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Product Description
OXO's Can Openers – Open Sesame!
The first Can Opener was introduced in 1855, and its rudimentary lever design was basically a variation on a knife. The introduction of a rotating wheel came in 1870, but a breakthrough in design came in 1925, when a second, serrated wheel made its debut. This second wheel allowed a firm grip on the can while the user opened it. Finally, in 1931, the "plier-handle" design was unveiled, introducing the world to the form of can opener we all know and love.
Now, all this great thinking came along before OXO introduced its first Can Opener in 1990, but what OXO brought to the table was a wide, comfortable turning knob that our users absolutely love. Always innovating, OXO has since introduced a number of new Can Openers, including ones that lock into place, provide a smooth edge, and make it easy to dispose of the can lid. Who knew?
Fun Fact: OXO's Smooth Edge Can Opener is quite the award winner. When it launched in 2003, it nabbed a Good Design and an International Design Excellence Award. The following year, it was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame. Read on to learn more about this amazing OXO product.
Problems Identified:
- Users need significant force to grip and twist manual can openers; Hard edges on metal can openers cut into hands when using force
- The gear and wheel often do not cut smoothly, leaving sharp edges on can or lid
- Lid of can falls into food, contaminating it and making disposal difficult or dangerous
Solutions:
- The soft handles provide leverage and the side-wind knob is easy to turn, requiring less force than traditional can openers
- This Opener cuts on the side of the can, below the edge, making a clean cut with no sharp edges on the can or lid
- The stainless steel cutting wheel penetrates the outside seal of the can, so the lid will not fall into food and the Opener stays clean.
- Lid pliers allow for no-touch lid removal; the lid is cut so that it may be placed back on top of the can if contents have not been used.
The OXO Story:
In 1990, OXO staged a revolution (of sorts) by offering an easy-to-use, high-performing alternative to uncomfortable and ineffective kitchen gadgets. OXO's innovative take on the traditional Swivel Peeler, complete with its pudgy black handle, raised consumers' expectations of what could be expected from household products.
In 1990, OXO staged a revolution (of sorts) by offering an easy-to-use, high-performing alternative to uncomfortable and ineffective kitchen gadgets. OXO's innovative take on the traditional Swivel Peeler, complete with its pudgy black handle, raised consumers' expectations of what could be expected from household products.
Ever wonder what makes an OXO product an "OXO Product"?
OXO employees believe there are two rules that should guide product development: First, every new product must deliver a significant improvement over the status quo. Second, the functionality should never be sacrificed to make the product more attractive – above all it should work well.
Customer Reviews
Some have said you have to lift the lid by inserting your fingernail into the split in the solder seam, or by using needle-nose pliers, but that's not true, at least not on the lastest model. OXO actually has included a tiny set of metal pincers on the side of the can opener opposite the turning knob that engage as you move the handles together -- they do a fine job of gripping the edge of the lid so you can lift it away from the body of the can. (They're just not an obvious feature unless you happen to read the very tiny instruction brochure that comes with the can opener.)
As with all OXO "Good Grips" products, they've made this one ergonomic for ease of use, especially by people who have difficulty with their hands. The two handles you squeeze to get the can opener seated on the can lid are large and bulky enough to squeeze easily, with a rubbery feel that makes them non-slip. The knob or handle you turn is also large, bulky and rubbery so that it not only doesn't slip, it's easy to hold onto while you rotate it. Because the can opener is gear driven, it turns easily and smoothly as the can revolves.
I still have my old Swing-A-Way can opener that cuts the lid out, a gear driven model that I can't fault for its performance. I've kept it around because I'm sure there might be an odd can or two that the newfangled can opener won't handle, but so far that hasn't happened.
Another thing -- with this new OXO, since there's no blade cutting down through the lid to pick up food or liquid from inside the can, you have a can opener that stays way cleaner with no blade coated with accumulated black grunge.
You can even put the lid back on the can if you want for refrigerator storage of unused portions of what's in the can (though I myself prefer putting leftovers in a plastic container with an airtight lid).
I have no idea who thought of this method of opening a can, but it's brilliant -- a true example of thinking "outside the box."
This can opener lives up to its name! Absolutely no sharp edges whatsoever, and it is incredibly easy to use. After having an inexpensive Swingaway brand for so long, this one is a dream. I no longer have to fight with opening cans....this one glides effortlessly around the lid---very, very smoothly. I actually look forward to opening cans now! I am amazed every time and wish I had known about this one long ago.
Another added bonus worth mentioning is that after opening the can, you are able to lift the lid off & throw it away without ever having to touch it. This can opener opens cans cleanly with no mess, smooth lids/cans, with very little effort to do so.
OXO Good Grips Smooth Edge Can Opener is well-worth the [money] paid for it!!!
Home Gormets Love It.
I don't know who would use any other opener.
