portable and convenient for camping or traveling.

• Side-Cutting Can Openers: These openers cut the can below the top edge, creating a smooth edge that is safer to handle.

Use and Maintenance

To use a can opener, the device is affixed to the can's rim, and the handle is turned to rotate the cutting wheel around the can. Regular cleaning of the can opener is recommended to prevent food particles from accumulating on the cutting wheel, which can lead to rusting or dulling of the blade.

See Also

• Kitchen utensil
• Tin can
• Food preservation