The Can Opener
The can opener should be regarded as permanent equipment—not as a kitchen gadget. The average home probably uses a can opener more frequently than any other piece of small equipment in the kitchen.
There are dozens of makes of can openers on the market, ranging in price from ten cents to several dollars. Some are made to be attached to the wall—others are “hand” openers. Whatever type opener you prefer, you should insist on good performance.
Requirements for a Good Can Opener
1. Open the can easily.
2. Open either a round or oblong can.
3. Leave a smooth not a jagged edge. (The better openers roll back the edge for perfect smoothness.)
4. Can be easily washed and dried.
5. The cutting blades so placed that they may be sharpened. (Steel knives in the kitchen need sharpening, but you don’t expect a cheap knife to stand as many sharpenings as one of fine steel. The blades of a can opener are steel knives designed to do a special job of cutting through the metal of a can.)
In addition to a regular can opener it is convenient to have an opener especially designed for opening cans of liquid, such as fruit and vegetable juices.